This is not a question of God’s power. It is a question of God’s character and will.

God cannot lie.

• Titus 1:2

• Hebrews 6:18

• John 4:8, 16 – God is love.

• John 8:12 – God is light.

• John 14:6; I John 2:21 – God is truth.

God cannot fail.

• Premillenialists claim that Jesus failed and had to setup the church instead.

• Isaiah 42:1-9 – Jesus would not fail!

God could not remain in the grave.

• Acts 2:24

• Hebrews 2:3-4

• John 10:18

God cannot accept man in his sins.

• John 8:21

• Ephesians 1:7

• Hebrews 9:22

• Matthew 11:27-28

• Matthew 18:19; Acts 2

• I Corinthians 15:58

• Philippians 3:13-14

• I Peter 2:5-12

God cannot condemn man in his righteousness

• Mark 16:16; I John 1:7

We have noticed some things that God cannot do. In each case it was His nature and character that made it impossible for Him to do those things.

How do you tell the difference between a Christian and a non-Christian?

Philippians 2:15

We must teach the truth.

• I Corinthians 1:21

• Acts 17 – The philosophers rejected Paul’s teachings about a crucified Savior.

• I Corinthians 15:1-8 – This is the story of the gospel!

• People don’t necessarily believe this story today.

• I Corinthians 15:12-19 – If Christ was not raised, the Bible is a lie!

• I Corinthians 2:1, 12-13; 4:1-2

We must actually obey.

• Romans 1:5, 28-32

• Romans 5:1; 6:3, 19 – We can put sin behind us!

• Romans 9:6-8

• Romans 11:22 – God will bless you with His kindness if you obey.

• Romans 16:25-27

We must develop love.

• Luke 6:27, 32

• Romans 5:6-8

Acts 9:1-43

Acts 9:1-9 – It is possible to be sincerely wrong. Sincerity does not equal truth! In modern times, Jesus does not intervene directly like He did in the case of Paul. It is our responsibility to study and find truth.

Acts 9:10-19 – Ananias obeyed God despite the threat Paul posed. He was able to see beyond Paul’s problems. We should be able to overcome our doubts and extend love to others like Ananias.

Acts 9:15-16 – See Ephesians 3:8; Acts 25:11; 17:1-2.

Acts 9:20-30 – See Galatians 1:15-24. Paul evidently made a trip to Arabia at some point here. When we become loyal to Christ, earthly relationships are bound to change.

Acts 9:31 – Descriptive phrases about the church:

• “enjoyed peace”

• “being built up”

• “going on in the fear of the Lord”

• “and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit”

• “continued to increase”

Acts 9:32-43 – These miracles were undeniable. The conditions were not faked, and the healing was instantaneous!

• Earthly stories with a heavenly meaning.
• Figurative language (extended metaphor)
  • Luke 18:1-8, 9 – Parable of the persistent widow.
  • Illustrates a point, should not be erroneously or over-applied.
• Told to many, understood by few.

• Luke 8:11 – Seed is the word of God.
• Emphasis is on the hearts of men and how they interact with the word of God.
• Hearing the word is common in all four scenarios.

• Matthew 13:18-19
• Path: hardened heart
  • Example: Pharaoh (Exodus 7:13, 22-23)
  • Matthew 13:15
• Hears, but no understanding.
• No possibility of faith developing (Luke 8:12)
• Application:
  • Personal Bible study
  • Bible class this morning
  • Words in the songs we sang
• Is your heart closed and incapable of accepting God’s word?

• Enthusiasm and some growth, but no perseverance when trials or tribulations come.
  • Example: Peter (Matthew 26:30-35, 69-75)
• Important for new converts to grow their faith
  • Matthew 13:12
• Jeremiah 17:7-8
• What to do in times of tribulation?
  • James 1:2-4

• Mark 4:18-19
  • YLT: “cares of the world” translated as “anxiety of this age”
• Competition for limited resources (time, energy, etc.)
  • Example: Demas (II Timothy 4:10)
  • Example: growing grass under a shade tree
• Stunted growth » no fruit
  • No fruit = no purpose (Matthew 21:18-19; Luke 13:6-9)
  • Results from spiritual laziness (Proverbs 24:30-34)
• Importance of regular pruning
  • Example: cutting cable bill or streaming service
  • Example: taking a less demanding job
• Application:
  • No good fruit = no purpose (Matthew 3:10)

• Acts 2:37, 41-42 – Our hearts must be prepared to receive the word of God.
• Hears + understands » fruit
  • Mark 4:20; Luke 8:15
• God expects us to understand His word.
  • Matthew 15:10; Ephesians 5:17
• God expects us to bear fruit (grow spiritually)
  • Galatians 5:19-23; Matthew 3:8; Hebrews 5:12
• Suggestion: Pick someone who is bearing spiritual fruit and emulate what they are doing.