Transformed by Grace: Embracing God's Mission Together

The story of Saul’s transformation on the road to Damascus is a powerful reminder that God’s grace can reach anyone, no matter their past. Saul, who became Paul, was a man fiercely opposed to the early church, yet God chose him as a vessel to carry the gospel to the nations. This encounter with Jesus was not just a moment of personal change, but a launching point for a life fully surrendered to God’s mission. The early church, despite persecution and fear, prioritized the Great Commission—going, sharing, and caring for others, even at great personal cost. Their example calls us to move beyond comfort and tradition, to let go of the past, and to step into the new things God wants to do through us.

It’s easy to let fear, pain, or our own sense of inadequacy hold us back. But God is not interested in magnifying our failures; He wants to magnify Himself through us. Like Paul, we are called to be conduits, not obstacles, for God’s work. This means being willing to share our stories—both our salvation and our struggles—so that others can see the hope and transformation found in Christ. Our testimonies are not just for us; they are weapons in spiritual battles and bridges to those who need to hear about Jesus.

Righteousness must confront evil, not with self-righteousness or political arguments, but with the love and truth of Christ. The world is desperate for hope, and we are called to bring that hope, not hide from the brokenness around us. When we surrender fully—letting God remove the “scales” from our eyes—we find that He can use anyone, regardless of age, background, or weakness. Baptism, public testimony, and a willingness to endure hardship for Christ’s sake are all marks of a life transformed by the gospel.

Ultimately, when God’s people are unified in prayer, care, and sharing, the church experiences peace, strength, and growth. The mission is not about filling a building, but about bringing people to Christ. If we will get out of God’s way, trust Him, and boldly share our stories, He will do more than we can imagine in our lives, our church, and our community.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Letting Go of the Past to Embrace God’s Future God calls us to release whatever is holding us back—be it fear, pain, or nostalgia—so we can step into the new things He wants to do. The early church didn’t cling to comfort or tradition; they moved forward, empowered by the Spirit, even when it meant leaving behind what was familiar. True spiritual progress requires honest conversations, forgiveness, and a willingness to be present for what God is doing now. Only then can we become conduits for His work in our lives and community. [59:53]
• 2. The Power of Testimony in Spiritual Battle Our stories of God’s faithfulness are not just personal encouragements; they are spiritual weapons. Scripture teaches that we overcome “by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.” Sharing both our victories and our struggles opens doors for others to encounter Christ and find hope. When we are vulnerable about our journey, we invite others to see the reality of God’s grace and the possibility of transformation in their own lives. [63:40]
• 3. Righteousness Confronts Evil with Hope, Not Fear It is tempting to respond to a broken world by retreating or protecting ourselves, but Christ calls us to engage with love and truth. The early church faced real threats, yet they confronted evil by proclaiming the hope of Jesus, not by relying on human solutions or political power. Our mission is to bring light into darkness, trusting that God’s righteousness will ultimately prevail, and that the hope we offer is what the world desperately needs. [64:59]
• 4. No One is Disqualified from God’s Mission Paul’s story proves that no past sin or failure can disqualify someone from being used by God. God delights in transforming the least likely and using them as instruments for His glory. When we surrender our pride, pain, and self-doubt, God magnifies Himself through us, turning our weaknesses into testimonies of His power. The only requirement is a genuine encounter with Christ and a willingness to say, “Here I am, send me.” [71:11]
• 5. Sharing the Gospel is Our Calling, Not Just an Option Every believer is called to be a witness, not just by inviting people to church, but by sharing the gospel personally and authentically. Our testimonies are bridges to the gospel, but we must also clearly present the message of Christ’s death and resurrection. The results—peace, unity, and growth—come when God’s people are bold, obedient, and surrendered, trusting God to fill the nets as we faithfully cast them.
  
  ** [89:36]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [59:53] - Saul’s Encounter on the Road to Damascus
• [63:40] - The Power of Testimony and the Great Commission
• [64:59] - Confronting Evil with Righteousness
• [65:51] - Knowing the Who, Not Just the What
• [66:50] - God’s Righteousness Prevails
• [69:34] - Surrendering Pride and Pain
• [70:16] - Humility Before God’s Call
• [71:11] - No One is Disqualified
• [72:36] - Authentic Encounter with Christ
• [73:55] - Trusting God’s Plan and Empowerment
• [75:02] - The Significance of Baptism
• [76:19] - Proclaiming Christ Boldly
• [79:48] - Sharing Our Struggles and Recovery
• [81:25] - Practical Tools for Sharing the Gospel
• [89:36] - Surrender and the Work of the Holy Spirit
• [91:02] - Welcoming Persecution and Church Unity
• [92:27] - Letting God Lead the Church’s Mission
• [93:57] - Invitation and Response
• [96:18] - Full Surrender and Prayer
• [103:09] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
• [106:48] - Dismissal and Fellowship

Bible Reading

Acts 9:1-22 (ESV) — 1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest
2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him.
4 And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”
5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”
7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.
8 Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.
9 And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”
11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying,
12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.”
13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem.
14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.”
15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”
17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;
19 and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.
20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”
21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?”
22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

Observation Questions

1. What was Saul’s attitude and mission as he traveled to Damascus, and how did his encounter with Jesus change his plans? (Acts 9:1-6)
2. How did Ananias respond when God told him to go to Saul, and what does this reveal about the early church’s fears and faith? (Acts 9:10-17)
3. According to the sermon, what did the early church prioritize, and how did this affect their actions even in the face of persecution? [01:03:40]
4. What happened immediately after Saul regained his sight, and what did this signify about his new life? (Acts 9:18-20)

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God chose someone like Saul, who had a violent past against Christians, to be a “chosen instrument” for His mission? What does this say about God’s grace and purpose? (Acts 9:15; [01:11:11])
2. The sermon says, “God is not interested in magnifying our failures; He wants to magnify Himself through us.” How does Saul’s story illustrate this truth? [01:11:11]
3. The early church was willing to leave behind comfort and tradition to follow God’s leading. What might this look like for believers today? [01:03:40]
4. The sermon mentions that our testimonies are “weapons in spiritual battles and bridges to those who need to hear about Jesus.” Why is sharing both our struggles and victories important for others’ faith? [01:19:48]

Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to “let go of the past” and step into what God wants to do now. Is there something from your past—fear, pain, or even nostalgia—that is holding you back from following God’s call? What would it look like to release it? [01:03:40]
2. Saul’s transformation included public steps like baptism and sharing his story. Have you ever shared your testimony—both your salvation and your struggles—with someone? If not, what is stopping you? If yes, how did it impact you or the listener? [01:16:19]
3. The early church confronted evil not with arguments or self-righteousness, but with the hope and love of Christ. When you see brokenness or evil in the world, what is your first reaction? How can you respond differently this week? [01:04:59]
4. The sermon says, “No one is disqualified from God’s mission.” Are there areas in your life where you feel unworthy or disqualified? How might God want to use those very areas for His glory? [01:11:11]
5. The pastor encouraged everyone to write out and share their testimony, even using video or social media. What is one practical step you can take this week to prepare or share your story with someone who needs hope? [01:18:15]
6. The church in Acts experienced unity, peace, and growth when they were unified in prayer, care, and sharing. What is one way you can help build unity and care in our group or church this month? [01:31:02]
7. The sermon says, “If we will get out of God’s way, trust Him, and boldly share our stories, He will do more than we can imagine.” What is one area where you need to “get out of God’s way” and trust Him more? [01:35:28]