Empowered by the Holy Spirit | Ananias: "Empowered to Influence Others" | Mark Lomison

https://sermons.church/archived?church=NewLisbon&sermonid=61621
Series: The Holy Spirit Empowers

Acts 9

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“Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.”

Acts 9:1-2

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“And Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.”

Acts 9:8-9

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1. The obstacles to influencing others.

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“In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

Acts 9:10-12

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“Lord,” Ananias answered; “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.”

Acts 9:13-14

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“But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go!”  This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

Acts 9:15-16

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2. The characteristics the Holy Spirit uses to influence others.

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“He (Ananias) stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very moment I was able to see him. “Then he said: ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.”

Acts 22:13-15

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“Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.”

Acts 9:18-19

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3. Four lessons for life.

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God is always working in people’s lives. 

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God will use you if you’re willing.

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The potential and possibilities for impact are more than we expect.

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Be ready when He says, “Go!”