The In Between Part 1 (Sunday Sermon Notes)
Sunday’s service at The Chosen Church was a powerful demonstration of God’s glory. Ten souls accepted the gift of salvation, and a precious baby was dedicated back to the Lord. Pastor Craig Walder Jr. concluded the Holy Benefits Pt. 21 series with a transformative message titled The In Between, based on Acts 9:8–12 (CSB).
Without question, life’s transitional seasons can be challenging, and resting fully in God’s plan is not always easy. The uncertainty of what lies ahead can feel overwhelming. Yet Saul’s journey reminds us that true transformation cannot take place until obedience is demonstrated.
There is something beyond the reach of your obedience. Peace, joy, love, and wisdom all exist on the other side of your willingness to trust and follow God.
It is essential that we learn to effectively discern and steward God’s voice. It is easy to know a voice without listening to what is being said. When we fail to listen, we risk making decisions that lead to unnecessary loss and wasted opportunities. The accounts of Saul and Ananias reveal what faithful stewardship of God’s voice looks like. Both listened and followed His instruction, and through their obedience came transformation. Saul, once blind, received his sight, and Ananias, who initially walked in hesitation and judgment, received renewed vision to see what God required of him.
Here are my notes and reflections from the message that highlight the importance of obedience, stewardship of God’s voice, and trusting Him through life’s transitions.
The Chosen Church
Speaker: Pastor Craig Walder Jr.
Series: Holy Benefits Pt 21
Scripture: Acts 9:8-12 (CSB)
Title: The In Between
Backstory of Saul in Acts 9
Saul was God’s chosen instrument. Acts 9:15 (CSB)
On the road to Damascus he was struck blind but was later healed by Ananias
A blinding light flashed around him, causing him to fall to the ground.
He heard a voice say, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?".
The voice identified itself, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting".
Saul was blinded by the light and had to be led by hand into Damascus.
For 3 days, he was blind, neither did he eat nor drink.
He was filled with the Holy Spirit, baptized, and immediately begins preaching Jesus as the Son of God.
Saul PREYed on people and now he was getting PRAYed for.
Saul killed people until God killed the killer that lived inside of him.
Saul had sight initially but lost it after the confrontation. He was spiritually blinded prior to his encounter. Jesus knocked him down, left him blind, instructed him to proceed to the city and follow instructions.
Nugget #1 Question: Have you done what God told you to do? Do what you are told to do!
Conversion cannot happen without complete obedience. Transformation happens with revelation. Revelation requires participation. Simply put: Do what you are told to do. Obedience will save your life. Check your obedience!!! ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
You wonder why you’re stuck check your obedience.
You wonder why you’re in turmoil check your obedience.
Some have yet to do what God told them to do.
Saul could not transform without being obedient.
Something is on the other side of your obedience.
Peace could be on the other side of your obedience.
Joy could be on the other side of your obedience.
Love could be on the other side of your obedience.
Wisdom could be on the other side of your obedience.
Our failure to obey can lead to missed opportunities. Doing as you are told could be one of the best decisions of your life.
Some do not want to relinquish “control” Because they want stay in control.
Saul was used to being in control. He had power BUT he met real POWER!!
Acts 9:8 ????????
Saul had to take blind steps.
His eyes were wide open, but he could not see anything. Your eyes can be wide open and still see nothing. God gives us direction, but we challenge Him on the steps. Some want to see it step by step. Most of the time our challenge is based on fear of the unknown.
Some seek instructions on something they were already been told to do.
Nugget #2 Stop negotiating with a non-negotiator. God is not going to go back and forth with something He already told you to do. Some like agreeing with a non-negotiator. STOP ASKING HIM!!!!
2 Corinthians 5:7-9 (ESV)
7 “for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. “
Stop looking to a person and social media for confirmation.
Newsflash: If you need many conformations, you do not know God’s voice.
We all need to know how to steward God’s voice. You will waste things if you do not listen to God’s voice.
John 10:26-28 (ESV)
26 “but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep.
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
Know God —— Follow God!
No God —— Cannot follow God.
Lord! Help our unbelief.
We need to walk!! Don’t wait….walk!! Walk by faith!! Where God sends you HE will equip you.⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
Reminder Scriptures:
Hebrews 13:21 (NIV)
21 “equip you with everything good for doing his will,and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
16 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness
17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
If God calls you to a task, He will equip you to fulfill it. This promise means that God prepares, strengthens, and qualifies you to live in a way that honors Him.
Choose obedience instead of details.
Acts 9:9 (CSB) ??????
Saul’s posture. He got knocked down, picked himself up, did what he was told to do. He didn’t ask one question. He did not say, I can’t see. He didn’t eat or drink. He did not acknowledge that he could not see, he just obeyed the instructions.
Life will sometimes leave you discombobulated BUT God will get you together if you are obedient to God.
Some are waiting on God to do things that are not in Gods will! Don’t want God’s provision without His presence.
Some pray for things that are not in God’s will for them. You will miss what God has for you looking for something that’s not meant for you!!
Nugget #3 Don’t miss what God’s already presented, looking for what you want. Some stuff we are looking for is not in God’s will for your life. Don’t miss your moment!
Don’t move before God and birth an Ishmael. Simply put: Don’t try to produce a spiritual result through fleshly means. READ Genesis 16.
DON’T MISS YOUR MOMENT!!!
The in between is not easy!
Waiting on God is not easy!
Wanting to know what’s next is not easy!
Don’t wait on God’s things without wanting God to change us. Change me oh God so I can be more like You!
Matthew 6:33 (AMP)
33 “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.”⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
God’s way — Not our way!! Seek GOD, not things!! God’s way! God’s will! God’s way!!! Do YOUR part first.
When you are in alignment what you want will come to pass.
Maybe God hasn’t sent what you want because your life is aligned to please your flesh.
Theme for 2026: ⬇️⬇️
Aligned for Activation! Question: Are you aligned for activation?
Your gift doesn’t show your fruit. Your fruit don’t mean you are right with God.
In order to ACTIVATE you must be ALIGNED!!! Saul was being aligned!!
Some want the gift of God without God, some want religion, not relationship. Just because God gives you a gift don’t mean you are of God. Your gift doesn’t show your fruit. Some stuff we get into is self-inflicted.
Seek GOD, not things!
When we are in between Lord give us more of You. More of you God, less of us.
Saul was in the in between ———-He had to wait to be told what to do!! Saul stopped moving on Saul’s behalf when he became obedient. He still could not see naturally.
Just because you cannot see or hear God doesn’t mean that He’s not working. God is working on your behalf….be patient. God moved on Saul’s behalf. While Saul is waiting, God is moving!
God is merciful!!! Ananias was merciful to Saul. Acts 9:10
Backstory of Ananias in Acts
According to Acts 9 Ananias was a. disciple in Damascus.
God called Ananias in a vision.
Ananias questioned God about visiting Saul due to his reputation for harming believers in Jerusalem. He did not believe that Saul truly converted. Don’t always believe what you hear. Believe what God tells you about people. He obediently follows God's command to visit the blinded Saul.
Despite of his fear, Ananias lays hands on Saul, restoring his sight and calling him his brother.
This encounter led to Saul’s baptism, infilling of the Holy Spirit, and eventual transformation into the Apostle Paul.
God will stop you in between one set of instructions and give you instructions to move a different way but send you to the same place.
God’s vision is BIGGER than you!! You are NOT the main character!! God gives provision to the visions He gives you.
Saul was a blind man with a vision to see. He could not see it but he was obedient anyway.
Sometimes your sight is infected, but it should never hinder your insight.
Without question, life’s transitional seasons can be challenging, and resting fully in God’s plan is not always easy. The uncertainty of what lies ahead can feel overwhelming. Yet Saul’s journey reminds us that true transformation cannot take place until obedience is demonstrated.
There is something beyond the reach of your obedience. Peace, joy, love, and wisdom all exist on the other side of your willingness to trust and follow God.
It is essential that we learn to effectively discern and steward God’s voice. It is easy to know a voice without listening to what is being said. When we fail to listen, we risk making decisions that lead to unnecessary loss and wasted opportunities. The accounts of Saul and Ananias reveal what faithful stewardship of God’s voice looks like. Both listened and followed His instruction, and through their obedience came transformation. Saul, once blind, received his sight, and Ananias, who initially walked in hesitation and judgment, received renewed vision to see what God required of him.
Here are my notes and reflections from the message that highlight the importance of obedience, stewardship of God’s voice, and trusting Him through life’s transitions.
The Chosen Church
Speaker: Pastor Craig Walder Jr.
Series: Holy Benefits Pt 21
Scripture: Acts 9:8-12 (CSB)
Title: The In Between
Backstory of Saul in Acts 9
Saul was God’s chosen instrument. Acts 9:15 (CSB)
On the road to Damascus he was struck blind but was later healed by Ananias
A blinding light flashed around him, causing him to fall to the ground.
He heard a voice say, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?".
The voice identified itself, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting".
Saul was blinded by the light and had to be led by hand into Damascus.
For 3 days, he was blind, neither did he eat nor drink.
He was filled with the Holy Spirit, baptized, and immediately begins preaching Jesus as the Son of God.
Saul PREYed on people and now he was getting PRAYed for.
Saul killed people until God killed the killer that lived inside of him.
Saul had sight initially but lost it after the confrontation. He was spiritually blinded prior to his encounter. Jesus knocked him down, left him blind, instructed him to proceed to the city and follow instructions.
Nugget #1 Question: Have you done what God told you to do? Do what you are told to do!
Conversion cannot happen without complete obedience. Transformation happens with revelation. Revelation requires participation. Simply put: Do what you are told to do. Obedience will save your life. Check your obedience!!! ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
You wonder why you’re stuck check your obedience.
You wonder why you’re in turmoil check your obedience.
Some have yet to do what God told them to do.
Saul could not transform without being obedient.
Something is on the other side of your obedience.
Peace could be on the other side of your obedience.
Joy could be on the other side of your obedience.
Love could be on the other side of your obedience.
Wisdom could be on the other side of your obedience.
Our failure to obey can lead to missed opportunities. Doing as you are told could be one of the best decisions of your life.
Some do not want to relinquish “control” Because they want stay in control.
Saul was used to being in control. He had power BUT he met real POWER!!
Acts 9:8 ????????
Saul had to take blind steps.
His eyes were wide open, but he could not see anything. Your eyes can be wide open and still see nothing. God gives us direction, but we challenge Him on the steps. Some want to see it step by step. Most of the time our challenge is based on fear of the unknown.
Some seek instructions on something they were already been told to do.
Nugget #2 Stop negotiating with a non-negotiator. God is not going to go back and forth with something He already told you to do. Some like agreeing with a non-negotiator. STOP ASKING HIM!!!!
2 Corinthians 5:7-9 (ESV)
7 “for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. “
Stop looking to a person and social media for confirmation.
Newsflash: If you need many conformations, you do not know God’s voice.
We all need to know how to steward God’s voice. You will waste things if you do not listen to God’s voice.
John 10:26-28 (ESV)
26 “but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep.
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.
28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”
Know God —— Follow God!
No God —— Cannot follow God.
Lord! Help our unbelief.
We need to walk!! Don’t wait….walk!! Walk by faith!! Where God sends you HE will equip you.⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
Reminder Scriptures:
Hebrews 13:21 (NIV)
21 “equip you with everything good for doing his will,and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
16 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness
17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
If God calls you to a task, He will equip you to fulfill it. This promise means that God prepares, strengthens, and qualifies you to live in a way that honors Him.
Choose obedience instead of details.
Acts 9:9 (CSB) ??????
Saul’s posture. He got knocked down, picked himself up, did what he was told to do. He didn’t ask one question. He did not say, I can’t see. He didn’t eat or drink. He did not acknowledge that he could not see, he just obeyed the instructions.
Life will sometimes leave you discombobulated BUT God will get you together if you are obedient to God.
Some are waiting on God to do things that are not in Gods will! Don’t want God’s provision without His presence.
Some pray for things that are not in God’s will for them. You will miss what God has for you looking for something that’s not meant for you!!
Nugget #3 Don’t miss what God’s already presented, looking for what you want. Some stuff we are looking for is not in God’s will for your life. Don’t miss your moment!
Don’t move before God and birth an Ishmael. Simply put: Don’t try to produce a spiritual result through fleshly means. READ Genesis 16.
DON’T MISS YOUR MOMENT!!!
The in between is not easy!
Waiting on God is not easy!
Wanting to know what’s next is not easy!
Don’t wait on God’s things without wanting God to change us. Change me oh God so I can be more like You!
Matthew 6:33 (AMP)
33 “But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.”⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
God’s way — Not our way!! Seek GOD, not things!! God’s way! God’s will! God’s way!!! Do YOUR part first.
When you are in alignment what you want will come to pass.
Maybe God hasn’t sent what you want because your life is aligned to please your flesh.
Theme for 2026: ⬇️⬇️
Aligned for Activation! Question: Are you aligned for activation?
Your gift doesn’t show your fruit. Your fruit don’t mean you are right with God.
In order to ACTIVATE you must be ALIGNED!!! Saul was being aligned!!
Some want the gift of God without God, some want religion, not relationship. Just because God gives you a gift don’t mean you are of God. Your gift doesn’t show your fruit. Some stuff we get into is self-inflicted.
Seek GOD, not things!
When we are in between Lord give us more of You. More of you God, less of us.
Saul was in the in between ———-He had to wait to be told what to do!! Saul stopped moving on Saul’s behalf when he became obedient. He still could not see naturally.
Just because you cannot see or hear God doesn’t mean that He’s not working. God is working on your behalf….be patient. God moved on Saul’s behalf. While Saul is waiting, God is moving!
God is merciful!!! Ananias was merciful to Saul. Acts 9:10
Backstory of Ananias in Acts
According to Acts 9 Ananias was a. disciple in Damascus.
God called Ananias in a vision.
Ananias questioned God about visiting Saul due to his reputation for harming believers in Jerusalem. He did not believe that Saul truly converted. Don’t always believe what you hear. Believe what God tells you about people. He obediently follows God's command to visit the blinded Saul.
Despite of his fear, Ananias lays hands on Saul, restoring his sight and calling him his brother.
This encounter led to Saul’s baptism, infilling of the Holy Spirit, and eventual transformation into the Apostle Paul.
God will stop you in between one set of instructions and give you instructions to move a different way but send you to the same place.
God’s vision is BIGGER than you!! You are NOT the main character!! God gives provision to the visions He gives you.
Saul was a blind man with a vision to see. He could not see it but he was obedient anyway.
Sometimes your sight is infected, but it should never hinder your insight.
Posted in Connect, Sunday Sermon Notes
Posted in #HolyBenefits, #TCC, #Blogging, #Saul, #Obedience, #Acts, #TheInBetween
Posted in #HolyBenefits, #TCC, #Blogging, #Saul, #Obedience, #Acts, #TheInBetween
3 Comments
I just wanted to say that this new format is much better. Thanks for your time and effort that you put in to do this wonderful blog.
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Great job Jen! You are truly appreciated!! I definitely needed this cause somehow I missed nugget #3. Thank you again