Sharing God’s Story
How would you retell God’s story in 30 seconds? What about one minute or five minutes? Where would you begin if you had a series of Bible reading and discussion opportunities with a friend?
A Good News Story
God’s story is good news. It is a story of redemption, salvation and restoration. The golden thread running through the pages of the Bible reveals not only a cosmic conflict between good and evil but the place of each individual in that controversy. Before we can share God’s story we must first receive it. The saving acts of God in history are many and varied but find their zenith on the cross of Calvary and their ultimate end in the new creation.
The Life and Death of Jesus
In 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, Paul reminds us that the foundation of all fundamental teachings is Jesus Christ. In fact, in 1 Corinthians 15, he states that this is of first importance. Sharing the Jesus story leads people to accept, receive or believe it. In turn, they take a stand and are saved. The Jesus story consists of these important truths:
- Jesus died for our sins.
- He was buried.
- He rose again.
- He appeared to many.
- Jesus gives us hope for the future through the promise of his second coming of Jesus and the resurrection to eternal life.
- Jesus enables us to share in God’s victory over sin, death and the law.
The Kingdom of God
In the Gospels, this new reality is called “The Kingdom of God.” It refers to a future reality that has already entered human history and has an impact on the present. It changes our outlook, values, lifestyle and relationships. In the gospel of Mark 1:14-20 the message of the Kingdom calls for people to do three things:
- Repent (vs 14-15)
- Believe (vs 14-15)
- Follow (vs 16-20)
- Go (vs 15, 20)
In the following chapters, Mark retells how the reality of Jesus changes people’s lives and brings forgiveness, healing and restoration. People discover what it means to be a part of the Kingdom of God. As followers of Jesus, we learn the ways of his Kingdom and copy his example. Because the good news is always worth sharing, Jesus ultimately sends his disciples out with the command to “Go.” See Mark 16:9-20.
Apply
- What other Bible passage or story would you use to help share God’s story?
- How would you “bridge” or connect God’s story to their personal story?
Three Circles
There are many ways to share God’s story (for other gospel presentations see the notes from the World Changers Bible included in the resources below). The three circles model is a simple way to visualize for yourself or draw to show others the important elements, and key transitions in the story. Each individual must however choose their own ending as they think about what they want for their life.
- Which circle do you think you are in?
- Where would you like to be?
- What is stopping you from living according to God’s design?
The following videos show how this model can be used to share God’s story.
These additional videos give a more detailed explanation and examples of different ways it can be used.