Session #3

Acts 8:4-9:22
“Three Men, Three Responses” • 9.30.08 • The Power Of One: One Man, One Life, One Mission

Intro

- Saul has begun to lead the charge against the early church. By Acts 3, Luke writes that Saul made havoc of the church. It seems pretty grim for the church. But God is getting His way.
• Acts 8:4 : “Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.”
- The effect these believers had was truly remarkable. Philip's story is the first recorded for us.
- He had success in Samaria and then God moved him to the desert for the sake of one man: The Ethiopian Eunuch.
- God sent Philip to the Ethiopian Eunuch in the desert, but took it upon Himself to meet with Saul.
- Saul has become the official hunter of the people from the Way, having been sanctioned by the High Priest for this duty. On his way, Saul is stopped dead in his tracks by Jesus Himself.
• Acts 9:4-6 : “Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ So he, trembling and astonished, said, ‘Lord, what do You want me to do?’ Then the Lord said to him, ‘Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’”
- Chapter 9 begins with Saul marching out after the church. At the end of the first 9 verses, Saul is being led around helplessly blinded by the presence of the Lord.
• Acts 9:8,9 : “Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.”
- Meanwhile, in Damascus, there is yet a third person whose life we are given an insight into.
- The Lord spoke to Ananias in a vision about Saul, telling him that he would be the vehicle through which healing would come to Saul.
- Initially resistant, Ananias goes and ministers to Saul. He touches him and the blindness falls from his eyes.
- Saul’s life changed immediately, in that he was baptized immediately and he began to preach Christ immediately.
• Acts 9:21,22 : “Then all who heard were amazed, and said, ‘Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?’ But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.”
- In our section today, we have three men, at three distinct stations in life, displaying for us, three different responses to the Lord's call in their life. I’ll put them in sentences that we might say.

I. Philip: “Just Tell Me Where!” (Acts 8:5-8)
II. Saul: “Just Show Me More!” (Acts 9:4-8)
III. Ananias: “Just Wait A Minute!” (Acts 9:10-16)

Text

I. Philip: “Just Tell Me Where!” (Acts 8:5-8)

• Acts 8:5-8 : "Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. And there was great joy in that city." : Philip was one of the 7 men that had been chosen to wait on tables and handle the distribution of food.
- He was one of the refugees from Jerusalem that had been spread out into the city of Samaria. Samaria's people were hated by the Jewish people.
- Two things are happening here: The Kingdom is further being expanded to non-pure Jews and God's commission of going to Judea and Samaria is being accomplished.
- Philip preached Christ to the Samaritans. I cannot underscore enough the importance of the centrality of Christ in the early chapters of church history.
- The response was immediate. The Samaritans believed, having witnessed the miracles that he did. Samaritan multitudes? That word is reserved for large crowds, likely numbering in the thousands!
- The paralyzed and the lame were healed. The gospel was preached with a demonstration of power. Philip, the man that was just chapters ago, a glorified bus boy, is here a mighty evangelist.
- In the Kingdom, every man is more than the sum of his experiences! The result of Philip's mission was great joy in that city.
- Philip was a great success in Samaria. God used him in big ways.
- Then, just like that, in a moment, the Lord moves upon Philip to go in a different direction.
• Acts 8:26,27a : "Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, 'Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.' This is desert. So he arose and went."
- The Lord had an appointment that moved Philip from the city to the desert.
- Notice this explanatory note about the road from Jerusalem to Gaza: This is desert!
- This is isolated. This is desolate. This is "God Forsaken!"
- Philip does not argue, speak about the vital importance of his Samaritan mission or question God about this decision. He simply gets up and goes.
- Turn with me to Psalm 32:8. David is writing about the believer that is unencumbered by sin. He can be lead and directed.
• Psalm 32:8,9 : "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with my eye. Do not be like the horse or like the mule, which have no understanding, which must be harnessed with bit and bridle, else they will not come near you."
- Philip was not like this. Philip was a fully co-operational believer, devoid of his own agenda, committed to God's leading, ready to pick up stakes and move in any direction the Lord was leading.

II. Saul: “Just Show Me More!” (Acts 9:4-8)

* Acts 9:4-8 : "Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?' And he said, 'Who are You, Lord?' Then the Lord said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' So he, trembling and astonished, said, 'Lord, what do You want me to do?' Then the Lord said to him, 'Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.' And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus." In Philip, we have a study in the life of a man in full cooperation with the Lord. With Saul, we see a man in deep fascination.
- Here was a good way to get Saul's attention. Jesus speaks right to Saul's heart and says, "Why are you persecuting me?" Jesus took Saul's attack personally.
- The anger that Saul displayed was not truly directed against God's people, but against Jesus Himself. Saul hated anything that competed with his conception of righteousness.
- Jesus mentions something that I have been thinking about for a while. He puts His finger on Saul's frustration. "Saul, it is hard for you to kick against the goads.
- This is a picture that Saul would immediately understand. Jesus is comparing Saul to a stubborn ox or mule, who refuses to move when prodded.
- One who wants to move such an animal would use a "goad." It's a long sharp piece of metal protruding from one's special shoes. A stubborn animal will "kick against the goad."
- The result is pain for the animal and difficulty for the owner. It's interesting to me that Saul has been kicking against the goads for some time.
- I suggest that Saul has been kicking against the goads since he heard Gamaliel's advice. He wondered, "Could this be? Could Jesus be the Messiah?"
- I believe that Saul took Gamaliel's challenge to heart when he decided to persecute the church and just see if God was in it or not.
- God has been trying to unveil the truth to Saul's heart. Saul has not only not been receptive, but he has been an active aggressor in the opposite direction.
- Saul has been kicking against the goads in his mind, refusing to surrender to the Lord. You might not think that there is any war going on in the minds of the Saul's of your lives, but be assured: God's words to Saul are universally true.
- God is the great hunter of souls. Even from the very beginning, God has been the one to hunt down souls. Turn to Genesis 6:3. Moses is commenting on the state of the lost world and God's response to them.
• Genesis 6:3 : "And the Lord said, 'My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.'"
- He strives with men, though not forever, certainly long enough to secure their decision, either positive or negative. Consider God's interaction with the Pharoah. Turn to Exodus 14:4.
- The plagues of Egypt were judgments intended to dislodge the Israelites from the oppression of the Egyptians. However, there was a deeper motivation.
• Exodus 14:4 : "Then I will harden Pharaoh's heart, so that he will pursue them; and I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord.' And they did so."
- God was making Himself known to the Pharaoh and to the Egyptians. When one considers that this was a part of His plan, the plagues on the Egyptian gods, and even the writing of Genesis 1 takes on a whole new level of understanding.
- God has hunted Saul down and now, finally, Saul surrenders.
- When Jesus speaks this mini-parable, Saul answers, "Lord what do you want me to do."
- This is the voice of a man who is new in his faith, wanting simply to comply and grow in the right direction. Even from this early moment in Saul's turn, he is eager to learn.

III. Ananias: “Just Wait A Minute!” (Acts 9:10-16)

• Acts 9:10-12 : "Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, 'Ananias.' And he said, 'Here I am, Lord.' So the Lord said to him, 'Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.'" In Philip, we have a study in operation; Saul, a study in fascination. We end this morning with a study in hesitation.
- Imagine this moment. Ananias is hanging out in his home. There is a hunter named Saul, looking for people of "The Way."
- Ananias figures, "I'll lay low for a while until this thing blows over. Oh, look a message from the Lord..."
- It starts out good. The vision comes to Ananias and he responds the proper, orderly way.
- Then the Lord lays out the plan. He needs to go and pray for Saul, laying his hands on him so that he might receive his sight.
- Now, any other day, this might have been really welcome news. For a Christian, to hear that someone is really receptive to the message and that going will result in someone's physical healing, might just energize that saint for a month! However, Ananias was a little hesitant.
• Acts 9:13-16 : "Then Ananias answered, 'Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.' But the Lord said to him, 'Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake.'"
- "Uh, Lord, have you heard about this guy!?" This is classic. It's sort of interesting to look at the order of these words. Ananias answered "Lord."
- Can I remind you that "Lord" means "final authority." The Greek word expresses this thought: "he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master."
- When I acknowledge Jesus as "Lord" I am saying, your Word is my command. To others outside of covenant with Him, it may be different. To me, His Word is final, His will my desire to complete!
- Ananias assumes that God needs to get some info. He must not know about Saul. Notice a few words: He has done harm to Your saints in Jerusalem.
- "This guy is not a good guy. He is against us. Furthermore, he has authority here."
- Saul was not your ordinary heathen!
- Ananias' fear has blinded him to several realities. This makes him just like you and I.
- We can't fathom that the Lord would call us to something that would make us uncomfortable. Furthermore, He can't possibly be interested in investing in someone who is so opposed to Him!
- And He would never want us to be in harm's way, for Saul had "authority." Wait, let's go back to that word "Lord!" Who has the authority?
- The problem with Ananias and with you and I, is that we see people as they are. God sees them as they will be! He sees what the lump of clay will be.
- Saul was presently a hunter of Christians, with authority to bind. However, God says that He has a much different plan for Him.
- He is going to bear Christ's name to the Gentiles, to Kings and to the children of Israel. As we study his life, we will see each of these things.
- And in the biggest turn of irony, Saul will not only be a hunter of men, but he himself will suffer by the same measures that he has caused!
- If Ananias only knew what we know. He has been chosen to be the instrument to finalize the deal with the man who would become one of the greatest voices for God that has ever lived!
- If we could only know that our fear is misplaced, we would see our faith thrive. For Ananias' part, at least he corrects his course.
• Acts 9:17-19 : "And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, 'Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.' Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus." What a wonderful picture. This man Saul had been a fearful enemy of "The Way." Ananias, in obedience to the Lord, gets to be the first one to call this man "brother."
- What a joy it must have been to say what Ananias said. Receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. Imagine that same joy with the Saul in your life.
- "Receive your sight!" You've been blinded by your sin, by your fight against the Lord. Now, see the Lord move in your life!
- "Be filled with the Holy Spirit." No more emptiness! No more need to please God in the power of your flesh!
- Saul received his sight, was immediately baptized, received food and was strengthened, both in body and in soul, as he spent some days in the company of these disciples.
- From here on out, we will read a very different story when we consider Saul. Jesus changed this man's story, and at the same time, the church's history.

Conclusion

- Which man would be most representative of your current walk with the Lord? Perhaps you are man in full operation. "Just tell me where!" is you motto. To you I say : Don't quit!
- You might be a man in complete fascination. "Just show me more!" You are hungry to hear of the Lord and what He has for you. He will lead you and direct your paths. To you I say : Don't resist!
- You might be the picture of hesitation. "Just wait a minute." Know now that your fear may be keeping you from your greatest moment. Don't miss out!

Session #2

Acts 6-8:3

“Making The Wrong Decision First” • 9.23.08 • Session #2, The Power Of One: One Man, One Life, One Mission

Intro.

- The early church numbers were pretty overwhelming. In two official counts, in Acts 2:41 and Acts 4:4 respectively, the church numbered 8,000.
- Add in the number of people that were being saved daily and it could have been considerably more. With this amount of people, there is bound to be management issues.
- Early on in it’s existence, the church decided to embrace a communal living arrangement. I will suggest that this was not the best idea, especially as it seems that they were called to go out, not come in. But be that as it may, that is what they decided. The problems were immediate.
- In Acts chapter 5, hypocrisy, imitation of a genuine act, began to hamper the church.
- In Acts chapter 6, a perceived favoritism began to infest the church.
• Acts 6:1 : “Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.”
- The implications of this verse indicate that the church was already becoming a more diverse group of people.
- The Hellenists were Jewish people, but they lived in foreign lands and adopted the Greek way of living and thinking.
- This commune had set up a daily distribution of food rations. The complaint of favoritism rose, the Hellenist widows were neglected, literally receiving less than the Hebrews by comparison.
- Now, the disciples rightly delegated this common task, wisely assigning the distribution of food to 7 Hellenist members of the commune. One of those men stood out from the others.
• Acts 6:8 : "And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people."
- Stephen was acting more like an apostle than an orderly. His gifting made him a target of "The Synagogue of the Freedmen," a group of Jewish men who argued with Stephen. They quickly forged a plan to dismiss Stephen.
• Acts 6:11,12 : "Then they secretly induced men to say, 'We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.' And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; and they came upon him, seized him, and brought him to the council."
- Not intimidated, Stephen gives a well reasoned defense for His belief that must be read in Acts chapter 7. Listen to his outro. If you think I'm rough...
• Acts 7:51-53 : "You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it."
- This did not endear Stephen to his audience.
• Acts 7:54 : "When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth."
- Their hatred brought them to stone Stephen. This brings us to chapter 8.
• Acts 8:1-3 : "Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison."
- In our passage today, I am reminded that a “Saul” journey often has a few significant course deviations. Saul has seen the witness of the Apostles, heard the wisdom of Gamaliel and has now heard the recounting of the history of the Jewish nation.
- All this light, but it did not add up to the conclusion that we would want to see.
- Sometimes Sauls can be like that. Today, I want to press three points with you about dealing with Sauls.

I. Don’t Stop Speaking The Word (7:54)
II. Don’t Expect Overnight Success (8:1a)
III. Don’t Limit God’s Grace (8:1b-3)

Text

I. Don’t Stop Speaking The Word (7:54)

• Acts 7:54 : "When they heard these things they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth." When Stephen was brought to the council, you will note that he spoke to the Jewish heart through their scriptures.
- I am prayerful that you will read the entirety of Stephen's speech, but today, I will highlight some of the main characteristics.
- First, Stephen reviewed their own history, beginning with Abraham, moving to Jacob, Joseph and then finally Moses. He establishes the context with them.
- The scriptures were known more from oral tradition than written copy.
- Second, you will notice that Stephen reveals that the people that he faced were no different from the ones in the history of their people.
- The council was following in the footsteps of their own history, but in a bad way.
- When he mentions Joseph, the thrust of his argument is not in his success but in his trouble.
• Acts 7:10,11 : "And the patriarchs (Joseph's brothers), becoming envious, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house."
- In the same way, there is a theme of Moses' initial rejection by the Israelite people.
- Finally, Stephen rattles their nerves by showing them that the scriptures were applicable to them! They were the ones who were continuing their Father's tradition of rejecting God's sent ones.
• Acts 7:51-53 : "You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers, who have received the law by the direction of angels and have not kept it.'"
- I want you to notice something that we need to understand. Stephen did not spend time defending himself. He was not the one on trial. The council was the one being judged!
- He spoke the Word of God to them and applied it to them. But it was the Word of God specifically that causes their reaction, thus the words "when they heard these things."
- The response was immediate and it was deep. They were "cut to the heart." The Greek word behind that phrase means that they were mentally sawn in half, rent with vexation.
- They were convicted. They knew what Stephen was saying was truth and that it applied to them. Saul was one of these men who heard these words.
- He knew in His heart that they applied to him. However, you will notice that his and the council's reaction is one of complete anger and offense.
- They "gnashed at him with their teeth." This is a visual. They growled and spoke through gritted teeth at Stephen.
- Stephen, representative of any witness for God, if he was going to have a spiritual affect, must employ God's Word. We must devote ourselves to the same thing.
- If the Sauls in our lives have a chance of coming to Christ, they must see that God's Word applies to them. Thankfully, we have the New Testament, which gives us didactic instruction.
- The Word of God is going to cause a response, one way or another.

II. Don’t Expect Overnight Success (8:1a)

• Acts 8:1a : "Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles." Saul has watched the Apostles, listened to the advice of Gamaliel and now has heard the witness of Stephen. Still Saul was consenting to his death. He stood by and approved and applauded.
- Wait a minute here Saul. How can you act this way when you have had so much light? How can you be so wrong? Why are you resisting?
- The Sauls in our life, the ones we have witnessed to, spent time with sharing the word or even shown love to with physical provisions, will not necessarily be moved in the right direction. Why?
- Turn to John 3:19. Jesus is talking with Nicodemus, about being born again and salvation.
- He mentions that those who do not believe in Him are already condemned. Why?
• John 3:19,20 : "And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed."
- Saul loved his darkness, in that he felt righteous before God and needed no other savior.
- Others love the darkness of their drunkeness or perversion. Either way, these men often do not wish to be exposed.
- One thing that this passage really speaks to me is the need to be patient in evangelism.
- Saul, we know will be Paul. However, often times we lack that patience with the Sauls in our life whose destiny is yet future to us.
- Sometimes, we believe that if we just have the right words, or the right resource, that the unbelieving Saul will come to the Lord and we'll have the right response!
- You and I have to understand that the act of regeneration, salvation, is a work that only the Lord can do. Turn with me to Mark 10. Jesus has just encountered the Rich Young Ruler.
- The Rich Young Ruler goes away and refuses salvation because of his great wealth.
- Jesus tells His disciples that it is very difficult for a rich man to be saved.
• Mark 10:24-27 : "And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, 'Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.' And they were greatly astonished, saying among themselves, 'Who then can be saved?' But Jesus looked at them and said, 'With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.'"
- With men this work of salvation is impossible. You cannot convince Sauls with great words or even a great knowledge of the Bible, even if you got it all right!
- You and I have to realize that the work of salvation can only happen when God does that work. Now, let me remind us that this does not relieve us of duty.
- We have read recently in the book of Romans chapter 10 that we are to go out and preach the word so that people might believe and call upon the name of the Lord.
- However, we must be patient. The Sauls in our life will hate the word, and often hate the messenger as well. But we are to be committed to this end, that Jesus will win hearts, if even over a lifetime of struggle and strain.

III. Don’t Limit God’s Grace (8:1b-3)

• Acts 8:1b-3 : "And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison." Persecution, the first in the history of the church, has begun. Stephen was buried and lamented over. As we see in the last verse, the church was scattered from Jerusalem.
- Looking at this, perhaps for the first time or at least with fresh eyes, one might believe that this was a discouraging turn of events.
- Of course, for the men and women of this time period, it was difficult and truly terrifying to believe in Christ.
- From the last verse, Luke tells us that they were scattered from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria. Initially we might think that the enemy has won, but truly it's the Lord who is sovereignly acting on behalf of His will.
- For example, it's no coincidence that Luke tells of the commission of Christ in Acts 1.
• Acts 1:8 : "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
- Please note that God is using external pressures, in this case, persecution, to bring about the fulfillment of the mission that He gave to the church in the first place!
- Here, we see Stephen buried, but it is Saul that lives. He is not truly living though, as God is trying to get a hold of his life.
- Saul is fighting hard. He can't fight God, as Gamaliel had suggested, but he could fight against the Church. He made "havoc" for the church.
- The word is interesting. 1) to affix a stigma to, to dishonour, spot, defile 2) to treat shamefully or with injury, to ravage, devastate, ruin. Saul's mission at this time was to destroy this sect.
- He went from the home to the prison, committed to every point.
- This was a man of commitment and zeal, though it was severely misdirected.
- Someone might have imagined that this man could have been such a warrior for God if only he was right with Christ!
- To the people who saw Saul and lived in that same terrible time, who had the proverbial misfortune of being a Christian, they saw a man who hated Christianity, especially those who were Hellenistic Jews and powerless to resist. Saul was a virtual terrorist.
- None of these people would have imagined that Saul would one day be the Paul that wrote more than half of the New Testament, but he was!
- Is there a Saul in your life that you believe is beyond the grace of God? Let me remind you that Saul is that man in the portrait! Turn with me to Hebrews 7:25. The writer of Hebrews speaks about the greatness of Christ's priesthood.
• Hebrews 7:25 : "Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them."
- It's God's grace that can reach down to the lowliest, most dirty sinners and makes them fit for His service. Don't think that you can put a limit on that precious work.

Conclusion

- Saul was a man with a lot of light around him. But it did not reap the right result.
- Today, I urge you to re-enter that Saul relationship with a few things in mind.
- First, never stop bringing God's Word into the situation. Where applicable, use it! When explaining concepts, don't give your opinion! Give the Word of God!
- Second, don't base your efforts on changes or circumstances. Take the long view. Be encouraged in any little step forward.
- Finally, never believe that anyone on this side of death, is outside the reach of our gracious God. Saul was likely a murderer or at the least, an accomplice to murder.
- Yet, it's this man who becomes the instrument through which God most clearly defines Christianity through. Maybe the Saul in your life will be just as effective one day!

Session #1

The Power Of One: One Man, One Life, One Mission
“Sauls Are Watching!” • 9.16.08 • Session #1

Intro.

- There are rare seasons of years in life that define decades. While those years are happening, most people are ignorant to the significance of what is occuring.
- As an example the 1960’s was a decade that transformed the music and political landscape. In that same decade, the Jesus movement counterculturally answered the call for lasting peace.
- I wonder what people thought about with regard to the significance of what took place just 40 days after Jesus, the Galilean had been crucified. Who would have guessed on a human level, what would came to pass?
- Fishermen were now the leaders of a spiritual movement. Peter, the lead fisherman spoke and almost 3,000 people received the word with gladness.
• Acts 2:46,47 : “So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”
- Voila! The Church is born and a society stands up and takes notice. Soon the same powers that attempted to destroy Jesus came against the leaders of this new sect.
- In Acts chapter 4, the Sanhedrin brought Peter and John before them and told them that they were to cease and desist speaking in the name of Jesus.
- The disciples reply was that they would obey God, rather than man.
- Just one chapter later, the conflict comes to a head again. The Apostles have been instructed by the Lord to speak in the temple, and they obey.
- Because of their obedience, they are immediately arrested and subsequently, miraculously delivered from prison. The guards did not find them until they looked in the temple where they were teaching in the name of Jesus.
- It was time to have a little discussion to make sure that the point got across.
• Acts 5:27,28 : “And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, ‘Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!’”
- In a fit to figure out what to do, the Sanhedrin sought to consider an action that would deal with this new sect of Judaism.
- Upon their second meeting with these apostles, the religious leaders took their usual default position, which was to conspire to murder. This is when one of their own respected leaders spoke up.
- Gamaliel, a Pharisee and an experienced teacher of the law, stood up and reasoned with this council of people.
• Acts 5:38,39 : “And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it--lest you even be found to fight against God.’”
- The Sanhedrin chose to beat the Apostles and send them out, which garnered this response from the Apostles:
• Acts 5:41,42 : “So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.”
- Now, seated in the background was a young fly on the wall Pharisee that was taking all of this in. His name was Saul.
- He is captured in this context, in this burgeoning conflict between the religious establishment and this new sect of Judaism. He stands directly in the middle between the old and the new.
- I believe that even in this moment, there is a crisis in the mind of this young man that we need to seek to connect to.
- There were legitimate concerns and questions that likely began at this moment that began the future apostle on a road that would change his destiny and our world forever.
- Today, there are Sauls in our midst. They are watching and wondering if what they have lived for is worth continuing in. They are wondering what reality and life is really about.
- What was Saul seeing that might have moved him to reconsider his stance in life? What will the Sauls in your life need to see to make them reconsider the reality of Christ?
- Saul saw three indisputable characteristics that these Apostles exemplified, that we should seek to adopt as well. Saul saw that

I. They Touched Lives (Acts 3:1-7)
II. They Talked Jesus (Acts 4:7-12)
III. They Totally Obeyed (Acts 5:27-29)

Text

I. They Touched Lives (Acts 3:1-7)

• Acts 3:1-7 : “Now, Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, ‘Look at us.’ So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.’ And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.” Peter and John still followed Jewish tradition, going daily to the temple for prayer. They did not yet view themselves as distinct from Judaism.
- However, it was their actions toward this man, that distinguished them from those in Judaism.
- As they came to this gate, they encountered a lame man that would normally be ignored.
- He was a beggar, who made his living right there on the steps leading up to the temple.
- Peter walked toward this person and engaged him. Notice, He fixed his eyes on him.
- This beggar was not a drunk. Nor was he a criminal who was attempting to employ his poverty for free provisions, as is often the case today.
- This man was a legitmate sufferer. In these types of situations, the easiest thing to do is to avert our eyes from human suffering.
- Peter fixed his eyes on this man and offered to give him what he had. Notice those words: “What I do have, I give you.”
- That to me is the essence of Christianity, when we talk about the relation of our faith to the watching Sauls of this world. We may not have money, but what we do have is prayer and kindness.
- We may not have the answers, but we can offer support and solace.
- We might not have power, but we have Jesus and Jesus is what this man needed!
- It’s unfortunate that as Christians, we often dwell on what we don’t have and make excuses for not employing what we do have for the service of Christ. Peter was willing to give what he had.
- Notice that Peter says, In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. This was done with His authority and for His glory. It’s akin to saying, “Jesus gives me power to do this and I do this on His behalf.” Later, Paul will explicitly deal with this concept.
- Turn with me to II Corinthians 5:18. Paul has just told the Corinthian believers that they have been “re-created” to perform a specific task on the Earth.
• II Corinthians 5:18-20 : “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God.”
- Now, this agrees with Christ’s words to His disciples. Turn with me to Matthew 5:14. Jesus in the sermon on the mount says:
• Matthew 5:14-16 : “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
- These are His arms, His hands, His legs, etc. He employs my body to exercise His will in this world!
- I want to respond to the needs of the spiritually lame with the same treatment. For the sake of Jesus, because His love compels me, I touch, pray for, your life, your healing, your heart to be ministered to.
- Let me suggest that this story would really lose all of it’s excitement if Peter did what we often do. What if Peter had responded this way: “Oh, I’ll be sure to pray for you. I’m sure it’s difficult to be lame!”
- No! Peter touched this man. He personally allowed the Lord to heal and minister to this man through him.

II. They Talked Jesus (Acts 4:7-12)

• Acts 4:7-12 : “And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, ‘By what power or by what name have you done this?’ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, ‘Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.’” : The religious people were always intriqued by the source of good things. They questioned Jesus in the same way in Matthew 21:23, Mark 11:28 and John 2:18.
- Peter without blinking an eye, filled with the Holy Spirit, speaks of where his authority and power came from: Jesus Christ of Nazareth!
- Before they could stop him, Peter rattled off several facts that needed to be heard.
- They had crucified Jesus. They had rejected Jesus. The religious leaders present were torn and befuddled, for they offer no argument.
- Then Peter utters a great line that is worthy of our memorization: Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men, by which we must be saved!
- Turn to Philippians 2. Paul talks about Jesus being the paradigm of humility, having come from heaven to earth, taking the form of a bondservant. But it would not remain that way.
• Philippians 2:9-11 : “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
- Men, there is power only in the name of Jesus. He is not your higher power, the big guy upstairs, or your enlightened teacher. He is Jesus and these men mentioned Jesus Christ at every opportunity.
- Imagine if you brought Jesus Christ into your conversations as more an authority and less a curse word! Of course, this group would not be guilty of that, but is that all that the Sauls around your life hear of His name?
- What if they heard, “Our business is doing well and I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for that.”
- “I used to struggle with that until I received Jesus Christ into my life…” Oh, one might object, that you don’t want to sound fanatical. Let me ask you: WHY NOT!?
- Why are we so afraid to speak up or stand out? The Sauls of the world are watching, and if you fit in, why would they be challenged to consider Christ?
- If nothing makes you different, then the Sauls of this world will never take notice! But the apostles were different and Saul DID notice! Take a look at verse
• Acts 4:13 : “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.”
- Do the Sauls around you have the same opinion? Does your speech betray an intimacy with Jesus Christ?

III. They Totally Obeyed (Acts 5:27-29, 42)

• Acts 5:27-29 : “And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, ‘Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!’ But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: 'We ought to obey God rather than men…' And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.” Coming into chapter 5, the disciples have been brought again to the council. I would love to have seen this conflict. “Did we not strictly command you…”
- Who did these people think that they were? They had never been challenged, and they were used to calling the proverbial shots.
- Listen again to their indictment: You have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine! What an awesome statement!
- At the time of this writing here in chapter 5, the church had expanded from the initial 3,000 in Acts 2:41 to 8.000 according to Acts 4:4. This was a mega church movement!
- The apostles were threatened and ordered to discontinue their efforts. They would not budge. “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Oh to have men like this!!
- This was their mantra, their modus operandi! This was their statement to the council the first time, recorded in chapter 4:19,20. This is their statement yet again.
- What a statement to make in the presence of the proverbial Sauls of life. These guys aren’t going to play by these rules!
- They are going to obey God rather than man, and not flirt with or sleep with women that aren’t their wives!
- They are going to obey God rather than man, and not honor the code of unwritten conduct that compromises their character.
- Luke, the author of Acts, tells us that the councilmen had the disciples beaten. And they rejoiced. They were glad that they were counted worthy to suffer. And then we see verse 42.
- Daily in the temple, out in the open or in every house, in private, they obeyed the word of the Lord totally! They did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ!
- You can’t tell me that this did not impact Saul! Further, you can’t tell me that it won’t impact the Saul watching your life. “Nothing will stop this guy from obeying God!”

Conclusion

- When we think about Sauls watching, we have to remember what a great opportunity that we have as men to be men like this.
- Today we can choose to reach out and touch lives. It probably won’t be miraculous, but you can pray for healing anyway! It might not be powerful, but a hand on the shoulder in Jesus name works wonders!
- Today, we can choose to relay Jesus with how we speak. Is He getting the glory for your success? Is He getting the press He deserves?
- But more than anything, if we cannot say anything, we can obey totally, and that says it all!

Sunday Morning, 9/14/08

Matthew 16:27-17:8
“What You See From Up Here” • 9.14.08 • Kingsfield Church, Sunday Morning Service

Intro.

- This message before us begins at a beautiful place in Israel called “Caesarea Phillipi.” It's a bit of a resort area, complete with beautiful waterfalls and a mountainous landscape.
- It is here that the Lord sits His disciples down and asks the question that would define their relationship: "Who do you say that I am?"
- The disciples mumbled a bit, then Simon stood up, speaking for the group and said, "You are the Christ, the son of the living God!"
- The word "Christ" is the Greek word for the Hebrew concept of the Messiah, the Annointed One. He is the one that God's people had waited and hoped for.
- This was a great moment of revelation that came directly from God Himself.
- Jesus affirms Simon's words, gives him a new name, Peter, and then subsequently tells the disciples something that seems to contradict what had just been revealed.
• Matthew 16:21 : "From that time Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day."
- Hold on Lord. You are the Christ, the Messiah, the deliverer! How is it that you are going to die? How does that make sense?
- Really, that was not a new dilemma. The scholars of that day, and even the Jewish rabbis today have a problem reconciling this seemingly contradictory concept, since they do not yet recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
- The Old Testament presents the picture of the Messiah as both conquering hero and suffering servant. How could these two be reconciled into one person?
- I believe that this passage was recorded so that the disciples would see clearly that there was no need to be concerned. Jesus was and is the One Messiah, who would both suffer and conquer.
- In the passage before us Jesus gives the disciples, and for that matter, you and I, a preview of Kingdom realities. Jesus in this passage, (I.) gives, (II.) reveals the, (III.) expresses the

I. Confirmation Of His Deity (16:27-17:2)
II. Culmination Of His Ministry (17:3-5)
III. Consolation Of His Personality (17:6-8)

Text

I. Confirmation Of His Deity (16:27-17:2)

• Matthew 16:27-17:1 : "For the Son of Man will come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He will reward each according to his works. Assuredly, I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom. Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother and led them up a high mountain by themselves." Jesus tells these disciples that they will see Him as He will be in His Kingdom.
- Jesus takes along Peter, James and John, who had become His inner circle, likely because they were the first disciples. As such they were also elder statesmen among the disciples.
- And let's be honest: They were the most dense of the group!
- Peter was already a spokesman for the disciples, and later, in early church history, these men would have prominent roles in establishing the faith.
- This was not the first instance that Jesus called three to a special course of instruction.
- We see them together with the Lord at Jairus’ house, recorded in Mark 5. Jesus has been approached by Jairus, who was asking for the healing of his daughter.
- While he is asking, a servant comes and informs him that his daughter has died. In Mark 5:37, the Bible tells us that Jesus allowed Peter, James and John to come with Him.
- In that chapter, Jesus raises Jairus' daughter from death, and these men are there to witness that occasion.
- Here, in Matthew 17, this is the second time that Jesus has pulled these three aside and we'll understand that there is already an undercurrent of the shadow of death.
- These men, Peter, James and John, were about to see something that would radically alter their perceptions of Jesus, life and death.
• Matthew 17:2 : "and he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light."
- Jesus was transfigured. He metamorphosized right in front of them! Literally, Jesus shed off His human body and revealed what He was underneath,
- All I can say is "Don't try this at home!!" Leave it to Jesus!
- His face, His clothing, all altered and what was revealed to the disciples, was the King of Kings in all of His glory.
- The gospel of Mark adds that Jesus’ clothes were “exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them.” (Mark 9:3)
- Luke's gospel adds that “His robe became white and glistening.” (Luke 9:29)
- This was the real Jesus, in His majesty and in all of His power. In the minds of the disciples, what could conquer this? What would death mean in the light of this being?
- This man was no man at all! He is God, hiding in human flesh!
- He is the King of Kings, here in all of His glory. What a privilege to have been there!
- It's compelling to me to consider that this same word for transfiguration is used by Paul to describe our transformation in Romans 12.
- We are being transfigured as well. Christ is changing our hearts, changing our minds.
- I am thankful that He does not just save us and leave us the way that we are. He immediately begins His work of transformation in us from the inside out, just as He displays here.

II. Culmination Of His Ministry (17:3-5)

• Matthew 17:3-5 : "And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with him. Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, 'Lord it is good for us to be here; if you wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.' While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, 'This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!'" As if this were not a coronary producing event already, both Moses and Elijah appeared!
- One has to wonder if Moses and Elijah were wearing name tags, because Matthew reports definitively, without any shadow of doubt. Peter identifies them in his desire to make some booths of shelter.
- Matthew simply tells us that they came and talked with Him. Now, wouldn't you like to be in on that conversation! What could be so important? A little news from heaven perhaps?
- Thankfully, we do not need to speculate. The transfiguration event gives a preview of the culmination of Christ's ministry by alluding to three Old Testament pictures. Luke fills in the details for us on the first allusion.
• Luke 9:31 : "who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem."
- This is an interesting translation and it reads funny in the NKJV. The word "decease" really seems out of place. Other translations, the NASB and the NIV use the word "departure."
- The literal rendering of the word, here translated "decease" is the Greek word "exodus."
- Moses and Elijah spoke to Jesus about the exodus that he was about to accomplish. For those with a Biblical background, you will know what "the exodus" refers to.
- In the Old Testament, the people of God, the Israelis, were slaves in Egypt for over 400 years. They cried out for God to deliver them.
- God decided to begin the process of deliverance. He met with Moses, who was a semi-retired shepherd, in the back of Midian's desert.
- It took some great coaxing to get the 80 year old man to do it, but God eventually moved powerfully through Moses and delivered the nation of Israel.
- After a series of 10 plague judgements upon the Egyptian god, they went out from Egypt in what is known as the Exodus.
- In the same way, Jesus Christ, through what He was about to accomplish, has delivered you and I from our slavery to sin, and consequently, death.
- This was always the purpose of Jesus' ministry. Turn with me to Matthew 1:21.
• Matthew 1:21-23 : "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shall call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
- Turn with me to Colossians 1:12. Paul, beginning his epistle to the church of Colosse urges them to walk worthy of the Lord.
• Colossians 1:12-14 : "giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins."
- Jesus is our deliverer. His death at Jerusalem and subsequent resurrection would secure our redemption from sin, our deliverance from the Kingdom of darkness.
- If you have never heard that, and would believe that this morning, you would be counted as one of the redeemed. I'll get back to that in a moment.
- Now, as we move on, we wonder about the presence of Elijah. Moses after leading the people out of Egypt later became the writer of the law.
- If Moses represents the law, then Elijah represents the prophets and thus our second Old Testament allusion.
- In I Kings 18, Elijah took on 400 Baal prophets on one day and won at the Battle of Carmel. It's easily one of the most enjoyable chapters in the Bible.
- Later, Elijah would be carried away in chariot of fire, further growing his renown.
- What is fascinating to me is this: Neither Moses nor Elijah finished their mission! Moses was not allowed to enter the promised land. Joshua had to take the Israelites in.
- In a similar fashion, Elijah was also relieved of duty by his assistant Elisha.
- Both names, Joshua and Elisha mean the same thing: God is salvation! The name Jesus, a Greek transliteration, means the exact same thing, as His Hebrew name would also be Joshua!
- Jesus is showing the disciples that He has come to fulfill the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah), to utterly and finally complete their mission!
- Turn with me to Matthew 5:17,18. Jesus says this explicitly.
• Matthew 5:17,18 : "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled."
- Peter sees all of this and offers a suggestion in verse 4: "Let's stay here! Forget the cross. Forget the suffering. We'll get some booths going and we'll usher in the Kingdom right now!"
- Take note of what the word says next in verse 5. "While he was still speaking..." In other words, Peter, shut up!
- I have been in rooms with great men. In such places, you will never find me offering an opinion! If those men point to me and ask, my first response will be, "Me?"
- I love Peter's impetuous and reckless fervor and I don't blame him. I want to skip the suffering and the pain too! But the glory of God will not come through the vehicle of ease in any of our lives!
- As Peter suggests this course of action, a bright cloud overcame them. This is now our third Old Testament allusion.
- When we think about the cloud biblically, we will recall to mind that this was how God lead his people during the time of their wanderings in the desert.
- For 40 years, when it was time to break camp, the cloud would move. Then when it was time to to camp, the cloud would rest over the top of the Tabernacle.
- His presence resting on top of the tabernacle in the wilderness was a picture of His rest and approval. Here, God the Father speaks and leaves no doubt.
- The Father says of Christ, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him."
- This is the second time that the Father specifically says this. The first time was when Jesus submitted to baptism, a picture of death, burial and resurrection.
- It's interesting to me here that Christ is again affirmed by the Lord when that same discussion is brought up. God the Father delights in the Son as He submits Himself to the plan of redemption.
- The culmination of Christ's ministry then is the redemption/rescue of His people from their slavery to sin, the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, and the eternal approval of God the Father.
- To you and I today, we understand that the life of Jesus and the voice of Jesus completes the whole message of God to us. God the Father says: "Hear Him."
- Jesus represents all of God's message to you and I. Jesus speaks of God's love in that He has come to initiate relationship with us.
- Jesus speaks of God's Holiness, in that He lived a life that perfectly satisfied God's holy law.
- Jesus speaks of God's wisdom, His power to forgive, His power to restore, heal and bless.
- Jesus says it all!

III. Consolation Of His Personality (17:6-8)

• Matthew 17:6-8 : "When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. But Jesus came and touched them and said 'Arise and do not be afraid. When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.'" Here is one of the great understatements of the Bible. Please put yourself in Peter, James and John's shoes.
- I would have fainted much earlier in the program! I give the disciples credit for making it this far. They have watched their Rabbi transfigure before their eyes, their dead heros appear out of thin air and their God speaks from the cloud of Shekinah glory. Yeah, I definitely would have fainted!
- The Bible tells us that they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. This is the automatic response that would happen to each of us if we were to face God today in our flesh.
- His holiness, His power is so overwhelming. Like Peter, James and John, we would hit the deck as well.
- I can never take anyone serious who tells me that when they see God, they are going to give Him a piece of their mind and tell Him where to get off!
- These people imagine that they would be able to stand in the presence of Almighty God and intimidate Him with their vitriolic anger. I almost laugh in their face right then.
- I am a Christian and have been for over 20 years of my life. I love the Lord, I am a Pastor, but when I see God, it will be straight to the ground, face as close to the Earth as I can possibly get.
- In fact, if I can dig a little first, I will!
- Now, that is the natural response to the presence of the Father. Notice the next phrase: But Jesus came and touched them.
- This is so beautiful. Where the voice of God the Father had put them on the ground, the voice of God the Son had lifted them up again!
- Where there was an instant separation from the Father, there was an instant connection to the Son, who bridges the gap between the two. Jesus Christ has ended the hostility between God and Man.
- Turn with me to Romans 5:8. The Apostle Paul is outlining the basis for our salvation.
• Romans 5:8-10 : "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life."
- Jesus touched them and assured them that they did not need to fear. In the same way, His nail pierced hands reach out to touch you. If you have never known Him, He calls today.
- If you have known Him and you have walked away, He calls you Home. Either way, the message is that Jesus is the God that touches and affirms that you need not fear if He is with you.

Conclusion

- Today, we understand that this event happened in the lives of these disciples, so that they would be strengthened in the face of Christ's death, though that may have taken effect after the fact.
- As we read and take in this same word today, we marvel at the master plan of salvation seen in the weavings of this message:
- Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, has accomplished a spiritual exodus for His People that fulfills the law and the prophets and is eternally approved by the Lord. As a result, those that look to Jesus will have no fear in the presence of God.
- Will you look to Jesus today? Will you settle the issue?
- We may tell you of the love of God and His passion for your soul, but He planned for and demonstrated His love toward you. Will you hear and receive?