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Success God's Way Series
Contributed by Rich Dunbar on Apr 28, 2005 (message contributor)
Summary: This sermon looks at three dramatic changes in Saul and how those around him responded.
Success God’s Way: Acts 9:20-25: 2-6-05 am service
Saul’s conversion brought about a drastic change in his life.
Three things that Changed about Saul…
1. His Message
Old Saul: Breathed threats and murder
New Saul: Preached Jesus is the Son of God
2. His Mission
Old Saul: Tried to destroy “the Way”
New Saul: Proving Jesus it the Christ
3. His Motivation
Old Saul: Persecuted others for their faith
New Saul: Persecuted for his own faith
The response of the Jews around him was also three fold.
1. They were amazed at him – but none believed
2. They were confounded by him – but none believed
3. They plotted to kill him – still none believed
Two frogs fell into a deep cream bowl;
The one was wise, and a cheery soul.
The other one took a gloomy view
And bade his friend a sad adieu.
Said the other frog with a merry grin,
"I can’t get out, but I won’t give in;
I’ll swim around till my strength is spent,
Then I will die the more content."
And as he swam, though ever it seemed,
His struggling began to churn the cream
Until on top of pure butter he stopped,
And out of the bowl he quickly hopped.
The moral, you ask? Oh, it’s easily found!
If you can’t get out, keep swimming around.
What can we learn from this lesson?
No matter what the immediate circumstances or results in our lives we are to remain faithful to…
1. Our Message – that Jesus is the Son of God
2. Our Mission – proving that Jesus is the Christ
3. Our Motivation – enduring persecution so that others may know Him.