God s Intervention Acts 9:1-9, A Sermon Preached by Ernie Thompson. Westminster Presbyterian Church Greensboro NC.

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "God s Intervention Acts 9:1-9, A Sermon Preached by Ernie Thompson. Westminster Presbyterian Church Greensboro NC."

Transcription

1 God s Intervention Acts 9:1-9, A Sermon Preached by Ernie Thompson Westminster Presbyterian Church Greensboro NC June 5, 2016 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? 5 He asked, Who are you, Lord? The reply came, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do. 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. 8 Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. 17 Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

2 Sometimes we all need an intervention - we need somebody to get our attention and give us a warning that we are heading for trouble. 2 So if I m driving and looking at houses and don t notice a stop sign coming, my wife will intervene and shout out stop sign! And I m usually glad for that intervention. Sometimes the intervention is more complicated. If we are wrestling with an addiction we need an intervention. We may not know it. And we may not want it. But we need family and friends to sit and down and say, here is what you are doing and here is how it is hurting people you love and hurting yourself. Here s why you need to stop and start over in a new direction. These interventions can save our lives. Our Scripture lesson this morning is about an intervention. God says to Saul, Stop. And then offers him a new direction and a new calling. And so I d like to think about how God intervenes in Saul s life and how God intervenes in your life and in my life. 1. Now Saul clearly needed an intervention. Saul was breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. Brian McLaren writes about world religions in his book, Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha and Mohammed Cross the Road? He says that this tendency towards violence is not inherent in any of the world s great religions, but rather comes from what he calls an oppositional religious identity which derives strength from hostility. (p.57) This oppositional religious identity can be a part of all religions, and it comes in both more conservative and in more liberal forms. McLaren writes, When we increasingly understand who we are in relation to an enemy we develop an increasingly hostile identity. Such an identity teaches us to see sameness as safety and otherness as danger. It is characterized by duality: us and them, right and wrong, good and evil, light and darkness.

3 3 McLaren says that this oppositional religious identity produces a mentality of us versus them, us apart from them, us over them, us oppressed by them, but never us for them or us with them. In our Scripture lesson, Saul has developed an oppositional religious identity. He believes that he is a righteous true believer and the Christians are the dangerous other, the them, the enemies, the ones who must be destroyed. And so Saul is breathing threats and murder. This oppositional identity is not just bad for the Christians Saul is persecuting. His identity and his actions are also bad for Saul. His hostility and anger and violence are killing him too. He s heading down the wrong road, but he can t see it, and so Saul needs an intervention. But it s not just Saul, and it s not just the problem of violence. There are many ways that we can get on the wrong path. One commentator says, Not many of us are breathing threats and murder against our opponents. But we have all been on wrong paths that have been injurious to us and others. We have all been headstrong, stubborn, blinded to our own ambition, selfish to meet our own need, caught in addictive behaviors, and oblivious of the true cost to others or ourselves. Saul is heading down the wrong path, but he is not alone. All of us sometimes get heading in the wrong direction, and we cannot see it, or we won t admit it, and so we need an intervention. 2. For Saul God intervenes directly and dramatically. Saul is blinded by a light that knocks him to the ground. He hears a voice asking, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? Saul knows that he has encountered some power greater than himself, and so he asks, Who are you Lord? And then comes the shocking answer, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Have you ever had one of those moments of insight when you suddenly realize that you have really messed up? I was at the church the other morning working away and feeling good that I was making some progress. And then I looked at my calendar and realized that I was supposed to have met the pastor at First Baptist 20 minutes ago for breakfast.

4 4 It was not a good moment. Sometimes it s much worse. We realize we have hurt someone without meaning to. Or the we shouldn t have sent has now been forwarded to everyone at work. Or someone has trusted us and we have broken that trust. First Saul is blinded a flash of light, and then he is blinded by a flash of insight. He has made a terrible mistake. He has misunderstood and he has been hurting other people and hurting himself and persecuting Jesus. Paul gets this insight, and then he s told to go into the city and wait. The waiting is often the worst part. I think I was only sent to the principal's office twice. But I can still remember sitting outside the principal's office on a bench waiting and waiting to see what my punishment would be. The waiting is often the worst part. So Saul goes and he waits and he does not eat and he does not drink, for three days. Three days without eating will make you weak, but three days without drinking can kill you. And that s what is happening to Saul. He is dying physically and dying spiritually. His world has been turned upside down. He doesn t know what the future holds. But Paul has to die to his old self before he can be reborn to his new self. Flannery O Connor says, God must have known that the only way to make Saul a Christian was to knock him off his horse. Sometimes God needs to be dramatic, but most of us are not breathing threats and murder, and so most of us don t get such a dramatic intervention as God did. But God does intervene, sometimes in dramatic ways and sometimes in subtle ways. Sometimes the insight comes in a flash and sometimes it s a slow and growing awareness. We ve all been on the wrong path, heading in the wrong direction. We need a new start and we need new life, and so God intervenes.

5 5 3. And then God s grace comes. For Saul, grace comes in the form of Ananias, a follower of Jesus from Damascus. Ananias does not want to go to Saul. He knows that Saul is the enemy and that he has wreaked havoc in Jerusalem. He knows Saul is an evil, violent man. But God says go, and so Ananias goes. Ananias greets this enemy of the church by saying, Brother Saul. Not, Well I see you finally got what you deserve. Or, How does it feel to be on the other side. Or even, Repent and maybe you will be forgiven for all the evil you have done. Ananias simply says, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. He lays his hands on Saul and his vision is restored he has a whole new way of seeing the world and seeing himself. Saul is baptized. To be a follower of Christ always means joining the Christian community. And Saul eats and regains his strength. Some wonder if this was just a meal or if it was Saul s first communion. It may have been both. Saul will need that strength because his conversion immediately leads to a calling. Conversion always leads to a calling. Saul is sent to share the good news of Jesus love and presence and power with the Gentiles. In Saul s previous world, the Gentiles were as bad as the Christians. They were the pagans, the unbelievers. But now Saul will spend his life sharing the good news with the Gentiles and welcoming them into the church. When God intervenes it is often through an Ananias, through some faithful follower who becomes for us a means of grace Someone who opens our eyes, Or someone who welcomes us into the community gives us strength, Or someone who helps us hear God s calling on our life. I m grateful for the Ananias s of my life, and I m guessing God has sent you an Ananias as well.

6 I ve never been blinded by the light. I ve never been knocked to the ground or spent three days feeling like I was dying. Some of you may have experienced all those things. 6 But I have been on the wrong path. I ve been confused and I ve been too stubborn to admit it. And so God has come, and shown me the light, and filled me with his Spirit, and offered me new life. This is not a once in a lifetime experience. Most of us need lots of interventions. And so we are always looking for God s light. We are always listening for God s voice. We are always waiting and praying for God s intervention and for God s blessing, and the new life it brings.

THEME: Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to indwell and empower us.

THEME: Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to indwell and empower us. Devotion NT285 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The Day of Pentecost THEME: Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to indwell and empower us. Dear Parents SCRIPTURE: Acts 2:1-41 Dear Parents, Welcome

More information

THEME: We should take every opportunity to tell others about Jesus.

THEME: We should take every opportunity to tell others about Jesus. Devotion NT307 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Paul Goes Before Agrippa THEME: We should take every opportunity to tell others about Jesus. SCRIPTURE: Acts 25:13 26:32 Dear Parents

More information

Devotion NT267 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The Second Coming. THEME: Jesus is coming again. SCRIPTURE: Matthew 24:27-31

Devotion NT267 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The Second Coming. THEME: Jesus is coming again. SCRIPTURE: Matthew 24:27-31 Devotion NT267 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The Second Coming THEME: Jesus is coming again. SCRIPTURE: Matthew 24:27-31 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for Kids. Bible Time for

More information

God s Mission for My Life: Rick Warren: Principal #5

God s Mission for My Life: Rick Warren: Principal #5 God s Mission for My Life: Rick Warren: Principal #5 Jesus: In the same way that you gave me a mission in the world, I give them a mission in the world. John 17:18 (The Message) The most important thing

More information

WILL WE BE MARRIED IN THE LIFE AFTER DEATH?

WILL WE BE MARRIED IN THE LIFE AFTER DEATH? Explanatory Notes: WILL WE BE MARRIED IN THE LIFE AFTER DEATH? Series title: Topic: Marriage in heaven / heaven as a marriage Table of Contents: Message 1: What is the Life after Death Like? p. 1 Message

More information

CATECHISM (adopted 2008) FOR CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CONFESSION OF FAITH

CATECHISM (adopted 2008) FOR CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CONFESSION OF FAITH (from 2008 preliminary minutes page 183) CATECHISM (adopted 2008) FOR CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CONFESSION OF FAITH 1. Who is God? God is the one living, active Creator of all that is, seen and unseen. 2.

More information

New Series: The Acts of the Apostles. 12 Peter. Acts 13-28. Paul

New Series: The Acts of the Apostles. 12 Peter. Acts 13-28. Paul New Series: The Acts of the Apostles Acts 1-121 12 Peter Acts 13-28 Paul 1 Summary Statements: The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great

More information

Greetings, Blessings, Scott DeWitt Director of Spiritual Outreach Casas por Cristo

Greetings, Blessings, Scott DeWitt Director of Spiritual Outreach Casas por Cristo Team Devotional Greetings, Welcome to Casas por Cristo! If you are reading this, then more than likely you are embarking on a week-long adventure serving our Lord and Savior along the U.S. / México border

More information

LESSON TITLE: Our Chief Cornerstone. THEME: Jesus is our cornerstone! SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 2:19-22 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: Dear Parents

LESSON TITLE: Our Chief Cornerstone. THEME: Jesus is our cornerstone! SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 2:19-22 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: Dear Parents Devotion NT328 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Our Chief Cornerstone THEME: Jesus is our cornerstone! SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 2:19-22 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for Kids! This

More information

Reality 2: God Pursues a Continuing Love Relationship with You that is Real and Personal

Reality 2: God Pursues a Continuing Love Relationship with You that is Real and Personal Reality 2: God Pursues a Continuing Love Relationship with You that is Real and Personal Reality 2: God Pursues a Continuing Love Relationship with You that is Real and Personal Created for a Love Relationship

More information

THEME: God desires for us to demonstrate His love!

THEME: God desires for us to demonstrate His love! Devotion NT320 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The Gift of Love THEME: God desires for us to demonstrate His love! SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time

More information

LIFE OF CHRIST from the gospel of. Luke. Lesson 13 Journey to the Cross: Jesus is Arrested/ Peter Denies Jesus

LIFE OF CHRIST from the gospel of. Luke. Lesson 13 Journey to the Cross: Jesus is Arrested/ Peter Denies Jesus LIFE OF CHRIST from the gospel of Luke Lesson 13 Journey to the Cross: Jesus is Arrested/ Peter Denies Jesus Luke 22:31-34;47 34;47-71 71 Mission Arlington/Mission Metroplex Curriculum/Life of Christ/Gospel

More information

Devotion NT273 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The Garden of Gethsemane. THEME: We always need to pray! SCRIPTURE: Luke 22:39-53

Devotion NT273 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The Garden of Gethsemane. THEME: We always need to pray! SCRIPTURE: Luke 22:39-53 Devotion NT273 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The Garden of Gethsemane THEME: We always need to pray! SCRIPTURE: Luke 22:39-53 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for Kids. Bible Time

More information

LESSON TITLE: Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life

LESSON TITLE: Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life Devotion NT271 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life THEME: We can always trust Jesus. SCRIPTURE: John 14:1-6 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time

More information

Soul-Winning Commitment Day. Sunday School/ Small Group Lessons. Soul-Winning. Commitment Day

Soul-Winning Commitment Day. Sunday School/ Small Group Lessons. Soul-Winning. Commitment Day Sunday School/ Small Group Lessons Soul-Winning Commitment Day Purpose of Lesson: This guide is for the purpose of preparing older children through adult Sunday school members to understand the importance

More information

Step 10: How to develop and use your testimony to explain the gospel?

Step 10: How to develop and use your testimony to explain the gospel? Liberty University DigitalCommons@Liberty University Discipleship Materials Center for Global Ministries 2009 Step 10: How to develop and use your testimony to explain the gospel? Don Fanning Liberty University,

More information

THEME: Jesus knows all about us and He loves us.

THEME: Jesus knows all about us and He loves us. Devotion NT224 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The Woman at the Well THEME: Jesus knows all about us and He loves us. SCRIPTURE: John 4:1-42 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for Kids!

More information

LESSON TITLE: Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus

LESSON TITLE: Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus Devotion NT257 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus THEME: Jesus always has time for us! SCRIPTURE: Mark 10:46-52 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for Kids!

More information

LESSON TITLE: Learning to Submit. THEME: God wants us to submit to others. SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 2:13-3:12 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF:

LESSON TITLE: Learning to Submit. THEME: God wants us to submit to others. SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 2:13-3:12 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: Devotion NT351 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Learning to Submit THEME: God wants us to submit to others. SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 2:13-3:12 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for Kids!

More information

LESSON TITLE: Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard

LESSON TITLE: Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard Devotion NT255 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard THEME: God is more concerned with our heart s attitude than our service. SCRIPTURE: Matthew 20:1-16

More information

LESSON TITLE: Jesus Visits Mary and Martha THEME: Jesus wants us to spend time with \ Him. SCRIPTURE: Luke 10:38-42

LESSON TITLE: Jesus Visits Mary and Martha THEME: Jesus wants us to spend time with \ Him. SCRIPTURE: Luke 10:38-42 Devotion NT249 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Jesus Visits Mary and Martha THEME: Jesus wants us to spend time with \ Him. SCRIPTURE: Luke 10:38-42 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time

More information

Whereas I was Blind, Now I See. John 9: 1-11; 25

Whereas I was Blind, Now I See. John 9: 1-11; 25 Whereas I was Blind, Now I See John 9: 1-11; 25 We all know that great hymn well: Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me; I once was lost, but now I m found; was blind, but now

More information

Why do we suffer? Because it is part of God s Plan. Suffering

Why do we suffer? Because it is part of God s Plan. Suffering Why do we suffer? Because it is part of God s Plan Suffering When we think of suffering, images of physical and emotional pain often come to mind. Most of us, at one time or another, have endured a period

More information

MARY PONDERS, DO WE?

MARY PONDERS, DO WE? MARY PONDERS, DO WE? The Word of God on this Christmas Day is Luke 2:19 which reads: And Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. So far the text. The glory of God has been revealed,

More information

Acts 11 : 1-18 Sermon

Acts 11 : 1-18 Sermon Acts 11 : 1-18 Sermon Imagine a church being riven apart by different personalities leading different groups each trying to pull it in different directions. Imagine a church whose future is threatened

More information

GOD S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE!

GOD S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE! GOD S PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE! Did you know that God is a great planner? Sure! Just take a look at the intricacies of His creation. Every cell, every living organism was designed and built according to His

More information

PRAYING FOR OTHER PEOPLE

PRAYING FOR OTHER PEOPLE PRAYING FOR OTHER PEOPLE SESSION ONE HOW TO PRAY FOR OTHER PEOPLE When friends get together, they talk about their problems. Sometimes your friends will share with you about their own personal difficulties

More information

Sermon Easter5b 2015:Evangelism is the love of God in Action to Change the World

Sermon Easter5b 2015:Evangelism is the love of God in Action to Change the World Sermon Easter5b 2015:Evangelism is the love of God in Action to Change the World Introduction One of the reasons that the season of Easter goes well beyond Easter Day Is because we as a church, as followers

More information

LESSON TITLE: Taming the Tongue. THEME: God wants us to watch what we say. SCRIPTURE: James 3:1-12 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF:

LESSON TITLE: Taming the Tongue. THEME: God wants us to watch what we say. SCRIPTURE: James 3:1-12 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: Devotion NT349 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Taming the Tongue THEME: God wants us to watch what we say. SCRIPTURE: James 3:1-12 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for Kids! Bible

More information

Religion. Christianity. vs. onetruth. Students should understand the theme of the beatitudes. Matthew 5:1-11. Lesson Overview:

Religion. Christianity. vs. onetruth. Students should understand the theme of the beatitudes. Matthew 5:1-11. Lesson Overview: Religion vs. Christianity Lesson Overview: Jesus begins the ministry of His first church with the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5-7 sets the stage for Jesus teaching ministry for the next three years. In

More information

WELCOME TO GOD S FAMILY

WELCOME TO GOD S FAMILY WELCOME TO GOD S FAMILY To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband

More information

Our Lady Invites Us To Wake Up From Our Spiritual Coma - Medjugorje.com

Our Lady Invites Us To Wake Up From Our Spiritual Coma - Medjugorje.com Medjugorje visionary, Ivan, speaking to several thousand pilgrims today, August 18, 2010. Ivan was given special instructions from Our Lady concerning the youth and family. Being married to an American

More information

Prayer, The Purpose. Based on Matthew 6:9-13

Prayer, The Purpose. Based on Matthew 6:9-13 Prayer, The Purpose Based on Matthew 6:9-13 Last week, we studied the definition of prayer, the importance of prayer, and the types of prayers. We looked at the seven major categories of prayers: Ordinary

More information

The Baptism of Jesus

The Baptism of Jesus The Baptism of Jesus Teacher Pep Talk: Teaching about the Baptism of Jesus is really important and can be a lot of fun. There is so much to learn about it! Be sure to adjust the lesson to relate to the

More information

What Good Things Can We Do With the Tongue?

What Good Things Can We Do With the Tongue? TONGUE What Good Things Can We Do With the Tongue? 1 What Good Things Can We Do With the Tongue? 2 Timothy 1:13 INTRODUCTION: A. Lesson Texts: 1. 2 Timothy 1:13 Hold fast the pattern of sound words which

More information

God Sends the Holy Spirit (Pentecost)

God Sends the Holy Spirit (Pentecost) God Sends the Holy Spirit (Pentecost) Teacher Pep Talk: It had been 10 days since Jesus ascended into Heaven. He had promised to send the Holy Spirit to be with His disciples forever. On Pentecost, when

More information

LESSON TITLE: The Last Supper. Maidens. THEME: Jesus is the Passover lamb. SCRIPTURE: Luke 22:7-10 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF:

LESSON TITLE: The Last Supper. Maidens. THEME: Jesus is the Passover lamb. SCRIPTURE: Luke 22:7-10 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: Devotion NT269 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: Maidens LESSON TITLE: The Last Supper THEME: Jesus is the Passover lamb. SCRIPTURE: Luke 22:7-10 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for Kids. Bible

More information

Acts: Seeing the Spirit at Work Sunday Morning Bible Study Lesson Three Acts 3:1-4:31

Acts: Seeing the Spirit at Work Sunday Morning Bible Study Lesson Three Acts 3:1-4:31 Acts: Seeing the Spirit at Work Sunday Morning Bible Study Lesson Three Acts 3:1-4:31 Jesus has returned to heaven before the very eyes of the astounded disciples. Matthias has been chosen to replace Judas.

More information

How to Get Your Prayers Answered By Dr. Roger Sapp

How to Get Your Prayers Answered By Dr. Roger Sapp How to Get Your Prayers Answered By Dr. Roger Sapp There are many good Christians who pray daily with diligence and with discipline but seem to struggle to get their prayers answered by the Father. On

More information

Next Step Lessons for New Believers Finding Confidence in Our Faith

Next Step Lessons for New Believers Finding Confidence in Our Faith Next Step Lessons for New Believers Finding Confidence in Our Faith {Participant s Guide} Finding Confidence in Our Faith If you ve recently placed your faith in Jesus Christ, you are about to embark on

More information

THE ORDER OF THE MASS

THE ORDER OF THE MASS THE ORDER OF THE MASS The first part of the Mass is about getting to know everyone and welcoming everyone to God s house. It s called the INTRODUCTORY RITES. Entrance Song We sing to celebrate that we

More information

Chapter 4 Paul s Life from His Conversion to the 1 st Missionary Journey

Chapter 4 Paul s Life from His Conversion to the 1 st Missionary Journey Paul s Life from His Conversion to the 1 st Missionary Journey 1 Chapter 4 Paul s Life from His Conversion to the 1 st Missionary Journey A. PAUL PREACHES IN DAMASCUS (SYRIA) 1. Damascus references a.

More information

water baptism contents

water baptism contents ABOUT WATER BAPTISM water baptism If you have received this booklet, chances are that you are interested in getting water baptized or you want to know what Crossroads Church believes about it. Either way,

More information

Assisting Someone in Receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit:

Assisting Someone in Receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit: Assisting Someone in Receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit: Bronc Flint The following is a number of practical and spiritual suggestions that have worked well for me through the years. Remember they

More information

The Gospel Plan of Salvation

The Gospel Plan of Salvation The Gospel Plan of Salvation GOD S PART 1. The great love of God for man (John 3:16) 2. He gave His Son, Jesus Christ, as the Saviour (Luke 19:10) 3. Sent the Holy Spirit as a guide (John 16:13) 4. Gave

More information

What are you. worried about? Looking Deeper

What are you. worried about? Looking Deeper What are you worried about? Looking Deeper Looking Deeper What are you worried about? Some of us lie awake at night worrying about family members, health, finances or a thousand other things. Worry can

More information

Sermon Lent 4b 2015: What Funny Signs God Uses to Save Us Introduction: Looking for Signs

Sermon Lent 4b 2015: What Funny Signs God Uses to Save Us Introduction: Looking for Signs Sermon Lent 4b 2015: What Funny Signs God Uses to Save Us Introduction: Looking for Signs We live by signs; We live by symbols or marks or indications or even hints To help us understand our lives, to

More information

How to Get Your Prayers Answered. By Dr. Roger Sapp

How to Get Your Prayers Answered. By Dr. Roger Sapp How to Get Your Prayers Answered By Dr. Roger Sapp There are many good Christians who pray daily with diligence and with discipline but seem to struggle to get their prayers answered by the Father. On

More information

OVERCOMING THE FEAR OF REJECTION Series: Freedom From Your Fears - Part 7 of 10

OVERCOMING THE FEAR OF REJECTION Series: Freedom From Your Fears - Part 7 of 10 Series: Freedom From Your Fears - Part 7 of 10 Proverbs 29:25 Fear of man is a dangerous trap, but to trust in God means safety. (Living Bible) INTRODUCTION Today we're looking at the Fear of Rejection.

More information

miracles of jesus 1. LEADER PREPARATION

miracles of jesus 1. LEADER PREPARATION miracles of jesus Week 1: Jesus Heals a Paralyzed Man This includes: 1. Leader Preparation 2. Lesson Guide 1. LEADER PREPARATION LESSON OVERVIEW One night, Jesus is teaching to a crowded home. Friends

More information

You Have a Friend the Holy Spirit

You Have a Friend the Holy Spirit 16 Lesson 1 You Have a Friend the Holy Spirit Today, more than ever before in the history of the world, people are talking about the Holy Spirit and His work. They have discovered that He is a Person,

More information

Preparing an Evangelistic Bible Lesson

Preparing an Evangelistic Bible Lesson Preparing an Evangelistic Bible Lesson 1 Preparing an Evangelistic Bible Lesson Prepare Your Heart Pray for yourself; ask God to speak to you through this Scripture passage. Pray for your students and

More information

Discipleship Letters from John's Letters Appendix 1. Lesson Handouts

Discipleship Letters from John's Letters Appendix 1. Lesson Handouts Discipleship Letters from John's Letters Appendix 1. Lesson Handouts If you re working with a class or small group, feel free to duplicate the following handouts for your local group at no charge. Each

More information

Communion Table Talks By Matt Dabbs http://mattdabbs.wordpress.com

Communion Table Talks By Matt Dabbs http://mattdabbs.wordpress.com Communion Table Talks By Matt Dabbs http://mattdabbs.wordpress.com These talks are designed for taking the Lord s Supper at tables and having a discussion led at teach table in order to take the Lord s

More information

God Gives Moses the Ten Commandments

God Gives Moses the Ten Commandments Gospel Story Curriculum (OT) PRESCHOOL Lesson 34 God Gives Moses the Ten Commandments Exodus 20:1 24 24 Bible Truth God demands perfect obedience l e s s o n snapshot 1. Opening Activity and Introduction....

More information

THEME: God wants us to walk as children of light.

THEME: God wants us to walk as children of light. Devotion NT330 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Children of Light THEME: God wants us to walk as children of light. SCRIPTURE: Ephesians 5:1-18 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for

More information

THANK YOU HOW TO MULTIPLY LEADERS NOTE STORIES.CITYHOPE.CC CONNECT WITH US

THANK YOU HOW TO MULTIPLY LEADERS NOTE STORIES.CITYHOPE.CC CONNECT WITH US THANK YOU Please accept our sincerest thanks for hosting a Fusion group this semester. It is people like yourself who are key in helping to establish the health and longevity of City Hope Church. Your

More information

LESSON TITLE: The House Built on the Rock

LESSON TITLE: The House Built on the Rock Devotion NT227 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The House Built on the Rock THEME: We must hear and do the Word of God. SCRIPTURE: Matthew 7:24-29 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time

More information

LESSON TITLE: Spiritual Gifts. THEME: God gives us all different gifts to serve Him and to serve others! SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; 14:1-40

LESSON TITLE: Spiritual Gifts. THEME: God gives us all different gifts to serve Him and to serve others! SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; 14:1-40 Devotion NT319 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Spiritual Gifts THEME: God gives us all different gifts to serve Him and to serve others! SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; 14:1-40 Dear

More information

THEME: God tells us how we can be leaders in His church.

THEME: God tells us how we can be leaders in His church. Devotion NT338 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: So You Want to Be a Leader? THEME: God tells us how we can be leaders in His church. SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 3:1-16 Dear Parents Welcome

More information

God s Purpose for You Never Changes Pastor Charles Mendenhall

God s Purpose for You Never Changes Pastor Charles Mendenhall Sunday, January 8, 2012 God s Purpose for You Never Changes Pastor Charles Mendenhall God has a plan and purpose for you, and that plan never changes. Oh, but if we could just understand God s unconditional

More information

Global Good News Literature. Basic Christianity

Global Good News Literature. Basic Christianity Basic Christianity 1 "16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete,

More information

Valley Bible Church Sermon Transcript

Valley Bible Church Sermon Transcript Conducting Ourselves in a Manner Worthy of the Gospel Philippians 2:1-4 Part 2 We are now studying Phil. 1:27-2:18. In this section of scripture Paul shares with us what it means to conduct ourselves in

More information

Live by Faith. A Disciple s Response to God s Word

Live by Faith. A Disciple s Response to God s Word Live by Faith A Disciple s Response to God s Word Most of us get along pretty well in this world. Our physical senses serve us well in exploring our world and exposing any dangers that dwell there. We

More information

The Purpose and Power of Fasting by Pastor Dale O Shields

The Purpose and Power of Fasting by Pastor Dale O Shields The Purpose and Power of Fasting by Pastor Dale O Shields INTRODUCTION One subject which is often misunderstood is the subject of fasting. Many are confused as to what fasting is, why we should fast, and

More information

Inspiring Bible Characters Paul and Silas

Inspiring Bible Characters Paul and Silas Inspiring Bible Characters Paul and Silas In this week s study of inspiring bible characters, we look at Paul and Silas. As you probably already know, Paul was a champion in the ministry of Jesus Christ.

More information

Bible Study 70. The Mystery of God

Bible Study 70. The Mystery of God The Mystery of God The word mystery means an unspoken secret. God had an unspoken secret that He kept to Himself for 4,000 years. It was the biggest and best secret of all time, and it s about you and

More information

1 rethinking the Ten Commandments: Why Ten Commandments? The Backstory September 4, 2011 Rev. George S Reynolds

1 rethinking the Ten Commandments: Why Ten Commandments? The Backstory September 4, 2011 Rev. George S Reynolds 1 We all have rules. Some we keep, some we don t. Some we expect others to keep, even if we don t. After all isn t a person s ability to keep the rules we create what we base our relationships on? You

More information

International Bible Lessons Commentary 2 Corinthians 4:1-18 International Bible Lessons Sunday, August 17, 2014 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr.

International Bible Lessons Commentary 2 Corinthians 4:1-18 International Bible Lessons Sunday, August 17, 2014 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. International Bible Lessons Commentary 2 Corinthians 4:1-18 International Bible Lessons Sunday, August 17, 2014 L.G. Parkhurst, Jr. The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series)

More information

Your Strength Comes from God

Your Strength Comes from God Your Strength Comes from God Through God s Word, we are allowed the opportunity to see several Bible characters go through difficult times in their lives. Even Jesus, Himself, experienced challenging times

More information

KJV. King James Bible Study Correspondence Course An Outreach of Highway Evangelistic Ministries 5311 Windridge lane ~ Lockhart, Florida 32810 ~ USA

KJV. King James Bible Study Correspondence Course An Outreach of Highway Evangelistic Ministries 5311 Windridge lane ~ Lockhart, Florida 32810 ~ USA BAPTISM Lesson 3 Return pages 6 & 7 11 "Now That I Am Saved, Where Do I Start? Water baptism is an important step of obedience in the life of a Christian. At the beginning of this study, one must realize

More information

First Holy Communion Prep Game

First Holy Communion Prep Game ST. JOAN OF ARC ACADEMY S First Holy Communion Prep Game Learning the CatechismThrough Play directions Game pieces needed to play: 1 game board 1 set of questions 1 dice (1-4) game pieces (button, dime,

More information

The Lord Discusses Fasting and the Proper Attitude Toward Money

The Lord Discusses Fasting and the Proper Attitude Toward Money TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS TRANSCRIPT Matthew 6:16-24 The Lord Discusses Fasting and the Proper Attitude Toward Money Matthew 6:16-24 - Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a

More information

LESSON TITLE: The Great Commandment. THEME: Love is the fulfillment of the Law. SCRIPTURE: Mark 12:28-34 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF:

LESSON TITLE: The Great Commandment. THEME: Love is the fulfillment of the Law. SCRIPTURE: Mark 12:28-34 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: Devotion NT264 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: The Great Commandment THEME: Love is the fulfillment of the Law. SCRIPTURE: Mark 12:28-34 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for Kids.

More information

Parable of the Faithful Servant Lesson 3 February 14 & 15

Parable of the Faithful Servant Lesson 3 February 14 & 15 Parable of the Faithful Servant Lesson 3 February 14 & 15 Session Title: Parable of the Faithful Servant Bible Passage: Matthew 24:45-51; Luke 12:42-48 Big Picture Question: What should we always be ready

More information

Prayer Basics. Children

Prayer Basics. Children Prayer Basics for Children (Lesson 1) (A children s curriculum resource based on the book Prayer Basics: The Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of Prayer and brought to you by the National Prayer Center,

More information

WHAT MATTERS MOST THE BEST USE OF LIFE IS LOVE

WHAT MATTERS MOST THE BEST USE OF LIFE IS LOVE WHAT MATTERS MOST Life is all about love. Because God is love, the most important lesson he wants you to learn on earth is how to love. It is in loving that we are most like him, so love is the foundation

More information

A reading from the book of the prophet Ezekiel

A reading from the book of the prophet Ezekiel FIRST READING Ezekiel 34:11-12, 14-16abce A reading from the book of the prophet Ezekiel The LORD says this: I, the LORD God, will look for my people and take care of them myself. As a shepherd looks for

More information

2009 VOLUME 2 MAY/JUNE, 2010 ISSUE

2009 VOLUME 2 MAY/JUNE, 2010 ISSUE Prayerwalking Taking Your Faith Into The Real World Copyright 2009 VOLUME 2 MAY/JUNE, 2010 ISSUE 3 Spiritual Mapping Spiritual mapping is the process of finding out about your neighbors that you might

More information

Sailing the 7 C s The C of Commitment: Noah

Sailing the 7 C s The C of Commitment: Noah Sailing the 7 C s The C of Commitment: Noah LESSON OVERVIEW Key Point: Go against the flow Obey God. Bible Story: Noah Bible Reference: Genesis 6:9-22 Challenge Verse: For all have sinned and fall short

More information

Jesus Parables in Chronological Order. Parable #46 ~ Matthew 25:31-46 ~ The Sheep and the Goats ~ Scripture

Jesus Parables in Chronological Order. Parable #46 ~ Matthew 25:31-46 ~ The Sheep and the Goats ~ Scripture Jesus Parables in Chronological Order Parable #46 ~ Matthew 25:31-46 ~ The Sheep and the Goats ~ Scripture 31 When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he 32 will sit on his

More information

The Early Church Peter Preaches After Denying

The Early Church Peter Preaches After Denying The Early Church Peter Preaches After Denying Lesson 1 LESSON OVERVIEW Key Point: Jesus makes a difference in people s lives. Repeat this phrase throughout the lesson. Bible Story: Mark 14:66-72 Challenge

More information

"God's Wisdom Revealed to All (Ephesians 3:7-20)

God's Wisdom Revealed to All (Ephesians 3:7-20) "God's Wisdom Revealed to All (Ephesians 3:7-20) by Rev. Jackie Stoneman Paul begins this chapter by reminding the Ephesians that he is in fact a prisoner. Because he has been preaching to the Gospel especially

More information

Matthew 6:12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Matthew 6:12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Radiant Church, April 3, 2016 Mike Rydman A Disciple s Heart Seeks Forgiveness Matthew 6:12 Matthew 6:12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. St. Augustine (who lived about 500

More information

Struggling Faith. Spring Quarter: The Gift of Faith Unit 1: Tests of Faith. Sunday school lesson for the week of March 20, 2016 By Dr.

Struggling Faith. Spring Quarter: The Gift of Faith Unit 1: Tests of Faith. Sunday school lesson for the week of March 20, 2016 By Dr. Struggling Faith Spring Quarter: The Gift of Faith Unit 1: Tests of Faith Sunday school lesson for the week of March 20, 2016 By Dr. Hal Brady Lesson scripture: Mark 14:26-31, 66-72 As a young minister,

More information

THEME: God has a calling on the lives of every one of His children!

THEME: God has a calling on the lives of every one of His children! Devotion NT298 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Paul s First Missionary Journey THEME: God has a calling on the lives of every one of His children! SCRIPTURE: Acts 12:25 13:52 Dear Parents

More information

Let speak about Forgiveness of sin.

Let speak about Forgiveness of sin. Let speak about Forgiveness of sin. By: Dov Avnon The second important subject after salvation or how to be save is forgiveness. The history if full of teachings that have one thing in common: you have

More information

Baptism: Should I be Baptized?

Baptism: Should I be Baptized? Baptism: Should I be Baptized? The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord s Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated

More information

Jesus Invites Me! Affirmation. I am welcome in the flock! Word: INVITATION

Jesus Invites Me! Affirmation. I am welcome in the flock! Word: INVITATION Jesus Invites Me! Word: INVITATION Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Affirmation I am welcome in the flock! (Matthew 25:34b)

More information

Jesus Makes Breakfast (The Reconciliation of Peter)

Jesus Makes Breakfast (The Reconciliation of Peter) Jesus Makes Breakfast (The Reconciliation of Peter) Teacher Pep Talk: Sometimes we sin. That s it. We sin and that sin separates us from God, who loves us. When Peter denied Christ three times, you would

More information

The Story of the Titanic Called "Lost or Saved?"

The Story of the Titanic Called Lost or Saved? The Story of the Titanic Called "Lost or Saved?" Introduction: Good afternoon everyone, my name is. Today I am here using this sketch board to share with you a great message. I would like to talk to you

More information

Liturgy & prayers for all age worship

Liturgy & prayers for all age worship Diocese of Bristol Daniel Jones Youth & Children s Adviser Liturgy & prayers for all age worship General opening prayers: Loving Father, we thank you for this opportunity to worship you together. Please

More information

THE FORGIVING FATHER

THE FORGIVING FATHER BOOK 1, PART 3, LESSON 4 THE FORGIVING FATHER THE BIBLE: Luke 15:11-32 THEME: We can discover what Jesus wants us to do and be by hearing the parables Jesus told. PREPARING FOR THE LESSON MAIN IDEA: Jesus

More information

Session 5: Growing leaders for Jesus Christ Leaders Notes

Session 5: Growing leaders for Jesus Christ Leaders Notes Session 5: Growing leaders for Jesus Christ Leaders Notes Resources: Course member s materials, pens, Vision 2026 Study Course DVD, DVD player and TV. You also might want to have some small stones or Lego

More information

Jesus Goes Back to Heaven

Jesus Goes Back to Heaven Acts 1 1 In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles

More information

Baptism and the Lord s Supper: A Theological Position Statement. By Corey Keating

Baptism and the Lord s Supper: A Theological Position Statement. By Corey Keating Baptism and the Lord s Supper: A Theological Position Statement By Corey Keating Professor Al Glenn ST503 Systematic Theology III Theological Position Statement Fuller Theological Seminary, Phoenix Extension

More information

PRAYER SERVICE FOR THE YEAR OF MERCY

PRAYER SERVICE FOR THE YEAR OF MERCY PRAYER SERVICE FOR THE YEAR OF MERCY DECEMBER 8, 2015 NOVEMBER 20, 2016 This brief prayer service may be used in any number of contexts (parish meetings, small groups, family prayer, etc.), and may be

More information

LESSON TITLE: Jesus and Nicodemus. THEME: We all need a new, spiritual birth. SCRIPTURE: John 3:1-21 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF:

LESSON TITLE: Jesus and Nicodemus. THEME: We all need a new, spiritual birth. SCRIPTURE: John 3:1-21 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: Devotion NT218 CHILDREN S DEVOTIONS FOR THE WEEK OF: LESSON TITLE: Jesus and Nicodemus THEME: We all need a new, spiritual birth. SCRIPTURE: John 3:1-21 Dear Parents Welcome to Bible Time for Kids! Bible

More information

FOUNDATIONS OF FORGIVENESS LESSON #1 I. GOD S FORGIVENESS IS

FOUNDATIONS OF FORGIVENESS LESSON #1 I. GOD S FORGIVENESS IS FOUNDATIONS OF FORGIVENESS LESSON #1 Intro. Tonight we re going to open our series the foundations of forgiveness concentrating on God s forgiveness to us. In the upcoming weeks we ll look at our forgiveness

More information

What are we asking or saying in this part of the Lord s Prayer? 1) That we are God, have mercy on me, a Luke 18:13 and v.

What are we asking or saying in this part of the Lord s Prayer? 1) That we are God, have mercy on me, a Luke 18:13 and v. The Lord s Prayer Forgiveness Confiirmatiion -- Lesson A19 PLC New Berlliin,, WI Name: Date: Memory Verse of the Week: If we claim to be without, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we

More information