Am I For Real? (Acts 9:20-25)

Sermon Title: Am I For Real?

Scripture: Acts 9:20-25

Date: August 12, 2018

 

Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.  Then all who heard were amazed, and said, "Is this not he who destoryed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?"  But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.  Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him.  But their plot became known to Saul.  And they watched the gates day and night, to kill him.  Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall in a large basket.  (Acts 9:20-25)

 

You can add nothing to what Jesus did for your salvation.

When you truly meet Jesus you will change.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.  (2 Corinthians 5:17)

 

Let's see some things in Paul's life and, hopefully, ours that provide evidence that we are for real and maybe how real we really are.

1. Sides
   • Immediately he preaced the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.  (Acts 9:20)
   • Paul tried to put the church out of business but ended up being the church's most significant missionary.
   • I speak the truth in Christ - I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit - I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.  For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race.  (Romans 9:1-3, NIV)
   • The person he is against is the devil.
   • You can't really have a useful faith and act like and agree with what everyone else says and does.
   • There are some things that Jesus is against and some things Jesus is for.
2. Serious
   • Now after many days were past, the Jews plotted to kill him.  (Acts 9:23)
   • You have a personal relationship with Jesus but not a private relationship with Jesus.
   • "It's not enough to believe it privately; you have to behave it publicly."  -Andy Stanley
3. Serving
   • But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.  (Acts 9:22)
   • When's the last time you said something to someone about Jesus?
   • When's the last time you served someone hoping it would help them come to Jesus?
   • When's the last time you posted something on social media to help people see Jesus in a positive light?