April 11: Love Matures: Copying Jesus in the Habits of Renewal - Habit # 4 Story Sharing

1. Authentically sharing life stories builds deep connections within a church community and brings about healing for those who share themselves. 
2. Story sharing also serves as a showcase for the gospel of grace to be put on display for the watching world.

• Love Matures: Copying Jesus in the Habits of Renewal  (John 20:21)

1. Scripture  (Romans 12:2)
2. Sabbath  (Matthew 11:28-30)
3. Simplicity:  Less = More  (Hebrews 13:5b)
4. Story Sharing  (1 Thessalonians 2:8b)

Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.  1 Thessalonians 2:8b 

1. No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.  John 3:13-15
2. ‘I am’ sayings in John
1. I am the bread of life.  (6:35)
2. Before Abraham was born, I am. (8:58)
3. I am the gate & good shepherd (10:9, 11)
4. I am the resurrection and the life (11:25)
5. I am the way, the truth and the life. (14:6)
6. I am the vine; you are the branches. (15:5)
3. Read 1 Timothy 1:13-16
4. Read Philippians 3:4-9a
5. Read 2 Corinthians 11:23b-28
6. Read 2 Corinthians 12:7b-10
7. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.  1 Corinthians 11:1

• Story Sharing

1. Who?
1. One individual
2. If married, another couple
3. Your Small Group
4. 3 men, join me!
2. How Deep Should I Go?  (Question of vulnerability)

It’s ok if you are at 4 or 5 on a scale of 1 to 10.

1. Recognize the Holy Moments
1. Cherish the tears.
2. Someone chose you to share their life with.

1. Life is story-shaped. History is story-shaped. Therefore, when God wants to reshape us, he relies upon story.  – Eugene Peterson
2. You either walk inside your story and own it or you stand outside your story and hustle for your worthiness. – Brene Brown