No one is too far

Good morning, everyone! Whether you're here with us in the room or joining online—listening live or later—I am truly glad you're here. Leaf River Baptist church exist to Know Christ, Grow in faith, and to Go make Him known.

Hey, if you’ve got kids with you this morning—now’s a great time for them to head to class. We’ve got an amazing team ready to welcome them and help them know Jesus in a way that makes sense to them.

Now, it’s a pretty special weekend and so I want to acknowledge the importance of this weekend. There’s something your going to hear alot, especially right now since it’s the nations birthday.

You’re going to hear, or maybe you already have, what this nation was, and what this nation was not founded on. You’re going to hear about the scary thing called, “Christian Nationalism”.

This has kind of become a “boogeyman”…It gets thrown around to try and make Christians feel like having faith in the public square is somehow dangerous. So, if you believe your faith should shape how you live, how you vote, how you raise your kids, and how you engage your community — then you are some kind of dangerous threat.

What the enemy has done is take something good and label it something scary so that Christians will do the very thing that Satan has always wanted you to do…stay quiet.

See, Satan doesn’t need you to become an atheist…he just needs you to be silent.

But here’s the history that they don’t want you to know. John Adams, the second president of the US, signer of the Declaration, one of the architects of this great Republic…wrote these words in a letter to Thomas Jefferson on June 28, 1813.

"The general principles on which the fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity. I will avow that I then believed, and now believe, that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God." — John Adams

Adams wasn’t embarrassed by this. He wasn’t whispering it in the back room. He wrote it down for history to see. He signed his name to it…the men who built this nation understood that the ideas they were fighting for — human dignity, liberty, justice, the value of life — these things didn’t appear from nothing. These things came from a worldview that was shaped wholey by Scripture. The came from the conviction that human beings are made in the image of God and therefore possess rights that no government can grant or take away.

This doesn’t mean that America is the kingdom of God…we are far from that. Nor does it mean we confuse the Constitution with the Bible. It does mean this — the faith that shaped this nation was never meant to be a private faith. It was never meant to be tucked away, kept quiet, hidden behind closed doors so no one gets uncomfortable.

However, on July 4, 1776, 56 men signed a document that was, in the eyes of the British Crown, a death warrant. These weren’t radicals hiding in caves—these were business men, farmers, doctors, lawyers, just regular men. Most of them had everything to lose. Benjamin Frankly reportedly said, We must, indeed, all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.” Everything was against them…The most powerful military on earth was coming to crush this insurrection.

Yet they still signed their names on that paper. Why? Well, becuase they believed in something that the rest of the world said was impossible. They believed that ordinary people could govern themselves when guided by Scriptural truth.

You see, that’s not what the enemy wants for you and me. Satan wants us to believe that our faith is a private hobby between only God and me —something only for Sundays…something we don’t talk about at work, or with the family, or with the neighbors at a cookout, or with men seeking to form a more perfect union.

This simply builds the truth of what I’ve been telling you: The gospel is not a secret to be guarded…it’s a message to be shared.

That brings us to Acts chapter 9 — because there is no better example in all of Scripture of what happened when God gets ahold of a person who is not quiet about what they beleive. We’re going to look at a man named Saul. He’s loud…he’s passionate…he’s dangerous…and God is about to turn his life completely upside down.

We’re in week 7 of our “Who’s Your One?” series and for the last several weeks I’ve been asking you to pray for one person —three times a day. Some of you have been faithful. Some of you have been watching doors open and even have conversations. Ans some of you have been praying and wondering: “Is this even working? Does God even hear me? Is this person ever going to actually change?

If that’s you then I want especially you to pay attention this week. Today we’re going to watch God do the most unlikely conversion in the entire Bible, and I belive he wants to remind every person here in this room, or joining us online that Today's message is for you. Because today we're going to watch God do the most unlikely conversion in the entire Bible — and I believe He wants to remind every person in this room: Nobody is too far gone because…

God Pursues the Unlikely

In our passage this morning we are going to meet Saul. Now I want you to understand who Saul was, ok. Paul was not some confused teenager, or spiritually curious person, or confused culturally religious person. Saul was a zealot…he wasn’t a part of the Zealot party…but he was functionally a zealot. That means he was a religious terrorist. I want you to keep that in mind as we begin reading our scripture for today.

Acts 9:1–4 ESV

1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”

The very beginning of this passage is incredibly important folks. Saul was breathing threats and murder. Folks, this is an idiom in that time that paints the picture of extremely firm threats. In other words, his threats were as sure as the breathe he was breathing. Not only his threats, but what gives him life is seeing Christians murdered for their belief. Ok…that’s who we are looking at here.

Now something that is equally as important here is that Saul wasn't looking for Jesus—Jesus came looking for Saul. As Saul traveled to Damascus to arrest Christians, the risen Christ stopped him in his tracks. God didn't wait for Saul to clean himself up or have a crisis of conscience. Christ intervened while Saul was still in open rebellion against Him.

That’s becuase…

God doesn’t wait for people to come to Him.

This is the pattern from Genesis to Revelation. God goes after people actively.

God walked in the garden after Adam and Eve hid. God came to Moses in a burning bush. God sent prophets to Israel when they were in rebellion — and God came to Saul on the way to Damascus while Saul was activity persecuting the church.

Some of you have been waiting for your "one" to soften before you speak. You're waiting for the perfect moment. But that's often not how God works. He pursues people in the middle of their brokenness, and He often uses the faithful witness of ordinary believers as part of that pursuit.

God sees people different than we do.

God didn't merely see a persecutor. He saw the apostle who would carry the gospel before Gentiles, kings, including the Caesar of Rome, and the children of Israel. He saw the man He had appointed to write much of the New Testament. God's grace always sees farther than we do.

Think about how an sculptor sees the art inside the marble…or a painter sees the painting inside the canvas. God sees what His grace will accomplish in a life.

The other thing is that

No one is beyond God’s reach.

If you think about it…Saul was about as far from salvation as a person could be. He wasn’t even lukewarm — he was violently opposed to Jesus.

However, one encounter with the living Jesus Christ changed everything that day.

Now if God can interrupt Saul on the road to destroy the church — He can interrupt your coworker’s commute, your family member’s argument, or your neighbor’s peaceful evening.

Don’t stop praying for your one…You don’t know what God is doing in their heart right now.

Here’s what i want you to really remember this morning. God pursues the unlikely…He always has. That means the person you’ve been praying for is not to far gone for God…not even close.

Of course if God is going to pursue the unlikely, then…

God Uses the Willing

Jesus has confronted Saul, and now Saul sits blind in Damascus. For three days he has neither eaten nor drunk. Then the scene shifts. This time God isn't speaking to Saul—He's speaking to a disciple named Ananias. Most people don't remember much about Ananias, and that's exactly the point. He isn't a famous apostle or a well-known leader. He's an ordinary disciple, and God is about to ask him to do the hardest thing he's ever done.

Let’s read

Acts 9:10–17 ESV

10 Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 17 So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

This story of Ananias is amazing. I love the boldness and honesty of this man. “Lord, I’ve heard of this man…he’s evil…he’s dangerous. He has been searching to kill people like me!” "Lord...are You sure? Everyone knows what this man has done."

God’s plan to reach the lost involves ordinary believers

God didn't need Ananias. He could have sent an angel or spoken directly to Saul again. Instead, He chose to use an ordinary disciple. God made Ananias the hands and voice of His grace. That's still how God works. He uses ordinary believers, like you, to accomplish extraordinary purposes.

Like Ananias, you may not feel qualified. You may not feel bold. But God isn't looking for impressive people. He's looking for willing people.

Of course…

Obedience often requires walking into the uncomfortable.

God is sending Ananias into an incredibly dangerous environment. Saul had the authority to have him arrest and brutally murdered.

Now…look at what Ananias did — he went. He didn’t argue forever. He heard the Lord, he questioned the Lord, but then he pushed through his fear and he walked into that house.

Now, think about the men who signed that paper 250 years ago. Those men didn’t sign the Declaration because it was comfortale. They did it because they believed in something bigger than their comfort. They walked into danger because freedom was worth it.

How much more should we be willing to walk toward an uncomfortable conversation if it means someone hears the gospel that leads to eternal life?

You see…

When we obey, God does what only He can do.

Look at what happened when Ananias obeyed. Ananias laid his hands on Saul and called him brother…

Don’t miss that word.

Brother.

Just days earlier Saul would have arrest Ananias.

Now Ananias welcomes him into the Family of God.

That my friends is God’s grace working.

Ananias’s job was just to show up and be faithful — God’s job was to transform the heart and open blind eyes. That division of labor hasn’t changed in 6000 years folks…Your job is to show up…God’s job is to save!

You need to remember that you’r not responsible for the outcome. You’re only responsible for your obedience. Success is not sving people…Success is faithfulness.

Ananias said yes, and the greatest missionary in history came to faith…So what happens when an ordinary believer says yes to God? That's exactly what we see next.

God Transforms the Surrendered

Watch what happens next. Saul—the man who came to Damascus with arrest warrants—now stays with the very people he came to arrest. He eats with them. He learns from them. Then he begins preaching the very message he came to destroy.

Acts 9:18–22 ESV

18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; 19 and taking food, he was strengthened. For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

The people of Damascus knew exactly who Saul was. They had heard what he had done in Jerusalem. Now the very man who came to arrest Christians is standing in their synagogues preaching Christ. No wonder they're amazed.

Listen, everyone knew Saul's reputation, and everyone was watching to see if his profession was real. Genuine conversion doesn't remain hidden. Over time, it produces visible fruit.

Now, scripture tells us that Saul was in Damascus for around 3 years: He was both learning and then preaching the gospel in that time…and everyone was watching him.

That allowed people to see the truth.

Real conversion produces visible change.

Saul didn't simply make a profession of faith and then return unchanged. Saul was radically and visibly transformed. He started preaching…he started debating Jewish leaders. He began to risk his very life for the gospel. The man who once persecuted Christians is not being called by that name.

This weekend, as a nation, we celebrated Independence Day. On that day, the colonies went from being subjects to a king to citizens of a republic. That change was visible. It was real. It reshaped everything that was happening in this land.

Salvation does the same thing — it doesn’t just change your eternal destination…it changes your daily life. If there’s no change…then we need to talk about whether there’s been a real encounter with Jesus.

But also

Transformation is a process, not a moment.

Yeah, there is a moment of salvation…a moment when you made the choice to place your trust and faith into Jesus Christ. However, we read here that Saul increased in strength…that’s sanctification folks.

Saul didn’t become the Apostle Paul overnight. He grew — he learned — he was discipled. The same is true for the person you’re praying for today. Even when they come to faith, they’ll need time, patience, and community to grow. Your job doesn’t end at their conversion…that’s just the beginning.

Don’t be content to only pray for someones salvation and then disappear…I’ve seen that happen…it happened to me. Be ready to walk with them personally after. Be their Ananias who stays with them for the long, steady growth.

Just remember that

The Gospel is the only message that can transform a heart.

Saul didn't preach self-improvement or political reform. He preached Jesus Christ, the Son of God. That's the message that transformed Saul, and it's the only message that can transform your "one."

There are millions of good things we can give to people…but the gospel is the only thing that will offer them a new heart.

So — when you have a conversation with your one, don’t overcomplicate the conversation. You don’t need a seminary degree…You have Jesus…go share him — Point to him — Jesus is enough!

Saul surrendered on that road…and the world was never the same. There is one that you are praying for. There is one in your life today that needs the gospel. Their surrender may change their family…their workplace…their neighborhood…maybe even their generations to come. That all starts with your faithfulness.

Now, over the last few weeks we’ve talked about how to start conversations. Then last week I gave you three sentences to learn to help you share your story. So…let’s keep a little practical help going this morning.

Let me give you three simple questions you can ask when someone opens up about a struggle, a doubt, or a difficult season. They're not preachy or pushy. They're simply meant to keep the conversation moving toward spiritual things.

So…here you go:

“Can I ask — what do you do when life gets heavy like that? “

This helps you understand where they're placing their hope. without feeling like you’re judging them. It opens the door to a more spiritual conversation naturally while showing that you actually care.

“Has anyone ever explained what it means to be reconciled to God — To have a relationship with Jesus?”

This breaks down any church baggage them may have. It shows that a relationship with God is a real thing that makes a real difference. Many people have never been told the gospel.

“Would it be ok if I shared something that’s made a difference in my life?”

This is a bridge to your story so you can share that the gospel is more than words for you…but it’s real life. It shows you’ve been listening and you’re here for them, and now you’ve earned the right to speak into their situation.

Remember faithfulness is the goal here…Open the door — Let God do the rest.

Now church, i want to close with this today — Maybe you’re here or joining us online and you’re the one who feels too far gone. Maybe you’ve been sitting there hearing about Saul and thinking, “But you don’t know what I’ve done. You don’t know where I’ve been. You don’t know how many times I’ve walked away from God.”

Let me just remind you what happened on the road to Damascus. Jesus didn’t say, “Saul, clean up your life and then come fine me.” no…that’s not what happened. Jesus said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” Jesus revealed himself…Jesus initiated…Jesus came to Saul while Saul was still breathing threats.

That same Jesus that came to Saul is coming to you today saying, “I am Jesus. I know who you are. I know what you’ve done. And I’m here anyway.”

My friend you are not too far gone. The cross of JEsus was enough to cover every sin you’ve ever committed and every sin you will ever commit. His grace doesn’t run out if you’ve done bad things. His patience doesnt expire when you run again. His love has no limit…but he does as you to surrender — stop running, stop hiding, stop blame shifting, and just let him in…

If you’re here today or joining us online and you have never surrendered your life to Christ…today is the day for that commitment. Not because of anything I’ve said or done…not because of anything you’ve done…but because Jesus is standing in front of you right now, just like he stood in front of Saul and he is saying, “Come to Me.”

This is about you admitting you are a sinner in need of a savior

Listen, this is the most important decision you will ever make and I don’t want you to feel alone. I want you to acknowledge that on your commitment card along with your name so that I can reach out to you and connect and talk about what it means to follow Christ.

For everyone else, I want to ask you to go ahead and grab your commitment cards and be prepared to answer a couple of questions here.

Here they are:

1. Who has God laid on your heart to be praying for — and will you commit to praying for them every day this week?

2. What is one step of obedience God is asking you to take this week toward sharing your faith — a conversation, a text, a visit, an invitation — and will you commit to doing it?

Write your answers there and be specific. Write down the first name. Name the step of obedience, then in a moment you will bring that card up front with communion. This is a commitment between you and the Lord…but I am asking you to commit publically to what God is asking of you.

I’m going to pray and then we will look at communion a little further

Let’s pray

Now, we are about to be sharing in communion. Communion is the meal that reminds us that the gospel is not just words, but it is flesh and blood…the real sacrifice of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

Let’s look at the man who we just saw God change, and what he says about this opportunity for communion. These are Paul’s written words.

1 Corinthians 11:23–26 ESV

23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

This is the body of Christ that has been broken for you and me. This is the blood that Christ shed for you and me. So…as we come to the table this morning to drop our cards, and pick up the elements, I want to ask you to come with open hearts of worship, commitment, and surrender to the King.

Before you come, examine your heart. If you're trusting Christ, come with gratitude. If you're harboring unrepentant sin, confess it. If you have never trusted Christ, skip the elements and instead respond to the Savior.

Let’s pray for communion: