Pastor Lawton's Sermon

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May 30, 2010 -

""Before and After "

Sermon Outline

Before and After:
Paul’s Story
Acts 9:1-19 (p.777- 778)

1. Before
1. Misdirected passion
   • A religious man without Christ (Acts 22:3)
2. Paul was on a mission to destroy the church
   • Approved of the stoning of Stephen (7:58, 8:1)
   • Sought out believers (8:3)
   • He was making threats (9:1)
3. Paul was persecuting Jesus Christ (9:4-5)
   • To persecute the church is to persecute Christ
2. Paul’s Drastic Change
   • “Jesus arrests Saul” (v.1-9)
     • Drastic conversion experience suits Paul
   • He met Jesus
     • What he heard must be true
     • His acceptance revealed his desire to follow God
   • Paul was embraced by a brother in Christ (v. 10 – 18)
     • The family of God is invaluable
     • Affirmation for Paul
   • From persecutor to persecuted (v.15 – 16)
   • Paul bears fruit (v.20 -31)
3. Lessons to Learn
1. There is hope
   • Jesus knows what it will take to bring someone to Him
2. God can use us as us     
   • God can redeem our past
   • Beneficial attributes from Paul’s past (Bible Knowledge Commentary)
• His knowledge of the Jewish faith and culture
• Acquainted with the Greek culture & philosophies
• Privileges as a Roman citizen
•  He had a trade that allowed him to support himself
• His passion and whole hearted devotion
4. God can use us to bring others to Him
• Remember this, we can save no one
1. God wants to use us even in our enemies lives
• Let go of the past of others
• We are in this together for the sake of the kingdom
5. The Difference
   • No matter how drastic it is perceived, before and after is always the difference between heaven and hell.

Praise God for the before and after in your life!       

1. Going Deeper
   •  Is there a before and after in your life?  If not,  I encourage you to put your trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Read Romans 10:9-10).  If you have any questions or would like someone to pray with you, please contact Pastor Lawton.
   • If you never did so, it would be helpful to write down how you came to Christ.  Reflect on the before and after.
   • This week pray for someone who seems to be running from Christ. Seek the Lord for guidance as to what your role might be in helping them come to know Christ.
   • Read Acts 9:19 – 31 Would you be more like Barnabas or the others (v. 26 – 27)?

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