Pastor Marshall Ochs | February 13, 2022
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 9. This chapter shows how the gospel message impacted the people in the first century. The message resulted in transformed lives, healed bodies, and resurrection power. The message also challenged people to overcome prejudice, forgive their neighbors, and reconcile relationships. The gospel results are seen in our lives as well, and this chapter reminds us to quit working against God’s kingdom and submit to it.
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Reflect
Meditating on Saul’s experience in Acts 9, how is your heart encouraged for those in your life who do not yet believe in Jesus Christ? God’s power transforms the hearts and lives of those far away from God. I encourage you to write down the name of a loved one or friend who does not know Jesus and commit to pray for them by name.
What are some of the ways the gospel has changed your heart and life? May we never lose the awe of what God has done in us, the transformation from dead in our trespasses to now alive with Him.
Spend time reflecting on the contrast of Saul’s mission and God’s mission - are there any ways you are pursuing your mission instead of God’s? Jesus sent us to open the eyes of the blind.
How can you lead and challenge your family to get on your knees, seek God through prayer and walk in God’s mission for you and your family?
In Act 26, Jesus tells Saul, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” Goads were a stick used to prod cattle or donkeys in the direction they were to go. Reflecting on this message in prayer, is there anything you are kicking against the goad, not wanting to go in the way God is leading you?
In verse 17, we see Ananias address Saul as “Brother Saul” when laying hands on him. Contemplating how Saul persecuted followers of Jesus Christ, would “brother” be how you would address someone who had been coming against you, your family, and the family of believers? How might this change our hearts toward the people we have held grudges or ill will against?
Ananias was an ordinary disciple, like you and me, that the Spirit spoke to. How might this truth open your eyes to what God can do through a surrendered and obedient Christ follower?
The time frame between when Paul encountered Jesus on the Damascus’ road and when he began his missionary journeys was thirteen years. How might we learn from Paul’s devotion to studying God’s Word and allow the Holy Spirit to grow our knowledge in Jesus Christ?
In verse 31, we see the church multiply as they had peace, being built up, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Spend time in prayer asking the Holy Spirit to give you the fear of the Lord and comfort of the Holy Spirit. May we walk fully in our calling to open the eyes of the blind.