Jesus Changes Everything
Your Past Doesn’t Define Your Future
The audio of this teaching is available on Spotify.
Message 15 | The Unstoppable Church Series | Acts 9:1-19
How Did Saul Become Paul? Understanding One of Scripture's Most Radical Transformations
One of the most dramatic conversion stories in the Bible is the transformation of Saul into Paul. Before his encounter with Jesus on the Damascus Road, Saul was actively persecuting the early church—not as a casual opponent, but as a powerful, educated, zealous enforcer with the authority and resources to hunt down believers and throw them in prison. He had even overseen the execution of Stephen, one of the first Christian martyrs. Then, in a single moment, everything changed when Saul came face-to-face with the risen Jesus.
What Does It Mean When Jesus Changes Everything?
The central message of this sermon is simple yet transformative: when your story intersects with the Gospel story, Jesus changes everything about everything. This isn't just about forgiveness or a fresh start—it's about a fundamental reorientation of your identity, your family, and your purpose.
How to Overcome Your Past as a Christian: "Your Past Doesn't Define You"
Key Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 – "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; see, the new has come."
One of the most liberating truths from Paul's story is this: your past doesn't define you. No matter what you've done, who you've been, or how far you've fallen, your history is no longer your identity.
When you place your faith in Jesus, you are "positionally sanctified"—meaning God gives you the title of saint regardless of your past
Your shame, guilt, embarrassment, and regrets lose their power over you
The "old has passed away"—you've turned a page, and now you and Jesus are writing a new story together
Your past remains part of your story, but it no longer controls your future
Scripture Reference: Romans 5:8 – "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Paul wrote this while reflecting on his own radical transformation from enemy to beloved.
What Does It Mean to Be Adopted Into God's Family as a Christian?
Key Scripture: Romans 8:14-17 – "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear. Instead you received the spirit of adoption. By him we cry out, 'Abba, Father!' The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. And if children, also heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ."
When Ananias first met the newly converted Saul, his opening word was "brother"—not "watch out," not "prove yourself," but immediately family. This reveals the scandal of the Gospel: you're not just pardoned, you're adopted.
Adoption means you have full rights and privileges as a child of God
You receive an inheritance as an heir of God
The Holy Spirit is God's seal on your life, marking you as His child
You move from being strangers or enemies to being co-heirs with Christ
Your identity is no longer defined by what you've done—it's defined by whose you are
Bible Study on Acts 9: The Damascus Road Experience
Acts 9:1-6 – The Encounter
Saul is "breathing threats and murder" against the disciples
A light from heaven flashes around him
Jesus speaks to him: "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"
Saul's response reveals his confusion: "I'm not persecuting you; I'm persecuting these Christians"
Jesus explains: when you hurt the body (the church), you hurt the head (Jesus)
Acts 9:10-19 – The Assignment
Ananias is called by God to go to Saul, though he knows who Saul is
God tells Ananias: "This man is my chosen instrument"
Ananias obeys and calls Saul "brother"
Saul's sight is restored, he's baptized, and his strength returns
Acts 9:20-31 – The Beginning
Saul immediately begins proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues
The Jews begin plotting to kill him (just as he had done to believers)
Saul escapes and eventually connects with the Jerusalem church through Barnabas
The church recognizes his calling and sends him out
What Does It Mean to Be a Chosen Instrument of God?
Key Scripture: Romans 8:1 – "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
God didn't save Paul just to stop the persecution of the church. He had a divine plan and purpose for Paul's life. The same is true for you. You are a chosen instrument.
A "condemned building" has a green sticker declaring it unfit for use
The enemy wants to put that "condemned" sticker on your life
Jesus sees you as fit for use—He knows what He purchased on the cross
Your calling isn't determined by your past; it's determined by your position in Christ
You're equipped and empowered to join God's mission in the world
Understanding Spiritual Transformation in Christ: The Three Truths
1. Your Past Doesn't Define You – You're a new creation, not bound by your history
2. You're Adopted Into God's Family – You belong, you're loved, and you're an heir
3. You Are a Chosen Instrument – You're fit for use and called to God's purpose
How to Find Your Purpose After Conversion: Moving From Identity to Action
The progression in Paul's story is significant:
First: His past is redeemed (no longer defines him)
Second: His identity is restored (he's family, he belongs)
Third: His purpose is revealed (he's a chosen instrument for the Gentiles, kings, and Israelites)
This order matters. You can't live out your calling until you understand your identity. And you can't fully embrace your identity until you're free from your past.
Breaking Free From Shame and Guilt in Christianity
Paul called himself "the chief of sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15), yet he became history's most influential Christian missionary. His transformation wasn't denial of his past—it was freedom from it.
Shame tells you that you are the problem
The Gospel tells you that Jesus is the solution
Your past can become a powerful testimony of God's redemptive power
Many people are waiting to hear your story of transformation
Why Your Story Matters: The Power of Personal Testimony
The sermon opens with the reality that we all love stories—they entertain, compel, and move us. Your story is no exception. Whether your life has been marked by hardship, constant activity, or simplicity, your story matters because it's the intersection point between your life and the Gospel.
When others see how Jesus has changed everything in your life, they catch a glimpse of what He could do in theirs.
Finding Meaning and Purpose in God's Plan for Your Life
Key Scripture: Galatians 2:20 – "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
You're not living for yourself anymore—you're living with Jesus, for Jesus. Your blank page is being written with a story of redemption, purpose, and eternal significance.
When Your Story Meets His Story: The Gospel Intersection
Nothing changes if nothing changes. But everything changes when your personal story intersects with the Gospel story. You move from:
Shame → Freedom
Isolation → Family
Purposelessness → Mission
Condemnation → Calling
Key Takeaways
✓ Your past does not determine your future when you're in Christ ✓ You're fully adopted into God's family—you belong ✓ You're equipped and called as a chosen instrument for God's purposes ✓ Remember what Jesus did on the cross—it changes everything ✓ Your story of transformation is powerful testimony to others
Scripture References
Acts 9:1-31 (Paul's conversion and calling)
Acts 7:58 (First mention of Saul)
Acts 8:1-3 (Saul's persecution of the church)
Romans 5:8 (Christ died for sinners)
Romans 8:1, 14-17 (No condemnation; adoption into God's family)
2 Corinthians 5:17 (New creation in Christ)
Ephesians 2:4-5 (God's mercy)
Galatians 1:15 (Paul's encounter with risen Jesus)
Galatians 2:20 (Living through Christ)
1 Timothy 1:15 (Paul: chief of sinners)
About This Sermon
This message is part of the Unstoppable Church series, an expository journey through the Book of Acts exploring what the early church can teach us about following Jesus today. Each sermon answers the question: What can we learn from the early church and apply to our lives today to continue the movement of Jesus going forward?
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