The Shepherd's Big Give Was Their Story

In today's message, we explored the profound impact of stories and how they can transform lives. Stories have the power to inspire change, as seen in the example of the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico City, which was brought to life by the influence of a fictional movie scene. This illustrates the potential of our own stories to influence and impact others. At City Church, we emphasize the importance of influence and leadership, encouraging everyone to recognize their ability to impact their surroundings, whether through resources, influence, or personal stories.

We delved into the story of Michael Franzese, a former mob boss whose life was transformed by the power of Jesus. His story, like many others, demonstrates that no matter how ordinary or extraordinary our background may be, our stories hold power. Even the seemingly mundane stories, like that of a simple pen made by blind workers, can have incredible significance. We looked at the shepherds in Luke 2, who, despite their lowly status, were the first to witness and share the story of Jesus' birth. Their obedience and immediate action in sharing their experience with others highlight the importance of sharing our stories and the gospel.

We are called to be active in our faith, responding immediately to God's call and sharing our stories with those around us. Our stories, coupled with the gospel, can lead to transformation and life change. We must be prepared to share our stories concisely, understanding the gospel and being ready to communicate it effectively. By doing so, we participate in God's work of redemption, impacting not only others' lives but our own as well.