16-The Transformed Life (Acts 9:19-31)

The Bible’s prescription for spiritual health is clear, but too often Christians would rather die (or have others die) than change.

 In contrast, we have Saul’s conversion in Acts 9:1-18.  It is one of the most dramatic examples of transformation in the New Testament.  And it wasn't a temporary, superficial change; it was deep, it was total, and it was permanent!

1. One moment Saul was persecuting the church …Then next, he was seeking to fellowship with the saints.

2. One moment, Saul was opposing Jesus ….Then next, he is on his face before Jesus, calling Him Lord.

3. One moment he is seeking to stamp out the gospel ... Then next, he is proclaiming the gospel.

4. One moment, Saul is inflicting pain and suffering on believers in Christ …Then next, he is enduring suffering for the sake of Jesus, the Messiah.

This is what salvation is supposed to look like.  It is a revolution!  It is a transformation!!  It is a miraculous, dramatic reversal -- first of one’s beliefs, and then of one’s behavior.