Text: Acts 9:10-19

Topic: How God prepares us to witness about him to others

Introduction:

Illustration: Erickson has an embarrassing encounter with a foul-mouthed man on a ski slope.

Encounters with the lost are designed to show them the presence of Jesus in our lives.

God prepared Ananias and Saul for their encounter.

God tells Ananias to look for Saul.

Saul is prepared by his confrontation with Christ on the road to Damascus.

Illustration: Man who is blind from diabetes prays to see Jesus.

Ananias is prepared by the Holy Spirit to overcome his fears and confront Saul.

The vision of Christ changes the perspective of the moment.

We need to view the lost and hurt through the eyes of the Father.

Illustration: When Erickson's brother is hurt, their father's worried expression shows his deep love.

Ananias learned to see with godly eyes, so he could overcome his fear and confront Saul.

Witnessing encounters turn the lost into members of the family.

Ananias greets Saul as a brother in Christ, and Saul regains his sight.

The church should be a place where we can call a fellow sinner "brother."

Witnessing is an introductory experience that culminates in bringing the lost person into the family of God.

Conclusion

Amy Carmichael story dramatizes how Jesus calls us to join him in saving the lost.