March 22, 2026 SERMON NOTES

Acts: This is My Story!

Acts 9:10-22

10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

I. The Lord Convicts the Rebellious (Acts 9:1-5)
1. The Light
2. The Lord  

II. The Lord Converts the Repentant (Acts 9:6-17)
1. The Lord's Voice
2. The Lord's Time
3. The Lord's Leadership
     i. God's Grace
     ii. God's Spirit
     iii. God's Purpose
     iv. God's Family 

III. The Lord Calls the Redeemed (Acts 9:17-22) 
1. To Obey
2. To Testify
     i. Jesus
     ii. Spirit
     iii. Boldness
     iv. Suffering
3. To Build 

MARCH 22, 2026 STUDY GUIDE

Acts: This is My Story!

Acts 9:10-22

What is your favorite hymn? How Great Thou Art? Blessed Assurance? It is Well with My Soul? I Surrender All? Amazing Grace? Many people find comfort and hope in the hymn, Amazing Grace. If possible in your group, sing or listen to that hymn. How does Amazing Grace minister to you? What are the foundational biblical truths that you see from that hymn? Share your insights with your group. 

How has God's grace changed your life? Answer the question by talking about these three words: 

• Salvation

• Service

• Storms

Paul was saved by God's grace (read Ephesians 2:8-9). He served the Lord Jesus by God's unmerited favor (read 1 Peter 4:10). He survived the storms of life by God's grace (read 2 Corinthians 12:9). 

Acts 9 reveals Paul's conversion story. He was a lost man. On the road to Damascus, the Lord Jesus saved and changed his life. Paul was called to the gospel ministry. His name changed (from Saul to Paul). Paul lived his life for the glory of God and the advancement of the gospel. If it cost him his physical life, Paul confessed that he was willing to give his all for the name of Jesus (Acts 21:13). 

In this week's study, be prepared to share your conversion story. Who is the hero of your story? Please know, Jesus is the Hero of every conversion story.  You can talk about the gospel. the defining moment of your salvation, and the witness that Jesus desires to save other people. This could be the divine moment of salvation for someone. Pray for God's Spirit to be at work and for His grace to be on display. 

What truths are evident from Paul's conversion story in Acts 9?  

1. The Lord Convicts the Rebellious (Acts 9:1-5). As you open God's Word, what do you know about "Saul" and "the Way?" Saul was a rebellious man. He hated Christians and the church. Believers gathered together under the Lordship of Jesus Christ because He is the Way (John 14:6). How has the Lord convicted you? Who do you need to pray for now that's living a rebellious life?

2. The Lord Converts the Repentant (Acts 9:6-17). What does the word "repentance" mean? What evidence does the Bible give that Saul repented? Saul's life was radically changed on the Damascus Road. How is the Lord changing your life? As the Holy Spirit leads, share specific moments when you practiced repentance. You can thank the Lord for His grace and forgiveness.    

3. The Lord Calls the Redeemed (Acts 9:17-22). Following his conversion, the Lord called Saul. He (Paul) became a preacher, missionary, church planter, discipler, author, and servant. The Lord is still calling the redeemed. He wants you to be His witness (Acts 1:8). You must testify about His goodness, grace, and glory. How are you sharing Jesus's story and your story? 

As you finish this week's study, this is an amazing time to share your conversion story. As you share, you may say, "I don't have a Damascus Road story." However, the focus of your story isn't on the size of your sin; it's on the grace of your Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Here are five questions to answer as you share: 

• What do you remember about being lost? 

• Who did God use to share the gospel with you?

• What does it mean to call on the name of Jesus (Romans 10:13)? 

• Who is the Hero of your conversion story?

• What would you say to someone in need of salvation right now? 

Take a few moments and pray to God. Thank Him for His Son, His Word, His grace, His Spirit, and His salvation. May you never get over being saved!

Thank you for studying God's Word with us this week. We hope you'll join us on Sunday in Bible study and worship. You're being prayed for by God's people at FBC Clarksville. 

Grace and Peace!      

View all of the "Acts" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/acts.

GROWTH GROUPS

NEW Wednesday night Growth Groups are available, and we’d love for you to get connected! Check out all of the new 2026 Growth Groups and sign up today at fbct.org/growthgroups.

EASTER AT FIRST BAPTIST CLARKSVILLE

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE

FRIDAY, APRIL 3 | WORSHIP @ 12:00PM

Join us for the Good Friday Service and Lord’s Supper located in the Grace Worship Center.

EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE

SUNDAY, APRIL 5 | 2 WORSHIP SERVICES: 7:30AM AND 10:30AM

PRESCHOOL for Babies - Kindergarten will be available

CONNECT GROUPS: 9:00AM

Connect Groups available for ALL ages

FIRST STEPS CLASS

UPCOMING CLASS: April 15, 2026

DINNER: 4:30-5:40PM FELLOWSHIP HALL

CLASS: 6:00PM Grace BUILDING, 3rd Floor Steeple Landing

Our First Steps class is designed for new members and guests. We invite you to join our Senior Pastor, Dr. Ronny Raines, and our ministry team for our next membership class. We'll treat you to a delicious meal in the Laida Fellowship Hall, and then help you discover how God wants to use you at First Baptist Church. As you attend the class, we'll cover the following subjects:

• A personal relationship with Jesus Christ

• Meaning of church membership

• Biblical baptism

• The Lord's Supper

• The church's beliefs and vision

• Opportunities to give

• Ways to serve in the church

• Ministries at First Baptist Church 

• Meet our ministry team

• Time for Q&A

• Tour our church facilities

We hope you'll join us for our next First Steps class. You can register by filling out the online form at fbct.org/firststeps or by contacting Dana in the pastor's office at 931.245.0000 or dana.abee@fbct.org.

SERVE CLARKSVILLE

APRIL 18

On Saturday morning, April 18, our church plans to serve our community in many different ways. Registration to serve on that day is now open! Stop by to register at Missions Landing, one of the tables in our Grace Concourse, or online. We have around 20 different ministry projects for you and your family to consider. Learn more and register at fbct.org/serveclarksville.

MARRIAGE MATTERS MARRIAGE CONFERENCE

APRIL 19 | 3-5PM

Join us on Sunday, April 19 from 3-5pm for our Marriage Matters Marriage Conference with guest speaker, Dr. Hershael York in the Laida Fellowship Hall. Reservation for the event is not required. Childcare for 3rd grade and younger is available by reservation. Childcare registration closes April 15. Learn more and register for childcare at fbct.org/marriage.

NIGHT OF PRAYER AND PRAISE

may 3 | 3-5pm

Join us on Sunday, May 3 from 5-7pm in the Grace Worship Center for a Night of Prayer and Praise!

Childcare is available for Kindergarten and younger. Childcare registration closes April 29.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

SAVE THE DATE: June 15-19 | 9:00am-12noon

• WHO: Entering Kindergarten to Completed 5th Grade
  Preschool VBS is available for Volunteer children who are PreK and younger.

• WHAT: A 5-day intensive Biblical learning experience for kids that is also FUN for kids & teachers alike! Our kids kick-off the day with Worship Rally, then rotate through Bible study, Rec., Missions, Snacks, Crafts & MORE!

• WHEN: June 15-19 | 9am-12noon

• COST: FREE

Get Involved: Interested in joining the team as a leader or volunteer?

Email vbs@fbct.org for more information.
Volunteer Early to reserve your VBS shirt.
Click HERE to Register to Volunteer. 

FIRST BAPTIST MUSIC

Check out all of the First Baptist Worship Team videos from our online worship services at fbct.org/music.

THE VOICE - MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Stay up to date with all that is going with our monthly newsletter, the Voice! Visit fbct.org/voice!

MEMBERSHIP AND GIVING TOOLS

Fellowship, Worship and Discipleship are fundamental to an obedient life in Christ. First Baptist Church maintains several tools to help us stay connected, share and offer the sacrifice of praise, and grow together. Scroll to the bottom of the home page at fbct.org and click on "app" to see options for adding these tools to your phone or other device. You can use these tools to stay connected to your discipleship group, contact the church, watch past worship services and sermons, as well as support the FBC financially as the Lord directs for you and your family. There are even instructions for how to access these tools using your web browser.

Using these apps, updating your profile information to share with the church is easy. When changes occur in your family life such as a move to a new home, change in email address, etc. you can update your information to be sure that our communication with you is efficient. You can even add a picture to make it easier for your church family to put a name with a face!

Information about any groups that might be of interest to you, such as Connect Groups, teams, committees, etc will be available as well.  Group Leaders can use the tools to take attendance online and access other features.  You can contact the church through the app, read messages from group members/leaders and browse the church directory.

Check out fbct.org/app  for instructions on how to get the app and reach the membership and giving website.

LOVE the time of worship through song today? You can follow us on Spotify and listen to our playlist each week! Follow us on Spotify “First Clarksville” and sing along!