1. We might be in awe of God as we see how He empowered the early followers of Christ though the Holy Spirit to preach, persevere through persecution, and then praise him.
2. We might, as a church, see how we ought to function as the church from the example of the early followers.
3. We might, as individuals, be empowered by that same Holy Spirit to boldly proclaim the gospel and change the world.
The Disciples scatterfor fear.
Jesus dies onthe cross
Jesus rises
Jesus ascends
Disciples receivethe Holy Spirit
The Church begins
Stephen preachesbefore the Sanhedrin.
Stephen is stoned todeath as a mannamed Saul approves
The Church grows
The Disciples share thelove and gospel ofJesus
Saul travels toDamascus toarrest followers of
  Jesus…
ACTS 9:1-9
Three Realizations of Saul
Three Realizations of Saul
•He was on going the wrong
   way
Philippians 3:4-9
If someone else thinks they havereasons to put confidence in theflesh, I have more: circumcised onthe eighth day, of the people ofIsrael, of the tribe of Benjamin, aHebrew of Hebrews;
…in regard to the law, a Pharisee;as for zeal, persecuting the church;as for righteousness based on thelaw, faultless.
But whatever were gains to me Inow consider loss for the sake ofChrist.
What is more, I consider everythinga loss because of the surpassingworth of knowing Christ Jesus myLord, for whose sake I have lost allthings.
I consider them garbage, that Imay gain Christ and be found inhim, not having a righteousness ofmy own that comes from the law,but that which is through faith inChrist—the righteousness thatcomes from God on the basis offaith.                      Philippians 3:4-9
Three Realizations of Saul
•He was on living for the
   wrong things
•Jesus is who he said he was
   and is alive and active
I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. Philippians 3:4-9
Three Realizations of Saul
•He was on living for the
   wrong things
•Jesus is who he said he was
   and is alive and active
•Jesus offer a better way anda better life
What is more, I consider everythinga loss because of the surpassingworth of knowing Christ Jesus myLord, for whose sake I have lost allthings. I consider them garbage,that I may gain Christ and befound in him…       Philippians 3:7-9
ACTS 9:10-19
Three Realizations of Ananias
Three Realizations of Ananias
•God’s Grace is Amazing
Three Realizations of Ananias
•God’s Grace is Amazing
•God chooses, not me
Three Realizations of Ananias
•God’s Grace is Amazing
•God chooses, not me
•You never know who mightend up being your brother orsister