“Pop culture celebrates making your mark in this “me first” world. We manufacture our images, manage our personal brands, and adopt identities defined by the desperate desire to influence what everyone thinks we are, and what we think we should be. It’s our fatal flaw. I Am Second is a declaration of a new identity. A radical mantra for those weary and tired of being left wanting by empty promises. A state of heart and mind where we invite real love to fill the empty and aching space in our soul and we tell our stories so that you might experience that, too.” I Am Second “What is the most powerful force in human in history? Story. Want to start a war? Tell a story. Want to end a war? Tell a story. Want to cause people to fall in love? Tell a story. Want to cause people to fall out of love? Tell a story. Want to inspire people? Tell a story. Want to degrade people? Tell a story. Want to motivate people? Tell a story. Want to discourage people? Tell a story. The most powerful force in history is story.” Matthew Kelly “We are creatures of story, created by a storytelling God, who created the very fabric of our reality in terms of His story. Rather than seeing our existence as a series of unconnected random events without purpose, storytelling brings meaning to our lives through the analogy of carefully crafted plot that reflects the loving sovereignty of the God of the Bible.” --Brian Godawa, award-winning filmmaker “I can only answer the question ‘What am I to do?’ if I can answer the prior question ‘Of what story or stories do I find myself a part?’” Alasdair MacIntyre, After Virtue “Your life is your story. Your story is your life.” The Power of Story, Jim Loehr. Four Components to Sharing Your Story 1. Share what your life was like before you encountered Jesus 2. Share how God got your attention 3. Share about the difference Jesus has made in your life since believing 4. Ask if those listening to your story believe in Jesus Small Group Discussion Questions: What stood out to you from today’s message? Of the three points of storytelling, where are you at? Are you still seeking? If so, what is preventing you from going all in with Jesus? If you’re a true believer, take a stab at sharing your Gospel story in under two minutes. Share briefly what your life was like before Christ, how God got your attention, and the difference He has made in your life.