Conversion

February 12, 2023

There is no greater illustration in the Bible of a complete and total conversion than of a man by the name of Paul. In fact, it may be the most famous conversion in history. His conversion is well documented. It is talked about in detail three times in the Book of Acts. In fact, the story of Paul’s conversion occupies more space in the New Testament than any other event except the crucifixion of Jesus. It may be the most intense, in-your-face, radical encounter with Jesus in all of the New Testament. But even though Paul has one of the most talked about conversion stories of all time, that doesn’t mean our own stories of conversion are any less miraculous. With that in mind, I want us in today’s message to look at three things that happen anytime someone experiences conversion.

Topics: Conversion

In this series

Lost in Translation

I don’t believe there has ever been a time that the church needs to hear more sound theology than today. There is no more important doctrine to discuss than what the entire Bible is all about. But sometimes, what the Bible says can get lost in translation, and that’s what I want to make sure doesn’t keep happening as we dive into this series. As you read about salvation in the Bible, salvation seems a lot like a kaleidoscope. When you begin to turn it, you see different aspects, different virtues, different qualities, and different colors. There are various words that are used to describe the whole process of salvation from beginning to end and that is what we’re going to look at in this series. As we do, I pray that together we will gain a better understanding of God’s Word and His definitions and descriptions of salvation.

Bible Reference

But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest

and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.

And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”

And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.

But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”

The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.

Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.

And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”

And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying,

and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.”

But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem.

And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.”

But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.

For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;

and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.

And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”

Conversion

February 12, 2023

In this series

Lost in Translation

Bible Reference

Acts 9:1-20