Oak Hollow church of Christ

Collection

Lessons from the Life of Paul

Steve Bookout

8 Sermons

About

In this series, Steve Bookout walks verse-by-verse through the biblical record of Paul’s life, highlighting the challenges he faced, the changes he made, the obstacles he overcame, and the lessons we can apply to our own lives today. Whether you are new to the Bible or a long-time student of Scripture, this series will strengthen your faith and challenge you to live more fully for the Lord.
  • JUN 24, 2026
    Alter the Approach, Not the Message - Class 8
    Randy Wooten
    In this class, Randy Wooten explores a practical principle drawn from the ministry of the Apostle Paul and Jesus Christ: **altering the approach to different audiences while keeping the gospel message exactly the same.** Using biblical accounts from the book of Acts and the Gospels, Wooten demonstrates how Paul and Jesus adapted their communication styles based on whether they were speaking to Jews, Greeks, or specific individuals. The lesson challenges Christians today to meet people where they are, understand their cultures, find common ground, and ask penetrating questions to internalize biblical truth.
  • JUN 17, 2026
    More on Paul's Zeal - Class 7
    Steve Bookout
    In this seventh class of the series *Lessons from the Life of Paul*, teacher Steve Bookout focuses on the character, actions, and behaviors of the Apostle Paul—specifically examining his unmatched zeal. Rather than strictly analyzing Paul’s theological doctrines, the class explores how his passion drove his ministry and how 21st-century Christians can apply his example to their daily lives. Bookout transitions from examining Paul's explicit scriptural teachings on zeal to looking at his real-world execution of it, culminating in the start of Paul's first missionary journey. The lesson serves as a call to action for modern believers to actively use their God-given gifts with enthusiasm and strategic intent rather than placing their faith on "cruise control."
  • JUN 10, 2026
    Paul's Zeal - Class 6
    Steve Bookout
    In this Bible class presented to the Oak Hollow church of Christ on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, teacher Steve Bookout delivers the sixth installment of the Lessons on the Life of Paul series, focusing entirely on the defining characteristic of Paul's zeal. Bookout contrasts Saul's initial misguided, destructive fire as a persecutor with the unstoppable gospel zeal he maintained following his conversion on the road to Damascus. The lesson explores the biblical definitions of zeal, tracking its connections to both Christ's messianic character and the tragic historical pitfalls of religious passion detached from truth. Bookout emphasizes that godly zeal must remain anchored in divine knowledge, and he challenges Christians to cultivate an unwavering commitment to holy living and gospel advocacy. The study concludes by examining 1 Peter 3:15, exploring how honoring Christ as holy serves as a baseline for standing ready to defend the faith with gentleness and respect.
  • JUN 03, 2026
    The Beginning of Saul's Suffering (Part 2) - Class 5
    Randy Wooten
    In this Bible class presented to the Oak Hollow church of Christ on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, teacher Randy Wooten continues the series Lessons on the Life of Paul by examining Acts chapter 9. Picking up directly after Saul’s basket escape from Damascus, the lesson explores Saul’s arrival in Jerusalem and the initial rejection he faced from the skeptical disciples. Wooten details how Barnabas stepped in as an advocate and bridge-builder, exemplifying his scriptural nickname, son of encouragement. The second half of the class transitions into Saul’s sudden departure to Tarsus after facing death threats from the Hellenists. Wooten frames this transition not as a setback, but as a providential season of preparation where God worked on Saul privately before elevating his public ministry. The lesson draws parallels to other Old and New Testament figures who underwent similar periods of isolation and character development.
  • MAY 27, 2026
    The Beginning of Saul's Sufferings - Class 4
    Randy Wooten
    In this Bible class, teacher Randy Wooten explores the immediate aftermath of Saul’s (Paul’s) conversion on the road to Damascus. The lesson focuses on the fulfillment of God's declaration that Saul would suffer significantly for the name of Christ. Wooten highlights Saul's sudden and radical "paradigm shift" from a persecutor of Christians to an ardent proclaimer of Jesus in the synagogues. The class emphasizes that true discipleship involves counting the cost, being willing to transform one's mind, and understanding our role as mere instruments of God. The session concludes with an examination of Saul's narrow escape from his first death threat in Damascus, where he relied on the support of fellow believers to survive.
  • MAY 20, 2026
    Saul's Conversion - Lessons from the Life of Paul - Class 3
    Steve Bookout
    In this lesson, Steve Bookout examines the dramatic conversion of Saul (later Paul) on the Damascus Road as recorded in Acts 9, with supporting accounts from Acts 22 and 26. The teaching emphasizes that Saul’s transformation from persecutor to apostle was accomplished by **God’s grace through faith**, not by any special or alternative method of salvation. Key themes include the role of grace (highlighted by the name and mission of Ananias), the necessity of repentance, baptism for the remission of sins, and the consistency of Paul’s conversion with the gospel message preached throughout the book of Acts and the rest of the New Testament. The lesson counters common modern misconceptions (such as the “sinner’s prayer”) and encourages listeners to appreciate the power of God’s grace while remaining faithful.
  • MAY 13, 2026
    Saul (Pre-Conversion) Part 2
    Steve Bookout
    In "Saul (Pre-Conversion) - Part 2," teacher Steve Bookout continues the "Lessons from the Life of Paul" series by examining Saul’s life and mindset before his conversion on the Damascus Road. Through Acts 22 and 26 (along with earlier chapters), the lesson explores Saul’s zealous persecution of the church — including his role in Stephen’s death, imprisoning believers, and attempting to force them to blaspheme. The core focus is on how a highly intelligent, well-educated, and sincerely devout Pharisee could be so wrong while feeling completely right. Bookout draws practical lessons about giving a defense of the faith with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15), the danger of being sincerely mistaken due to upbringing, pride, and overconfidence in tradition/teachers, and the need to continually test all beliefs against Scripture.
  • MAY 06, 2026
    Saul (Pre-Conversion)
    Steve Bookout
    In the first lesson of the series *"Lessons from the Life of Paul"* (delivered May 6, 2026), Steve Bookout introduces a study focused primarily on the *life* of Paul/Saul rather than just his teachings. The lesson examines the pre-conversion Saul as a violent, zealous persecutor of the church. Steve walks through the biblical text (primarily Acts 7:54–8:3 and Acts 9:1-2), detailing Stephen’s martyrdom, Saul’s approval of it, and his aggressive campaign to destroy the church by dragging believers to prison and consenting to their deaths. The lesson highlights Saul’s sincere but misguided zeal (acting “in good conscience” according to the Law as he understood it) and draws practical applications: God can sovereignly use even the evil actions of men for good (the persecution scattered believers who then spread the gospel), the necessity of bold proclamation of Christ even under pressure, and the danger of misplaced religious zeal. The class ends with encouragement to learn from Saul’s transformation and to actively teach Jesus so the church can grow.