Notes from May 10-11, 2008

Sermon Notes for Small Group Leaders
A Miraculous Re-birth
Pastor Jim Zippay
May 10-11, 2008

Outline
Recipe of a re-birth

1. A divine conception (Acts 9:1-6, Ephesians 2:1-3, Colossians 1:21, Titus 3:3, I Timothy 1:15-16)
   
2. A Christian delivery (Acts 9:17-19)
   Three essentials for a Christian Delivery
   1. Be clear about your conversion
   2. Be demonstrative about your decision
   3. Begin to grow spiritually
   
3. A nurturing parent (Acts 9:26-28)
   

Content

1. Saul (Paul) was a Jew traveling to persecute the Christian in Damascus.
2. While traveling, Jesus suddenly intervened and gave instructions to Saul (Paul).
3. Everyone, like Saul, is sinful and separate from God prior to their divine conception.
4. Ananias, a Christian in Damascus, hosts Saul (Paul). Saul regains site, was baptized and spends several days with the believers in Damascus.
5. New believers should be clear about their conversion (believing in Christ’s death and resurrection for my sins), be demonstrative about their decision (baptism and sharing my testimony) and begin to grow spiritually (prayer, reading the Bible) to ensure a solid foundation in Christ.
6. Saul travels from Damascus to Jerusalem to meet the disciples but the disciples were afraid because of his previous reputation.
7. Barnabas accepts Saul and convinces the disciples of Saul’s true conversion and re-birth in Christ. Barnabas served as Saul’s nurturing parent.
   

Aim
A spiritual re-birth consists of a clear encounter with God, a change in behavior, growth and encouragement from fellow believers.

Application Questions

1. According to the Ephesians, Colossians and Titus versus mentioned above, describe who we were before knowing Christ. What were you like prior to knowing Christ?
2. Jesus intervened with Saul on the road to Damascus and Saul believed. How has Jesus intervened in your life?
3. God had the ability to change Saul’s heart. Whose heart is God unable to change? Who in your life to you think God is unable to change?
4. How do being baptized, sharing your faith, praying and reading your Bible build a solid Christian foundation?
5. Who was/is your nurturing parent? How have they helped you build a solid Christian foundation?
   

Extras

1. The story of Ruby Criger
2. The WWII story of Mitsuo Fuchida and Jake DeShazer