A Personal Revival
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A PERSONAL REVIVAL
1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
The Life Church of Lincoln
Acts 9:1-19
1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
23 Jan 10 #428
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
Every revival, no matter how big or small, how famous, begins as a personal revival.
A “Damascus Road” experience will change the direction of your life, and you will never be the same again.
Conversion Is about Radical Change
1. Jesus spoke about being “born again.”
2. The Apostles taught about becoming a citizen
(KJV 1900)
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
3. Paul described it as being adopted into God’s family.
3. Paul described it as being adopted into God’s family.
(KJV 1900)
4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
4. Conversion results in a new creation.
4. Conversion results in a new creation.
(KJV 1900)
16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
DAMASCUS ROAD EXPERIENCE A. Saul the Persecutor
DAMASCUS ROAD EXPERIENCE A. Saul the Persecutor
1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
Saul believed in God with all his might, and he believed he was doing God a favor by persecuting the Christians.
It is possible to be sincerely wrong.
B. Intervention from Heaven
(KJV 1900)
3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
1. The light from Heaven blinded Saul so that his spiritual vision could be cured.
1. The light from Heaven blinded Saul so that his spiritual vision could be cured.
(KJV 1900)
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
2. Notice, the Lord did not say, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute My church?”
2. Notice, the Lord did not say, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute My church?”
a. To persecute the church is to persecute Jesus.
3. Saul asked two questions on the Damascus road.
“Who are you, lord?”
“What shall I do, Lord?” )
4. Saul realized he was on the threshold of a radical change, but he did not know how to begin.
5. There are many people in the same position, and that’s where you come in.
II. THE ROLE OF ANANIAS
God always has placed the responsibility for the proclamation of the gospel in the hands of mankind.
Jesus could have told Saul the plan of salvation, but instead He directed Saul to go into the city of
Damascus where he would be told what to do.
Then God sent Ananias to a house on Straight Street where Saul was staying.
2. What role have you played in the conversion of a soul?
a. We have to pray, and we have to fast.
b. We have to do more than pray and fast; ...we have to become involved in the lives of people.
3. If you sat around yesterday not knowing what to do, there are thousands of people who could have benefited from a visit with you.
A. Hearing from God
(KJV 1900)
10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
“Carrie Eastridge, the mother of Nona Freeman, was urged by the Holy Ghost to stop her car, get out, and preach the message. She stopped and looked around for her audience, but there was no one in sight. She preached anyway, as the Lord had commanded. She did not know that her message woke up a drunken man hiding in the drainage pipe underneath the road. He heard her message and heard her drive away. He made his way to the nearest city and sought out a Pentecostal church. He received his own Pentecostal experience that forever did away with his old drunken life! (Johnson, Winter 2011, 71–72)
“Carrie Eastridge, the mother of Nona Freeman, was urged by the Holy Ghost to stop her car, get out, and preach the message. She stopped and looked around for her audience, but there was no one in sight. She preached anyway, as the Lord had commanded. She did not know that her message woke up a drunken man hiding in the drainage pipe underneath the road. He heard her message and heard her drive away. He made his way to the nearest city and sought out a Pentecostal church. He received his own Pentecostal experience that forever did away with his old drunken life! (Johnson, Winter 2011, 71–72)
That man experienced a personal revival.
B. Faith and Works
1. Faith and works go hand in hand.
(KJV 1900)
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
2. We must complete to the best of our ability the task assigned to us.
3. While Ananias may not have understood fully what was happening, he did as he was told.
4. This is the essence of real faith.
III. PAUL’S CONVERSION EXPERIENCE
A. A Changed Desire
1. Saul went from being a persecutor of the church to being a proclaimer of the gospel.
(KJV 1900)
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
2. Saul went from the worst to the best in a moment.
2. Saul went from the worst to the best in a moment.
““ (KJV 1900)
15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.
16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 3. Conversion completely changes your desires.
4. When people are born again, the Spirit of God within begins to lead them to become more like Jesus Christ.
a. You begin to hold in great esteem the things you once hated.
b. You lose your appetite for things you once loved.
5. Among the many positive changes in the life of a new believer is the desire to tell of the wonderful things God has done for him or her.
B. A Commission to Missions
1. The Lord shared with Ananias the great commission He had for Paul in the work of missions.
You need an Anianias in your life!
(KJV 1900)
15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
2. Ananias informed Saul that he would be a witness to “all men,” not just the Jews. “You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard” ().
2. Ananias informed Saul that he would be a witness to “all men,” not just the Jews. “You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard” ().
You need an Anianias in your life!
C. Willing to Endure
Paul’s Damascus Road and Straight Street experiences put a fire in his belly that drove him beyond the ordinary. He endured many tribulations for the sake of a high calling.
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
3. He later recorded a summary of some of his most memorable experiences in suffering.
(KJV 1900)
23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft.
24 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
25 Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
26 In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
27 In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
28 Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.
4. But to the man who experienced a personal revival, it was worth it all.
4. But to the man who experienced a personal revival, it was worth it all.
(KJV 1900)
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION
1. A personal revival will change the direction of a person’s life, and he or she will never be the same again. a. Charlie Metjay was the first man that the missionary Charlie Yadon met when he arrived in Hoonah, Alaska, to start a church in 1947. Metjay was a man bound by the chains of alcoholism. Later, Brother Beam, who pastored in Juneau, baptized him in Jesus’ name. Through the years, Charlie Metjay was the epitome of a repeat backslider, but that all changed in 1978, when he experienced his own personal revival. As he had done so many times before, he got out of his seat and headed to the altar. But this time it would be different; God wonderfully filled him with the Holy Ghost on the way to the altar. And from that day until the day he passed from this life to his eternal reward in 1988, he never again touched a drop of alcohol.
A personal revival today will make a tremendous difference in your tomorrow.Create string or yarn loops large enough to stand in. Before you begin teaching, have helpers place the loops on the floor in front of the altar, creating many circles. Do not explain what they are for. When it is time for the altar call, ask people to come forward, stand in the loops, and begin a revival inside the circle.