Eaglecom On Demand

When someone put a gun in his face, a pilot named Jim had a choice—he could either let fear take over or he could trust Jesus with his life. As Jim’s plane was hijacked in Africa, the Lord brought Scriptures back to his mind and reminded him that there is power in the Name of Jesus. Hear from Jim Streit, who was in the air, and from Matt Olson, who was on the ground in North Carolina, about how God came through in a mighty way. 

Resources:

• Listen to “From Brokenness to Redemption: Never Too Far from God’s Love” to hear a longtime Samaritan’s Purse volunteer, Dennis Robinson’s, powerful testimony.

Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: Acts 9:1-6

Acts 9 tells the story of Saul’s conversion to becoming Paul. While on his way to persecute Christians, Saul came face-to-face with Jesus. And Saul’s first question to Jesus was:

“Lord, what wilt thou have me to do” (Acts 9:6)?

We are clever creatures who have lost our way and must relearn how we can know the will of God.

First, remember that God has promised to guide.

Psalm 32:8 says, "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye."

God has a moral plan for each of our lives. God’s will is sovereign; it is always done. There is no changing the fixed standard of right and wrong He has established.

Though God’s will is particular for each of us, there are six universal truths about His plan:

It is not a roadmap; it is a relationship.

It is not the end of our joy, but the beginning.

God does not speak only to certain people; He has a plan for everyone.

Learning God’s will is not always a dramatic experience; oftentimes, it is spoken softly.

God is not finished with us, whether we’re 9 or 99.

God does not hide His will from us. He wants us to know it even more than we do.

God’s guidance hinges on our willingness, meekness, and openness.

He is willing to guide when we yield to His control. Sometimes, God will give visions, miracles, or dreams to reveal His plans, but many times, He speaks practically. He guides through Scripture, His people, and the Holy Spirit within us. We must be sensitive enough to hear and know His voice.

God also leads with sheer wisdom, through the renewing of our minds.

God opens and closes doors, and guides the meek through it all. Many times, we don’t even know it was the providence of God until afterward.

We don’t have to be afraid of the will of God. Adrian Rogers says, “The will of God will not take you where the power of God cannot keep you.”

Apply it to your life

Are you trying to find the will of God for your life? How much time are you spending alone with God? If we want to understand God’s particular will for our lives, we must begin to obey the Scriptures we understand.

Paul has been given the floor — and he knows exactly what to do with it. Standing before King Agrippa, military tribunes, and the leading men of Caesarea, he doesn't just defend his actions. He defends his faith. Dr. John walks us through the opening of Paul's remarkable speech and lands on the question at the heart of it all: why is it so hard to believe that God raises the dead?

Jesus Goes Global: A Prisoner of Christ: When we read the book of Acts, we tend to give primary attention to the formation and growth of the Church in the early chapters. We then highlight the three mission trips of Paul. But some of the most profound lessons lie in the final chapters of Acts 25-28. Dr. John will show God extending His Kingdom through the personal struggle and imprisonment of Paul. The world’s worst cannot impede God’s best.

Listen to today's Laugh Again with Phil Callaway, "Where Is God?" Enjoy!

We all face pain and hardships in life – but with Jesus, our joy can be restored. Asheritah Ciuciu invites us to rediscover the joy in life, as we lean into how God delights in us.

Are there different types of doubt, or do all doubtful thoughts and feeling come from the same source? What steps does God give us in the Bible to help us deal with emotional types of doubts? Dr. Ankerberg’s guest, Dr. Gary Habermas answers these and many other questions about doubts in a Christian’s life.

Learn more

Through the obedience of a king who was a man of rest (and not of war), the Lord caused His temple to be completed as a fittingly beautiful house, so that He might dwell among the people. As Solomon labours in obedience to the Lord to complete this great project, we learn a pattern and key principles for how the work of the Kingdom moves forward.