October 14 – The Conversion of Paul – Acts 9
To begin teachings and missionary work of Paul, we must begin with the experience of Paul’s conversion. Paul was a very religious man. He was very dedicated, sacrificial, and passionate in the practice of his religion. The only thing wrong was his religion was wrong. You see, Paul was persecuting followers of Christ as he saw this as a threat to his religious beliefs. In today’s reading you will read how God: 1) convicted Paul of his sin 2) revealed to Paul that only Jesus can forgive sins 3) and the necessity to act on this knowledge.
Many people today have good intentions as they worship their religions. Many are passionate, sacrificial, and dedicated in their religious practice. Many people are truly wrong. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the only way a person can be saved from Hell. Trusting Jesus as Savior must be the first step in a true relationship with God. If you omit this important step, you are just worshipping a religion instead of God. You have good intentions and good motives, but are truly wrong. Just like Paul we must: 1) understand our sin is enough to guarantee us a place in Hell 2) understand that Jesus Christ paid for our sin when he was crucified, buried, and then rose from the grave 3) now, we must act on this knowledge by repenting of our sin, and trusting Jesus to save us. Romans 10:9-11 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
