Good News Club: Saul Trusts in Jesus as His Savior

Introduction: Friends, our first week we had seen that we have every reason to believe that Jesus had risen from the dead, particularly through 4 pieces of evidence (review).

The next week we saw how the Holy Spirit gave the disciples exactly what they needed to proclaim the Gospel.

Last week, we saw how God gave the disciples courage and joy to do what pleased the Lord, even when it hurt them.

This week, we’re going to be introduced to someone that we’re going to reflect on their life both this week and next. His name is Saul. Probably most of us know him as the Apostle Paul.

However, before he did all the wonderful things for the Lord, Saul sought to hurt God’s people, like the chief priest and Sadducees we had seen last week. Friends, Saul thought that he was doing the right thing. This prompted several of Jesus’ disciples to leave Jerusalem so that they could be safe.

Friends, when you think you’re doing the right thing but it’s the wrong thing, we call this being deceived. You see friends, the enemy, Satan, wants to tell us lies that we believe and then use to hurt other people. (Ex. making fun of someone because they’re wearing glasses)

The truth is friends, you may be thinking of when you hurt someone through your words or actions. Friends, God wants us to be kind and if we hurt others, we’re doing what displeases the Lord (i.e. sin). But, friends Jesus died to forgive you of hurting others and all sin. … will be available to open the Bible and show you how you can believe on Jesus to save you from your sins.

One day Saul decided to go after the Christians who lived in Damascus Saul got letters from the high priest in Jerusalem which he needed to arrest the Christians in Damascus.

Content and Explanation: Acts 9:3-5 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 me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”

Friends, in a miraculous way, Jesus appears to Saul on his way to hurt Christians.

Friends, what Jesus is doing here is challenging what Saul had believed (and was wrong) and encouraging Saul to believe on Jesus as his only Savior from his sins.

Friends, this is what we do each week in GNC!

We show you Jesus from the Bible and encourage you believe on Him as your only Savior from your sins.

Friends, if you have yet to do this, … will be available to open God’s Word and help you to understand what it means to believe on the Lord Jesus as your only Savior from your sins.

Friends, notice what Jesus says next.

Acts 9:6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”

Friends, Jesus is calling on Saul to obey Him after Saul believes on Jesus to save Him!

Friends, this is what Jesus wants from everyone who believes on Jesus to save them!

Friends, God’s Word describes that those who love and have believed on Jesus to save them will do just this - obey the Lord that saved them and they love (1 John 5).

Friends, look at what Saul does next!

Acts 9:8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.

Friends, Saul believed and obeyed!

However, it was initially difficult.

Friends, what made it difficult for Saul to obey?

He couldn’t see.

He was blind

However, friends, he didn’t let this obstacle stop him.

Even when it meant that he had to humble himself and ask for help, he did so.

Friends, sometimes we all need help and encouragement to obey the Lord (ex. GNC “zip-up”).

Friends, a man named Ananias received God’s Word to help Saul and see what happens next.

Acts 9:18, 20 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”

Friends, Saul receives his sight!

But also, friends, Saul begins showing others that the Holy Spirit is in him.

How does he do this?

By telling others about Jesus!

This is what we saw with the disciples when they received the Holy Spirit.

This is what we saw from the disciples last week.

Friends, when you have believed on Jesus to save you, you too will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to tell others about Jesus, no matter what may happen.

Scripture Memory - Acts 5:41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. (X3)

Conclusion: Response