Acts Chapter 9 shares how the kingdom was built and how the Holy Spirit moved. It also tells us how Saul became Apostle Paul.
We are called to live, preach and share the word of life.
Is there someone who we feel is beyond being saved?
Saul was an enemy of believers and hated all believers and Jesus.
Saul's testimony is of God's love to all. When Paul (who is previously Saul) became filled with the Holy Spirit he became a preacher to gentiles and not just Jews. This was the first time it is recorded of someone preaching to gentiles.
God met Saul right where he was. No one was beyond God's grace.
Live in surrender and obedience to Christ.
Acts 9:1-9
God can save ANYONE. NO MATTER THEIR PAST.
Saul was saved through grace. Grace is undeserved love.
He SAW a light, HEARD a voice, and OBEYED a call.
Mercy is withheld punishment. God's mercy and grace is a wake up call.
Sin is disobedience to God's law.
We need to ask ourselves what our heart's motivation is?
Grace is ALWAYS followed by mercy.
Saul was blinded until Jesus. opened his eyes.
Even though Saul thought he was doing the right thing persecuting followers of Jesus. He had an encounter with Jesus that changed everything.
We can't do anything to earn salvation. It is a gift.
Ananias is an ORDINARY person who had EXTREME faith and OBEYED Jesus.
Here are 4 practical ways to hear God's voice:
1. Through the Bible. This is the primary and reliable way to hear God's voice through his word. The Holy Spirit will reveal new things to you each time you read from His word. (Hebrews 1: 1-2, 2 Timothy)
2. Guidance from the Holy Spirit
3. Through other believers (John 16: 13)
4. Through circumstances. Some doors will open and some will close. Be cautious of focusing only on circumstances.
When God is speaking to you it has to align with the bible. Be sensitive, obedient, discerning, and obedient to God.
Jesus will pull you out of your comfort zone.
When God is moving, He will prepapre the way.
Ananais obeyed even though he was afraid, Jesus revealed himself to Paul because God works things out on BOTH ends.
NO ONE IS OUTSIDE OF GOD'S GRACE!
