His-Story, My Story: How we can understand our story when we understand God’s story Acts 13
What is your story? “The story of my life!”
Many people are searching for meaning and purpose in life
Illus: Lady emails during her sleep.
Our story can be found in God’s story – His Story…
Review: Acts 1-12 The church is thriving in opposition
Ch. 12 – James killed, Peter Rescued, Herod Dies – the Church grows
Update:
13a Paul and Barnabas – Sent by the Holy Spirit 13:2, 3
13b An intelligent man accepts Christ (there will always be someone trying to pull you away from God – a roaring lion)
Explanation: 13c – Paul and Barnabas go to Antioch to the Synagogue and tell God’s story of God’s people…
We can know the story of God and know our own story…
1. When we know His Word “Do you have a word from God?” V. 15
a. God’s story is in His Word – God’s breath, the Holy Spirit.
b. We all need to have a word from God (Holy Spirit)
c. Is there any word from the Lord? Jeremiah 37:17
2. When we know the facts: Paul recites their history 16-17
a. God put up with you (carried) for forty years! v. 18
b. Facts: this is not a fantasy, this really happened
c. The Bible contains 66 books, written by 40 different authors, over 1500 years, in 3 different languages, on 3 different continents, with no historical errors or contradictions. Ron Carlson
d. God still carries us – it is fact!!
3. When we know Jesus: They did not recognize Jesus despite all the facts v. 27
a. Some people don’t get it. v. 41
b. Illus: Luke 16:19-31 Rich Man & Lazarus
c. What will it take for some people to believe?
An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah.” And He left them and went away. Mt 16:4
d. If we know Jesus, we will recognize him.
My sheep know my voice.
Illus: Villagers kill their Messiah…
Some call Jesus good; teacher, prophet, but I call him Lord!
4. When we understand the Story: What is the point? V. 38
a. Forgiveness (James 5:16)
b. Freedom from everything (Rules don’t work)
c. Salvation verse 47 (THERE IS HOPE!)
5. When we know the end of the story.
a. People begged to hear more 42
b. People got Jealous 45
c. They were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit 52
d. Our story is not dependent on what everyone else does!
Illus: They are fighting over a cross in Mojave National Preserve – the court has put plywood over it to cover it up – but that does not change the story!
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes: and death shall be no more, nor mourning, nor crying, nor sorrow shall be any more, for the former things are passed away. Rev. 21:4
Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. Is 51:11
For the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17
God’s story is the ultimate Hallmark Movie – it has a happy ending!
Conclusion: What’s your story? Is God in it? Are you in His? How will your story end?
1. Do you know Jesus personally?
2. Do you recognize Jesus?
3. Do you have a word from God?
