Jesus Invites His Enemies The Conversion of Saul

Jesus Invites His Enemies The Conversion of Saul of Tarsus

Jesus Invites the Lost § Jesus’ invitation is for all: “If any man would come after me…” (Mk. 8: 34) § Saul of Tarsus was an enemy: 1) strict, Jewish, religious background from his youth, 2) persecution, 3) zeal, and 4) ignorance

Lessons from Saul’s Conversion § Acts 9 – the need for disciples like Ananias to personally “go” teach others § Acts 22 – sinners must “do” something; namely, repent and be baptized § Acts 26 – the need for converts to open the eyes of others to the “light”

Lessons from Saul’s Conversion § 1 Cor. 15 – we are saved by God’s “grace” § Gal. 1 – God is “gloried” when one is converted § Phil. 3 – the need for a real sacrifice of the past and a single-minded “forward” focus

Lessons from Saul’s Conversion § 1 Tim. 1 – Saul’s “example” of conversion is for everyone today

The Conversion of Saul § He made a complete and immediate 180 degree turn from persecuting Christ(ians) to preaching Christ; true conversion; yes, you can change! § He went from persecuting others to being persecuted himself

The Conversion of Saul § He was always open about his past life of persecuting Christ/church § He was both converted to Christ and called to be an apostle § He gave credit to God’s grace and Jesus’ longsuffering

The Conversion of Saul § He was an enemy turned Christian; a very unlikely candidate for conversion; conversion is possible for anyone § He never regretted entering the Christian life; never complained

The Conversion of Saul § What did Christ and the church get when they got Paul? A great writer, a great missionary, and a great example! § Will we do our part to invite others to Christ, including his enemies?