“The Conversion of Paul”.

The Topic of the Service of 14^th April 2013, at St. Margaret's UCZ Church was entitled: “The Conversion of Paul”.

Preacher: Mr O. W. Mwamba

Scripture Reading:  Jeremiah 1: 4 - 9

                                 Acts 9: 1 - 17

                                 John 21: 16 - 19

SERMON SUMMARY

Conversion means a change from one state to another. In spiritual terms it means a radical change from one belief to another.

Jeremiah was called by God at an age of 19. When God called Jeremiah to serve him, he gave an excuse that he was a mere child. However, God told him that he has made him a fortified pillar. God promised him his abiding presence.

In John 21: 16 – 19 Simon Peter was being restored of the pastoral service by Jesus, this is after denying him three times at the time of his crucifixion. (Read Mark 14: 66 -72 ).

In Acts 9 we read about the dramatic conversion of Paul, who was called Saul before his conversion.

Paul was a Jew who referred to himself as being "of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee.

While he was still fairly young, he was sent to Jerusalem and studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of his ancestors. He spoke three languages which included Hebrew, Latin and Greek.  He was also a citizen of Rome. He was therefore very proud and considered himself to be a class above others.

He was a Pharisee and a staunch supporter of Judaism. He was a violent persecutor of Christians who were considered to be members of a cult. Paul wanted to destroy Christianity.

He got letters of authority from Jerusalem to round up and arrest Christians in Damascus. On his way to Damascus he met the Lord Jesus and was converted. This was the turning point in his life. Never again was he was to be the old of himself again. Changing his name from Saul to Paul showed the significance of his transformation.

After the encounter with Jesus he was blind and could not do anything. He saw a vision to see Ananias who was going to restore his vision. At the same time Ananias saw a vision where he was instructed to meet Paul and restore his sight. Knowing the story of Paul about his violence on Christians, Ananias was reluctant to meet him but the Lord told him to obey the order. He told him that Paul was to suffer for the Lord. Paul was converted from an enemy to a servant of Jesus.

What we learn from the conversion of Paul is: -

1)    The Lord’s call.

God has an agenda for the world. He has been calling all types of people from different walks of life to do his work. When God calls he does not expect the one being called to give excuses as Jeremiah who gave the excuses of being a mere child and Moses who could not speak fluently because of stammering. God does not tolerate excuses from us.

2)    The Lord equips those He calls.

When the Lord calls you he will equip you and commission you for His work.

Paul was equipped with the Holy Spirit and so was Jeremiah. The two became giants of their times. One a great Apostle, one a great Prophet.

When you are called you become an instrument to fulfil His will. Paul’s conversion is very important for Christianity.

3)    The Lord’s abiding presence is assured.

The Lord says do not be afraid for I shall be with you till the end of the ages ( Matthew 28:20). He is there to give us support and guidance.

The questions you should, therefore, ask yourself are:-

1)    Have you responded to God’s call?

Most people fail to respond to God’s call because of pride.

2)    Are you determined to serve the Lord Jesus?

Paul faced many challenges but he was very committed to serve the Lord. He once said “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21. Serving the Lord has a reward and is never in vain.

3)    Are you willing to emulate Paul?

Paul was always looking ahead. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” ~2 Timothy 4:7. We should commit ourselves to the Lord in expectation of everlasting life.

When you hear His voice, do not harden your heart (Hebrews 3:15).

Just as Paul obeyed we should also obey because he is calling us to something better.

AMEN!

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: (From the Church's Weekly Bulletin)

This week’s thought is drawn from the Acts of the Apostles and particularly, Chapter 9.

The picture given about Saul is that of an angry and violent man enormously convinced of his own righteousness.

He expresses abhorrence (hatred) for the disciples of Jesus, verse 1-2, presents Saul as a man in his worst mood “Still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord...” We might say that Saul was decided against Jesus while Jesus decided for Saul.

In Galatians 1:13, Paul added more regarding his own background: “For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the Church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. And l advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.”

But, suddenly a light shone around him from heaven and heard a voice: Somewhere outside of Damascus, this suddenly happened. This spectacular event must be regarded as unusual. God does not normally confront sinners with a heavenly light and an audible voice from heaven.

Right now as you are reading this thought, you could be stuck in similar circumstances; carrying an angry and violent temper against your spouse, your family, may be your subordinates or superiors at work, always breathing fire; no kind words for your wife or husband; in-laws; and the people around you; or even the Church leaders. Are you stuck in that abusive and domineering attitude towards your wife?

May be you consider yourself advanced in your cultural or religious traditions beyond many of your contemporaries and you are exceedingly zealous for these traditions at the expense of the righteousness of God.

I want you to know that there is coming a sudden light upon you but l cannot guarantee, if it is going to be a heavenly light or that of judgement. You may be privileged like Saul or you may not.

My plea to you this week is consider your ways and submit to the Lord while you still have time. Not much time of course but just enough for you to quickly make a decision and be the best you can ever be.

Blessed week!

AMEN!