Sermons

Better Together: “Our Conversion”

03-26-2017 • Dr. Steve Washburn

Our conversion into following Christ marks a completely new life.

OUR CONVERSION

Our conversion into following Christ marks a completely new life.

1. The Conviction

(9:1-4) Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, either men or women, he might bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

A. Jesus begins to reveal Himself to us.

B. We don’t always know that it’s Jesus.

C. Jesus often shows up unannounced.

2. The Crisis

(5-9) “Who are You, Lord?” he said. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. “But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the sound but seeing no one. Then Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. He was unable to see for three days, and did not eat or drink.

 

A. The Jesus of culture is false.

B. Only the Jesus of Scripture is true.

3. The Conduit

(10-12) Now in Damascus there was a disciple named Anaias. And the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Here I am, Lord!” he said. “Get up and go to the street called Straight,” the Lord said to him, “To the house of Judas, and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, since he is praying there. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so he may regain his sight.”

A. Sometimes God chooses “us” to help convert people into Christ followers.

B. We are very often afraid to be used by the Lord this way.

(13-14) “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.”

 

C. The Lord will always tell us what to do and say.

(17) So Ananias left and entered the house. Then he placed his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

 

D. It only takes willingness to be a conduit.

4. The Conversion

(18) At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.

 

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