By the Grace

1 Corinthians 15:9–11

Looking at Paul’s journey from being against the church to becoming a follower of Jesus, we can see a powerful example for all of us. It’s a story of how grace leads to a change of heart. The Bible talks a lot about this change, from Paul’s dislike for Christians to his life-changing meeting with Jesus while on his way to Damascus. When we understand Paul’s story, we can better understand what it means to be a Christian and how to become one.

1. A deeply personal journey

Being a Christian means experiencing a deep, life-changing transformation. It’s not about just joining a group or changing our views. It’s a personal journey that can be hard for those who want to keep it at a distance. But it’s not about opinions or moral rules, but a powerful experience that changes our hearts and affects every part of our lives.

2. A powerful transformation

Paul’s change from an enemy of Christians to a devoted follower shows us the power of the gospel. It’s not just a bunch of teachings. It’s a powerful force that can deeply change people, families, and even societies. It’s an outside force that works inside us, making us new and having a lasting effect.

3. Most importantly, an experience of grace

Grace is a powerful force that changes us. It gives us new identities, not because we’ve earned it, but because God accepts and justifies us. We don’t earn grace, we realize it when we stop running from God and admit our spiritual emptiness. The purpose of God’s laws is to show us our mistakes and our need for a Savior. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can experience new life and receive God’s mercy and grace.