do you remember a man called “saul of tarsus” ? acts 7:58; 8:1, 3 saul becomes the focus of...
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Introduction
Do you remember a man called “Saul of Tarsus” ? Acts 7:58; 8:1, 3
Saul becomes the focus of Luke’s historical narrative in Acts 9.
He travels to Damascus to fulfill his evil commission from the high priest: Acts 9:3-9
He was blind for three days: Acts 9:9
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It Didn’t Matter What He Thought
He thought he should be against Christ: Acts 26:9
This caused Saul to go astray: Isa. 55:8; Jer. 10:23; Prov. 14:12
Many haven’t learned that lesson…have you, have I? 2 Kgs. 5:11
Things a Blind Man Saw
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The Need for the Right Source of Authority
Where did Saul get his authority? Acts 26:10
Only two sources of authority in religion: “from heaven, or of men” (Matt. 21:25): Matt. 28:18; Eph. 1:22; Col. 3:17
When it comes to religion, what is your source of authority? Matt. 21:23; 7:21-23; 15:9; Jn. 14:6
Things a Blind Man Saw
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Conscience Is Not a Safe Guide
“Let your conscience be your guide.” Be careful!
Saul did exactly that: Acts 23:1
When it comes to religion, conscience is not always a safe guide! Rom. 4:3; 1 Pet. 4:11
Things a Blind Man Saw
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He Had to Change Religions
Maybe the hardest thing to do!
But Saul did it! Acts 26:5; Gal. 1:13-14
Many folks struggle with this today: Matt. 10:37
Saul could see the value in changing! Phil. 3:5-7 Do you see it?!
Things a Blind Man Saw
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Traditions of Men Lead to Religious Error
Saul was no “lightweight”! Gal. 1:14
Many blindly follow what was handed down from previous generations…very dangerous! Matt. 15:3-9
It doesn’t matter how trustworthy we believe someone to be: Jer. 10:23; Psa. 118:8
Put everyone’s teaching to the test! Acts 17:11
Things a Blind Man Saw
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He Was Not Saved By Prayer
Many are told that all they have to do to be saved is pray “The Sinner’s Prayer.”
Saul was not saved by prayer! Acts 9:3-9
If saved by prayer, Saul was saved before being told what he needed to do to be saved: Acts 22:12-16
It is sad so many have not seen what Saul “saw” in regards to salvation: Mk. 16:16; Gal. 3:27
Things a Blind Man Saw
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Salvation Is an Individual Affair
Saul obviously “saw” that was true: Acts 9:6
We must help and encourage one another: Gal. 6:1-2; Heb. 10:24-25
It doesn’t matter how faithful our parents, spouse, congregation might be!
In the final analysis, my salvation depends on me! Phil. 2:12Things a Blind Man
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What One Must Do to Have His Sins Washed Away
Ananias told Paul what to do in order to have his sins “washed away”: Acts 22:16
Baptism stands squarely between us and salvation.
So easy to understand, but most of “Christendom” misses it! Mk. 16:16; 1 Pet. 3:21; Col. 2:12
Things a Blind Man Saw
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The Chief of Sinners Can Be Saved
Some think they’ve been so bad and sinful that salvation is impossible for them.
Paul was a “bad” person! Acts 8:1, 3; 1 Tim. 1:13
But Paul declared: 1 Tim. 1:15-16a
Gospel is powerful and for all: Rom. 1:16-17; 1 Jn. 2:1; Jn. 3:16; Rev. 22:17
Things a Blind Man Saw