Jon Taylor – Lead Pastor

I recently returned from a visit to Washington, D.C. where I attended the International Justice Mission Global Prayer Gathering.  Well, the GPG was actually in Maryland just south of D.C., but I got to spend a couple of days touring the District.  I especially wanted to visit Ford’s Theater and the house across the street where Abraham Lincoln died, but the lines were too long each day.  It seemed like it was Spring Break for the entire eastern part of the country and they were all in D.C.

I wanted to visit those sites because I just finished reading Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Team of Rivals, a fascinating book about how President Lincoln staffed his cabinet with his political rivals.

One of the major points of fascination for me was how much President Lincoln used the power of story in his private and political life.  He had amassed a treasure trove of stories over the course of his life and used them incredibly effectively.  With friends, cabinet members, other politicians – really, anyone – he always had a story to tell.  Some were told simply for laughs, but most often they had a point that was used to persuade, rebuke, encourage, or teach.

As I read the book, I was continually brought back to thinking about how we are using story here at FCC to learn and grow.  In our Neighborhood Groups and Discipleship Groups we are using the power of stories from God’s Word to become disciples.  Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is alive and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”  When we spend time learning the stories from God’s Word, it teaches, rebukes, corrects, and trains us. (2 Timothy 3:16)  Let me encourage you to spend time in the Word, learn key stories, and let them transform your heart.

What’s your favorite Bible story, and why?