A Study of Paul's Conversion Part 6 Acts 9:17-19 "Fellowship with the Saints" Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord - Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here - has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. Our fellowship must involve: 1. A common Savior. It is through Christ that we can: · Embrace the same Father. · Experience the same favor. · Enjoy the same freedom. 2. A commitment to service. This service: * Is to be a priority. * Involves prayer for one another. * Allows us to partner together. 3. Christian solidarity. Our solidarity is made stronger when our: * Love develops and grows. · Knowledge deepens in understanding. · Heart discerns what is best. · Life displays the fruit of righteousness.
A Study of Paul's Conversion Part 6 Acts 9:17-19 "Fellowship with the Saints" Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord - Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here - has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. Our fellowship must involve: 1. A common Savior. It is through Christ that we can: · Embrace the same Father. · Experience the same favor. · Enjoy the same freedom. 2. A commitment to service. This service: * Is to be a priority. * Involves prayer for one another. * Allows us to partner together. 3. Christian solidarity. Our solidarity is made stronger when our: * Love develops and grows. · Knowledge deepens in understanding. · Heart discerns what is best. · Life displays the fruit of righteousness.
A Study of Paul's Conversion Part 5 Acts 9:17 "The Filling of the Spirit" To fully understand the Spirit-filled life, we must answer three key questions. 1. What are Paul's reasons for being Spirit-filled? Paul's command reminds us that we must: · Be controlled by the Spirit. · Be connected to the Spirit. · Comply with the Spirit's leading. · Be complete in Christ. 2. What are the personal requirements for being Spirit-filled? The Spirit-filled life requires: * Conversion by the Spirit. * Confession of sin. * Commitment to submit. This commitment: * Is to a person. * Reflects our position. * Should change our priorities. 3. What are some practical results of being Spirit-filled? The Spirit-filled life can positively affect our: * Worship. * Life after the wedding. * Family's well-being. * Work. * War with sin. * Witness to the world.
A Study of Paul's Conversion Part 4 Acts 9:10-17 "Faithful Service" A Life of Faithful Service: 1. Starts with knowing our part in God's strategy. Knowing our part requires that we: * Live for God. * Listen to God. 2. Is stunted by our propensity to become skeptical. Skepticism comes when: * God's course for us is unique. * Our concerns are understandable. * God's conclusion seems too unbelievable. 3. Showcases the incredible potential of a Spirit-led life. Living by the Spirit allows us to: * Respond with the proper action. * React to our enemies with affection. * Experience results that are amazing.
A Study of Paul's Conversion Part 3 Acts 9:10-12 "Fervent Supplication" Saul's conversion reminds us that: One of the marks of truly born-again, saved individuals is prayer. Prayer is not just a requirement; prayer is a necessary response to salvation. Prayer is not something Christians should have to be begged to do. If people are really born again, they will pray. Of course, Christians need to be encouraged to pray more than they do, but the authenticity of people's faith can be determined on the basis of their fervor in supplication. If this is true, then all Christians must: 1. Remember God's announcement about prayer. This announcement reminds us that: * Prayer is necessary for vibrant Christianity. * Prayer is noticed by God. * Prayer can be new even to the most religious. * Our prayers can seem like nonsense to others. 2. Recognize the proper attitude for prayer. Saul's passion for prayer grew because: * It was an opportunity to commune with God. * It reminded him that God was in control. 3. Respond with prayers that apply biblical truth. Biblical prayer: * Centers on the greatness of God. * Involves confession of sin. * Isn't just about our own personal concerns. and * Shows our dependence. * Settles us in times of despair. * Sets us in the right direction. Saul's example reminds us that God's answers: * Aren't always immediate. * Impact others. * Involve more than we know.
Message 1 "Your Flawed Standing" Acts 9:1-2 Your standing is so flawed that: 1. No résumé can fix it. Saul's résumé was lacking, no matter his: Heritage Hometown Home life Headmaster Head knowledge Hard work While all of this is commendable, Saul was known for his: Hatred 2. No amount of religious fervor can change it. Saul's religious fervor: Consumed his every desire. Led him to chase every disciple. Convinced him to destroy Christianity. 3. Only a relationship founded in Christ can transform us. This transforming relationship: Begins at a different place for each person. Is initiated at a certain point in time. Centers on a person. Evokes a powerful response. Points to Ponder: No matter our posturing, we are all broken. No matter our past, we are never beyond hope. No matter our problems, Christ allows for new beginnings.
COMING SOON!!! Malachi 4:1-3 The day of the Lord means: 1. Judgment for the sinner (1). This judgment: * Involves a certain day in the future. * Will be characterized by God's fury. * Will involve an all-consuming fire. * Will cut down the faithless. 2. Jubilation for the saint (2-3). This coming day will be: * Glorious. * Joyous. * Victorious.