At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.
After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.
When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him. When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
Acts 9:20-31

Bottom Line

A credible conversion results in life transformation.

The church is currently facing a credibility crisis in our culture.

"The sad irony of our day is we can be deeply committed to be a Christian but not be deeply formed by Christ."
‍— Rich Villodas

‍The solution to our credibility crisis is to attend to our own transformation.

Action Steps

• Have you experienced a credible conversion resulting in allegiance to King Jesus?
• Ask someone outside of the church how they’ve experienced the church. (Please don’t get defensive. Rather, just be present and seek to understand).
• Where is God inviting you to surrender to the Spirit’s transformative work in your life?
• Recommended Resources: The Deeply Formed Life by Rich Villodas