Big Idea: No one is too lost for God's grace, and no one is too broken for God's purpose. No One Is Beyond God's Grace Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. 3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. Acts 9:1-3 (NLT2) We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ Acts 9:4 & 26:14 (NIV) 1. Do You Know Who Jesus Really Is? 5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Acts 9:5 (NLT2) Jesus Is Alive. Jesus Is God. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) Yet it was our weaknesses He carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! 5 But He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. 6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on Him the sins of us all. Isaiah 53:4-6 (NLT2) For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Peter, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 (NIV) 2. Do You Know What Jesus Wants from You? “I asked, ‘What should I do, Lord?’ “And the Lord told me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything you are to do.’ Acts 9:6 & 22:10 (NLT2) What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? 2 By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? 3 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. Romans 6:1-4 (NIV) 7 The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. Acts 9:7-9 (NLT2) 3. Will You Surrender To Jesus? 10 Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied. 11 The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. 12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.” 13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” 15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.” 17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength. Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. > 20 And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!” Acts 9:10-20 (NLT2) Will you fully surrender to Jesus? My next right steps: Invite Jesus to be your Lord and Savior Share your story of life change in Jesus Follow Jesus in Believer’s Baptism July 27 at the Turley’s Big Idea: No one is too lost for God's grace, and no one is too broken for God's purpose. Icebreaker Question: Have you ever judged someone and later been surprised by how God worked in their life—or yours? 1. Read Acts 9:1–9 Discussion Question: What stands out to you about Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus? Why do you think Jesus confronted Saul so dramatically? What does this teach us about God’s initiative in reaching lost people? Saul’s transformation is like a terrorist becoming a missionary overnight. It’s radical—and only God can do that. Have you ever felt like someone (or yourself) was “too far gone” for God? 2. Read Acts 9:10–19 How do you think Ananias felt when God told him to go to Saul? What fears or doubts might he have wrestled with? Has God ever asked you to do something outside your comfort zone to help someone else grow? Romans 12:1–2 — Don’t conform to the world, but be transformed. 3. What do you learn about discipleship from the relationship between Ananias and Saul? Why is it important to have people help us grow in faith? Who has been an “Ananias” in your life? Who are you walking alongside now? 4. Transformation and Calling What does Saul’s story teach us about identity and purpose? Read 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Galatians 2:20. How does a personal encounter with Jesus change not just what we do, but who we are? Application Challenge: Jesus didn’t come to improve your old life; He came to give you a new one. Are there areas in your life where you’re still trying to fit Jesus in instead of surrendering fully? 5. Taking the Next Step Which of these best describes your spiritual journey right now? Still resisting Jesus Surrendering in part Ready to proclaim boldly Follow-Up: What is one “next right step” you can take this week? Invite Jesus to be your Savior Share your story with someone Get baptized Mentor or disciple someone Take a bold step of obedience Memory Verse “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” —2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) Closing Prayer: Pray that each person would clearly see who Jesus is, surrender fully to Him, and walk boldly in their God-given identity and mission—just like Saul.