Life Notes with Oz

Big Idea: God can bring anyone to faith and use them to advance His mission—to help people find and follow Jesus.

Aim: If you’re exploring Christianity, know you aren’t beyond God’s forgivenss and purpose for your life.

If you’re a Christian, extend grace to the unchurched, the skeptics, and even the “Sauls” in your life. No one’s too far gone.

Icebreaker Questions

1. What are the most common, observable transformations you’ve seen when someone becomes a Christian? (Think attitude shifts, habits, relationships—share your stories!)

Setting the Stage: Saul’s Dark Past

Saul wasn’t born a christian nor an apostle. He had a past. Just like us. But here’s the hope:

Your past doesn’t have to define your future.

Start by reading Acts 7:54–8:3 (a brutal scene of persecution).

3. What’s happening in this passage, and how does it make you feel?
   (The early church is under fire—Stephen’s stoned. It’s raw, right?
4. The text zooms in on one individual amid the chaos. Who is that, and why do you think the author highlights him?
   ( It’s Saul. He approves of the stoning. )

The Road to Damascus: A Blinding Encounter

Read Acts 9:1-9.

Saul’s on a mission—literally heading to Damascus to arrest more believers. But God has other ideas.

5. Does anything jump out at you from these verses?
   
6. What does the word ‘still’ in verse 1 reveal about Saul’s mindset?
   (Persecuting Chrsitians was a pattern for Saul. )
7. How did Saul pursue his purpose? All-in or half-hearted? Why?
   (Letters from the high priest? travel to another city? This guy’s *committed—to the wrong thing.)
8. What was the game-changer as Saul approached Damascus (vv. 3–6)?
   (A light from heaven! Saul’s knocked flat, blind and bewildered.)
9. In that blinding moment, what did Saul instantly realize? (I imagine the voice was commanding, like thunder wrapped in grace.)
   (It’s Jesus Himself: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” Boom—reality check.)

Tie this back to last week’s study on Acts 17 (idols in Athens):

10. In light of Paul’s later words there, what’s the right response when the true Lord appears in glory?
    (Repent, turn, worship the one true God—no more idols or vendettas.)
11. Some conversions kick off with a crisis or surprise moment. Saul’s Damascus road was epic. What unexpected “aha” moments have drawn people you know to consider Christianity?
    (A loss? A dream? A kind stranger? Stories welcome!)
12. When life hits you with one of those moments, how should you respond?
    (Listen. Question. Seek. Don’t ignore the light.)

From Blindness to Breakthrough: Ananias Steps Up

Saul’s down but not out. Read Acts 9:10-19 for the rest of the drama.

13. At his lowest (blinded and desperate), what did Saul do (v. 11)?
    (He prayed. Simple, but powerful.)
14. What do you think he was praying about?
    (Forgiveness? Direction? “What now, God?”)
15. How did God answer?
    (He sends Ananias through a vision)
16. Is Ananias’s hesitation warranted?
    (Yes, given Paul’s reputation)
17. What convinces Ananias to go anyway?
    (God’s promise: Saul’s chosen to carry His name to the nations. Obedience over feelings.)
18. Spot the flip in Saul’s purpose. What’s his new mission?
    (From destroyer to bearer of the Gospel. Total 180.)
19. How is this story encouraging for you today?
    (If God can redirect Saul, He can redirect anyone—including you or someone you love.)
20. Does living with purpose mean zero challenges?
    (Nope. Saul faced shipwrecks, beatings, and more. Purpose fuels resilience.)
21. When Ananias lays hands on Saul and prays, what happens?
    (Scales fall from his eyes—literal and figurative healing. Welcome to the family!)
22. What’s Saul’s very first act as a Jesus-follower?
    (He gets baptized. Public declaration: “I’m all in.”)
23. Quick theology break: What is baptism, and what does it signify?
    (It’s an outward symbol of inward change—dying to the old life, rising new in Christ. Public yes to Jesus.)

Wrapping It Up: No One’s Beyond Reach

Saul’s story screams it: No one is beyond saving or becoming an effective follower of Jesus. God forgives anyone who believes in Christ’s death and resurrection, handing out fresh purpose like it’s free (because it is—paid by Jesus).

24. What kind of Jesus-follower do you think Paul became?
    (Bold preacher, tireless missionary, grace-extender. The real deal.)

Extra Tip: Your Story Is Your Superpower

No one can argue with your testimony. You don’t need a theology degree—just share what God did in you. Paul did this everywhere (check Acts 21:37–22:26 or 26:1-18). Dive into his letters; he circles back to his Damascus turnaround every time. It’s relatable, raw, and riveting.

Final Encouragement:

• If you’re a Christian: Welcome everyone. No judgment—you weren’t always “in” either.
• If you’re exploring: You’re not too broken or “bad” for God. He hears, forgives, and repurposes. Start with a prayer: “Jesus, show up on my road.”

What hit home for you? Share in the comments, grab a friend for coffee and this study, or pass it along. Let’s keep the conversation going—God’s mission needs all of us. Grace and peace!