While God can certainly transform people in an instant, there is often a progression that brings about transformative impact. The church in Antioch set apart Saul and Barnabas and then sent them out on a mission trip. But before this happened, they had sought God’s will through prayer and fasting. That was the foundation of …
Shortly after his conversion, Saul began preaching that Jesus is the Son of God. But what led up to that? Before his conversion, Saul was on his way to persecute believers when God suddenly interrupted him. A blinding light stopped him in his tracks, and he heard the voice of Jesus calling him by name. …
God had told Ananias that He had a mission for Saul. This enabled Ananias to see through God’s eyes. Ananias knew of Saul’s reputation for persecuting Christians and was understandably afraid of him. But Ananias’ faith was stronger than his fear, and he obeyed God’s instructions. Acts 9: 17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He …
Saul experienced going from blinded eyes to spiritual sight. Saul, who we know as the Apostle Paul, experienced this when Jesus revealed Himself to him. As a devout Pharisee, Saul was a very religious man, yet he was spiritually blind to who Jesus was, which led to his persecuting believers. Then one day, Jesus met …
Jesus argued that His claim to God as His Father was valid because knowing Jesus is knowing the Father. Jesus had just said, “I am the Light of the World.” The Pharisees heard this statement as a claim of Jesus’ divinity. According to Jewish law, it took two witnesses to prove a statement was true. …
If you follow Jesus, you won’t walk in darkness. Why does the world seem turned upside down because of ungodly behavior? Jesus reveals the answer to this age-old question. John 8:12 Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk …
Relying on the Spirit’s strength is a gift from the Lord, guiding us on our spiritual journey so we can fulfill the plans He has for us. It’s a plan so excellent that, in the New Testament era, we are blessed to have the Holy Spirit dwell in every believer in Jesus. The Lord continued …
Great trials change us, making us different people. Trials in life happen, and you may have experienced some on your journey of faith. The question for all of us is, “Will we let God transform us through these trials?” I ministered to a man who divorced his wife for another and pursued the riches of …
Biblical values transform our thinking. Romans 12: 2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. [1] Our thinking influences our values, actions, …
It doesn’t matter if you are a patriarch of the Bible or a modern-day believer; walking with God transforms. Walking with God represents a life of obedience and being led by the Spirit. The Lord gives us free will, but as I walk with God, I surrender my free will to the Lord as He …