"Turn and Face the Strange" | July 13, 2025

Take-Home Notes – Turn and Face the Strange

Scripture: Acts 9:1–19

Main Idea: Saul’s transformation into Paul shows us that real change is possible—and that love, not shame or hate, is what brings lasting transformation.

Key Points:

  • Like Mark Twain, Saul had a troubling past, but he didn’t stay there. God used even his worst moments to tell a new story.

  • Saul was literally “blinded by the light” of Christ—and came out seeing everything, and everyone, differently.

  • Ananias had to change too. Forgiving Saul meant letting go of fear, anger, and judgment.

  • The early church made space for Saul to become Paul. That forgiveness made room for one of the greatest voices in Christian history.

  • Real change doesn’t come through shame. It comes through love—bold, courageous, Christ-like love.

  • We must ask ourselves: Are we like Jonah, clinging to resentment? Or like Ananias, ready to welcome transformed lives?

Reflect:

  • Who have I written off as beyond redemption or change?

  • Where might God be asking me to lay down resentment or fear?

  • Am I loving people into belief—or arguing them away from it?

Quote of the Week:
“In the end, we love people into belief. We do not argue them into belief.” – Tim Keller

Next Step:
Pray this week for the eyes to see others—especially those who have hurt or opposed you—as Jesus sees them: full of possibility and beloved by God.

Speaker: Rev. Jim Humphries

July 13, 2025

Rev. Jim Humphries

Pastor of Congregational Care

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Take-Home Notes – Turn and Face the Strange

Scripture: Acts 9:1–19

Main Idea: Saul’s transformation into Paul shows us that real change is possible—and that love, not shame or hate, is what brings lasting transformation.

Key Points:

  • Like Mark Twain, Saul had a troubling past, but he didn’t stay there. God used even his worst moments to tell a new story.

  • Saul was literally “blinded by the light” of Christ—and came out seeing everything, and everyone, differently.

  • Ananias had to change too. Forgiving Saul meant letting go of fear, anger, and judgment.

  • The early church made space for Saul to become Paul. That forgiveness made room for one of the greatest voices in Christian history.

  • Real change doesn’t come through shame. It comes through love—bold, courageous, Christ-like love.

  • We must ask ourselves: Are we like Jonah, clinging to resentment? Or like Ananias, ready to welcome transformed lives?

Reflect:

  • Who have I written off as beyond redemption or change?

  • Where might God be asking me to lay down resentment or fear?

  • Am I loving people into belief—or arguing them away from it?

Quote of the Week:
“In the end, we love people into belief. We do not argue them into belief.” – Tim Keller

Next Step:
Pray this week for the eyes to see others—especially those who have hurt or opposed you—as Jesus sees them: full of possibility and beloved by God.

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