The Story 2024

One Man Two Lives
August 11, 2024
Chris Seidman, Lead Minister, The Branch

Acts 9:1 (NIV)
… breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. (Acts 9:1)

Acts 9:15 (NIV)
“Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.”

The Life of Saul Reminds Us …

• It’s possible to be absolutely sincere and sincerely wrong

Acts 22:3 (NIV)
“… I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.”

• It’s possible to be religious and still miss Jesus

Acts 22:3 (NIV)
“I am a Jew… . I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors.”

Philippians 3:4-6 (NIV)
If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.

Philippians 3:10 (NIV)
I want to know Christ … .

The Life of Paul Teaches Us …

• When it comes to having a relationship with Jesus, no one is hopeless

2 Corinthians 5:17-18 (NIV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old is gone, the new is here! All this is from God … .

• When it comes to being in a relationship with Jesus, nothing is useless

1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NIV)
Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel… .

1 Timothy 1:15-16 (NIV)
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.