Acts 9:1-2 Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Acts 9:3-4 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” • Acts 9:5 “I am the One you are persecuting!” • There is no separation between Jesus and His followers, His church. He has united Himself to His people; they are one and the same. (Acts 9:4-5) • Acts 9:6 “Lord, what do you want me to do?” • In the presence of Jesus, everything else diminishes; loses its appeal; falls away; doesn’t matter. • Acts 9:10-12 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” • Acts 9:15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.” • The early church was marked by Great Grace. • Isaiah 59:1 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save. • Acts 9:18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. • JESUS showed up, full of Grace and Truth. 1. Your past does not disqualify you from God’s grace. 2. Your past does not disqualify you from future usefulness. • The church is God’s chosen vessel on earth to catch people when they fall and help them rise back up. • The power of prayer : recalibrates our heart to the heart of the Father. • The power of the Gospel : the cross, in which we find forgiveness and redemption. • Acts 9:26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. • Acts 9:27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. • God is looking for a body what will RISE and GO with Him, where He is going. • Ephesians 2:10, 19-22 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them ... Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. • A Shiloh Church. Pursuing Jesus. Marked by His presence. • Acts 9:15-16 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” • Acts 9:23 Now after many days were past... • Acts 9:22 But Saul increased all the more in strength. • Saul increased all the more in strength. • Force. • Working of miracles. • Power and ability. • Empowered. • Empowered. • : Enabled. • : Given official authority. • : Have the knowledge, confidence, means, ability to do what called to do. • Galatians 6:9-10 Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. • Where do we need to be strengthened? 1. In Faith. (Romans 4:20-21) 2. In Grace. (2 Timothy 2:1) 3. In the Lord. (Ephesians 6:10) 4. Against Evil. (Ephesians 6:11-12) 5. To Serve. (1 Timothy 1:12-13) 6. To Speak. (2 Timothy 4:17) 7. For Every Circumstance. (Philippians 4:11-13) New Testament Christian Church CCLI : #1600893 Multitracks New Testament Christian Church (#386429)