Third Sunday of Easter

If you were not able to be with us on Sunday, you can hear this sermon at http://www.standrewsonline.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=39&Itemid=79

Acts 9:1-20
1. Saul was a student of Gamaliel. Read Acts 5:34-39. What had Gamaliel advised regarding followers of Jesus? How is Saul responding to this advice? What might this say about Saul?
2. Imagine Saul's three days of blindness and fasting. What do you think Saul is experiencing and thinking during this time? How does this period mirror Jesus' death and resurrection?
3. Jesus addressed Saul directly on the road to Damascus, yet he still sends Ananias to see Saul. Why do you think this is important? What opportunity does this provide for Ananias to grow in his discipleship?
4. Mother Mary spoke of this passage telling the story of two conversions. Do you agree? Do you relate more to Saul's conversion or to that of Ananias?
5. How did the Lord first get your attention? Was it dramatic or subtle?
6. Do you believe that some people are out of God's reach? How does this story challenge those assumptions?
7. When have you found yourself in Ananias' shoes? How was your 'comfortable Christianity' challenged?