The Transformation of a Terrorist

Dale Gooding - Acts 9:1-9

https://youtu.be/89SrVEZ3Zsc

No one is beyond saving. 

I) Saul’s Intent: Hinder the Gospel (Acts 9:1-3a)
      A) Paul was Ferocious (“breathing in & out,
            ready to burst”), doing the dirty work of
            religious leaders like Annas and Caiaphas
      B) Indiscriminate (Men & women)
      C) Tactful, first as Saul, and later as Paul
      D) And he acted with Authority

II) Jesus Cancelled Paul’s plans (Acts 9:3-6)
      A) His Inquiry: Why are you persecuting me?
      B) His Intimacy (with the Church) is also a
            warning to us to truly love one another
      C) His Personal Introduction (to Saul)
      D) His Instructions (and humiliation of Paul
            as he had to be led in as a blind man).
            God also gave him three days to think
            just like Abraham preparing to offer Isaac

III) Saul’s Resulting Issues
      A) The Theological Impacts
            1. Jesus is the Messiah and He is Alive
            2. New insights into the Old Testament
            3. Saul violated the 6th commandment
            4. But Jesus Forgives
      B) The Personal Impacts
            1. Humility
            2. Sorrow
            3. New clothes, friends, diet, livelihood

IV) Conclusive Observations
      A) Saul was transformed
      B) All salvation is miraculous
      C) Anyone can be saved
      D) And used by God