No one is beyond God's redemption, and like Saul, who became Paul, we are all called to respond to God's transformative power, hope, and command to action.
Good morning, church! As we gather together today, we turn our focus towards the transformative power of the Gospel, the hope it brings, and the call to action it demands. We'll be hanging out in Acts 9:6, where Saul, a fierce persecutor of the early church, has a life-changing encounter with Jesus Himself. The verse reads,
"So he, trembling and astonished, said, 'Lord, what do You want me to do?' Then the Lord said to him, 'Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.'"
In the words of Oswald Chambers, "Are you learning to say things after listening to God, or are you saying things and trying to make God's word fit in?" Saul's deep testing led to his great use by God. And we, too, are called to allow our testing times to prepare us for God's use and to listen to His word and not our own.
Let's bow our heads in prayer:
Lord, as we delve into your Word today, open our hearts and minds to understand the transformation you brought about in Saul's life. Help us to see the beauty of your redemption, the hope of your Gospel, and the urgency of your command. Stir in us a desire to respond to your call, just like Saul did. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Now, let's dive into Acts 9:6 and see what the Lord has in store for us today.
The story of Saul's conversion is a powerful testament to the redemptive power of God's call. Saul, a man who was once a fierce persecutor of the early church, was transformed into Paul, one of the most influential apostles of Christ. This transformation was not a result of Saul's own doing, but rather, it was a direct response to God's call. This call was not just a simple invitation; it was a call to redemption.
Redemption definition: In its simplest form, redemption means to buy back or to recover. In the context of Saul's story, it signifies the act of God reclaiming Saul from a life of sin and persecution, and restoring him to a right relationship with Himself. This is the essence of God's call to Saul - a call to redemption.
Required a response: God's call to Saul was not a gentle whisper; it was a blinding light and a voice from heaven. It was a call that could not be ignored. It was a call that demanded a response. And Saul's response was immediate. He did not hesitate or make excuses. Instead, he asked, "What must I do?" This question reveals Saul's readiness to submit to God's will and his willingness to be redeemed.
A call to a new identity: Saul, the persecutor, became Paul, the apostle. This new identity was not something Saul earned or deserved. It was a gift from God, a result of His redemptive work. This new identity came with a new purpose - to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles. Saul's old life was marked by violence and hatred, but his new life was marked by love and grace.
There were challenges: Saul had to face the consequences of his past actions. He had to confront the people he had persecuted. He had to endure hardships and trials for the sake of the Gospel. But through it all, Saul remained faithful to his call. He understood that his redemption was not just about his personal salvation, but it was also about God's larger plan of salvation for the world.
Part of God's ongoing work of redemption: Throughout the Bible, we see God calling people out of their sin and into a relationship with Him. From Abraham to Moses, from David to the prophets, God's call to redemption is a recurring theme. And this call is not limited to biblical times. God continues to call people to redemption today.
No one is beyond the reach of God's redemption: No matter how far we have strayed, no matter how deep our sin, God's call to redemption is always available. It is a call that demands a response. It is a call that offers a new identity and a new purpose. It is a call that brings hope and transformation.
The power of the Gospel is a message of hope that transcends all human understanding ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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