Series: New Horizons

Conversion

Acts 9:1-31

Some conversions are dramatic, and some are almost imperceptible.

Every saved person has a life-changing moment.

Acts 9 details the second-most influential dayin the history of Christianity.

context

After Stephen’s death, persecutionbreaks out against the church. Believers scatter throughout the Roman empire, but this has a negative effect on Judaism—wherever the church is located, they are seeing Jews convertingto Christianity.

the story

Whatever is done to the church is done directly to Jesus.

Any time a person is converted, there are those who are skeptical.

Following Christ does not insulate from hardships--it often accelerates them.

conversion lessons:

Salvation is by God’s initiative.

All people are spiritually blindwithout Christ.

o Irreligiousblindness

o Religiousblindness

God can save the worst of sinners.

Conversion is a dual realization:I’m worsethan I ever dreamed, and He is more graciousthan I’d ever hoped.

Every person who issaved in Christreceives a new purpose for Christ.

today’s takeaways

· Your past does not disqualify you from God’s grace.

· Your past does not disqualify you from future usefulness.