INTRO: Our missions conference is coming up quickly. I have been thinking about missions and missionaries, and of course Paul comes to my mind. These next few weeks I will be preaching about the life of Paul. Today we look at his conversion, and the lessons God has for us here.

I. There has always been persecution against God's children.
A. Acts 9:1-2, 8:1-3: Saul's passion!
B. Old Testament examples (I Kings 19:10 prevalency of Baal worship, influence
of Jezebel).
C. Present: especially in China, India and Africa
D. Yet be of good cheer! Jesus said, "I will build my church!"
The Church always grows in His way and in His time, and all who have
been chosen by God WILL be saved and added to His Church.

II. Conversion is a miraculous act of God in the human heart.
A. Technically, there are not many miracles being done now, such as we
find in Bible stories. There is much that is wonderful or providential:
The beauties of nature, the birth of a baby, escapes from accidents....
But a miracle is SUPERNATURAL.
B. Conversion is a true miracle. We are dead in trespasses and sins.
We are not able or interested to come to Christ until God works a
miracle in our hearts (John 6:63-65). The Holy Spirit makes us born again.

III. Conversion is a life-changing experience.
A. Obviously so in Paul's case.
B. Christians are called "a peculiar people." "In the world, but not of
the world." "Sheep among wolves."
C. We have been made different. Our lives changed. (I Co. 6:9-11)
Has Jesus changed your life? He will if you believe in Him.

IV. God wants experienced Christians to disciple newer Christians.
A. Paul discipled Timothy, and wrote him two epistles.
B. Timothy discipled other men (2 Timothy 2:1-2).
C. Certainly we should all disciple our own children (Deut. 6:6-9; 20-21).

V. God chooses and enables us to do His work.
A. He obviously chose Paul--very dramatic (Acts 9:15-16).
He would suffer much for the Gospel. Many missionaries suffer much
today. We should pray for them!
B. He has chosen each of us, too.
C. He has given us gifts through the Holy Spirit (I Co. 12:4-7).

CONCLUSION: