A Converted Rebel: Acts 9:1-19
The Conversion of Saul
9 But 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 belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came 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 he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened.
Saul Proclaims Jesus in Synagogues
For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.
SERMON NOTES
Isn’t it fun to read the back of the book and know how the story ends?sn’t it fun to read the back of the book and know how the story ends?
Some would say emphatically “No!” That’s just wrong!
In the life of Saul, whose name was later changed to Paul, we get to read the back of the book as well as his entire biography as Dr. Luke records it in Acts as well as parts of his autobiography. We may say, “Well it was only logical that Saul would be brought up short in all the heinous acts that he was doing to the people of ‘The Way’, those dedicated followers of Jesus in the time of the Early Church. After all, God has a plan for mankind and this was just one more step in the outworking of His Master plan.”
In his message series ‘Living in the Will of God’, Charles Price makes two very powerful statements: “God created you and I, not that we would have something to do, but rather that we have the privilege to be part of His general plan.” “The processes of a fallen world are often bad; but the purposes of a sovereign God in the process is always good.”
Although Saul / Paul was doing what he thought was right for [religious] society he had no idea that he would be brought up so very short and learn that what he was doing was one hundred percent wrong.
God had a special plan for this man and it took strong action to get his attention.
God also has a special plan for you and me. Are we willing to seek to hear His voice, or does He need to exercise a strong plan to get our attention?
Scriptures to Consider
1. Joshua 24:1-5
2. Isaiah 55:6
3. Psalm 37:23
THIS WEEK
MONDAY, February 12
9:30 am Outreach Prayer
1:30 pm Women’s Prayertime
7:30 pm Young Adults (meet at Piska's, 13 Linksview Close)
7:30 pm Monday Knight Men
TUESDAY, February 13
9:00 am Daybreak
6:30 pm Live Free
7:00 pm Youth Studies
WEDNESDAY, February 14
9:45 am Keenagers Study
4:00 and 6:30 pm AWANA
6:40 pm The Truth Project
6:40 pm The Case for Christ
6:40 pm Soul Care
6:40 pm Living in the Will of God
6:40 pm Financial Peace
6:40 pm Worship & Prayer
THURSDAY,February 15
7:00 pm Evening Edition for Women
7:00 pm Men’s Floor Hockey
FRIDAY, February 16
7:30 pm Youth - Jr. High Event (for grades 7-9) "PacMan"
SATURDAY , February 17
7:00 pm Family Faith Hockey Night
SUNDAY, February 18
9:15 & 11:15 am Worship Services
1:00 pm Young Adults Board Gaames & Pizza (at the Piska's)
6:00 pm House of Prayer
JOURNEY UPDATES
HYMN SING Sunday, February 11 at 6:00 pm. Join us for a good old fashioned Hymn Sing. This is open to all ages. Bring finger foods to share after the event.
LIVE FREE Do you struggle with chronic pain? Join our support group Tuesday February 13 at 6:30 pm in the Fireside Room. We are a safe place to share and experience support and encouragement. No church background is necessary.
FAITH FAMILY HOCKEY NIGHT on Saturday, February 17 at 7:00 pm Spruce Grove Saints VS Lloydminster Bobcats. Post Game Festivities include free pizza, prizes. testimony of faith from Saints player Jamison Rees and gospel presentation. Bring family and friends for this great night. Tickets are $10/adult and $5/youth. Contact Tim Wiebe 780 970 4869
YOUNG ADULTS We will be doing Pizza and Escape Room Board Games on Sunday, February 18 immediately following the 11:15 service. Come to 13 Linksview Close. We will be ordering pizza for lunch so please register on Facebook and bring $7.00.
SGAC HOUSE OF PRAYER is Next Sunday, February 18 at 6:00 pm. Join us for an evening of unbroken worship, praise and prayer.
MEMBERSHIP CLASS Sunday February 25 at 9:15 am in the Prayer Room. If you have a desire to join our church family as a member please contact Pastor Art and join this class.
BAPTISM CLASS Sunday February 25 at 11:15 am in thte Prayer Room. If you have the tug on your heart to be baptized contact Pastor Art.
SINGIN' THE GOSPEL February 25, 6:00 pm A taste of Camp Meeting with Joyful Melody Trio, Gabriel, and Dave Crawford. An offering will be taken
MEN’S RETREAT March 9 -11 at Camp Nakamun Cost: $160.00 until February 23/ $175.00 after February 23. Online registration is now open. Please contact Pastor Art for details. art.quist@sgac.net
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING March 8 at 7:00 pm. Updates on Finances, Strategic Plan and Future Development will be discussed.
HOLY SPIRIT ENCOUNTER March 9-11 Register Online. Cost is $50.00.
CONTROLLING THE FIRE Anger Management from a Christian Perspective Course offered by Mark Thompson & Dawn Rebke. Feb. 22 - March 22 at Immanuel Church of Rosenthal. Call 780 690 2375 or email to register.
TITHING by Debit or Credit Card You must write the full name of the cardholder on the offering envelope. Please include your name and address if you wish to receive a charitable receipt for next years income taxes. Debit machine is located at the north end of the Welcome Centre. Click here to give online.
CONGRATULATIONS to Karen Houcher who is now a licensed worker with Christian & Missionary Alliance.
FINANCIAL UPDATE
Weekly Update -Feruary 4, 2018
General Fund giving Feb. 4 $23,278
32 week average $24,658
-- Budget requirement $ 24,327
Future Dev. Fund giving Feb. 4 $ 3,150
--Balance as of Feb. 4, 2018 $798,192
Monthly Update July1 to Jan. 31, 2018
General Fund:
-- Budget Surplus $ 11,654
-- Year to date Surplus $ 81,739
Global Advance giving $ 93,867
Canadian Ministries giving $ 31,577
PRAYER
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Our International Workers: Roy & Miriam Taylor, Travis & Sharon Thiessen, K.I.
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Our Pastoral Team Staff Member: Josh Palsky - Pastor of Youth and Young Adults. Josh is married to Beth. and they have one child.
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Our AdministrativeTeam Staff Member: Joanne Fehr. Joanne is married to Bruce and they have 2 adult children.Our Elders Team Member: Mike Boldt. Mike is married to Natalie and they have three children ages 11, 9 and 6.