Being Transformed by Divine Encounter
Introduction: This year’s theme: Be Transformed. We need to be transformed in our thinking (head), the passions of our heart, and our actions.
Scripture: Acts 9:1-9, 20-22
I. We Cannot Transform Ourselves
A. Pride keeps us from seeing that we need to change
1. Pride blinds us from our faults and flaws
Example of Apostle Paul
2. Pride causes us to blame others--Saul’s persecution of Christians
B. We can make some changes
1. Changes are difficult, but with hard work, we can make some changes
Illustration of ruts: The older woman stuck with her can in a snow drift
2. With the help of others we can make some changes
3. Most changes will only be superficial and temporary
C. We Cannot change our character or our basic nature
1. Character is who and what we are on the inside
2. We cannot change the condition of our heart
II. Only an Encounter with God can Transform Us
A. There are many biblical examples of transformation
1. Name changes: Abram to Abraham, Sarai to Sarah, Jacob to Israel, Simon to Peter, Saul to Paul
2. Divine encounters: Moses, Isaiah, the Apostles, Paul
B. God reveals Himself in Creation
1. Romans1:20 His invisible attributes, eternal power, divine nature
2. Some of God’s handiwork, pictures
C. God Reveals Himself in special revelation
1. Dreams and visions
2. His divine Word, the scriptures
III. How can We have an Encounter with God?
A. Do not seek God through religious rituals
1. They are only symbols of the real thing
2. They are a substitute for the real thing
B. Seek to experience God and to know Him
1. God’s promise to those who seek Him (Deuteronomy 4:29, Isaiah 55:6)
2. Seek Him through prayer
3. Seek Him through study of God’s Word
4. Seek Him through worship with others who know God
Have You Experienced God?
