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Introduction There is one important question that we must ask ourselves what must I do to become a Christian? And in the denominational world you will receive a variety of answers. Our object today is to see what the Bible teaches! And we want to look at the conversion of the apostle Paul, who was also known as Saul of Tarsus. If you are not a Christian today, or if you believe you are a Christian ask yourself if you have done the things we are going to talk about in our study. 7
Was Saul saved on the road to Damascus? Many believe he was! You ve probably heard many say he was saved on that road at the point of faith, before he was ever baptized Then he began to pray and said the sinner s prayer, accepting Jesus as his personal Savior If you have ever heard that, if you have ever believed that, or if you have ever been taught that, then let s see if we find any of that here in Acts 9...let s travel the road to Damascus to see exactly how Saul of Tarsus turned from persecutor to apostle! 8
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Saul Traveled A Road Paved With Hate Saul of Tarsus was breathing threats and murder against the followers of Christ! Acts 9:1-2 He was in clear violation of thou shalt not murder Exodus 20:13 Saul was disobedient to the law to love your neighbor as yourself cf. Matthew 22:39 Religion is often used as an excuse to persecute, arouse hatred and suspicion. Saul was an evil man, motivated by anger and hate. He wanted Christians dead and the church to be non-existent Galatians 1:23 He was on a dangerous path that was leading him further away from Christ, not closer to the Lord. The road to Damascus certainly does not look like a road to salvation. 10
Saul Stopped To Face His Sin The Lord appeared to Saul in a bright light from heaven and spoke with him Acts 9:3-6 Jesus asked why Saul was persecuting Him Jesus told Saul it is hard to kick against the goads Acts 26:14 Saul was behaving like an unruly ox, kicking against the goads, adding to his own pain and destruction Before anyone can ever come to Christ, there will be a realization that sin will destroy us. This is what Saul experienced on the road to Damascus! Psalm 51:3 Sometimes it takes the drunkard to lose his friends and family before he realizes he needs help Sometimes the gambler has to lose all his money before he seeks help Sometimes it takes the adulterer to get caught up and lost in his web of lies and deceit that he forsakes all responsibility to his spouse before he sees the need to turn to God What is your sin? Envy? 11
Hate? Gossip? Lying? David said my sin is ever before me; Moses warned to be careful your sin will find you out Saul s sin had finally caught up with him! The Lord appeared to Saul and he asked what shall I do? cf. Acts 22:10 11
Saul Continued to Damascus Consider at this point Saul has left Jerusalem with the intent to kill Christians He has been called out by the Lord for his persecutions But Saul has not been told how to be saved! He is not a saved man yet! He has not been told to say the Sinner s Prayer and accept the Lord Jesus as his personal Savior He has not said any sort of prayer before his arrival in Damascus for that matter. He was told to go to Damascus and find out what he should do Acts 9:6 Christ has the power to say your sins are forgiven Luke 7:48 But He does not say that with Saul; he s not forgiven, he s not a Christian There s more he must do! Acts 9:6 Saul arrives in Damascus and prays Acts 9:11 12
But he has not been told what to do The Lord sends Ananias Acts 9:15-17 If Saul were a saved man, then he s a pretty pitiful Christian blinded 12
Saul Was Told To Get Up And Be Baptized Jesus sent Ananias to tell Saul what he must do in Damascus, not on the way to Damascus Ananias said to arise and be baptized Acts 22:16 In baptism a person s sins are forgiven and they become a child of God Galatians 3:26-27 13
Why Do You Delay? Ask yourself the question Saul had to answer for himself! What is preventing you and hindering you from being baptized, to have your sins washed away, and to become a Christian? Are you afraid of what God will expect of you as you become a Christian? You will have brothers and sisters in this church family who will help you! Are you enjoying sin too much? Sin may be pleasurable for the time being, but you will have to answer for your choices on the day of judgment. Do you not believe in God? Everything we see and know in this world came from Him and was spoken into existence; He gave His only Son. Believe in God! Don t delay any longer! 14