Encounter with God | Use Ananias' Blueprint to Hear God

When God speaks, He doesn't just look for people with the right résumé. He looks for people who are available. In this message from Acts 9, we revisit one of the most dramatic conversions in Scripture—Saul of Tarsus, on his way to Damascus to imprison and punish Christians, experiences The Lord. Ananias' obedience changes history and is the pattern for how you can Hear The Voice of God. David D. Ireland, Ph.D. | Lead Pastor | Christ Church In this message, Dr. Ireland works through three questions that cut straight to the heart of what it means to hear and obey God: • Are You AVAILABLE? — Availability is a heart that is ready for God's direction before knowing all the specifics of the assignment. As Francis Schaeffer once said, "Most Christians don't hear God's voice because we've already decided we aren't going to do what He says." Ananias had every reason to say no. He chose being available instead. • Are You Available NOW? — God's assignments often carry divine urgency. Delayed obedience can become missed opportunity. William Carey, the ordinary shoemaker turned missionary, said yes to God without waiting for certainty—and ignited the entire modern Protestant missionary movement. What are you postponing that God has already made clear? • Are You Available ALWAYS? — Hearing God's voice is not a one-time event. It is a lifelong posture. This message closes with six practical exchanges: releasing pride for humility, noise for stillness, hidden sin for repentance, fear for courage, control for trust, and self-will for full surrender. Because of Ananias' available “yes,” Paul received his sight, was filled with the Holy Spirit, received his calling to the nations—and the world was never the same. "God does not choose people because of their ability, but because of their availability." — Andrew van der Bijl (aka “Brother Andrew”) Key Scriptures: Acts 9:1–19 | Acts 9:6, 12, 15–17 #AreYouAvailable #HearingTheVoiceOfGod #Ananias #PaulsConversion #Acts9 #DamascusRoad #SaulOfTarsus #ApostlePaul #BibleTeaching #Nondenominational #Rockaway #Montclair #Lodi #NewJersey #ChristChurchUSA Download Interactive Sermon Notes: https://notes.subsplash.com/fill-in/v... Speak to a Christ Church Prayer Leader Privately During Our Live Encounter Services & 11AM Sunday Service: https://bit.ly/CCPrivatePrayer Prayed to accept Jesus as your Lord? Go to https://www.christchurchusa.org/NextS... to learn next steps, receive prayer, and get free resources. 00:00 Host Welcome and Updates 4:05 Praise & Worship (Segment 1) 58:46 Welcome & Connect With Christ Church 1:01:47 Tithes & Offering 1:03:38 Praise & Worship (Segment 2) 1:20:31 Pastor David Exhortation 1:28:31 Praise & Worship (Segment 3) 1:36:15 Pastor Dr. David Ireland Introduction - SERMON STARTS 1:56:40 Are You Available Now? 2:10:49 Are You Available Always? 2:12:14 If I Want to Hear God... 2:22:08 Praise & Worship (Segment 4) LIKE this video if it blessed you! COMMENT below: What's one lesson you learned today? SUBSCRIBE for more life-changing messages! SHARE with someone who needs to hear this! Christ Church exists to “Unite People to God and People to People.” We are a non-denominational Christian Church. Our doors are open to everyone, and we celebrate being a multicultural Church with over 70 different nationalities. Founded in 1986 by Lead Pastor, David D. Ireland, Ph.D., Christ Church features dynamic music and creative arts in our services. We have physical locations in Montclair, Rockaway, and Lodi, New Jersey, along with our online campus. Learn more at www.ChristChurchUSA.org. --Stay connected Christ Church YouTube:    / christchurchusa   Christ Church Instagram:   / christchurchusa   Christ Church Facebook:   / christchurchusa   Twitter:   / christchurchusa   Christ Church Online: https://www.live.ChristChurchUSA.org Christ Church TikTok:   / christchurchusa   Thank you for your generosity! To give, visit: https://www.ChristChurchUSA.org/Giving To give by text, text "Give" to 1-844-316-4483. First time with us? Let's connect! Text "EConnect" to 973-784-8822 for free resources. COPYRIGHT USE: Used with permission. Church Copyright License® 125599, Size H and CCLI Streaming License™ CSPL048684, Size H