We like to think we can make the world a better place.

Transcription

1 We like to think we can make the world a better place.

2 How can I change my world? Acts 22:1-15 Combustion

3 Combustion occurs when the right mix of ingredients come together & produce a reaction that releases energy.

4 combustion fan the flame

5 Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you. 2 When they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even quieter. 3 He continued, I am a Jewish man, born in Tarsus of Cilicia but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel and educated according to the strict view of our patriarchal law. Being zealous for God, just as all of you are today, 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and putting both men and women in jail, 5 as both the

6 high priest and the whole council of elders can testify about me. Having received letters from them to the brothers, I was traveling to Damascus to bring those who were prisoners there to be punished in Jerusalem. 6 As I was traveling and near Damascus, about noon an intense light from heaven suddenly flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? 8 I answered, Who are You, Lord? He said to me, I am Jesus the

7 Nazarene, Whom you are persecuting! 9 Now those who were with me saw the light, but they did not hear the voice of the One who was speaking to me. 10 Then I said, What should I do, Lord? And the Lord told me, Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told about everything that is assigned for you to do. 11 Since I couldn t see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus. 12 Someone

8 named Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good reputation with all the Jews residing there, 13 came and stood by me and said, Brother Saul, regain your sight. And in that very hour I looked up and saw him. 14 Then he said, The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear the sound of His voice. 15 For you will be a witness for Him to all people of what you have seen and heard. Acts 22:1-15

9 ACTS is like a training action manual for disciples of Jesus. Combustion

10 Lean into life instead of backing out Gamaliel... the strict view... zealous... persecuted this Way to the death... putting both men and women in jail... punished.

11 INITIATIVE A disposition favoring ACTION

12 We prepare to be READY to ACT when the need arises.

13 Opportunity favors the prepared. Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. fan the flame

14 I must be whole-hearted to lean into life

15 Was Paul the rich young ruler? fan the flame

16 People who lean into life are just the ones Jesus can meet head on.

17 Face God and self honestly an intense light from heaven suddenly flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice... Saul, why are you persecuting Me? Who are You, Lord?... I am Jesus the Nazarene whom you are persecuting

18 Facing God and self honestly means you have a DEFINING MOMENT with God

19 Does Jesus sound real to Saul? an intense light from heaven suddenly flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice... Saul, why are you persecuting Me? Who are You, Lord?... I am Jesus the Nazarene whom you are persecuting

20 When Saul faced God and himself honestly he knew that on his worst day, Jesus still loved him and had a plan for his life. God demonstrated His love for us that while we were still in our sin, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 fan the flame

21 Honesty doesn t sanitize the dirt or exaggerate the good. Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in Your everlasting way. Psalm 139:23 fan the flame

22 combustion Your story with Jesus may sound weird to others. It s ok. Just share your story.

23 Grow my faith by obeying God s direction I was led by the hand... Ananias... came to me, stood by me and said, to know His will, see the Righteous One and to hear the sound of His voice.

24 The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will, to see the Righteous One and to hear the sound of His voice.

25 Know His Will = GOD S INTENTION For you will be a witness for Him to all people of what you have seen and heard Combustion

26 See His Face = GOD s DEVOTION For you will be a witness for Him to all people of what you have seen and heard. Combustion

27 Hear His Voice = GOD S DIRECTION For you will be a witness for Him to all people of what you have seen and heard. Combustion

28 combustion fan the flame