Sermon: Saul's Conversion

[The following is a summary of Pastor Sean's sermon]

Acts 9:1-19

What is remarkable about Saul's conversion: First, it exemplifies the fact that non-Christians cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6; 1 Peter 4:11b; Matthew 5:16). Saul, before his conversion, thought that he was doing the work of God by persecuting Christians; but this is far from the truth because the gospel is the truth. Second, it exemplifies the fact that no one could stop God (Acts 5:38-39a). Saul tried to stop the gospel being spread by intercepting it in the North, but was really sending him there because God's purpose was to spread the gospel to the South.

Conversion involves:

1. Divine initiative by Christ (vs. 3-6).

Romans 9:18; 10:20
2 Corinthians 4:6
1 Timothy 1:15-16

2. Personal Encounter with Christ (vs. 7-9).

John 10:3-4, 14
John 17:3

3. Lordship surrender to Christ (vs. 5).

Romans 10:9-10

4. Importance of the body to Christ (vs. 10-12).

Hebrews 10:24-25

5. Called to be witnesses for Christ (vs. 13-16).