Key points
- 1
1Disciples are called to know, grow, and go — planting themselves in Christ, steering through biblical community, and leaning into intentional mission.
- 2
2Jesus crossed a storm and an entire sea for one person, showing that no individual is too small a mission — and that He cares more about people than our comfort or finances.
- 3
3Caring more about 'our pigs' — comfort, money, convenience — than about people is one of the greatest barriers to living on mission.
“They care more about their pigs than they do people. And the sad thing is we don't want to admit it. I don't want to admit it. But there are many times in my life I'm the same way. I care more about my pigs than I do people”
- 4
4Jesus sent the healed man not into further discipleship training but immediately home to share his story, demonstrating that your story is your mission right now.
Illustration
A social media fitness influencer showing old photos while visibly out of shape — used to illustrate why a dated story loses its power
- 5
5Failing to share your faith when you know you should is not merely a missed opportunity — the Bible calls it sin, an act of rebellion against the God who died to give you that life.
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6The gospel is the foundation of every story: all have sinned, God is just and holy, and Jesus took the judgment we deserved so that whoever confesses and believes receives new life.
Related passageJohn 3:16; Romans 3:23; Romans 10:9“being a disciple is not trying to live for his love. It's not trying to earn something. It's not trying to to get something. It's realizing that he loved you that much”
“I told you my story to show how to use it as your mission. I did I do anything that complex? I told you my story. That's it. I used three verses. I only quoted one directly”
“The guy pulled over and said, your turn, Bill. I'm now pulling over and saying, your turn”
- 7
7Your story carries power when it is current — a living, ongoing testimony of how God is at work keeps your mission credible and compelling.
“Our story carries power when it's current”
A story from life
Pastor Bill's conversion story: raised in a nominally religious home, his father's heart surgery, his own search for God, and his best friend's invitation to a church Halloween party where he heard the gospel
Application
Pastor Bill's challenge is direct: stop treating your testimony as a past event and start treating it as an ongoing mission. First, honestly ask whether you care more about your 'pigs' — comfort, finances, reputation — than about the people around you who don't know Jesus. Second, recognize that withholding your story when God prompts you is not just a missed opportunity; the Bible calls it sin. Third, you don't need a theology degree or a polished presentation — the healed man in Mark 5 had known Jesus less than an hour before he went to evangelize ten cities. Your story, kept current and shared honestly, is all the credibility you need. Start small: invite someone to church, text a friend, or simply tell one person what Jesus has done for you this week. The punt is over — it's your turn.
