Acts 26 | Telling God's Story and Your Storyنموونە

A Story of Hope

“And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today” (Acts 26:6, NIV).

God’s story is a story of hope. For you. For everyone.

Paul takes what Christ has done and shows how Christ brought it to him.

“I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:17-18, NIV).

That’s purpose.

Later, Paul shares this:

“But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen—that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles” (Acts 26:22-23, NIV).

That’s hope.

Paul shifts the focus off himself and onto what Christ has done for us. Because our story finds meaning in Christ’s story. Our story finds direction in Christ’s story. Our story finds hope in Christ’s story. Jesus’s story is now our story.

Sharing God’s story is always a story of purpose and hope. It’s a purpose and hope that God brings to us. It’s found in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus died and rose for me.

Tips for Telling the Story

Why is Jesus important to you? Explain it briefly. Now incorporate something God has said to you. That might not be a direct voice you heard on a road; even better, leverage the Bible. Remember that the Bible is just as living and active as it’s ever been. Incorporate a Bible passage that speaks to you.