God's new mission in your life brings changes, but people are being prepared to walk with you. This week, Pastor Filmore dives into Acts 9, where we find the life-changing direction of a man named Paul. Formally called Saul, this man turned out to be one of the most important apostles in Christianity, credited for writing the majority of the New Testament. That said, this same person used to kill the followers of the Savior who he ended up dedicating his life towards. This message lays out Paul's story of change. Paul was persecuting believers of Christ in Jerusalem and when the remaining followers fled to Damascus, he began his six-day journey, traveling 150 miles in the same direction. On the sixth day of his journey, as Paul was closely approaching Damascus, Jesus suddenly appeared and there was a holy encounter. Along the way, God also speaks to a man named Ananias in a dream, asking him to meet Paul (previously named Saul). Though afraid, he obeys, and the first words he speaks to him is, "Brother Saul."

The story of Paul is no coincidence. This message is not only a testament to the power and suddenness of God, but also the beauty of the church. Saul, his Jewish name, was changed to Paul because now he wanted to relate easily to those God called him towards. Paul changed his name because God changed his mission. Along the way, Ananias met him in obedience to God's calling. We are encouraged to not be fearful of grace, but rather embrace it. Wherever you are in your journey, grace abounds. There is more grace in Jesus than there is sin in you. It is an active grace, not passive. God is always pursuing and calling us towards community with one another. Even if you're not where you want to be in life, God is still working.

We are an instrument and the hands that hold us change the outcome.

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Produced by Aa Hernandez & Onechurch Productions