Saul's Transformation: The Power of True Conversion

The essence of conversion lies in the personal encounter with God, where one becomes aware of being addressed by God Himself. This encounter shifts the focus from one's opinions about God to the realization of God's knowledge of us. It is a moment of personal confrontation where the individual becomes the object rather than the subject, leading to a deep conviction of sin. [00:15:25]

A vital aspect of conversion is the conviction of sin, where one realizes the enormity of their sin against God. This realization leads to a deep sense of personal responsibility and the need for repentance. Saul's experience on the road to Damascus highlights the necessity of recognizing one's sinfulness and the need for salvation. [00:30:39]

The awareness of one's sinful state before a holy God leads to a trembling realization of the need for salvation. This fear and trembling are essential steps in the journey towards faith. Saul's transformation is a powerful reminder that true conversion involves a complete surrender to God, recognizing our helplessness and the need for His grace. [00:38:27]

True conversion culminates in the submission to Christ, acknowledging Him as Lord and seeking His will. This surrender is a recognition of our helplessness and the need for God's grace. It is a call to listen, to be silent before God, and to allow His voice to penetrate our hearts. [00:42:36]

The first thing that happens to a man who is passing from unbelief to becoming a Christian is that he becomes aware of the fact that something is happening to him. It needn't be sudden or dramatic; it can be slow and almost unperceived, yet one is aware of the fact that something is happening. [00:10:42]

Becoming a Christian does mean a divine encounter, a man encountering God and God encountering man. A meeting takes place, there's a relationship, and two persons are in contact. That's the essence of Christianity, and it's an address. For the first time in his life, Saul of Tarsus was conscious of being addressed. [00:17:25]

The personal element becomes tremendously prominent, and the whole position of detachment disappears. Instead of talking and expressing my opinions, you are made to listen. These things sound so simple, don't they? And yet these are the things that happen whenever any person becomes a Christian. [00:18:32]

The whole trouble with most people who are not Christian is that they never listen. That's why they never hear. We all come into this world and start in this life imagining that we know all about Christianity. We are very young indeed when we all start expressing our opinions about Christianity. [00:19:30]

The conviction of sin means that you realize that you've wronged God, that you've raised yourself up against Him, that you haven't glorified Him and lived to His glory, that He hasn't been dominating your life, and that you haven't realized that He's so glorious and so wonderful. [00:37:39]

The moment we realize these things, and if you've never yet trembled, it's because you know nothing about God, and you don't know the truth about yourself either. For the moment we know something of God and see what we are and what we've been, we must realize that we are under the wrath of God. [00:42:36]

The business of the Christian preacher is just to be a mouthpiece of Christ and of God. What he really is meant to do is just to warn you, to stop a moment, think for a minute, and realize what you're doing. Who are you? Well, I'm Jesus, the one you are dismissing in your clever talk. [00:47:40]

Have you had this consciousness that God has really spoken to you individually and tells you that He knows all about you? Have you had this consciousness of being dealt with and God addressing you? Has your name been spoken to you? Because my dear friend, a day is coming when your name will be pronounced. [00:48:40]