Everyone Loves A Good Story

Communicators in every field have come to understand the significance of stories. During one of my busy travel days, I sat down on an American Airlines flight and picked up a copy of their monthly magazine. The editor’s comments were shown under the title: “The Power of Story.”

Everybody loves a good story. Some preachers and teachers are known as storytellers. This should never be our goal. Our mission is to be truth-tellers. However, learning to tell a story that reveals the truth – that is another matter entirely! That is teaching and preaching as Jesus did.

My wife came home recently with a book that someone had given her. It was a fictional work and not something that I typically would read, but I put it in my briefcase on a recent trip. In just a few pages, that fictional story opened to me some very real truths! I was reminded again of the power of stories.

The Master Teacher, the Lord Jesus Christ, used this tool most effectively. Mark 13:33-34 says, “And with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake he not unto them…” These were “earthly stories with a heavenly meaning,” and were used to impart truth to those who were searching for it. You can learn more about the parables of Jesus in this study guide available HERE.

I am not suggesting you simply tell stories. I am recommending that you tell God’s story. The story found in the Word of God.

Use Bible Stories

There are no stories like those inspired by the Spirit! These stories are true and full of truth. Like the rest of God’s Word, we are promised that they “will not return void” (Isaiah 55:11). Illustrations are fine, but we must keep in mind that the Word of God sheds light on other parts of Scripture. William Cowper wrote, “God is His own Interpreter, and He will make it plain.” Nowhere is that more evident than in the Bible. Every instruction in Scripture finds its parallel illustration in Scripture. Personalities and places often make plain some principle found throughout God’s Word.

The Bible is full of stories! For example, Hebrews 11, the famous chapter containing the “Hall of Fame of Faith”, details numerous men and women who were not remembered for their flaws, but for their great faith. Each story is unique and worthy of study. (You can find a series of lessons on Hebrews 11 by clicking HERE.)

Tell the Story Behind Every Bible Passage

All of the Bible is actually a story, not just the narrative portions. Graham Scroggie called it “The Unfolding Drama of Redemption.” Indeed, it is. Every text has a context. Every part of the Bible has some story behind it – an author, a time period, a setting, a people, a need. Discover that story and tell it! It will make every part of the Bible come alive and connect to the people you are speaking to.

Preachers, use a story! Teachers, use a story! Coaches, use a story! Parents, use a story! Witnesses, use a story!

In his book, Bible Truths Learned from Life, Gailen Abbett wrote: “Ever since the very earliest days of preaching, God’s messengers have followed Christ’s example and have used parables or helpful stories to get Bible truths across to the listeners. Throughout the centuries, some of the greatest preachers of the Word have been masterful storytellers as they helped the general public to look into the heavenlies and see Bible truths as God intended them to be seen”.

A story may be the very thing that will open a spiritual truth to someone you love. Use a story!

Tell Your Story

Everybody has one.  A story that is.  My story is not yours, and yours is not mine.  The details vary – except for one thing. God is the Author. If you have a story to tell, it is really just the story of what the Lord has done for you.

Most often, we refer to it as our “testimony.” It is the testimony of how God brought us to Himself and what He is doing with us now. You see, a good testimony is always present tense. It is not merely the record of an event. It is the heart’s expression of praise and love for Jesus Christ.

Pastor Clarence Sexton taught that a personal testimony is a powerful tool in witnessing. He taught that there are three parts to a good testimony:

1. My life before receiving Christ as my Saviour.
2. How I came to know the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour.
3. What Christ means to me now that I am a Christian.

My Story

I trusted the Lord Jesus as my personal Saviour as a five-year-old boy. My story contains no sordid details of a life lived in sin before my conversion. I was not a drug dealer in preschool.  Yet, my story is like every other man. I was a sinner. I needed my sins forgiven.  The first time I remember hearing the gospel (though I am sure I had heard it before) was in a school chapel. The speaker simply said if you would like to know more about knowing Jesus in a personal way, speak to your teacher after we dismiss. That was it. That was enough.  God was working in me…and for me. The Holy Spirit prompted me to ask my teacher if she would tell me more. I do not know whether anyone else responded that day, but the Lord was drawing me to Himself.

A kind lady made time on a busy day and took me aside to a private place with no distractions. She took the Bible and explained to me that God loved me, that I was a sinner, and that Jesus Christ had died for my sins. She told me that Christ had risen from the dead and would come into my life if I would ask Him to be my Saviour. I do not remember much about her words, or about my words when I prayed. But I do know this: Jesus heard my prayer and came to live in me that day.

I remember leaving school that afternoon and telling my mother that I had been saved. My heart was so full of joy! After all of these years, it is even more wonderful to me. I know God! He knows me! If I were to die today, I would go into the presence of God forever. Not because of anything I have done, but because of Jesus.  And I do not have to wait to be in His presence; He is with me now.

It is Your Turn – Tell Your Story

That is my story. What is yours?

Perhaps you would like to leave it as a comment. We would love to read it. Could I ask you to do something else with your story?

Jesus told Nicodemus, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness” (John 3:11).  One of the greatest ways to witness is simply to testify.  Share your story.  Speak what you know.  That is all!  Tell what you have seen.

In a recent meeting, I challenged a great group of young people to share their story with one person this week. Would you take that challenge? Would you make a commitment to share your story of salvation with at least one person in the next seven days? Many more could come to Christ. Many more stories could be told. I am looking forward to hearing all of these stories in Heaven. But we only have a short time to share them with others here.

Imagine a world full of seeking people, asking one question: “What is your story?” Use the power of story to tell someone about Christ today.

LISTEN: Share Your Story

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About Scott Pauley