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danmartin
Pastor, Grace Church Gateshead (Gateshead, UK)
User since 2016
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Zion will be redeemed through justice [sermon study notes]
Isaiah 2:1-4:6
God states his case against his people and his city [sermon study notes]
Isaiah 1:1-31
God will be silent no more [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 50:1-23
The city of God is a delight [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 48:1-21
Sing praise to God the King, all peoples! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 47:1-10
The LORD of hosts is with us [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 46:1-12
The King is getting married! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 45:1-18
You have made us like sheep for slaughter [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 44:1-27
Vindicate me, O God! [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 42:1-12
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 42:1-12
The Lord will bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom [draft sermon outline]
2 Timothy 4:9-22
Paul has finished well [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 4:6-8
Preach the Word! [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 4:1-8
God supplies the power for the Christian life [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 3:10-17
Be prepared for very hard times [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 3:1-9
Jesus' people must leave quarrelling behind [draft sermon outline]
2 Timothy 2:14-26
Follow Jesus through suffering and into glory [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 2:8-13
Be strengthened by the grace that is in Jesus [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 2:1-7
Do not be ashamed [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 1:8-18
God gave us a Spirit of power, love and self-control; not a spirit of fear [draft sermon outline]
2 Timothy 1:1-7
God delights to seek and to save the lost [draft sermon notes]
Luke 15:1-32
Jesus tells us to expect various different responses to the Word of God [draft sermon outline]
Luke 15:1-32
Making church safe, part 3: Confronting, recovering, preventing [draft sermon notes]
Mark 10:42-45
How does correct use of authority become misuse of authority, and what should we do about it?
Mark 10:42-45
Making church safe, part 1: why we need to talk about this
Mark 10:42-45
The risen Lord Jesus reveals himself again [draft sermon notes]
John 21:1-25
'Peace be with you' [draft sermon outline]
John 20:19-31
Jesus is alive! [draft sermon notes]
John 20:1-18
Jesus is buried [initial sermon notes]
John 19:31-42
'It is finished' [draft sermon notes]
John 19:16-30
Behold your King! [draft sermon notes]
John 18:28-19:16
Jesus is the true Hero [draft sermon notes]
John 18:1-27
Jesus prays for everyone who will believe in him [draft sermon notes]
John 17:20-26
Jesus prays for his disciples [draft sermon outline]
John 17:1-19
Whoever abides in the gospel has both the Father and the Son [draft sermon outline]
2 John 1-13
The Word became flesh [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:18-2:12
The King has been born [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:18-2:12
Jesus by name, Jesus by nature [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:18-2:12
Jesus asks his Father to glorify him [draft sermon outline]
John 17:1-19
Your sorrow will turn into joy [draft sermon notes]
John 16:16-33
Jesus prepares his people for opposition and hatred [draft sermon outline]
John 15:18-16:15
I AM the true vine [draft sermon outline]
John 15:1-17
"Because I live, you also will live" [draft sermon notes]
John 14:15-31
Jesus' public ministry revealed the Father to the world, but was met with unbelief [draft sermon notes]
John 12:36-50
The hour has come [draft sermon outline]
John 12:20-36
Jesus is the King who has come to die [draft sermon notes]
John 12:1-19
Jesus gives his life for his friends [draft sermon notes]
John 11:28-57
I AM the resurrection and the life [draft sermon notes]
John 11:1-27
Jesus and the Father are one [draft sermon notes]
John 10:22-42
I AM the Good Shepherd [draft sermon outline]
John 10:1-21
Jesus heals a man who had been blind since birth [draft sermon notes]
John 9:1-41
If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples [draft sermon outline]
John 8:31-59
I AM the light of the world [draft sermon notes]
John 8:12-30
If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink [draft sermon notes]
John 7:32-52
The World Hates Jesus [draft sermon notes]
John 7:1-31
You have the words of eternal life [draft sermon notes]
John 6:60-71
I AM the bread of life [draft sermon outline]
John 6:22-59
Jesus feeds the five thousand [draft sermon notes]
John 6:1-21
Jesus tells us to believe the evidence [draft sermon outline]
John 5:30-47
The Son does what the Father does [draft sermon outline]
John 5:1-29
Jesus heals an official's son [draft sermon notes]
John 4:43-54
Many Samaritans believe in Jesus [draft sermon outline]
John 4:1-42
He must increase, but I must decrease [draft sermon notes]
John 3:22-36
Come and have eternal life [draft sermon notes]
John 3:1-21
Jesus is the true temple [draft sermon outline]
John 2:13-25
Jesus shows his glory in his first sign [draft sermon outline]
John 2:1-12
We have found the Messiah! [draft sermon notes]
John 1:19-51
The Word became flesh [draft sermon outline]
John 1:1-18
An Introduction to John's Gospel - Grace Church Gateshead series intro
John 1:1-51
The LORD knows the way of the righteous [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 41:1-14
Your law is within my heart [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 40:1-18
Hurry to help me, O Lord my salvation! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 38:1-23
Don't get angry because of evil, but wait on God [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 37:1-40
How precious is your steadfast love, O God! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 36:1-13
How long, O LORD, will you look on? [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 35:1-28
Taste and see that the LORD is good! [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 34:1-23
Shout for joy in the LORD! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 33:1-22
Steadfast love surrounds those who trust in the LORD [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 32:1-11
Into your hand I commit my spirit [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 31:1-25
You have turned my mourning into dancing [initial sermon outline draft]
Psalms 30:1-13
Give glory to the LORD and his mighty Word! [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 29:1-11
The LORD is my strength and my shield [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 28:1-9
The LORD is my light and my salvation [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 27:1-14
Jesus' Kingdom will Never End [draft sermon outline]
Luke 1:1-2:52
'Put on' the Lord Jesus Christ [draft sermon notes]
Romans 14:1-23
Use your freedom to live as servants of God [draft sermon notes]
Romans 14:1-23
Part 1: Live as people who have been welcomed by God [draft sermon notes]
Romans 14:1-23
Grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus [draft sermon notes]
2 Peter 3:14-18
Jesus' return seems slow, because he is so patient [draft sermon outline]
2 Peter 3:8-13
Do not forget! The Lord always works through his Word [draft sermon notes]
2 Peter 3:1-7
Know the marks of false teachers, since being ensnared will utterly ruin you [draft sermon outline]
2 Peter 2:10-22
The Lord Jesus is in full control, even when false teachers harm the church [draft sermon outline]
2 Peter 2:1-10
The Old Testament has been confirmed in Jesus [draft sermon outline]
2 Peter 1:19-21
Don't ever forget: Jesus is coming back in power [draft sermon notes]
2 Peter 1:12-18
If you practice these qualities you will never fall [sermon outline]
2 Peter 1:5-11
God has given us all things for life and godliness [draft sermon outline]
2 Peter 1:3-4
Grow in the Grace and Knowledge in Jesus [sermon notes]
2 Peter 1:1-3:18
The ancient doors have been opened for Jesus, the King of glory [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 24:1-10
The LORD is my Shepherd [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 23:1-6
Praise the God who has revealed himself! [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 19:1-15
God's King praises God [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 18:1-51
God's promise continues beyond the lives of Jacob and Joseph [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 49:1-50:26
Jacob goes to Egypt [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 46:1-48:22
Joseph and his brothers are reconciled [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 42:1-45:28
God lifts Joseph up to the very top [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 40:1-41:57
The LORD was with Joseph [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 39:1-23
Judah is deceived [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 38:1-30
Joseph's brothers sell him as a slave [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 37:1-36
Esau becomes a mighty nation [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 36:1-43
One chapter is finished and another begins [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 35:1-29
Jacob's children don't act like God's children [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 34:1-31
Jacob and Esau are reconciled [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 33:1-20
Jacob becomes Israel [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 32:1-33
Jesus is alive [draft sermon notes]
Mark 14:1-16:20
Jacob and Laban make peace [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 31:1-55
God makes Jacob incredibly wealthy [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 30:25-43
Jacob has 12 children [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 29:31-30:24
Jacob gets married [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 29:1-30
God blesses Jacob [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 28:1-22
Jacob deceives his Father [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 27:1-46
Jacob manipulates Esau [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 25:19-34
Abraham dies but God's blessing continues on [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 25:1-18
God provides a wife for Isaac [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 24:1-67
Abraham owns a plot of land [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 23:1-20
God tests Abraham [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 22:1-24
Abraham makes a covenant of kindness [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 21:22-34
God shows his faithfulness to both of Abraham's sons [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 21:1-21
We have come to worship him [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:1-2:23
You shall call him Jesus, for He will save his people from their sins [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:1-2:23
The 'Christ' has arrived [draft sermon outline]
Matthew 1:1-2:23
God protects and blesses Abraham and Sarah again
Genesis 20:1-18
Lot is rescued on the terrible day of the LORD [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 19:1-38
Who am I? [draft sermon outline]
Galatians 2:1-21
Is anything too hard for the Lord? [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 18:1-33
God promises, and Abraham obeys [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 17:1-27
Abram and Sarai have a big wobble, but God's grace is greater still [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 16:1-16
God guarantees his promises to Abram [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 15:1-21
Abram and Lot part ways [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 13:2-18
God blesses and protects Abram and Sarai [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 12:10-13:1
God promises to bless all peoples through Abram [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 11:27-12:9
People spread out across the earth in their language groups [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 10:1-11:32
The earth was re-populated after the flood [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 10:1-11:32
Humanity falls again [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
God emphasises his commitment to the world he has made [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
The flood drains away and God makes a new creation [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
The flood came, just as God had said [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
God tells Noah to build an ark, since he is going to destroy everything on earth with a flood [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
As humans multiplied, so did wickedness [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 5:1-9:29
In the midst of the human story of death, God wrote a story of hope
Genesis 5:1-9:29
Sin and suffering multiply on earth [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 2:4-4:26
Adam and Eve are banished from Eden [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 2:4-4:26
Adam and Eve ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 2:4-4:26
Adam and Eve were naked and not ashamed [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 2:4-4:26
In the beginning, God created a very good world - part 2 [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 1:1-2:3
God made man out of the dust of the earth [draft sermon outline]
Genesis 2:4-4:26
In the beginning, God created a very good world [draft sermon notes]
Genesis 1:1-2:25
He has risen, as he said[draft sermon notes]
Matthew 26:1-28:20
The long wait has a joyful end [draft sermon notes]
Luke 2:22-35
What is a simple church? [draft sermon notes]
Acts 2:42-47
What is a disciple-making church? [draft sermon notes]
Matthew 28:18-20
What is a gospel-centred church? [draft sermon notes]
Colossians 3:1-4
We will see God and be satisfied! [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 17:1-51
In God's presence there is fullness of joy [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 16:1-15
Jesus has taken us into God's presence forever [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 15:1-11
The LORD's words are utterly pure and trustworthy [draft sermon outline]
Psalms 12:1-9
When it seems like evil is unstoppable, know that God sees from heaven and he will act [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 11:1-9
God sees the evil on planet earth, and he will deal with all of it [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 10:1-18
The LORD has established his throne for justice [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 9:1-39
God's name is overwhelmingly majestic [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 8:1-10
God is a righteous Judge [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 7:1-18
The LORD hears our weeping prayers [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 6
The LORD covers his people with favour [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 5:1-13
The LORD hears when we call to Him [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 4:1-9
The LORD of hosts is with us [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 46:1-12
By God's grace, be at peace [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
Be ready for Jesus' return! [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Encourage each other with the certain hope of Jesus' return [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Keep on loving one another [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 4:9-12
Living to please God means we must pursue holiness [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
Be prepared for affliction [draft sermon outline]
1 Thessalonians 3:1-13
Paul longed to see the Thessalonians again [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 2:17-20
Thank God for the faith and perseverance of his people [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 2:13-16
Confidence in God leads us to declare the gospel and share our lives [draft sermon outline]
1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
When God's people suffer joyfully, the gospel multiplies [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 1:6-10
Paul thanks God that the Thessalonian church are real Christians [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5
Celebrate the life of faith, hope and love in the gospel of Jesus Christ [draft sermon notes]
1 Thessalonians 1:1-5:28
It is good to give thanks to the LORD [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 92:1-16
Since we are alive in Christ together, live the new life together [draft sermon outline]
Colossians 3:1-17
Daniel is assured that God will fulfil all his plans and put all things right [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 12:1-13
Daniel sees a final vision of proud kings, turmoil, and suffering in times to come [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 11:1-45
Daniel is exhausted and strengthened for one more vision [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 10:1-21
Daniel's faithful prayer receives a glorious answer [draft sermon notes]
Daniel 9:1-27
Daniel sees that God is bigger than the dark days that lie ahead [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 8:1-27
God has established his eternal Kingdom in Jesus [draft sermon notes]
Daniel 7:1-28
God raises Daniel alive out of the place of death [draft sermon notes]
Daniel 6:1-29
God suddenly ends Belshazzar's life and rule, because he did not honour God [draft sermon notes]
Daniel 5:1-31
God reveals deep and hidden things [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 2:1-49
God preserves his faithful people in exile [draft sermon outline]
Daniel 1:1-21
Jesus is the resurrection and the life [draft sermon outline]
John 11:1-57
Jesus' family must show honour [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 5:17-6:2
Train yourself for godliness [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 4:6-16
Jesus has revealed the secret of godliness  [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Show the gospel by serving [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 3:8-13
Eldership is a good work [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 3:1-7
Godly living celebrates the goodness of God our creator [early draft sermon notes]
1 Timothy 2:8-15
God's gospel is for everyone [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 2:1-7
Those who truly love the law, love the gospel [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 1:8-20
Keep the gospel the centre! [draft sermon outline]
1 Timothy 1:1-7
How we live in God's household (draft sermon notes)
1 Timothy 1:1-2
God's king takes away God's punishment [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 24:1-25
God has established an everlasting Kingdom [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 23:1-39
To God Be The Glory, Great Things He Has Done [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 21:15-22:51
God's King removes the judgement on God's people [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 21:1-14
God's king is rejected - again [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 20:1-26
The Return of the King: David returns to Jerusalem [draft sermon notes - unfinished]
2 Samuel 19:8-43
The rebel dies a rebel's death [draft sermon notes - unfinished]
2 Samuel 17:27-19:8
Absalom takes Jerusalem [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 16:15-17:26
Absalom rebels against David [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 15:1-16:14
Humble yourselves under God's mighty hand [draft sermon notes]
1 Peter 5:1-14
David is manipulated [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 14:1-33
David's sons abandon steadfast love [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 13:1-39
The LORD punishes and pardons [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 12:1-31
David abandons steadfast love (Bathsheba) - initial draft sermon notes
2 Samuel 11:1-27
David defeats the Ammonites (the backdrop to Bathsheba) [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 10:1-19
David shows the steadfast love of God [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 9:1-13
The LORD gave victory to David wherever he went [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 8:1-18
God's King is victorious [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 5:1-26
God's Kingdom is established - but God is in no one's debt [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 4:1-12
God's king begins his rule [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 2:1-3:1
David learns that the King is dead, and laments [draft sermon notes]
2 Samuel 1:1-27
Let all the ends of the earth worship God in Jesus! [draft sermon notes]
Psalms 67:1-7
Persisting in Evangelism, part 2 - 'Samaria' [draft sermon notes]
Colossians 4:1-6
Persisting in Evangelism, part 1 - 'Judea' [draft sermon notes]
2 Corinthians 4:1-18
Reformation - sola gratia [draft sermon notes]
Ephesians 2:1-10
Sola Scriptura! [draft sermon notes]
2 Timothy 3:14-4:8
The gospel reaches the ends of the earth [draft sermon notes]
Acts 28:11-31
God is our refuge and strength [draft sermon notes]
Acts 27:2-28:10
Paul testifies to the resurrection again [draft sermon notes]
Acts 25:13-27:1
Paul keeps testifying [draft sermon notes]
Acts 24:1-25:12
The Lord Jesus protects Paul and guides his way onwards towards Rome [draft sermon notes]
Acts 21:27-23:35
Paul goes to Jerusalem, fully aware of what awaits him [draft sermon notes]
Acts 21:1-26
Care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood [draft sermon notes]
Acts 20:17-38
Idolatry causes a riot in Ephesus [draft sermon notes]
Acts 19:21-20:1
The Kingdom of God comes in Ephesus [draft sermon notes]
Acts 18:24-19:20
By the grace of Jesus, Paul plants the gospel in Corinth and completes his second missionary journey [draft sermon notes]
Acts 18:1-23
News of Jesus' resurrection challenges, divides, and saves [draft sermon notes]
Acts 17:16-34
The gospel of the Lord Jesus takes root in Europe (draft sermon notes)
Acts 16:6-40
It's Official: God is saving people from all nations into his church through Jesus Christ alone [draft sermon notes].
Acts 15:1-16:5
Paul and Barnabus plant true worshiping communities in the nations [draft sermon notes]
Acts 14:1-28
The Lord Jesus sends Paul and Barnabus to preach and plant his gospel in the nations (draft sermon notes)
Acts 12:25-13:52
The Word of God is unstoppable (draft sermon notes)
Acts 12:1-25
Christmas Day 2016: Now we have what many longed to see (draft sermon notes)
Luke 2:22-40
God has kept his promises! (sermon notes 1.0)
Luke 1:57-80
The Lord Jesus plants a church in Antioch (draft sermon notes)
Acts 11:19-30
Jesus calls the nations into His church (draft sermon notes)
Acts 10:1-11:18
Jesus Christ heals (draft sermon notes)
Acts 9:32-43
Jesus saves a man through Scripture reading and Christian witness (draft sermon notes)
Acts 8:26-40
Jesus told the truth when He said, 'You will be my witnesses in Samaria' (sermon notes draft)
Acts 8:3-25
Jesus receives His first martyr, and the gospel is scattered outwards (draft sermon notes)
Acts 6:8-8:2
The healthy church grows through internal problems (draft sermon notes)
Acts 6:1-7
Jesus empowers His church to endure opposition with joy [draft sermon notes 1.0]
Acts 5:12-42
You cannot serve God and money (draft sermon notes)
Acts 4:32-5:11
Jesus shows His power to save by healing a lame man (draft sermon notes)
Acts 3:1-26
The Spirit-filled church is devoted to Jesus, who blesses and grows His church
Acts 2:42-47
The Enthroned Jesus Delivers on God's Promise (sermon notes)
Acts 2:1-41
Jesus prepares His church for the coming of the Spirit (Sunday sermon notes)
Acts 1:12-26
Jesus' ascension guarantees the completion of God's plan
Acts 1:1-11
view all (268 total)
Jesus converts Saul, who experiences opposition, suspicion, and acceptance
Acts 9:1-31
Jesus converts Saul, who experiences opposition, suspicion, and acceptance (draft sermon notes)
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#Jesus
#mercy
Published November 16th, 2016
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Opening prayer: Lord Jesus, please help us to marvel at your mercy. Give us power from your Spirit to grasp again your outrageous mercy. Introduction: Love your enemies. Jesus shows it, Jesus does it, Jesus prays it. Jesus is still doing it. If you are a Christian, it is because Jesus pursued you and turned you around. Saul/Paul is our chief case study. 'God's rescue of Saul replaces some of what was seemingly lost with Stephen's death.' This all happened within 1-3 years of Jesus' death. All this happens during AD 36-39. We know this from the dates of Aretas' reign. Big idea: Jesus converts Saul, who experiences opposition, suspicion, and acceptance 9.1-2 Saul's agenda was to eradicate 'the Way' V2 'belonging to the Way'. The Way. A great name. Draws on the OT; the way of the righteous etc. Communicates status/place, along with activity and progress. [there are just two roads; what matters is not how fast you travel it, or even how enjoyable it seems to be, but being on the right one] 9.3-9 Jesus' agenda was to call, save, and send Saul What happens here is remarkable - that's the point! A light from heaven, a voice speaking, and his own name being repeated. All truly remarkable to a Pharisee/someone familiar with the OT...it is very similar to Moses' call! [by the way, no mention of falling off a horse!] Once again, the 'Acts of Jesus'...He is the One will all authority, the One ruling on the throne for the sake of His church. 'the reason Saul reacted when the Lord appeared to him must rest in part on the preparation God had engaged in when faithful people such as Stephen preached to Saul even though he opposed the church. One never knows when God may open a heart to heart God's message and see how God acts in history.' Let' not misunderstand this account and make it normative for conversion [it can't be anyway - going blind? Someone else getting a word from God about you? Scales?]. I.e., we don't wait to become Christians until there's some amazing experience. Saul had been suppressing the truth, he had nagging doubts. God was working on him. Maybe something just nagged at him from the way he say Stephen die. [key application to children: being a Christian is probably like the air you breathe, and that's great. Sometimes people have amazing experiences, but most people don't. If you've been raised to know the gospel from a young age, there's no need to expect you'll have something like this. I hope and pray that all of you TCC kids will reach a point where you can say for yourself that you want to be baptised - but there is no hurry, and don't think you need some incredible story to tell]. V4-5 it is breathtaking how Jesus identifies absolutely and personally with His church; why are you persecuting Me? And again, I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. Let us never forget the love and union that Jesus has with His church. [think about this...how you treat the church is the key proof of how you regard Jesus. Persecute her - lie to her (Ananias/Sapphira) - are cruel and selfish towards her (sheep/goats) - are always critical and self-righteous and never generous - are casual and non-committal - are tender, generous, forgiving, long-suffering, like Barnabus is] Is there a contradiction between 9.3-7 and 22.9? No. The larger group heard a sound but nothing intelligible, whilst seeing a light but not Jesus Himself. But Saul sees His glory, and hears His voice addressing him. Probably his gentile call is given here, since it's mentioned to Ananias in 9.15, and see chapters 22 and 26. 9.10-25 Saul is welcomed and opposed in Damascus Damascus, 135 miles north northeast of Jerusalem. [so a bit further than Edinburgh is from us] Ananias shows us how to welcome an enemy who comes to faith. [takes God at His word; Saul is now a friend, a brother] V6-18 God's chosen instrument. What obedience and courage from Ananias. [if God had said beforehand, no one would have believed that this Saul could be His chosen instrument. His ways are not our ways, His wisdom unsearchable - we can trust Him!] [e.g., surprising choice of person/instrument - tennis player picking a ball/surgeon wanting something so specific/] 'brother' Saul (v17), something Paul quotes in Acts 22. Must have been so precious to Saul. Spirit given through Ananias, not one of the apostles. V20 the work of the Holy Spirit; now Saul is saying, Jesus is the Christ! 'Saul the persecutor with a letter from the high priest now is Saul the witness with a commission from Jesus. The heavenly calling has trumped the original earthly mission.' Irony. The first place Saul preaches is Damascus, where he had gone in order to bind and persecute Jesus-followers. He preaches, telling people to become Christians. And then he himself has to flee persecution! Paul's work parallels Jesus; both in a synagogue; both have an astonished audience that questions their past (Jesus due to his family roots, Paul since he was a persecutor). Rejection the result for both. V25 great reversal for Saul; now he is the target of murderous threats. Humanly he has lost everything, as he is lowered - with nothing - out of the city wall. cf 2 Corinthians 11 . Basket. Like a hamper basket. [imagine this! And yet this is like Paul's trump card of being qualified. Have you lost things, been humiliated for the gospel (not your offensiveness or wrongdoing)? It is actually something to boast in] 9.26-31 Saul is welcomed and opposed in Jerusalem True conversion always leads to local church membership V26 never noticed this before. What must it have felt like to Saul to lose everything, flee for his life, and then be rejected by the only brothers he has in Jerusalem! Many Christians have felt this same...suspicion, or a question-mark hanging over them in others' eyes. Other Christians don't want 'shame by association'. Praise God for people like Barnabus, who simply extend love and acceptance. He knows there is no more shame for those in Christ, which frees him to be relationally generous. V27 but Barnabus. Kingdom-minded in his ways. Father, give us more Barnabuses! Barnabus is not only generous with his resources, but generous in his relationships. Barnabus, 'taking him', has the sense of 'taking him under his wing'. [are you prepared to stand with brothers, even if it brings you shame? I really hope we have a reputation for that at TCC] Saul engages with the Hellenists, who were the ones who had killed Stephen while he watched their cloaks. [quite probably the very same people!] V30 another murder threat. Already Saul is learning how much he must suffer for the Lord (v16). V31 glorious summary statement. The church (singular) in all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was being built up. It 'was being multiplied' as it walked in i. The fear of the Lord and ii. The comfort of the Holy Spirit. It's almost i) knowing the awe and glory of the Living God but also ii) knowing Him as Father. [Let's pray this for the North East] Glory of God - calls His enemies to be His 'chosen instrument'! FCF - opposition to the gospel. Overt like Saul pre-conversion [islam, militant atheism, etc]. Overt like his subsequent opponents watching day and night to kill him. Or covert in the form of suspicion and arms-length relations [coldness]. Nature - it comes naturally to oppose the unknown. This is why gospel ministry encounters conflict and opposition, since it calls for change. But it's also why our default stance towards Christians from other 'camps' is simply coldness. [Our problem is actually not so much doctrinal disunity, but relational disunity. Because we won't treat other Christians as brothers, we never get to the point of talking in love, with an open Bible, and reaching one mind on things. We assume the worst! We make caricatures] Choice - this is a choice we make; it's the easy way out. We choose a sinful default of viewing people according to worldly lenses, rather than first of all through the theological reality of Christ and His church. Barnabus is the model to us of viewing people as Jesus sees them; if someone is a Jesus-follower, then love them, no matter how unpopular that is. Person of Jesus - He shows us to love His followers, no matter how slow they are to get up to speed, how messy, offensive, or eccentric. His followers, even then, were such a mixed bag - educated and uneducated. Different territories of Judea, wealthy and poor, headstrong and timid. What you did to the least of these, you did to me. Even Jesus was mocked for whom He chose to associate with - prostitutes, drunkards, tax collectors. [Isn't it possible that sometimes Jesus throws people and situations across our path as if to say, 'You believe in grace? Show me that you do']. Have you been opposed or shamed? Know that Jesus stands with you. In Christ, there is no longer any shame. Work of Jesus - Jesus loves His people, to death. Jesus bleeds and dies to purchase eternal life, forgiveness, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. So of course we stand indebted to one another to love richly. Barnabus gets this; Jesus died for Saul, so I will love him. Simple. Jesus endured and exhausted our shame outside the city, in the place of shame. So now there is no shame in generosity to others. What is specific repentance & faith -if you are opposed to the gospel, change sides -if you are suspicious of Christians out of cynicism, arrogance, or laziness, stop. In Jesus, be charitable and generous. -if you have suffered mockery and shame for whom you have stood by, be encouraged - you walk in Jesus' footsteps. -if you feel ostracised or shamed by other Christians, then seek refuge in Jesus. Of course you must examine yourself and repent of sinful actions, attitudes, and manners. But beyond that, rest in that fact that He sees and knows. His love for you is enough. Conclusion: 'Heaven has reached down to call someone on earth.' 'Saul the persecutor with a letter from the high priest now is Saul the witness with a commission from Jesus. The heavenly calling has trumped the original earthly mission.' 1 Timothy 1.12-17 Paul said this, writing in later life to Timothy: I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 1 Timothy 1:12-17 ESV Closing prayer: Thank you for coming into the world to save sinners. Thank you for your patience to us. Thank you for giving us mercy. Please help us to be merciful people, since we follow the Way, your Way. Response time notes: 1 Timothy 1.12-17 2 Timothy 4.6-18 2 Corinthians 11.21-12.10 Lord's Supper links: This is a meal that shows mercy. In preaching, we tell and hear of God's mercy. The bread and wine show it. The bread pictures Jesus' body broken and killed, so that we could be given life. The wine pictures His blood poured out for us so that we could be forgiven and restored. This is a meal that shows mercy. Jesus gave it to His church for our spiritual nourishment. So come to Him with faith this morning.
notes
Look-up
NT
Acts 9:1-31
na28
9 1 Ὁ δὲ Σαῦλος ἔτι ἐμπνέων ἀπειλῆς καὶ φόνου εἰς τοὺς μαθητὰς τοῦ κυρίου, προσελθὼν τῷ ἀρχιερεῖ 2 ᾐτήσατο παρʼ αὐτοῦ ἐπιστολὰς εἰς Δαμασκὸν πρὸς τὰς συναγωγάς, ὅπως ἐάν τινας εὕρῃ τῆς ὁδοῦ ὄντας, ἄνδρας τε καὶ γυναῖκας, δεδεμένους ἀγάγῃ εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ. 3 Ἐν δὲ τῷ πορεύεσθαι ἐγένετο αὐτὸν ἐγγίζειν τῇ Δαμασκῷ, ἐξαίφνης τε αὐτὸν περιήστραψεν φῶς ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ 4 καὶ πεσὼν ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν ἤκουσεν φωνὴν λέγουσαν αὐτῷ• Σαοὺλ Σαούλ, τί με διώκεις; 5 εἶπεν δέ• τίς εἶ, κύριε; ὁ δέ• ἐγώ εἰμι Ἰησοῦς ὃν σὺ διώκεις• 6 ἀλλʼ ἀνάστηθι καὶ εἴσελθε εἰς τὴν πόλιν καὶ λαληθήσεταί σοι ὅ τί σε δεῖ ποιεῖν. 7 οἱ δὲ ἄνδρες οἱ συνοδεύοντες αὐτῷ εἱστήκεισαν ἐνεοί, ἀκούοντες μὲν τῆς φωνῆς μηδένα δὲ θεωροῦντες. 8 ἠγέρθη δὲ Σαῦλος ἀπὸ τῆς γῆς, ἀνεῳγμένων δὲ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν αὐτοῦ οὐδὲν ἔβλεπεν• χειραγωγοῦντες δὲ αὐτὸν εἰσήγαγον εἰς Δαμασκόν. 9 καὶ ἦν ἡμέρας τρεῖς μὴ βλέπων καὶ οὐκ ἔφαγεν οὐδὲ ἔπιεν. 10 ῏Ην δέ τις μαθητὴς ἐν Δαμασκῷ ὀνόματι Ἁνανίας, καὶ εἶπεν πρὸς αὐτὸν ἐν ὁράματι ὁ κύριος• Ἁνανία. ὁ δὲ εἶπεν• ἰδοὺ ἐγώ, κύριε. 11 ὁ δὲ κύριος πρὸς αὐτόν• ἀναστὰς πορεύθητι ἐπὶ τὴν ῥύμην τὴν καλουμένην Εὐθεῖαν καὶ ζήτησον ἐν οἰκίᾳ Ἰούδα Σαῦλον ὀνόματι Ταρσέα• ἰδοὺ γὰρ προσεύχεται 12 καὶ εἶδεν ἄνδρα [ἐν ὁράματι] Ἁνανίαν ὀνόματι εἰσελθόντα καὶ ἐπιθέντα αὐτῷ [τὰς] χεῖρας ὅπως ἀναβλέψῃ. 13 ἀπεκρίθη δὲ Ἁνανίας• κύριε, ἤκουσα ἀπὸ πολλῶν περὶ τοῦ ἀνδρὸς τούτου ὅσα κακὰ τοῖς ἁγίοις σου ἐποίησεν ἐν Ἰερουσαλήμ• 14 καὶ ὧδε ἔχει ἐξουσίαν παρὰ τῶν ἀρχιερέων δῆσαι πάντας τοὺς ἐπικαλουμένους τὸ ὄνομά σου. 15 εἶπεν δὲ πρὸς αὐτὸν ὁ κύριος• πορεύου, ὅτι σκεῦος ἐκλογῆς ἐστίν μοι οὗτος τοῦ βαστάσαι τὸ ὄνομά μου ἐνώπιον ἐθνῶν τε καὶ βασιλέων υἱῶν τε Ἰσραήλ• 16 ἐγὼ γὰρ ὑποδείξω αὐτῷ ὅσα δεῖ αὐτὸν ὑπὲρ τοῦ ὀνόματός μου παθεῖν. 17 Ἀπῆλθεν δὲ Ἁνανίας καὶ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς τὴν οἰκίαν καὶ ἐπιθεὶς ἐπʼ αὐτὸν τὰς χεῖρας εἶπεν• Σαοὺλ ἀδελφέ, ὁ κύριος ἀπέσταλκέν με, Ἰησοῦς ὁ ὀφθείς σοι ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ ᾗ ἤρχου, ὅπως ἀναβλέψῃς καὶ πλησθῇς πνεύματος ἁγίου. 18 καὶ εὐθέως ἀπέπεσαν αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν ὡς λεπίδες, ἀνέβλεψέν τε καὶ ἀναστὰς ἐβαπτίσθη 19 καὶ λαβὼν τροφὴν ἐνίσχυσεν. Ἐγένετο δὲ μετὰ τῶν ἐν Δαμασκῷ μαθητῶν ἡμέρας τινὰς 20 καὶ εὐθέως ἐν ταῖς συναγωγαῖς ἐκήρυσσεν τὸν Ἰησοῦν ὅτι οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ. 21 ἐξίσταντο δὲ πάντες οἱ ἀκούοντες καὶ ἔλεγον• οὐχ οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ πορθήσας εἰς Ἰερουσαλὴμ τοὺς ἐπικαλουμένους τὸ ὄνομα τοῦτο, καὶ ὧδε εἰς τοῦτο ἐληλύθει ἵνα δεδεμένους αὐτοὺς ἀγάγῃ ἐπὶ τοὺς ἀρχιερεῖς; 22 Σαῦλος δὲ μᾶλλον ἐνεδυναμοῦτο καὶ συνέχυννεν [τοὺς] Ἰουδαίους τοὺς κατοικοῦντας ἐν Δαμασκῷ συμβιβάζων ὅτι οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ χριστός. 23 Ὡς δὲ ἐπληροῦντο ἡμέραι ἱκαναί, συνεβουλεύσαντο οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι ἀνελεῖν αὐτόν• 24 ἐγνώσθη δὲ τῷ Σαύλῳ ἡ ἐπιβουλὴ αὐτῶν. παρετηροῦντο δὲ καὶ τὰς πύλας ἡμέρας τε καὶ νυκτὸς ὅπως αὐτὸν ἀνέλωσιν• 25 λαβόντες δὲ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ νυκτὸς διὰ τοῦ τείχους καθῆκαν αὐτὸν χαλάσαντες ἐν σπυρίδι. 26 Παραγενόμενος δὲ εἰς Ἰερουσαλὴμ ἐπείραζεν κολλᾶσθαι τοῖς μαθηταῖς, καὶ πάντες ἐφοβοῦντο αὐτὸν μὴ πιστεύοντες ὅτι ἐστὶν μαθητής. 27 Βαρναβᾶς δὲ ἐπιλαβόμενος αὐτὸν ἤγαγεν πρὸς τοὺς ἀποστόλους καὶ διηγήσατο αὐτοῖς πῶς ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ εἶδεν τὸν κύριον καὶ ὅτι ἐλάλησεν αὐτῷ καὶ πῶς ἐν Δαμασκῷ ἐπαρρησιάσατο ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ Ἰησοῦ. 28 καὶ ἦν μετʼ αὐτῶν εἰσπορευόμενος καὶ ἐκπορευόμενος εἰς Ἰερουσαλήμ, παρρησιαζόμενος ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι τοῦ κυρίου, 29 ἐλάλει τε καὶ συνεζήτει πρὸς τοὺς Ἑλληνιστάς, οἱ δὲ ἐπεχείρουν ἀνελεῖν αὐτόν. 30 ἐπιγνόντες δὲ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ κατήγαγον αὐτὸν εἰς Καισάρειαν καὶ ἐξαπέστειλαν αὐτὸν εἰς Ταρσόν. 31 Ἡ μὲν οὖν ἐκκλησία καθʼ ὅλης τῆς Ἰουδαίας καὶ Γαλιλαίας καὶ Σαμαρείας εἶχεν εἰρήνην οἰκοδομουμένη καὶ πορευομένη τῷ φόβῳ τοῦ κυρίου καὶ τῇ παρακλήσει τοῦ ἁγίου πνεύματος ἐπληθύνετο.
Acts 9:1-31
esv
The Conversion of Saul 9 1 But Saul, b still c breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to d the high priest 2 and asked him for letters e to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to f the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 g 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 h me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, h whom you are persecuting. 6 But i rise and enter the city, and you will be told j what you are to do.” 7 k The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, l hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, m 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 n Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, o “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 p of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and q 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, r how much evil he has done to s your t saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from u the chief priests to bind all who v call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for w he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name x before the Gentiles and y kings and the children of Israel. 16 For z I will show him how much a he must suffer b for the sake of my name.” 17 So c Ananias departed and entered the house. And d 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 e be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and f he regained his sight. Then g he rose and was baptized; 19 and h taking food, he was strengthened. Saul Proclaims Jesus in Synagogues For i some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, j “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who k made havoc l in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul m increased all the more in strength, and n confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving o that Jesus was the Christ. Saul Escapes from Damascus 23 p When many days had passed, the Jews 1 plotted to kill him, 24 but their q plot became known to Saul. r They were watching the gates day and night in order to kill him, 25 but his disciples took him by night and s let him down through an opening in the wall, 1 lowering him in a basket. Saul in Jerusalem 26 And t when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But u Barnabas took him and v brought him to the apostles and declared to them w how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and x how at Damascus he had y preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 So he went z in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 And he spoke and disputed against a the Hellenists. 1 But b they were seeking to kill him. 30 And when c the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off d to Tarsus. 31 So e the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And f walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, g it multiplied.
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