Thank you for listening to Servants for Christ. In all that we do, in all that we say, we want to give glory and honor to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you for tuning us in as we get into the wonderful Word of God. For the next few minutes, let's take the beautiful Word of God and share it with each and every one of you as we have a sense of anticipation to take the Word of God and to listen to its truth for each and every one. Thank you for tuning in. We continue on our series, The Journeys of Faith. Can you imagine picturing yourself stepping into a world where time and space blur, and where the journeys of ancient figures from the pages of scripture intertwine with our own lives in ways that we can barely comprehend? Much like a puzzle unfolding piece by piece. Each journey is a story waiting to be decoded, a story where faith is both the key and the mystery. You know what? As we get into our journeys of faith, we'll be talking about Paul, a servant for the gospel and missionary journeys. Here is the journey to Asia Minor. where we travel not just through history, but through the layers of God's timeless promises, unraveling the threads of trust, endurance, and divine guidance. In this series, we walk alongside some of the most remarkable characters in the Bible, each on a journey that feels both foreign and familiar. And from the soaring heights of victory to the crushing valleys of despair, their faith flickers, falters, and flourishes, and every twist in their path mirrors the unpredictable turns in our own lives. And so, in this series, we started out with Noah, a path of obedience and grace in Genesis chapter six. And secondly, we talked about Abraham called to testing and sacrifice in Genesis chapter 22. We talked about Jochebed, trusting in God's plan and provision in Exodus chapter 1 and Exodus chapter 2. We talked about Joseph trusting God's plan in Genesis chapter 37. We talked about Moses' lessons and patience and faith in Exodus chapter 31 and 32. We talked about Joshua from faith to the promised land in Joshua chapter one. And then we got on into the book of Judges chapter six with Gideon, discouragement to destiny. And Joshua chapter two, rehab from shame to salvation. In 1 Samuel chapter 3, Hannah from desperation to divine purpose. And in 1 Samuel chapter 16, Samuel navigating to the leading of God. In 1 Samuel 18 and 2 Samuel chapter 12, we talked about David, the heart of a king and the lessons of sin. In John chapter 17, we talked about Jesus, the journey to the cross. And then in Luke chapter 24, we talked about the disciples insights from the tomb. And then here, lastly, we talk about Paul, a servant for the gospel and missionary journeys. And I'm glad that when we look at this, the key verse that highlights Paul's journey of faith and transformation is Acts chapter nine, verse six. And he says, and he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what will thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, arise and go into the city and it shall be told thee what thou must do. You know, as we look at this sermon, it highlights the transformative journey of the Apostle Paul as he becomes a devoted servant of the gospel, embarking on his missionary travels, particularly to Asia Minor, and from his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus in Acts chapter 9, verses 1 through 9, to his commissioning by the Holy Spirit of Acts chapter 13, verses 2 through 5. You see, Paul's journey of faith serves as a powerful testament to the grace and the calling of God. And so, Paul's life exemplifies unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel despite overwhelming hardships, including persecutions, physical suffering, and the dangers that he faced in 2 Corinthians 11, verses 24 through 28. And through these experience, Paul's faith and dedication grew stronger, demonstrating that true servants of Christ endure trials while continue to carry out the divine mission. And so this message in Bible study encourages believers to follow Paul's example of faithfulness, understanding that the path of discipleship requires perseverance, trust in God's guidance, and a willingness to endure challenges for the sake of the gospel. And so, Paul's journey of faith is not just about traveling to new lands, but it's also about growing in spiritual maturity and fulfilling God's mission and courage with resilience. And it marks the moment of Paul's complete surrender to Christ, reflecting the turning point in his life from persecuting Christians to becoming one of the greatest apostles, a servant, obedient to God's call. And so the question that Paul asked, Lord, what will thou have me to do? This is the entire foundation of his ministry and journey of faith right here when we look at Acts Chapter 9 verse 6 where it says, and he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what will they have me to do? And the Lord said to him, arise and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. This surrender leads to everything that follows. His missionary work in Acts chapter 13, his perseverance through suffering as detailed in 2 Corinthians chapter 11, and the powerful legacy of obedience, faith, and endurance that he leaves behind. Let's open up with a word of prayer. And then as we get into this, we'll be able to talk about how that. Paul, a servant of the gospel and missionary journeys. Father, we come before you with hearts open and humble, acknowledging our need for your grace and mercy. Just as you spoke to Abraham and Moses in the days of old, you are the same God that spoke to Paul on the road to Damascus. And you have always been the God who calls us out of darkness into your marvelous light. We thank you for your relentless love that pursues us even when we are far from you. And as we reflect on the life of Paul, how you transformed him from a persecutor of your people into a great apostle of faith, we ask that you do the same work in our hearts, Lord. Forgive us for the times that we've resisted your voice and hardened our hearts. cleanse us from every sin and help us to daily put on the whole armor of God that we may stand firm in the battles of life. And may we hear your voice calling us just as you called Paul. May we answer that call with obedience. Fill us with your spirit. Guide us as we walk this path of faith and use us to share your gospel with those who do not yet know you. And Father, as let the ancient truths of scripture be living and active in our hearts, changing us from the inside out, as we have courage to endure trials as Paul did, fill us with a love for others that reflects your own heart. And we asked all of this in the body name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen. Here, when we look at Paul, a servant for the gospel and the missionary journeys, we see that in each of these cases that to inspire believers. It's all about embracing our calling in our Christian life. through the trials to persevere and to participate in spreading the gospel just as Paul did. And so Paul's journey as a servant for the gospel challenges every one of us to evaluate our own commitment to Christ and be encouraged to endure hardships for the sake of the kingdom. I'm gonna tell you, I wanna start out with about a story about a man that faced incredible odds. and in those odds to fulfill a mission. In 1939, a man named David found himself stranded in the wilderness of Alaska after his plane crash landed. His survival journey was marked by determination, resourcefulness, and unshakable faith. Against all odds, David made it back to civilization, tired and beaten, but alive. His resolve reminds us of the endurance needed for the gospel. Much like David's survival journey in Alaska, Paul's journey of spreading the gospel was filled with hardships, but his mission was far greater to reach the world for Christ. One of the things as we start out, is what began Paul's journey to Asia Minor. First of all, we see in Acts chapter nine, verses one through nine, Paul's conversion from persecutor to preacher. Paul's transformation marked the beginning of his incredible journey of faith. First, we see Paul's misguided zeal. In Acts chapter nine, verse one, the Bible says, and Paul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, You see, before his conversion, Paul was filled with zeal, but it was aimed against the followers of Christ. And so we see Paul's misguided zeal, but also a divine intervention. Because in Acts chapter 9 verse 4, the Bible says, and he fell to the earth and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Jesus intervened dramatically, halting Paul's destructive path and leading him toward the light of salvation. And so, not only do we look and we see that it was Paul's conversion from persecutor to preacher, that Paul's misguided zeal and divine intervention that we see but also we see a new purpose because in Acts chapter 9 verse 15 the Bible says but the Lord said in him go thy way for he is a chosen vessel and to be to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel Paul was called to be a vessel for the gospel forever changed and given a new mission. In Acts chapter 9 verses 15 and 16 the Bible says, but the Lord said in him, go thy way for he is a chosen vessel unto me to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. And verse 16, for I will shew him great things that he must suffer for my name's sake. Paul, that new convert, needed to know that he was a chosen vessel there was a new purpose a chosen instrument of God that Saul needed to know this glorious truth so does everyone that is a new born-again Christian because the Lord says very clearly in John chapter 15 verse 16 you have not chosen me but I've chosen you and ordained you that you should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain. You see, that new convert is a priceless vessel, a vessel that must not be knocked over and broken, cast away or neglected and ignored. That new convert needs to know God has chosen to use him or her in his work and service, giving him or her the greatest possible purpose on earth. And so there are two things in particular that we need to know. God has chosen the believer to bear the Lord's name. He needs to know that he is to bear the Lord's name in his heart and in his behavior and actions. Paul did. Christ was in his heart and the Spirit of God himself indwelt his life. His body had become the temple of the Holy Spirit according to 1 Corinthians chapter 6 verses 19 and 20. And he's now precious to the Lord, counted as a dear child of God. He's a member of the family of God, heir of heaven and of eternity. And that new convert must be taught, must learn and come to know that he or she is to deny self and take up the cross daily. In Luke chapter nine, the Bible says, verse 23, and he said unto them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me, amen. And so, I'm glad that it teaches us that denying ungodliness and worldly lust, that we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, according to Titus chapter two, amen. And so, we're to deny the ungodliness and worldly lust, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. Present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, and not to forsake the assembling of ourselves with other believers, but to seek their fellowship. And I'm glad. It's a treasure that brings fellowship and communion with the Lord himself because the perfect assurance and confidence that all things are well both now and eternally. You see, the Lord's presence assures the believer that the Lord cares and is looking after and will carry him through the trials of life victoriously even through death. And there the convert must be helped to seek God, to conform their life to Christ and guard and watch where he or she goes and what he or she does and says. God has chosen the believer not only to bear the Lord's name, in his heart and in his behavior and action, but also to bear the Lord's name in verbal witnessing. The witness before all men, high and low, as we can make that opportunity. Reach out and help all that we can, ministering, meeting their needs in the love of Christ. Witnessing, helping others at work, at home, play, at school. The world needs Christ even as he does. And so, I'm glad that God has chosen the believer to bear the Lord's name and also chosen the believer to suffer for the sake of the Lord's name. Every true believer is abused and suffers at the hands of the world. Christ has forewarned all believers that we shall suffer persecution. But I'm tell you, I'm glad Philippians 129 says, for under you it is given in the behalf of Christ not only to believe on him but also to suffer for his sake. And so all of us as we go through life, Paul desperately needed four things as to do all of us that are new to the gospel. He needed the touch of a disciple's hand and faithfulness. He needed the presence of disciples who were faithful enough to come and touch his life. He needed to see faithfulness in action, love, care, concern, and ministering in the name of Christ. And so that recognition of being a brother in the Lord, Ananias called Saul brother, and the one word that caused Paul to break out in tears for he was being reached out to by a dear believer of the Lord and accepted and welcomed into his heart despite the terrible Rome that he had done to all believers back in that time. He now had confirmation he had been truly forgiven and received by the Lord and he had been truly accepted by God and was beloved in the name of Jesus. The name that he had abused and hurt so much in his past how he needed to hear a dear child of God say brother as Ananias did and now he had heard it Only eternity and a conversation with Paul will reveal the impact that this one act had upon Paul and then the power of a healing ministry. Saul was afflicted. He needed Ananias to help him in his affliction. He needed his eyes healed, his sight restored, and God used his dear disciple to heal Saul. The scales of darkness fell from his eyes, symbolizing how the scales of a spiritual darkness and sin and shame had been removed from Saul's life and the sharing of the Holy Spirit's infilling and the power of the Spirit. Can you imagine? In Acts chapter nine, verse four, the Bible says, and he fell to the earth and heard a voice saying in him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? Imagine a man by the name of Jack who was raised in a strict atheistic household. He spent his entire life mocking, ridiculing Christians, finding joy in debunking their beliefs. And one day while on a business trip, his plane encountered a severe storm. The turbulence was so intense that he feared for his life. But in that moment, Jack, who had always rejected the idea of a higher power, found himself crying out, God, if you're real, save me. Miraculously, the plane stabilized and landed safely. Jack's life was changed forever, and he began to seek God, realizing that he had been fighting against the very one who loved him. Just like Jack, many people in the world today actively resist God or they mock faith, and yet in moments of crisis, God can meet them where they are. We must never give up on people, no matter how far they seem from faith. Paul's conversion shows that even those who are adamantly opposed to the gospel can be transformed by the mighty grace of God. And it challenges us to pray for the impossible cases. I've saw many impossible cases that it's took me years, but God saved them and brought them in. I remember a Catholic that it took five years. I kept on witnessing, but God saved his soul, praise God. Not because he was a Catholic, but because he was under the title of a Catholic, but he had never been saved by God's marvelous grace. in our lives, the trust that God can intervene. Charles Spurgeon said, God's mercy is so great that you can sooner drain the sea of its water or deprive the sun of its light than diminish the great mercy of God, unquote. And so, Paul's conversion from Acts chapter 9 verses 1-9, just as God transformed Paul's life, He can transform anyone today regardless of their past. Where many feel beyond redemption, this passage of Acts chapter 9 verses 1-9 reminds us that no one is too far gone from God's grace. we can pray for those around us who seem far from God and believe that He can still work miracles in their lives. So what began Paul's journey to Asia Minor was Paul's conversion from persecutor to preacher in Acts chapter 9, verses 1 through 9. Secondly, we see Paul's missionary journeys proclaiming the gospel to all nations in Acts chapter 13 verses 2 through 5. Paul's missionary journeys demonstrate his obedience to God's call to spread the gospel to the ends of the earth. And the first thing we see is he was sent by the Holy Ghost. And I'm glad that in Acts chapter 13 verse 2 the Bible says, As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. You see, Paul was not acting alone. He was chosen. He was sent by the Holy Spirit for the work of the gospel. Not only was he sent by the Holy Spirit, but he was preaching amidst opposition. Because in Acts chapter 13 verse 50, the Bible says, but the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women and the chief men of the city and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them out of their coast. You see, throughout his journeys, Paul faced continuous opposition, and yet he remained steadfast in his mission. And so, he was sent by the Holy Spirit, preaching amidst opposition. But oh so, there was a strengthening by the churches. Because in Acts chapter 14, verse 22, the Bible says, confirming the souls of the disciples and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must, through much tribulation, enter into the kingdom of God. Paul not only planted churches, but continually strengthened believers to persevere in their faith. Carl F. H. Henry, one of my other favorite authors, said one time, the gospel is only good news if it gets there in time, unquote. You know what? In Acts chapter 13 verse 2, the Bible says, as they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. You know, in 1960, a young man named Jim Elliott felt called to be a missionary to the unreached tribe in Ecuador. Despite the danger, Jim and his team were determined to bring gospel to people who had never heard of Christ. Tragically, Jim and four others were killed by the very tribe they sought to reach. However, their sacrifice was not in vain. Years later, Jim's wife, Elizabeth Elliot, returned to the tribe and led many of them to Christ. Jim once wrote in his journal, And I quote him, he's no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose, unquote. Paul and Barnabas were called and sent by the Holy Spirit, just as Jim Elliot was. And their mission required sacrifice, but they obeyed God's calling regardless of the cost. Today, God still calls his people to share the gospel. And sometimes in challenging or dangerous places, are we willing to step out in faith, trusting that God will guide us and use us for his purpose? Elizabeth Elliot said later on in a quote the will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot keep you unquote and so Acts chapter 13 verses 2 through 5 of Paul's calling Paul and Barnabas were obedient to the Holy Spirit's call no matter the cost and today we are called to be missionaries in our own spears of influence and Whether in our workplaces, communities, or families, we're called to share the gospel. Ask yourself, am I responding to God's call in my life? Or am I resisting His direction? And so, as I get ready to close out, What began Paul's journey to Asia Minor was first Paul's conversion from persecutor to preacher in Acts chapter 9 verses 1 through 9. Paul's missionary journeys proclaiming the gospel to all the nations in Acts chapter 13 verses 2 through 5. But lastly, the third point, Paul's endurance, suffering for the sake of the gospel. In 2 Corinthians chapter 11 verses 24 down to verse 28, Paul's life was marked by suffering, but he counted it all as joy for the sake of Christ. And one of the first things that we see of Paul's endurance of suffering for the sake of the gospel is enduring physical hardships. Because in 2 Corinthians 11, verses 24 and 25, the Bible says, Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes, save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods. Once was I stoned. Thrice I suffered shipwreck. A night and a day I've been in the deep. You see, Paul endured unimaginable physical hardships, showing the depth of his commitment to the gospel. And so, Paul's endurance of suffering for the sake of the gospel, not only enduring physical hardships, but also facing emotional and spiritual burdens. Because in 2 Corinthians 11, verse 28, the Bible says, besides those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches." Paul carried the emotional and the spiritual burdens of leading many churches, facing internal struggles alongside external persecutions. And so, as he endured the physical hardships, faced emotional and spiritual burdens, we see lastly that he was strengthened by God's grace. And I'm glad that he said in 2 Corinthians 12, verse 9, And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness. You see, despite Paul's trials, Paul found strength in God's grace, realizing that his weakness allowed God's power to shine through. You know, when we look at the scripture of 2 Corinthians 11, verses 24 and 25, it reminds me of the magnificent story of Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian during the Second World War, that was arrested and sent to a concentration camp for hiding Jews in her home. She and her sister Betsy endured unimaginable suffering in that concentration camp, starvation, abuse, constant threat of death. And yet, in the darkest moments, Corrie ten Boom remembered Betsy's words, her sister, that she said while they were there, there's no spit. There is no pit so deep that God's love is not deeper still." You see, even after Betsy's death, Corrie Ten Boone's sister, Corrie, clung to her faith, and upon her release, shared the message of God's love and forgiveness across the world. Paul's list of suffering is overwhelming, and yet he endured all of it for the sake of the gospel. In today's society, in America, in the world, we may not face physical beatings or imprisonment, but we all face hardships. And whether it's illness, financial struggles, or persecution for our faith, Paul's endurance reminds us that we can persevere through suffering when we lean on God's strength. Like Corrie ten Boom, we can hold on to the truth that God's love and grace will see us through our darkest moments. And so, Corrie Ten Boom said one time, never be afraid to trust an unknown future to an unknown God, unquote. You see, Paul's perseverance and suffering speaks in 2 Corinthians 11, verses 24 down to verse 28, speaks to us in a world filled with trials and tribulations, when we face hardships, that we can find strength in knowing that God's grace is sufficient. How do you respond to suffering. How do you trust God to use even your pain for His glory? Charles Spurgeon said, Paul's great strength was his absolute weakness and it was through his brokenness that God accomplished mighty things, unquote. And so, back in Acts chapter 16 verse 9, The Bible says, and a vision appeared to Paul in the night, and there stood a man of Macedonia and prayed him, saying, come over into Macedonia and help us. In Acts chapter 16, verse seven, the Bible says, and after they will come to Messiah, Massagia, they assayed to go into Bithynia, but the spirit suffered them not. You know, in the early 1900s, the great evangelist Billy Sunday, the great baseball player of all time that came to be an evangelist, traveled across the United States preaching the gospel. And though he saw great success in many cities, he set up portable tents and had sawdust in the floor. And they had these revival meetings all over the country. There were also places where his message was rejected. And yet, Billy Sunday didn't let rejection stop him. He once said, and I quote, stopping at failure is not God's will. God's will is to keep moving forward and never be content with mediocrity, unquote. Much like Paul, Billy Sunday trusted that God would open doors where the gospel was needed, even when other doors were being closed. You know what? Paul's journey to Asia Minor highlights the importance of following the Holy Spirit's leading, even when plans change. In today's world, we may face closed doors in our personal lives, ministries, or career paths. Paul's experience in Asia Minor reminds us to be sensitive to God's guidance. And when we face rejection or obstacles, it may be that God has another door waiting to open, and we need to trust His timing and direction, knowing that He'll lead us where we need to be. Again, remember what Jim Elliot went through, and a quote that I leave you with from Jim Elliot, God always gives his best to those who leave the choice with him, unquote. And so, as I close out with prayer, I hope that you got something from Paul, a servant for the gospel and missionary journey. Lord, Paul's life and missionary journey stand as a testimony to the power of the gospel and the dedication required to be a servant of Christ. Despite opposition, physical hardships, Lord, and emotional burdens, Paul remained faithful to his calling. Lord, his journey challenges all of us to examine our own commitment to spread the gospel and to endure hardship with an unwavering faith. Father, I pray as we close our time together, I asked you, Lord, that even as we look all the way back from the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament apostles, that you've shown yourself to be the God who never fails. And just as you called Isaiah with the words, whom shall I send? Who will go forth? Isaiah responded, Here am I, send me. May we too respond to your call today. And like Paul on the road to Damascus, open our spiritual eyes so that we may see clearly the path that you set before us. We thank you for the example of Paul. Forgive us of our sins, Lord. Cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Strengthen us in our daily to put on the armor of God, the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the sword of the spirit, the belt of truth, so that we may stand against the schemes of the enemy. And as we go out, May your word dwell richly in us, guide in our steps, lead in us to walk in your will. In a society that pulls us away from your truth, give us the courage to stand for righteousness and to share your love with those that are around us, that we live a life of a testimony of a transforming power, just as Paul was. To glorify your name, lead us by your spirit to go forward in your faith. In Jesus's marvelous mighty name, amen. you