Acts 9:10-18 - There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Here I am, Lord!” he said. 11 “Get up and go to the street called Straight,” the Lord said to him, “to the house of Judas, and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, since he is praying there. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so he can regain his sight.” 13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go! For this man is My chosen instrument to take My name to Gentiles, kings, and the Israelites. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for My name!” 17 So Ananias left and entered the house. Then he placed his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so that you can regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”18 At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.

FAITH HELPS US OVERCOME FEAR & LEADS TO FORGIVENESS & HEALING.

Acts 9:26 When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple. 27 Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that He had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 Saul was coming and going with them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.

IF WE ALWAYS EXPECT SOMEONE'S WORST CHOICES, WE NEVER GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO MAKE THEIR BEST CHOICES.

GOD'S GRACE THROUGH JESUS & HIS CONTINUED GRACE FROM OTHERS HELPS US MOVE PAST OUR MISTAKES.

WE CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE GOD’S GRACE THROUGH THE FAITH OF OTHER BELIEVERS.

ALWAYS BE THANKFUL FOR THE RELATIONSHIPS IN OUR LIVES THAT SHOW US GRACE, REMIND US OF GRACE AND HELP KEEP US IN GRACE.

Philippians 1:3-7 - I give thanks to my God for every remembrance of you, 4 always praying with joy for all of you in my every prayer, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, and you are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and establishment of the gospel. 

WAYFINDING THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS ALWAYS REQUIRES GRACE FOR US & FROM US.

Acts 9:19-23 Saul was with the disciples in Damascus for some days. 20 Immediately he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues: “He is the Son of God.” 21 But all who heard him were astounded and said, “Isn’t this the man who, in Jerusalem, was destroying those who called on this name and then came here for the purpose of taking them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22 But Saul grew more capable and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this One is the Messiah. 23 After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him.

JESUS DESIRES TO SEPARATE US FROM WRONG INFLUENCES THAT WE MIGHT SEE & SURROUND OURSELVES WITH THE RIGHT ONES.

FURTHER DISCUSSION:

Remember & Respond (To Quotes & Main Points from the Sermon):

Reflect on a time when someone's guidance influenced your direction in life. How did it impact your journey?

Consider individuals in your life who served as catalysts for positive change. How did their actions or words lead you toward a better path?

How has faith helped you overcome fear in your relationships, especially in moments of potential hurt or disappointment?

Read & Reflect (On Scripture(s) from the Sermon):

Ananias and Saul (Acts 9:10-18): Examine the story of Ananias and Saul. How does Ananias' faith play a role in Saul's transformation, and what does it reveal about God's grace?

Barnabas the Encourager (Acts 9:26-28): Explore the role of Barnabas in Saul's life. How does Barnabas demonstrate the importance of offering grace for the future and helping others be accepted despite their past?

Relate & React (Apply the Sermon to your life this week):

Share an experience where someone gave you a chance to change and prove yourself despite past mistakes. How did it impact your life?

Consider ways you can be a catalyst for positive change in someone else's life this week. How can you encourage and uplift them?

Reflect on relationships in your life. Are there ones where grace needs to be extended, or forgiveness sought? How can you actively contribute to reconciliation?

Prayer:

Dear God, we thank you for the relationships that have guided us in the right direction. Help us remember the catalysts for positive change and the faith that overcomes fear. As we reflect on the stories of Ananias, Barnabas, and Saul, inspire us to be catalysts for change, offering grace and encouragement to others. May we embrace new directions with faith and extend grace in our relationships. Grant us the wisdom to reconcile where needed and the strength to remove influences hindering our journey. In Jesus' name, amen.

Series Content
Wayfinding