This past Sunday at Renovation Church I had the honor of teaching through the conversion of Saul in Acts 9:1-9. The message is below – I pray it challenges you in your faith and gives you insight in to the depth of the Father’s love for you.
Below the message is the sermon discussion guide. I lead a small group every Wednesday night at 8pm via Zoom so all are invited to join us. Here’s the connection info: Online Service Information
Book of Acts – Week 23 – Acts 9:1-9
Discussion Guide
Before working on this discussion guide, please do the following:
1. Watch the message from this past Sunday if you were unable to attend the online service. You can find the message on our Facebook Page and on our website (renovationchurchsd.com).
2. Spend 5 minutes or so in prayer. You can either pray through the “Lord’s Prayer” or simply share what is on your heart. It is also good to spend at least 1 full minute in silence so that God can quiet your heart and mind as you prepare to study the Scriptures.
Discussion Questions
1. Read slowly and prayerfully through Acts 9:1-9. What stands out to you? What questions do you still have after reading through the text?
2. Luke refers to those who follow Jesus as belonging to “the Way.” This is one of the first terms that was used to describe the early church. Why do you think the church chose this as their title? What might we learn from it for our own faith journeys?
3. Saul was extremely religious and highly educated and yet he opposed the work of God (all while he thought he was doing the work of God). He was likely reflecting on his own experience when he wrote 2 Corinthians 3:12-18. Read through this passage and make note of what stands out to you.
4. One of the surprising things Jesus asks Saul is “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Truly, Saul has never actually persecuted Jesus (as far as we know). What is the significance of this question? What are some passages that come to mind in the rest of the New Testament that help explain how closely Jesus identifies with the church?
5. One of the things I emphasized in the message is that the Church does not defend Jesus, Jesus defends the Church. What are some ways we try to defend Jesus in our culture? Instead of defending Jesus, how can we better share our faith with those around us without it falling into an argument?
6. Saul was willing to travel 150 miles on foot (roughly a 6 day journey) in order to find Christians and have them placed in prison back in Jerusalem. Throughout history, many of those who oppose Christianity seem to be more passionate about their belief system than those of us who are Christians. What is one specific step you can take to grow in your passion of knowing Jesus and sharing your faith with others?
Tyler Ramsbey 