Sunday School: Saul of Tarsus

Good morning!
We're so glad you chose to join us for Pentecost!

When we meet together in person, we take time to share our joys and concerns. Consider your last week, and any prayer requests you might have. If you would like, you can share prayer requests as a comment on this post. When you are ready, use the prayer below (source) to get started. ​

Dear Heavenly Father, on this day, 2000 years ago, you inaugurated the church by having the Holy Spirit indwell in your believers. We rejoice that you have allowed us, men and women, Jew and Gentile, to experience new life. Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit, our comforter, our convictor, our guide, and so many other things. And may we continue to celebrate this day until you return again. Amen.

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Today's lesson is on Acts 9:9-17. 

Paul was a dedicated Pharisee. His teacher, Gamaliel, was probably one of the greatest teachers at the time.  Paul was determined to keep their religion pure.  He hunted Christians and put them in jail! Paul grew up knowing about God, but he didn’t believe Jesus was the Messiah.
 
One day, while traveling to the town of Damascus, Jesus spoke to Paul in a blinding light! Paul was knocked off his horse and struck blind. Paul’s response: “Who are you Lord” (Acts 9:5 a previous verse.)  That encounter convinced Paul that Jesus was the Messiah. Paul dedicated his life to telling others about Him. So what can we learn from Paul?

Conclusion 
(source: gotquestions.org)
1. Paul's life teaches us that we’re never too bad to be rescued and used by God! Paul had been an enemy of Jesus, but became a new man by accepting Jesus as Savior. Paul proves that we don’t have to have perfect lives for Jesus to love us and save us.
 
2. We also learn that you can't know enough for God to accept you. Paul grew up learning all about the Scriptures and Jewish law, and yet he didn't believe that Jesus was the Messiah until Jesus showed up face to face. Knowing about God isn't enough. We must know His Son Jesus to know Him.
 
3. Paul teaches us that loving Jesus means sharing Jesus. Paul didn't accept the forgiveness of Jesus and keep it to himself. Even though Paul was insulted, beaten, and even thrown in jail, he never stopped telling people that Jesus is the Savior of the world.
 
4. The amazing things Paul did were actually amazing things that God did through him. Paul reminds us that when we remember that God works through us, that's when we are strongest!

Prayer
Heavenly Father it is sobering to think how well you know us.  Thank you for the inspiring stories of your zealous ones!  Empower and guide us to have similar zeal in doing great things for you.  We pray in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.
 
Thought to Remember
Christ calls us not only to him but also for him.

Benediction
This week's benediction is from the Psalter. 

Next week, we will be starting the summer quarter, The Righteous Reign of God. The first lesson of the quarter will be on Isaiah 52:7-12.