Real Change Series

Series: Action [#19]

REAL CHANGE

Acts 9:1-19

Introduction:

This Summer, I had to be at work by 6am; so on the way, I would listen to Ray’s Radio Station. The program from 5am-6am is Wall Builders. Through the years, Ray has given me recordings from Wall Builders; but I haven’t been on their website until this week. That was a mistake. I have listened to 2 weeks worth of programs this week. 1 of those programs this week was “How Do You Define Truth- Where To Start” with Ken Ham.

The radio hosts were discussing how the majority of Churches in the US have failed during this time of COVID-19. Many Pastors and Church Leaders have been trying to appease people and don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. They ignore what Scripture says and try to conform to the world’s truths.

This is where Ken Ham comes in. His 1st statement was, “We have to start with truth; but apparently, there isn’t a whole lot of truth out there that people believe in anymore”. 1 of the host, Tim Barton replied, “Well, this is something that’s even a challenge inside of the Christian community. Inside of the church, (where you have a lot of young people) you have a lot of Christians who aren’t even sure the Bible is true; who aren’t sure how true God is; or the fact that Jesus is the only way to the Father. It’s not just that culture doesn’t know truth; it’s the Church doesn’t even know truth. If the Church doesn’t know truth, well then who’s going to reveal truth to culture where Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life”?

Another host, David Barton said, “And when you look at the stats, it really is fairly staggering- 3 in 5 Americans in general, believe there’s no absolute moral truth. 4 in 5 Millennials believe there’s no absolute truth; and 1 in 2 Christians believe there’s no absolute moral truth.

To sum it up, these men were discussing the fact that there are many people in our Nation who profess to be a Christian; but there is no evidence in that. In fact, they are questioning the foundational truths of being a Christian. How often have you seen or heard of someone being saved; but there never was a noticeable change in their life?

This morning, I want us to see 2 examples of what should happen when a person is saved.

Acts 9:1-9

When a person is saved…

1. They change their master.

Paul was serving Satan as he had personally made it his job to wipe out Christianity. As he was doing this, God stopped him right in his tracks. Everyone who is saved has to go through these basic steps. Now, by that I don’t mean that we were all physically blinded and heard the audible voice of Jesus.

Acts 9:18-19

When a person is saved, they must…

* Stop going in the direction they are going.

* Be convicted by God of their sins.

* Go in a new direction.

Acts 9:10-17

When a person is saved…

2. They obey their master.

Can you imagine how Ananias felt? God asked him to go and spend time with a notorious Christian killer.

An obedient follower of Christ…

* Hears the voice of the Lord.

So often we miss God’s directions because we are not listening. How does God speak to us? He speaks to us through His Word, through other Christians, through circumstances, and through dreams and visions.

An obedient follower of Christ…

* Goes regardless of personal feelings and fears.

Underline the word “Go” in your Bible. Notice that God heard Ananias’ concern and then told him to go.

Conclusion:

Without Christ we are blind; but when the Holy Spirit comes on us, we can see. Then we must follow Him in baptism as our 1st step of obedience. Notice that Paul still had to eat and take care of his physical body. When we are physically rested and ready, then God can work through us to do the spiritual.