Good morning,
This series began with the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus then appears for forty days to the apostles, disciples, and many other people. During this time, He is training, encouraging, and telling them what happens next. Just prior to His ascension, He announces the promise of the Father to baptize them with the Holy Ghost. Jesus then ascends back to heaven and seven days later, they are baptized with the Holy Ghost.
What happens next is amazing! One hundred twenty believers began speaking in languages they were never taught. People heard the gospel in their own native language. Then Peter stands up to preach. The result 3,000 were saved and baptized. Later Stephan, one of the first deacons, testifies of Christ and is stoned to death.
This week, Saul, hater of the believers in Christ, encounters Jesus and it changes his life forever.
1) SAUL’S CONVERSION (ACTS 9:1-20)
ANANIAS-GOD’S SERVANT (10-16)
And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
SAUL FILLED WITH THE HOLY GHOST (17)
And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
SAUL BAPTIZED (18)
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
C. SAUL PREACHES CHRIST (19-20)
And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
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Ananias is put in the unenviable position of confronting Saul to give him back his sight. The Lord told Ananias that Saul is a chosen vessel unto Him. He continues, telling him that Saul will be a witness to the Gentiles and kings. Ananias obeys and Saul regains his sight.
Then Saul receives his sight, is filled with the Holy Ghost, and baptized.
After some discipleship, Saul begins to preach to the Jews. He told them of Jesus death, burial, and resurrection.
Saul never looked back. From the point Saul encountered Jesus, he faithfully witnessed, taught, and encourage others. He wrote much of the New Testament. He was the first great missionary. Everywhere he went, he was planting new church works.
Although most of us will not have the impact of Saul, God has something for us to do. Whatever God gives us to do, He expects us to be faithful.
Let’s be about our Saviors business.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 1-907-715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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