Do You Want A Second Chance?

Who is the worst person you know? Who is the worst person you know? I know it's a great way to start a I know it's a great way to start a I know it's a great way to start a message. message. message. But when you think of a bad person, But when you think of a bad person, But when you think of a bad person, who comes to mind? who comes to mind? who comes to mind? I put a blank at the top of your outline I put a blank at the top of your outline I put a blank at the top of your outline this morning, and I want you to write this morning, and I want you to write this morning, and I want you to write the name of the person who you thought the name of the person who you thought the name of the person who you thought of. Maybe for you, you thought of somebody Maybe for you, you thought of somebody who hurt you in your past. who hurt you in your past. who hurt you in your past. An ex-spouse, An ex-spouse, An ex-spouse, a bully from when you were in school, a bully from when you were in school, a bully from when you were in school, or a dirty business partner. or a dirty business partner. or a dirty business partner. Maybe you thought of someone evil from Maybe you thought of someone evil from Maybe you thought of someone evil from the news, like the news, like the news, like Kim Jong-un, or the supreme leader of Kim Jong-un, or the supreme leader of Kim Jong-un, or the supreme leader of Iran. Maybe I asked that you thought yourself, Maybe I asked that you thought yourself, "I'm a bad person. "I'm a bad person. "I'm a bad person. If only he knew what I've done, he'd If only he knew what I've done, he'd If only he knew what I've done, he'd agree." Today, I want to look at a story that Today, I want to look at a story that focuses on someone many early Christians focuses on someone many early Christians focuses on someone many early Christians would have considered the worst person would have considered the worst person would have considered the worst person they knew. they knew. they knew. His name would have been at the top of His name would have been at the top of His name would have been at the top of their outline.

their outline. their outline. And this is one of the most incredible And this is one of the most incredible And this is one of the most incredible stories in the book of Acts, really in stories in the book of Acts, really in stories in the book of Acts, really in the entire Bible. the entire Bible. the entire Bible. Two men, Two men, Two men, as different from each other as they as different from each other as they as different from each other as they could be, could be, could be, both had unbelievable encounters with both had unbelievable encounters with both had unbelievable encounters with God. God. God. It's a story that's filled with danger, It's a story that's filled with danger, It's a story that's filled with danger, and intrigue, surprise, and adventure. and intrigue, surprise, and adventure. and intrigue, surprise, and adventure. And as we look at it together, we're led And as we look at it together, we're led And as we look at it together, we're led to consider some tough things. to consider some tough things. to consider some tough things. Our tendency to judge others, Our tendency to judge others, Our tendency to judge others, our habit of only obeying when we our habit of only obeying when we our habit of only obeying when we understand what God means, and the shame concerning our past. and the shame concerning our past. The good news The good news The good news is that as we look at this story, we're is that as we look at this story, we're is that as we look at this story, we're able to see the amazing things that able to see the amazing things that able to see the amazing things that happen when we follow God's plan for our happen when we follow God's plan for our happen when we follow God's plan for our life. life. life. So, let me set the scene. So, let me set the scene. So, let me set the scene. After Jesus' death and resurrection, the After Jesus' death and resurrection, the After Jesus' death and resurrection, the early church was growing. early church was growing. early church was growing. In the book of Acts chapter 2 verse 47, In the book of Acts chapter 2 verse 47, In the book of Acts chapter 2 verse 47, it tells us, "Every day, the Lord was it tells us, "Every day, the Lord was it tells us, "Every day, the Lord was adding to their number those who were adding to their number those who were adding to their number those who were being saved."

being saved." being saved." But even with rapid growth, followers of But even with rapid growth, followers of But even with rapid growth, followers of Jesus still experienced trouble. Jesus still experienced trouble. Jesus still experienced trouble. Because of their growing influence and Because of their growing influence and Because of their growing influence and numbers, Jewish authorities became numbers, Jewish authorities became numbers, Jewish authorities became jealous and they they became violent. jealous and they they became violent. jealous and they they became violent. The church faced increased persecution. The church faced increased persecution. The church faced increased persecution. Disciples were arrested, Disciples were arrested, Disciples were arrested, followers were beaten, and people were followers were beaten, and people were followers were beaten, and people were killed. killed. killed. Then in Acts chapter 6, we're introduced Then in Acts chapter 6, we're introduced Then in Acts chapter 6, we're introduced to a leader in the early church. to a leader in the early church. to a leader in the early church. The Bible tells us that Stephen was a The Bible tells us that Stephen was a The Bible tells us that Stephen was a man full of God's grace and power man full of God's grace and power man full of God's grace and power and did great wonders and miraculous and did great wonders and miraculous and did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. signs among the people. signs among the people. The Jewish leaders were so jealous of The Jewish leaders were so jealous of The Jewish leaders were so jealous of Stephen Stephen Stephen that they stoned him to death. that they stoned him to death. that they stoned him to death. And one of the men watching and cheering And one of the men watching and cheering And one of the men watching and cheering as Stephen died as Stephen died as Stephen died was a man named Saul. was a man named Saul. was a man named Saul. After Stephen's death, Saul began to After Stephen's death, Saul began to After Stephen's death, Saul began to destroy the church. destroy the church. destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged Going from house to house, he dragged Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and he put them in off men and women and he put them in off men and women and he put them in prison.

prison. prison. So, Saul was enemy number one. So, Saul was enemy number one. So, Saul was enemy number one. He believed Christians were a cult He believed Christians were a cult He believed Christians were a cult following a false Messiah. following a false Messiah. following a false Messiah. So, whatever name you wrote at the top So, whatever name you wrote at the top So, whatever name you wrote at the top of your outline, of your outline, of your outline, Saul was worse. Some of you may identify with Saul. Some of you may identify with Saul. Cuz you don't follow Jesus and this Cuz you don't follow Jesus and this Cuz you don't follow Jesus and this whole church thing doesn't make a whole whole church thing doesn't make a whole whole church thing doesn't make a whole lot of sense to you and might even be a lot of sense to you and might even be a lot of sense to you and might even be a little weird. little weird. little weird. In fact, you might only be here cuz the In fact, you might only be here cuz the In fact, you might only be here cuz the person who invited you promised you free person who invited you promised you free person who invited you promised you free lunch. If that's and you're here this morning, If that's and you're here this morning, you're far away from God, you're far away from God, you're far away from God, I want you to listen really close. I want you to listen really close. I want you to listen really close. Cuz this story Cuz this story Cuz this story has an unexpected ending. Meanwhile, Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous Saul was still breathing out murderous Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. threats against the Lord's disciples. threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him He went to the high priest and asked him He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in for letters to the synagogues in for letters to the synagogues in Damascus so that if he found anyone Damascus so that if he found anyone Damascus so that if he found anyone there who belonged to the way, and there who belonged to the way, and there who belonged to the way, and that's followers of Jesus, whether men that's followers of Jesus, whether men that's followers of Jesus, whether men or women, or women, or women, he might take them as prisoners to he might take them as prisoners to he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

Jerusalem. Jerusalem. Saul hated followers of Jesus. Saul hated followers of Jesus. Saul hated followers of Jesus. He threatened and looked for any chance He threatened and looked for any chance He threatened and looked for any chance to stop them. to stop them. to stop them. And in this instance, he followed them And in this instance, he followed them And in this instance, he followed them all the way to Damascus. all the way to Damascus. all the way to Damascus. And Damascus was a long way from where And Damascus was a long way from where And Damascus was a long way from where Saul was. Saul was. Saul was. Saul didn't have a bike, he didn't have Saul didn't have a bike, he didn't have Saul didn't have a bike, he didn't have a car, he couldn't pull out his iPhone a car, he couldn't pull out his iPhone a car, he couldn't pull out his iPhone and order an Uber. and order an Uber. and order an Uber. He had to walk 130 miles to continue his He had to walk 130 miles to continue his He had to walk 130 miles to continue his persecution. persecution. persecution. If he walked 6 hours a day at a steady If he walked 6 hours a day at a steady If he walked 6 hours a day at a steady pace, it would have taken him a week to pace, it would have taken him a week to pace, it would have taken him a week to get there. get there. get there. It's like walking from here to Memphis It's like walking from here to Memphis It's like walking from here to Memphis just to kill people you hate. Can you imagine the fear and the terror Can you imagine the fear and the terror in that community? The people knew that Saul was on his way The people knew that Saul was on his way to kill them and he wouldn't stop at to kill them and he wouldn't stop at to kill them and he wouldn't stop at anything anything anything until the church was stopped. As Saul neared Damascus on his journey, As Saul neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed suddenly a light from heaven flashed suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him and he fell to the ground.

around him and he fell to the ground. around him and he fell to the ground. Imagine that moment. What did Saul Imagine that moment. What did Saul Imagine that moment. What did Saul think? think? think? Was he dead? Was he dead? Was he dead? Was he being abducted by aliens? Was he being abducted by aliens? Was he being abducted by aliens? Did he eat a bad lamb kebab the night Did he eat a bad lamb kebab the night Did he eat a bad lamb kebab the night before? Like what was going on? What was before? Like what was going on? What was before? Like what was going on? What was he thinking? When Saul hit the ground, When Saul hit the ground, he heard a voice say to him, "Saul, he heard a voice say to him, "Saul, he heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" Saul, why do you persecute me?" Saul, why do you persecute me?" "Who are you, Lord?" "Who are you, Lord?" "Who are you, Lord?" "I'm Jesus, "I'm Jesus, "I'm Jesus, whom you're persecuting." Saul believed that Jesus was a false Saul believed that Jesus was a false prophet. He denied the fact Jesus ever prophet. He denied the fact Jesus ever prophet. He denied the fact Jesus ever rose from the grave. And it was his rose from the grave. And it was his rose from the grave. And it was his mission to stop people who claimed the mission to stop people who claimed the mission to stop people who claimed the resurrection was real. resurrection was real. resurrection was real. So, Saul was extremely far from God. So, Saul was extremely far from God. So, Saul was extremely far from God. When you're far away, When you're far away, When you're far away, you convince yourself that there's too you convince yourself that there's too you convince yourself that there's too much separation between you and God. much separation between you and God. much separation between you and God. You picture God in heaven and he's got You picture God in heaven and he's got You picture God in heaven and he's got this clipboard and he's walking around this clipboard and he's walking around this clipboard and he's walking around all the angels around him and he's all the angels around him and he's all the angels around him and he's making a list. He's writing all the making a list. He's writing all the making a list. He's writing all the names, the potential candidates for names, the potential candidates for names, the potential candidates for heaven.

heaven. heaven. So, he's writing names down. He puts a So, he's writing names down. He puts a So, he's writing names down. He puts a check mark next to this one cuz they're check mark next to this one cuz they're check mark next to this one cuz they're definitely getting in. They are good. He definitely getting in. They are good. He definitely getting in. They are good. He writes another name down and he puts writes another name down and he puts writes another name down and he puts like a a smiley cuz they've had a good 6 like a a smiley cuz they've had a good 6 like a a smiley cuz they've had a good 6 months. We got to make sure that they months. We got to make sure that they months. We got to make sure that they have a another good 6 months before we have a another good 6 months before we have a another good 6 months before we count them in. count them in. count them in. And at one point time, maybe a long time And at one point time, maybe a long time And at one point time, maybe a long time ago, ago, ago, your name was on this list. your name was on this list. your name was on this list. But God was watching But God was watching But God was watching and he was waiting. and he was waiting. and he was waiting. And the moment you messed up, the moment And the moment you messed up, the moment And the moment you messed up, the moment you made a mistake, the moment you you made a mistake, the moment you you made a mistake, the moment you walked away, he crossed your name off the list and he he crossed your name off the list and he forgot all about you. But that's not how God is. But that's not how God is. No matter what you said, No matter what you said, No matter what you said, no matter what you've done, no matter what you've done, no matter what you've done, God knows where you are. Instead of crossing your name off the Instead of crossing your name off the list, he actively looks for list, he actively looks for list, he actively looks for opportunities to reestablish opportunities to reestablish opportunities to reestablish relationship with you.

And what's amazing And what's amazing is not only does God know where you are, is not only does God know where you are, is not only does God know where you are, but he knows your name. And it must have been shocking for Saul And it must have been shocking for Saul to hear his name come from that light. to hear his name come from that light. to hear his name come from that light. Imagine what he thought when he found Imagine what he thought when he found Imagine what he thought when he found out it was Jesus speaking to him. Everything that he had been denying, the Everything that he had been denying, the miracles, the prophecies, the miracles, the prophecies, the miracles, the prophecies, the resurrection, it was all true. And the man behind it all And the man behind it all knew his name. The other day I took my truck to the The other day I took my truck to the shop to go get an oil change. shop to go get an oil change. shop to go get an oil change. And as I as I pulled up to the shop, I And as I as I pulled up to the shop, I And as I as I pulled up to the shop, I hopped out, I walked inside, and the hopped out, I walked inside, and the hopped out, I walked inside, and the worker behind the counter said, "Timothy worker behind the counter said, "Timothy worker behind the counter said, "Timothy S. Bayho." S. Bayho." S. Bayho." He called me by name, and he pronounced He called me by name, and he pronounced He called me by name, and he pronounced my last name right. my last name right. my last name right. And nobody pronounces my last name And nobody pronounces my last name And nobody pronounces my last name right. I have family members that don't right. I have family members that don't right. I have family members that don't pronounce my last name right. pronounce my last name right. pronounce my last name right. So, I step up to the counter, and he So, I step up to the counter, and he So, I step up to the counter, and he he's behind there, and he just "Timothy he's behind there, and he just "Timothy he's behind there, and he just "Timothy S. Bayho." And it solidified the S. Bayho." And it solidified the S. Bayho." And it solidified the decision I made to give them my decision I made to give them my decision I made to give them my business. It felt good. He cared enough business. It felt good. He cared enough business. It felt good. He cared enough about me to remember me.

about me to remember me. about me to remember me. It's a good feeling. It's a good feeling. It's a good feeling. And you know how that feels. You you And you know how that feels. You you And you know how that feels. You you walk into a big room, and you're walk into a big room, and you're walk into a big room, and you're surrounded by people. Maybe it happened surrounded by people. Maybe it happened surrounded by people. Maybe it happened to you this morning. You walked in the to you this morning. You walked in the to you this morning. You walked in the sanctuary, people everywhere. sanctuary, people everywhere. sanctuary, people everywhere. But even though you're surrounded by But even though you're surrounded by But even though you're surrounded by people, you kind of have that lonely people, you kind of have that lonely people, you kind of have that lonely feeling feeling feeling until one person calls you by name, until one person calls you by name, until one person calls you by name, and you're drawn to them. I've got a word for you today. I've got a word for you today. The creator of the universe The creator of the universe The creator of the universe knows your name. You may think God is too busy to care You may think God is too busy to care about you. about you. about you. But you're wrong. But you're wrong. But you're wrong. He cares. He cares. He cares. He sees. He sees. He sees. And he knows your name. >> I have >> I have a maker.

a maker. a maker. >> [singing] >> He formed >> He formed my my my >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> [singing and music] >> heart. And before And before even [singing] time even [singing] time even [singing] time began, began, began, my [music] life was in my [music] life was in my [music] life was in His hands. He knows He knows my name. [music and singing] He knows He knows my every [music] my every [music] my every [music] thought. [singing] He sees He sees >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> each tear >> each tear >> each tear that falls, [singing] that falls, [singing] that falls, [singing] and he and he and he >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> hears me when >> hears me when >> hears me when I call. [singing] I have I have a father. [music] a father. [music] a father. [music] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> [singing] >> leave me, >> leave me, >> leave me, no matter Cuz he knows Cuz he knows my [music] name.

my [music] name. my [music] name. >> [singing] >> And he knows >> And he knows my every [singing and music] my every [singing and music] my every [singing and music] thought. And he sees And he sees >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> each tear that falls. [singing] >> each tear that falls. [singing] >> each tear that falls. [singing] And he And he And he hears me when hears me when hears me when >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> I call. >> I call. >> I call. >> [singing] >> He knows >> He knows your name. [singing] He knows He knows your every [music and singing] your every [music and singing] your every [music and singing] thought. He sees all those tears [music] He sees all those tears [music] [singing] that fall. [singing] that fall. [singing] that fall. And he'll hear you [music] when And he'll hear you [music] when And he'll hear you [music] when you call. [singing] He'll hear [music] He'll hear [music] you when you when you when you call. [singing] >> You say, "Timothy, that's great.

>> You say, "Timothy, that's great. It's cool that God sees me and he knows It's cool that God sees me and he knows It's cool that God sees me and he knows me. me. me. But that means that he sees and he knows But that means that he sees and he knows But that means that he sees and he knows someone who's broken and useless. someone who's broken and useless. someone who's broken and useless. I've gone too far and I I can't come I've gone too far and I I can't come I've gone too far and I I can't come back." back." back." Don't check out now. Don't check out now. Don't check out now. The story's not done. The story's not done. The story's not done. God said to Saul, God said to Saul, God said to Saul, "Now get up "Now get up "Now get up and go into the city and go into the city and go into the city and you will be told what you must do." and you will be told what you must do." and you will be told what you must do." He didn't blind him and then smack him He didn't blind him and then smack him He didn't blind him and then smack him around a few times and say, "Hey, since around a few times and say, "Hey, since around a few times and say, "Hey, since you've been a jerk to all my followers, you've been a jerk to all my followers, you've been a jerk to all my followers, enjoy being a beggar for the rest of enjoy being a beggar for the rest of enjoy being a beggar for the rest of your life." No, he stopped Saul. No, he stopped Saul. He got his attention. He got his attention. He got his attention. And then he gave him a new direction. God didn't give up on Saul God didn't give up on Saul and he won't give up on you. and he won't give up on you. and he won't give up on you. In spite of all you've done, In spite of all you've done, In spite of all you've done, God still has a plan for your life. And you might think, "Well, if God's got And you might think, "Well, if God's got a plan for my life, I sure can't tell."

Well, that's because his plan is hard to Well, that's because his plan is hard to see and understand when you're far from see and understand when you're far from see and understand when you're far from him. him. him. He sees, he cares, he's got a plan for He sees, he cares, he's got a plan for He sees, he cares, he's got a plan for your life, but sin separates you from your life, but sin separates you from your life, but sin separates you from God. God. God. God forgives, but active sin and God forgives, but active sin and God forgives, but active sin and separation blinds you to his plan and it separation blinds you to his plan and it separation blinds you to his plan and it removes that blessing from your life. When a a lawn service comes and and When a a lawn service comes and and fertilizes your yard and sprays it for fertilizes your yard and sprays it for fertilizes your yard and sprays it for weeds, your yard looks fantastic. I weeds, your yard looks fantastic. I weeds, your yard looks fantastic. I mean, it's green, it's level, there's mean, it's green, it's level, there's mean, it's green, it's level, there's not a weed in sight. not a weed in sight. not a weed in sight. It is the greatest gift you could ever It is the greatest gift you could ever It is the greatest gift you could ever give a dad. And your lawn looks great And your lawn looks great because you have this active connection because you have this active connection because you have this active connection with your lawn guy. with your lawn guy. with your lawn guy. But let's say you decide to to stop the But let's say you decide to to stop the But let's say you decide to to stop the service, you want to save some money, so service, you want to save some money, so service, you want to save some money, so you cancel the plan. you cancel the plan. you cancel the plan. What's going to pop up all over your What's going to pop up all over your What's going to pop up all over your yard in 2 weeks? yard in 2 weeks? yard in 2 weeks? Weeds, exactly. There's a natural Weeds, exactly. There's a natural Weeds, exactly. There's a natural consequence to the separation between consequence to the separation between consequence to the separation between you and your lawn guy. you and your lawn guy. you and your lawn guy. The same principle applies to your The same principle applies to your The same principle applies to your relationship with Jesus.

relationship with Jesus. relationship with Jesus. Active connection is key to Active connection is key to Active connection is key to understanding his plan. Saul knew that he was caught. There was Saul knew that he was caught. There was no mistaking. The same Jesus whose no mistaking. The same Jesus whose no mistaking. The same Jesus whose followers he was killing followers he was killing followers he was killing was now blinding him. was now blinding him. was now blinding him. And we know it wasn't a dream, we know And we know it wasn't a dream, we know And we know it wasn't a dream, we know it wasn't a hallucination because Saul it wasn't a hallucination because Saul it wasn't a hallucination because Saul wasn't the only one that experienced wasn't the only one that experienced wasn't the only one that experienced this moment. this moment. this moment. Verse 7 tells us the men traveling with Verse 7 tells us the men traveling with Verse 7 tells us the men traveling with Saul stood there speechless. Saul stood there speechless. Saul stood there speechless. They heard the sound. They heard the sound. They heard the sound. They didn't see anyone. They didn't see anyone. They didn't see anyone. So, the other guys also heard the voice. So, the other guys also heard the voice. So, the other guys also heard the voice. But, their response surprises me. If I But, their response surprises me. If I But, their response surprises me. If I would have been them, if I would have would have been them, if I would have would have been them, if I would have been there, I would have turned opposite been there, I would have turned opposite been there, I would have turned opposite direction, sprinted all the way back to direction, sprinted all the way back to direction, sprinted all the way back to Jerusalem, found every single religious Jerusalem, found every single religious Jerusalem, found every single religious leader, I'd be like, "Stop persecuting leader, I'd be like, "Stop persecuting leader, I'd be like, "Stop persecuting the Christians. God knows about it. the Christians. God knows about it. the Christians. God knows about it. God's not happy. Jesus, he's going to God's not happy. Jesus, he's going to God's not happy. Jesus, he's going to come with this big heavenly spotlight. come with this big heavenly spotlight. come with this big heavenly spotlight. He's going to knock you down." He's going to knock you down." He's going to knock you down." I would have told everybody. I would have told everybody. I would have told everybody. Not these guys. Uh-uh. Frozen in place.

Not these guys. Uh-uh. Frozen in place. Not these guys. Uh-uh. Frozen in place. And Saul got up from the ground. And Saul got up from the ground. And Saul got up from the ground. But, when he opened his eyes, he could But, when he opened his eyes, he could But, when he opened his eyes, he could see nothing. see nothing. see nothing. So, they led him by the hand into So, they led him by the hand into So, they led him by the hand into Damascus. Damascus. Damascus. For 3 days he was blind. For 3 days he was blind. For 3 days he was blind. And did not eat or drink anything. In a matter of moments, In a matter of moments, Saul went from feared and powerful And at the same time all of this was And at the same time all of this was going on, going on, going on, God was working on the other part of his God was working on the other part of his God was working on the other part of his plan. plan. plan. There was a a believer in that same town There was a a believer in that same town There was a a believer in that same town who was about to be just as surprised as who was about to be just as surprised as who was about to be just as surprised as Saul was, just in a different way. Now, there was a believer in Damascus Now, there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. named Ananias. named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision The Lord spoke to him in a vision The Lord spoke to him in a vision calling, "Ananias." calling, "Ananias." calling, "Ananias." So, both Saul and Ananias heard God's So, both Saul and Ananias heard God's So, both Saul and Ananias heard God's voice. voice. voice. But, the difference was But, the difference was But, the difference was Ananias recognized God's voice.

Ananias recognized God's voice. Ananias recognized God's voice. The Lord spoke to him in a vision The Lord spoke to him in a vision The Lord spoke to him in a vision calling, "Ananias." calling, "Ananias." calling, "Ananias." "Yes, Lord." He answered. "Yes, Lord." He answered. "Yes, Lord." He answered. The Lord told him, The Lord told him, The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight "Go to the house of Judas on Straight "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street Street Street and ask for a man from Tarsus and ask for a man from Tarsus and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul." And Ananias had to think, "Really, God? And Ananias had to think, "Really, God? Saul comes to town and we're all Saul comes to town and we're all Saul comes to town and we're all terrified? terrified? terrified? But then we hear that he's blind, so But then we hear that he's blind, so But then we hear that he's blind, so we're good. We're cool. It's all good. we're good. We're cool. It's all good. we're good. We're cool. It's all good. But now you want me to go looking for But now you want me to go looking for But now you want me to go looking for him? But God wasn't done speaking. But God wasn't done speaking. He said, "Saul is praying. He said, "Saul is praying. He said, "Saul is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named And in a vision he has seen a man named And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him Ananias come and place his hands on him Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight." to restore his sight." to restore his sight." And when God finished, Ananias And when God finished, Ananias And when God finished, Ananias processed, "Lord, processed, "Lord, processed, "Lord, I've heard many reports about this man I've heard many reports about this man I've heard many reports about this man and all the harm he's done to your and all the harm he's done to your and all the harm he's done to your saints in Jerusalem. saints in Jerusalem. saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with the authority And he has come here with the authority And he has come here with the authority of the chief priests to arrest all who of the chief priests to arrest all who of the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.

call on your name. call on your name. This is a suicide mission. It's crazy. This is a suicide mission. It's crazy. This is a suicide mission. It's crazy. God, have you not been watching the God, have you not been watching the God, have you not been watching the news? Are you not scrolling through news? Are you not scrolling through news? Are you not scrolling through Facebook? You can't expect me to go Facebook? You can't expect me to go Facebook? You can't expect me to go visit our biggest enemy." But the Lord said to Ananias, But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go. "Go. "Go. This man is my chosen instrument This man is my chosen instrument This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and to carry my name before the Gentiles and to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of their kings and before the people of their kings and before the people of Israel, and I will show him how much he Israel, and I will show him how much he Israel, and I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." And Ananias had to think, And Ananias had to think, "What? "What? "What? This guy? This guy? This guy? Saul is your chosen instrument?" And what a powerful word from the Lord. And what a powerful word from the Lord. In a matter of 16 verses, In a matter of 16 verses, In a matter of 16 verses, Saul went from too far gone Saul went from too far gone Saul went from too far gone to God's chosen instrument. And that is the exact opposite And that is the exact opposite of how we think.

We look at Saul's history, we we look at We look at Saul's history, we we look at his past, we look at all the mistakes his past, we look at all the mistakes his past, we look at all the mistakes that he's made, and we completely write that he's made, and we completely write that he's made, and we completely write him off. There is no chance for Saul. It's a good thing God's not like us. It's a good thing God's not like us. Instead, Instead, Instead, God gives second chances. No matter what you've done, No matter what you've done, no matter what you've said, no matter no matter what you've said, no matter no matter what you've said, no matter how far you've run, God is offering you how far you've run, God is offering you how far you've run, God is offering you a second chance. And Saul getting a second chance had to And Saul getting a second chance had to have been shocking for Ananias. have been shocking for Ananias. have been shocking for Ananias. But God said, "Go." But God said, "Go." But God said, "Go." Then Ananias went to the house and he Then Ananias went to the house and he Then Ananias went to the house and he entered it. And think about the emotions in that And think about the emotions in that moment. moment. moment. It was a radical step of obedience, but It was a radical step of obedience, but It was a radical step of obedience, but it had to have been filled with a lot of it had to have been filled with a lot of it had to have been filled with a lot of fear and anxiety. Placing his hands on Saul, Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, this is amazing.

this is amazing. this is amazing. If I would have been Ananias, I would If I would have been Ananias, I would If I would have been Ananias, I would have been tempted to take advantage of have been tempted to take advantage of have been tempted to take advantage of Saul's disability. I would have sat him Saul's disability. I would have sat him Saul's disability. I would have sat him down. I would have lectured him. I would down. I would have lectured him. I would down. I would have lectured him. I would have listed off A, B, C, the reasons we have listed off A, B, C, the reasons we have listed off A, B, C, the reasons we don't like you. don't like you. don't like you. But not Ananias. But not Ananias. But not Ananias. Ananias made the decision to accept Saul Ananias made the decision to accept Saul Ananias made the decision to accept Saul before he ever spoke to him. In a spectacular display, a powerful In a spectacular display, a powerful statement of faith, he started the statement of faith, he started the statement of faith, he started the conversation by declaring Saul, the conversation by declaring Saul, the conversation by declaring Saul, the murderer, the number one enemy of the murderer, the number one enemy of the murderer, the number one enemy of the church, church, church, his brother. Brother Saul, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, the road as you were coming here, the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again has sent me so that you may see again has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." and be filled with the Holy Spirit." and be filled with the Holy Spirit." And immediately, something like scales And immediately, something like scales And immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes and he could see fell from Saul's eyes and he could see fell from Saul's eyes and he could see again. again. again. He got up He got up He got up and was baptized. After taking some and was baptized. After taking some and was baptized. After taking some food, he regained his strength.

food, he regained his strength. food, he regained his strength. This is significant. Do not miss this. This is significant. Do not miss this. This is significant. Do not miss this. The first thing Saul did when he could The first thing Saul did when he could The first thing Saul did when he could see again see again see again was be baptized. was be baptized. was be baptized. Remember, he hadn't eaten anything in 3 Remember, he hadn't eaten anything in 3 Remember, he hadn't eaten anything in 3 days. days. days. Before the guy ever got a drink, before Before the guy ever got a drink, before Before the guy ever got a drink, before he ever ate a snack, he accepted his he ever ate a snack, he accepted his he ever ate a snack, he accepted his second chance. There's no doubt. There's no doubt. Jesus was the one who had saved him. I can picture Saul crying as those I can picture Saul crying as those scales fell from his eyes. scales fell from his eyes. scales fell from his eyes. Cuz he could see the man who had obeyed Cuz he could see the man who had obeyed Cuz he could see the man who had obeyed God and changed his life forever. God and changed his life forever. God and changed his life forever. And those tears, they began to stream And those tears, they began to stream And those tears, they began to stream down his cheeks and they splashed on the down his cheeks and they splashed on the down his cheeks and they splashed on the ground as he sprinted to the water to be ground as he sprinted to the water to be ground as he sprinted to the water to be baptized cuz he wanted everyone to know baptized cuz he wanted everyone to know baptized cuz he wanted everyone to know that he had accepted God's forgiveness that he had accepted God's forgiveness that he had accepted God's forgiveness and his second chance.

And knowing you have the same And knowing you have the same opportunity, opportunity, opportunity, how should you respond? The same way Saul did. The same way Saul did. Change now. It doesn't matter what you've done. It It doesn't matter what you've done. It doesn't matter how bad you've messed up. doesn't matter how bad you've messed up. doesn't matter how bad you've messed up. It doesn't matter how many times you've It doesn't matter how many times you've It doesn't matter how many times you've walked away. God's grace is for you. No one No one is beyond the love of God. If you're here today and you're far from If you're here today and you're far from God, I want to take a second and pray God, I want to take a second and pray God, I want to take a second and pray for you. You're convinced that you've done too You're convinced that you've done too much wrong. You you've gone too far and much wrong. You you've gone too far and much wrong. You you've gone too far and that God can't forgive you. But if you're ready for a second chance, But if you're ready for a second chance, I've got good news. I've got good news. I've got good news. God is offering it to you right now.

God is offering it to you right now. God is offering it to you right now. He's ready and willing to change your He's ready and willing to change your He's ready and willing to change your life just like he changed Saul's. So, if you're here today and you're So, if you're here today and you're ready for your second chance, super ready for your second chance, super ready for your second chance, super simple. If you're in the room, I just simple. If you're in the room, I just simple. If you're in the room, I just want you to raise your hand. If you're want you to raise your hand. If you're want you to raise your hand. If you're watching online, I want you to click the watching online, I want you to click the watching online, I want you to click the button for prayer. Yeah, I see you. Thanks. Yeah, I see you. Thanks. Thanks for having the courage to raise Thanks for having the courage to raise Thanks for having the courage to raise your hand. your hand. your hand. Yeah, I see you up there. Yeah. Yeah, I see you up there. Yeah. Yeah, I see you up there. Yeah. I'd be honored to pray with you. Thank you for your mercy and for your Thank you for your mercy and for your grace. Thank you for offering us a second Thank you for offering us a second chance even when we don't deserve it. We take a moment right now and we admit We take a moment right now and we admit that we've done wrong. The Bible calls that we've done wrong. The Bible calls that we've done wrong. The Bible calls that sin. that sin. that sin. We've messed up. We've chosen our own We've messed up. We've chosen our own We've messed up. We've chosen our own path. We've walked away from you. We've path. We've walked away from you. We've path. We've walked away from you. We've made mistakes, but we're ready for all made mistakes, but we're ready for all made mistakes, but we're ready for all of that to change.

I pray my friends who who raised their I pray my friends who who raised their hands or clicked that button, I pray hands or clicked that button, I pray hands or clicked that button, I pray they would feel the weight of this they would feel the weight of this they would feel the weight of this moment right now. moment right now. moment right now. That they would know something is That they would know something is That they would know something is different. different. different. May they realize how special your May they realize how special your May they realize how special your forgiveness is. I ask this wouldn't be a a Sunday I ask this wouldn't be a a Sunday morning decision where life goes back to morning decision where life goes back to morning decision where life goes back to normal on Monday, but this would be a normal on Monday, but this would be a normal on Monday, but this would be a life-changing moment that they would life-changing moment that they would life-changing moment that they would never forget. They would walk out of never forget. They would walk out of never forget. They would walk out of this room differently than they walked this room differently than they walked this room differently than they walked in. Would you speak to their heart right Would you speak to their heart right now? Show them how much you value them. Show them how much you value them. Allow your love to challenge them to Allow your love to challenge them to Allow your love to challenge them to change. Challenge them to be different. Would you make the areas in their life Would you make the areas in their life that need to change very obvious for that need to change very obvious for that need to change very obvious for them to see. Help them have the courage and the Help them have the courage and the wisdom and the strength to follow wisdom and the strength to follow wisdom and the strength to follow through with the decision they're making through with the decision they're making through with the decision they're making right now.

I pray they would never want to turn I pray they would never want to turn their back on you. That they would never their back on you. That they would never their back on you. That they would never choose their old way of life. Instead, choose their old way of life. Instead, choose their old way of life. Instead, they would fully commit themselves to they would fully commit themselves to they would fully commit themselves to you for the rest of their life. Would help us with this. Would help us with this. We need you. We need you. We need you. We trust you. We trust you. We trust you. It's in your name we pray. It's in your name we pray. It's in your name we pray. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. Amen. I encourage you, if you prayed that I encourage you, if you prayed that I encourage you, if you prayed that prayer right after service, walk through prayer right after service, walk through prayer right after service, walk through this big door, one, two, three doors on this big door, one, two, three doors on this big door, one, two, three doors on the left. There's a a door right above the left. There's a a door right above the left. There's a a door right above it says prayer room. We have prayer it says prayer room. We have prayer it says prayer room. We have prayer pastors there waiting to talk with you, pastors there waiting to talk with you, pastors there waiting to talk with you, pray with you, and help you with the pray with you, and help you with the pray with you, and help you with the next steps. next steps. next steps. You may be here or you're watching You may be here or you're watching You may be here or you're watching online online online and you don't relate to Saul and you don't relate to Saul and you don't relate to Saul cuz you're not far from God. cuz you're not far from God. cuz you're not far from God. If that's you, great. This message still If that's you, great. This message still If that's you, great. This message still for you. for you. for you. At the beginning, I asked you to write At the beginning, I asked you to write At the beginning, I asked you to write the name of somebody at the top of your the name of somebody at the top of your the name of somebody at the top of your outline. I want you to get that outline outline. I want you to get that outline outline. I want you to get that outline back out. I want you to look at the name back out. I want you to look at the name back out. I want you to look at the name you wrote down.

The person you considered too far gone. The person you considered too far gone. The person you considered the worst of The person you considered the worst of The person you considered the worst of the worst, a bad person you knew the worst, a bad person you knew the worst, a bad person you knew has the same opportunity has the same opportunity has the same opportunity Saul had. Ananias's second chance would have never Ananias's second chance would have never been been been shown without Ananias. shown without Ananias. shown without Ananias. His obedience reached the worst of the His obedience reached the worst of the His obedience reached the worst of the worst and it resulted in life change. worst and it resulted in life change. worst and it resulted in life change. And as a follower of Jesus, you have the And as a follower of Jesus, you have the And as a follower of Jesus, you have the same responsibility same responsibility same responsibility to reach the lost. to reach the lost. to reach the lost. But how do you do that? First, First, listen to God. God spoke to Ananias and Saul. God spoke to Ananias and Saul. When Saul heard God, he said, "Who are When Saul heard God, he said, "Who are When Saul heard God, he said, "Who are you, Lord?" But when Ananias heard God, he said, But when Ananias heard God, he said, "Yes, Lord." "Yes, Lord." "Yes, Lord." He was in close enough relationship that He was in close enough relationship that He was in close enough relationship that he recognized God's voice.

God is calling your name. God is calling your name. He has an assignment for you. He has an assignment for you. He has an assignment for you. But you will never hear him unless you But you will never hear him unless you But you will never hear him unless you listen for him. Make it a priority to seek God and to Make it a priority to seek God and to listen for his voice. And when you do, listen for his voice. And when you do, listen for his voice. And when you do, when you hear him, just like Ananias, when you hear him, just like Ananias, when you hear him, just like Ananias, obey. God's direction for Ananias made no God's direction for Ananias made no sense. sense. sense. God told him, God told him, God told him, "Go and pray for the man who came to "Go and pray for the man who came to "Go and pray for the man who came to kill you." kill you." kill you." That's tough. That's a tough assignment. When God speaks to you, When God speaks to you, no matter what the assignment is, no matter what the assignment is, no matter what the assignment is, listen and obey. listen and obey. listen and obey. If the assignment is challenging, If the assignment is challenging, If the assignment is challenging, obey. obey. obey. If the assignment pushes you out of your If the assignment pushes you out of your If the assignment pushes you out of your comfort zone, obey. comfort zone, obey. comfort zone, obey. If the assignment doesn't make any sense If the assignment doesn't make any sense If the assignment doesn't make any sense at all, at all, at all, obey. I wish I could tell you that every I wish I could tell you that every instruction you receive from the Lord is instruction you receive from the Lord is instruction you receive from the Lord is going to make immediate sense for the going to make immediate sense for the going to make immediate sense for the rest of your life.

rest of your life. rest of your life. As most of you already know, that's not As most of you already know, that's not As most of you already know, that's not how it works. And in fact, in the book of Isaiah And in fact, in the book of Isaiah chapter 55, God tells us, "For my chapter 55, God tells us, "For my chapter 55, God tells us, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts. thoughts are not your thoughts. thoughts are not your thoughts. Neither your ways my ways. Neither your ways my ways. Neither your ways my ways. As the heavens are higher than the As the heavens are higher than the As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your earth, so are my ways higher than your earth, so are my ways higher than your ways ways ways and my thoughts and my thoughts and my thoughts than your thoughts. God's thoughts are higher than your God's thoughts are higher than your thoughts. thoughts. thoughts. In other words, In other words, In other words, God knows better than you do. God knows better than you do. God knows better than you do. As a believer, As a believer, As a believer, it's not your responsibility to it's not your responsibility to it's not your responsibility to understand the plan. understand the plan. understand the plan. It's not your It's not your It's not your responsibility to to make the plan. And obedience And obedience leads to blessing, leads to blessing, leads to blessing, impact, and life change impact, and life change impact, and life change for you and for the people around you. Finally, to reach the lost, just like Finally, to reach the lost, just like Ananias, Ananias, Ananias, extend God's grace.

When Ananias got to Saul, he didn't beat When Ananias got to Saul, he didn't beat him, he didn't restrain him, he didn't him, he didn't restrain him, he didn't him, he didn't restrain him, he didn't lecture him. lecture him. lecture him. Instead, placing his hands on Saul, Instead, placing his hands on Saul, Instead, placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, the road as you were coming here, the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again has sent me so that you may see again has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." I want to be like Ananias. I want to be like Ananias. I want to welcome people that God is I want to welcome people that God is I want to welcome people that God is changing. They may not look like me, they may not They may not look like me, they may not talk like me, they may not act like me, talk like me, they may not act like me, talk like me, they may not act like me, they may not dress like me, but I want they may not dress like me, but I want they may not dress like me, but I want to be willing to accept them into God's to be willing to accept them into God's to be willing to accept them into God's family because God is willing to accept family because God is willing to accept family because God is willing to accept them into his family. And we must never forget And we must never forget that there's no greater miracle. There's that there's no greater miracle. There's that there's no greater miracle. There's not a greater moment in life than when not a greater moment in life than when not a greater moment in life than when one person commits their life to Jesus. Ananias, he extended the extreme grace Ananias, he extended the extreme grace of God to the very man who came to of God to the very man who came to of God to the very man who came to arrest, beat, and kill people just like arrest, beat, and kill people just like arrest, beat, and kill people just like him.

Before he ever met Saul, Ananias made Before he ever met Saul, Ananias made the decision to accept him. you can do that for the lost people in you can do that for the lost people in your life. You can extend God's grace You can extend God's grace to that hateful relative who mocks your to that hateful relative who mocks your to that hateful relative who mocks your faith. Or to the addict who is yet to discover Or to the addict who is yet to discover freedom. Or the person whose lifestyle is chained Or the person whose lifestyle is chained by sin. Why is it important to listen, obey, and Why is it important to listen, obey, and extend God's grace? Well, look at the end of our story, Well, look at the end of our story, verse 19. verse 19. verse 19. Saul spent several days with the Saul spent several days with the Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. disciples in Damascus. disciples in Damascus. And at once, he began to preach in the And at once, he began to preach in the And at once, he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus synagogues that Jesus synagogues that Jesus is the son of God. The same synagogues that Saul sought The same synagogues that Saul sought approval from to persecute the church approval from to persecute the church approval from to persecute the church were now the synagogues he preached the were now the synagogues he preached the were now the synagogues he preached the name of Jesus.

And it was a radical change because of And it was a radical change because of one man's obedience and grace. Can you imagine the leader of that Can you imagine the leader of that synagogue? synagogue? synagogue? You know, morning service rolls around, You know, morning service rolls around, You know, morning service rolls around, the leader gets up, he stands at the the leader gets up, he stands at the the leader gets up, he stands at the podium, he gets the mic, and he he podium, he gets the mic, and he he podium, he gets the mic, and he he welcomes Saul, the chief persecutor, up welcomes Saul, the chief persecutor, up welcomes Saul, the chief persecutor, up to the stage, and the the crowd they're to the stage, and the the crowd they're to the stage, and the the crowd they're they're ready cuz they're they know Saul they're ready cuz they're they know Saul they're ready cuz they're they know Saul is going to rally the crowd against the is going to rally the crowd against the is going to rally the crowd against the church of Jesus Christ. Saul walks up, church of Jesus Christ. Saul walks up, church of Jesus Christ. Saul walks up, and instead, he talks about the and instead, he talks about the and instead, he talks about the life-changing love of Jesus. It's like if you were the owner of a It's like if you were the owner of a Chevy dealership, Chevy dealership, Chevy dealership, and you get the the whole team together, and you get the the whole team together, and you get the the whole team together, and all your staff, and a big wig from and all your staff, and a big wig from and all your staff, and a big wig from corporate office is coming down to give corporate office is coming down to give corporate office is coming down to give a speech. And so, the big wig gets here a speech. And so, the big wig gets here a speech. And so, the big wig gets here and she stands up and and she presents and she stands up and and she presents and she stands up and and she presents to your whole team and she says, "Hey, I to your whole team and she says, "Hey, I to your whole team and she says, "Hey, I know we're a Chevy dealership, but every know we're a Chevy dealership, but every know we're a Chevy dealership, but every single one of you should go out today single one of you should go out today single one of you should go out today and buy a Ford." and buy a Ford." and buy a Ford." >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> It's an unbelievable moment. >> It's an unbelievable moment. >> It's an unbelievable moment. In fact, verse 21 tells us that all In fact, verse 21 tells us that all In fact, verse 21 tells us that all those who heard Saul were astonished.

They were astonished at the fact They were astonished at the fact that the man who was once the enemy of that the man who was once the enemy of that the man who was once the enemy of the church But when you trust him and follow that But when you trust him and follow that plan, plan, plan, the results are absolutely astonishing. So, what could God do with your So, what could God do with your obedience and grace? Could he reach the person that you wrote Could he reach the person that you wrote at the top of your outline? Could he send you Could he send you to tell them about their second chance? If you're like Ananias, I want to pray If you're like Ananias, I want to pray for you. I want to pray that God would reveal the I want to pray that God would reveal the people who are lost people who are lost people who are lost and hurting and hurting and hurting and broken in your life.

And that he would give you the And that he would give you the opportunity opportunity opportunity to extend his grace to extend his grace to extend his grace and guide them to life change. and guide them to life change. and guide them to life change. Can I pray that way for you? Can I pray that way for you? Can I pray that way for you? Would you bow your heads? Thank you that you use people like us Thank you that you use people like us to reach people who don't know you. Thank you for allowing us the privilege Thank you for allowing us the privilege to share your love and your grace to share your love and your grace to share your love and your grace [music] and your forgiveness with people [music] and your forgiveness with people [music] and your forgiveness with people who are far from you. We ask that you would please forgive us We ask that you would please forgive us for the times that we've decided someone for the times that we've decided someone for the times that we've decided someone was far too gone, that someone had no was far too gone, that someone had no was far too gone, that someone had no chance of ever coming back to you. Would chance of ever coming back to you. Would chance of ever coming back to you. Would you help us to never see people like you help us to never see people like you help us to never see people like that again? I pray that you would challenge us I pray that you would challenge us today.

Challenge us to see people the way you Challenge us to see people the way you see them. see them. see them. Challenge us to to love people the way Challenge us to to love people the way Challenge us to to love people the way you love them. you love them. you love them. Challenge us to extend your grace and Challenge us to extend your grace and Challenge us to extend your grace and your forgiveness to people who everyone your forgiveness to people who everyone your forgiveness to people who everyone else has given up on. Would you give us the opportunity to Would you give us the opportunity to share your presence share your presence share your presence with people that we meet? with people that we meet? with people that we meet? Regardless of who they are or what Regardless of who they are or what Regardless of who they are or what they've done or how far they've run from they've done or how far they've run from they've done or how far they've run from you, use us to share your love. In fact, I ask that you would give us In fact, I ask that you would give us that opportunity this week. Place someone in our path who is hurting Place someone in our path who is hurting and broken [music] and in desperate need and broken [music] and in desperate need and broken [music] and in desperate need of an encounter with you. Help us see that moment. Help us see that moment. Help us capitalize on that moment. Help Help us capitalize on that moment. Help Help us capitalize on that moment. Help us follow your direction.

We make the decision right now to be We make the decision right now to be like Ananias. We want to listen to your voice. We want to listen to your voice. Obey your command. We want to follow Obey your command. We want to follow Obey your command. We want to follow your direction. We want to extend your your direction. We want to extend your your direction. We want to extend your grace. And help us to do that not just today. And help us to do that not just today. Not just this week. Lord, we love you. Lord, we love you. We trust you. We trust you. We trust you. We ask you to use us today. We ask you to use us today. We ask you to use us today. And it's in your name that we pray. And it's in your name that we pray. And it's in your name that we pray. Amen.