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Message Notes:
MAIN IDEA:
Paul didn’t believe him…But Jesus found him anyways.
Jesus pursues us even when we don’t believe Him.
Acts 9:1-19
1 Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. 3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” 5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. 10 Now there was a believer[b] in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied. 11 The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. 12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.” 13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers[c] in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” 15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.” 17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength. NLT
MAIN IDEA:
Paul didn’t believe him…But Jesus found him anyways.
Jesus pursues us even when we don’t believe Him.
1. Even when we don’t pursue God, He pursues us.
Romans 5:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. NIV
2. Jesus is still greater than our worst mistakes.
3. Choosing to believe doesn’t mean we have it all figured out. It just means we have fully committed to start the growing process.
4. Obedience from other believers is crucial in helping us grow.
Sobering thought: My involvement in God’s plan might be the difference in someone else growing in their faith or falling away.
MAIN IDEA:
Paul didn’t believe him…But Jesus found him anyways.
Jesus pursues us even when we don’t believe Him.
TAKE AWAY:
When we truly believe…we will see radical change.
Acts 9:20-22
Saul stayed with the believers[d] in Damascus for a few days. 20 And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!” 21 All who heard him were amazed. “Isn’t this the same man who caused such devastation among Jesus’ followers in Jerusalem?” they asked. “And didn’t he come here to arrest them and take them in chains to the leading priests?” 22 Saul’s preaching became more and more powerful, and the Jews in Damascus couldn’t refute his proofs that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. NLT
John 3:3
Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” NLT
Acts 9:18
18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. NLT
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My Notes:
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