Old Center Missionary Baptist Church:  Bible Class
    
Teacher:  Bro. Chris Sims

Weekly Lesson:  Acts Chapter 9:1-16 (The Conversion of Saul (Paul))

Every man heard the voice but the Lord came to touch Saul (Paul).  The General call went out but it only affected Saul (Paul).  This was considered a “Personal Call”.

In Acts 9:6 Saul (Paul) immediately responded to the call and said “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”  We also have to answer this question.  Each person has a place in this world.  You should always follow the will of God. 

Group discussion:  Identify one question from God.  What will thou have me to do?

Homework:  Have any of you stopped and examined your life to determine God’s will for you? 
Ask God what will thou have me to do?  Identify 3 areas in priority and bring to class next Sunday.

For Example (Bro. Chris identified his own areas)
1. Husband – Spiritual Leader of my house.
2. Love my wife – Love your wives as Christ loved the church (Agape or the love of God).
3. Be a good Father – Provide Securities.

Reference to our priorities in Life:  We all tend to get busy in our lives with our everyday schedules; however, the Lord doesn’t excuse us for having a lot to do.  We all have to be good stewards of our time.   

In Acts 9:8-10 notice how weak Paul was.  He wasn’t able to see and he had to be led by the hand into Damascus.  He went three days without sight and he didn’t eat or drink.  The reference to “three” days is significant.  We find “Three” throughout the bible i.e. Christ arose on the third day; Jonah stayed three days in the belly of the whale etc.

In Acts 9:15-16 the Lord answered Saul’s (Paul) question.  Understand here that the Lord is revealing to Ananias what he is going to do with Saul (Paul). 

1. He is the chosen vessel
2. He will bear his name
3. He will bear his name for the Gentiles
4. He will bear his name before Kings/Royalty
5. He will bear his name before the Children of Israel

In Acts 9:16 Saul (Paul) will bear the reproach of Christ.  The word “Suffer” in this text means allow it to be so.

TEACHING POINT:  God does not hide his will for us.  Be prayful in order to find out where God will have you to go.  Ask him to shine a light in your path. 

NEXT WEEK (11 Sept. 11): Read-Acts 9:17-31 , Acts 11:19-30
- Ask God what will thou have me to do?  Identify 3 areas in priority and bring to class.