Bible reference: 1 Timothy 1:15-16; 1 Timothy 1:12-14.
Before Paul knew Jesus, he spoke evil of Jesus and thought highly of himself. Paul knew Old Testament. Paul, before he knew Jesus, was living an ungodly, religious life. Yet Christ Jesus took hold of him, and showed mercy and grace and transformed Paul.
Its not what I do that makes me right, it's what Christ does that makes me right.
In Paul's agorance, he was shown mercy. Jesus deals with our sin, give it to him. This ministry of grace that was given to Paul, is also given to us. We have a new covenant of grace. God chose each and everyone of us, those who are saved, to be a distinctive example of God rich mercy.
This project of transformation is with mercy and grace. It brings two spiritual abilities - faith and love. Without that ability, we have a hopeless life. Our nation needs this now. So that we can forgive, not forget but forgive. So we can extend mercy and grace.
Paul was trained in scripture, of the tribe of Benjamin, yet did not know God. He had been a cruel, religious life.
Galatians 5:6
Paul had seen the mercy of God in his own life, and was able to know the love of God in his life. The greatest thing we can do in our life is give it to Jesus. We have a generation in Australia that used to go to Church and now no longer do so, they didn't personally know Jesus.
This life we live on earth, is preparation for eternity. You will either live life with the Lord or live life without the Lord.
Isaiah 59:2; John 3:16-17. We live according to the compassion God has shown us because of the cross.
What was the mission of Jesus on earth: Luke 9:20; John 18:7. God is all source of truth. If the Lord has set you free, you are free indeed. Jesus came to be a light to shine in the world. God wants our lives laid open in the light so we can be cleaned up. God wants to clean up our lives so we can be all He wants for us. God saves you so he can tell others about salvation. Luke 17:18
God wants us to accept His salvation and forgiveness. People need to know that if they accept Jesus, they will be made right.
There are 5 great commissions:
Matthew 28:18-20
Mark 16:15
Luke 24:47
John 20:21
Acts 1:8
God chose YOU to be His witness.
1 Peter 2:8-9: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
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