The book of Acts is filled with stories of the Holy Spirit bringing about radical transformation. We’ve already seen the same Peter whose fear once led him to deny Jesus, preaching in bold defiance of the same council that had sent his Lord to the cross. We’ve seen John, who once wanted to call down fiery judgment from heaven to destroy a Samaritan village Sodom-and-Gomorrah-style, laying hands on and praying for new Samaritan brothers and sisters in Christ.

This Sunday we will see another extraordinary transformation as the Spirit turns the zealous Saul from “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” to being “a chosen instrument to carry Christ’s name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.” In a short time, he goes from persecuting Christ to confounding his fellow Jewish brothers “by proving that Jesus was the Christ.”

Seemingly impossible transformation is possible with God, and He did not stop doing the impossible when the last apostle died. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Our passage will end with this report:

“So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied (Acts 9:31).”

Saul wasn’t the only one being transformed. So were the disciples in all the churches. What seemingly impossible transformation are you longing to see God bring about? In your own life and in the lives of those around you?

Jason Oakes will be preaching Acts 9:1-31 this Sunday and Kenny Clark will be leading our sung worship. Would you take some time this week to read the passage and pray for each as they prepare? And let’s pray Ephesians 3:20-21 for our church.

“Lord, You are able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, so, according to the power at work within us, would you increase your glory in our church family and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen!”

See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry and expectant!

 

Song of the Week

All Things New by Andrew Peterson

Come broken and weary
Come battered and bruised
My Jesus makes all things new
All things new
Come lost and abandoned
Come blown by the wind
He’ll bring you back home again
Home again