Think of a person who seems least likely to come to faith in Jesus—perhaps someone from another faith, or someone habitually lukewarm toward God—and then think of what it would look like for God’s grace to break into their story. In Acts chapter 9 we see God’s grace breaking in to the life of a man who is a religious terrorist. Saul of Tarsus used his power and influence to enact violence against Christians. He hated Jesus and hated his people. So what happens when a man like that encounters Christ?

In this sermon on Saul on the road to Damascus from Acts 9:1–19, RUF Campus Minister Ethan Brown helps us to discover, along with Saul, a Jesus who is bigger and better and stronger and sweeter than we often allow ourselves to hope, and that the answer for our sin and sadness if found in the holiness of Jesus Christ. Listen as Pastor Ethan shows us three facets of Christ’s holiness: Jesus takes your suffering personally, Jesus takes his mission seriously, and Jesus can change you completely.

From Sunday Worship, March 30, 2025.

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Want to go deeper? Take some time to reflect on the sermon with the following questions:

When you think of the holiness of Christ, what other words, images, or ideas come to mind? In what ways did the sermon help you to think differently about the holiness of Christ?

“There is no one who is so good to be beyond the need of God’s grace; and there is no one so bad to be beyond the reach of God’s grace.” Which part of this statement do you find yourself slower to believe? What difference would it make in your life this week if you lived in light of this truth? Try to be specific.

What are you typically anxious about or focused on when you wake up in the morning or have a quiet moment to yourself? How do you hope Jesus will transform your preoccupations this week? Spend some time asking Jesus to do just that.

Not everyone has a “Damascus Road experience” like Saul did. But can you remember a time when God’s grace broke in and began a new trajectory in your life? Consider sharing about that moment with a family member or friend this week.

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All Souls (Urbana, IL) is a part of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), a Christian, Reformed denomination with historic and theological roots in the Protestant Reformation.