Sermon Cloud

Acts 9:1-22
Resurrection Sunday

Christian author Josh MacDowell's well-known book "The New Evidence That Demands A Verdict" was the culmination of his desire to disprove the reurrection of Jesus Christ. But the Lord used that quest to show MacDowell that there is far more evidence supporting the resurrection of Christ than there is against it. Indeed, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is one of the best documented events in recorded history. MacDowell found that the best evidence is the transformation of millions of people world-wide when they put their faith in the person and work of Jesus Christ, which was validated by His resurrection. Perhaps the most dramatic example of this transformation was that of Saul, who on the road to Damascus, was traveling north to persecute the early Christians. The significance of Saul's conversion is perhaps second only to the events that occurred at Pentecost.

Acts Chapter 9 is Luke's first account of Saul's conversion. As we study verses 1-22, we see that the Lord brought Saul through four stages to bring him to Christ:
1. Conviction
2. Conversion
3. Consecration
4. Confession

The conversion of Saul, who afterward came to be known as Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, serves as a powerful example of God's abundant grace and mercy. If the Lord can save a man like Saul and use him in such a mighty way, then He can surely save anyone. This should not only give us great hope, but should encourage us with great hope for anyone who is among the unsaved. God took Saul, the chief persecutor of God's people, and used him as perhaps the most powerful witness for Christ the world has ever known. If the Lord can save a man like Saul, He can surely save you!

Christ is risen. He is risen indeed!