Why Every World Changer Needs A Helper & Community // Masashi Shibuya

A good community can encourage you and help you find your purpose. Through Paul’s story, find out how a church community can encourage you and how you can also be an encouragement for others.

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WHY EVERY WORLD CHANGER NEEDS A HELPER & COMMUNITY

(Psalm 84:10 ERV) 

One day in your Temple is better than a thousand days anywhere else. Serving as a guard at the gate of my God’s house is better than living in the homes of the wicked.

(Acts 9:3-8 NIV) 

As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. (4) He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (5) “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. (6) “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (7) The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. (8) Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus.

(Acts 9:9-19 NIV) 

In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. (11) The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. (12) In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” (13) “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. (14) And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” (15) But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. (16) I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” (17) Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (18) Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

GOD IS SPEAKING AND DRAWING PEOPLE 

YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A SUPERSTAR TO IMPACT PEOPLE’S LIVES 

(Acts 9:9 NIV) 

In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 

ONE WORD / PRAYER CAN CHANGE SOMEONE’S ETERNITY

(Proverbs 18:21 MSG) 

Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.

(Proverbs 12:25 MSG) 

Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up.

(Proverbs 16:24 NLT) 

Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

(1 Corinthians 14:3 NLT) 

But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them.

OBEDIENCE LEADS TO MIRACLES AND LIFE-CHANGE

(Luke 11:28 NIV) 

He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

EVERYONE NEEDS A COMMUNITY 

(Acts 9:26-27 NIV) 

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. (27) 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.

(Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT)

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

QUESTIONS:

• Why do we need others to help us follow Jesus?
• What do we learn from Ananias about obeying God even when it feels scary or risky?
• How can our words or prayers impact someone’s life?
• Why is community important for believers?
• Who has encouraged you in faith, and how can you encourage others?

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