Whatever Part 5 How to Stay Focused this Christmas

Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, Isnt he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name?And hasnt he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests? Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah. After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall. When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him. When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. Acts 9:19-31 Parable of the wheat and tares: Matthew 13:24-30 (Jesus) All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations Matthew 28:18-19 How do I stay focused on the journey? 1. To stay focused on the journey I must expect something from the ________________________. sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit. v. 17

F W Shortridge, 2012. All rights reserved. Material in whole or part may be from other sources used by permission.

(Jesus) A thief is only there to steal and kill and destroy. I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. John 10:10 (MSG) 2. To stay focused on the journey I must encourage the _________. 3. To stay focused on the journey I must ___________. (Jesus) Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23 Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit. (v.31) 4. To stay focused on the journey I must be active in the _____________. This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my ! kings and to the people of Israel.!! ! ! name to the Gentiles and their ! ! (v. 15)

(Jesus) If you dont go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you dont deserve me. If your rst concern is to look after yourself, youll never nd yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to ! me, youll nd both yourself and me.! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Matthew 10:38-39 (MSG) For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.! The Result: Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.! ! ! ! ! ! ! (v.31) ! Luke 19:10

F W Shortridge, 2012. All rights reserved. Material in whole or part may be from other sources used by permission.