A story is not about right or wrong, true or false, a story is what you’ve lived…it’s possible for compassion to rise up in me about an issue I’ve been defended against. ~ Mike Yaconelli ~ Storytelling is powerful because it has the ability to touch human beings at the most personal level. ~ Mark Miller ~ 1 John 1:2-3 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. Do Good to all people Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:12 Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. One Reason to be Ashamed Galatians 6:12–13 Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. The figure of the Crucified invalidates all thought which takes success for its standard. ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer ~ The Judaizers wanted success stories, and the cross was for them a reason to be ashamed. Keep our focus on the cross Galatians 6:14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Realize that we are not the same any more. Galatians 5:15-16 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! Galatians 6:17 From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.