Unstoppable: The Book of Acts: Divine Appointments and Divine Interruptions - Pastor Ben Hodges

Divine Appointments (from Acts 8 story of Philip)The Holy Spirit Can Lead Your Life – a Spirit-led life is an amazing life.- Be on the lookout for ‘divine appointments.’- Get a handle on the basic story of the Bible so you can share it.- Get comfortable with your own story, your testimony and be prepared to share it.- Encourage someone, then point them to the source to encouragement.Divine InterruptionsSometimes what you need is not more information, but a fresh revelation of Jesus.Acts 9:1-91. Jesus Still Interrupts Lives with His Presence (vv. 1–9)Saul was actively breathing threats and murder against the disciples (v. 1). He was an enemy of Christ, zealous to destroy the church.Jesus personally intervenes / Interrupts: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” (v.4). Notice how closely Jesus identifies with His people—the persecution of believers is persecution of Christ Himself.Saul’s conversion wasn’t from an insight against his intellectual argument—it was a supernatural encounter with the risen Jesus.Acts 9:10-19a2. The Holy Spirit choses and uses ordinary disciples, the willing not the gifted.Ananias, a relatively unknown disciple, is called by the Lord to lay hands on Saul (vv.10–12). He hesitates because of Saul’s reputation (vv. 13–14), but God assures him thatSaul is His “chosen instrument” (v. 15).Ananias obeys, calling Saul “Brother Saul” (v. 17). This simple act of faith and acceptance shows the power of Christian love and obedience.Saul is filled with the Spirit, baptized, and strengthened (vv. 17–19)—the same Spirit given to all believers, not just the 12 Apostles.Acts 9:19b-253. The Holy Spirit wants to transform you: fear into boldness, persecutor into proclaimer, enemy into evangelist, fighting God into following God, disobedient into devoted disciple.People are astonished: the persecutor is now proclaiming the faith he tried to destroy.Paul’s ministry is marked by growing power and boldness, confounding opponents with his witness (v. 22).Acts 9:26-314. Where the Holy Spirit is flowing freely there is, most often, encouragement and unity.The disciples in Jerusalem are afraid of Saul and doubt his conversion (v. 26).Barnabas (son of encouragement) steps in as a bridge-builder, testifying on Saul’s behalf, and helping him be received (v. 27) - his advocacy allows Saul to be integrated into the church.Learn this phrase: “I see in you.”The Holy Spirit doesn’t just save individuals—He heals relationships, removes suspicion, and brings unity.