TURNING POINT

Text:  Acts 9:1-21, 1 Timothy 1: 13-14
 

Turning point is a point at which a decisive change takes place. It is a critical point, a point at which something takes direction. Turning point in the life of someone could be for better or for worse. I believe everybody wants a change for better in life. This sermon will address turning point for better, from negative to positive.

  

Since God is the one that controls the affairs of all men and He is the one that makes things happen. He has to be involved if you want a turning around in your life. The wish can be actualized by taking certain steps and  actions. When things are not working out as  expected or wished, examine yourself and seek help from God so that He can intervene.

A case in study is that of Saul's conversion. God intervened and there was a complete turning point in his life. Saul the persecutor later became Paul the apostle, teacher and preacher. After his conversion he did not remain the same again. He changed from being a persecutor to an apostle and soul winner. Acts 9:3, 4 & 6 says "As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me"? ....."Now get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do". In obedience Saul left for where he was directed and there he met Ananias whom God sent to him. Immediately, he regained his sight which he had lost for three days, got baptized, and regained his strength. He stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. Acts 9:20 says "and immediately he began preaching about Jesus". What a turning point! A persecutor turned preacher. Acts 9:21 says, "All those who heard him were astonished and asked, "isn't  he the man who wrecked 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?"

The turning point in Paul's life was obvious. Apart from people noticing it, Paul himself confessed and confirmed the turning in his life. He said in 1 Timothy 1:13, "Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man. I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief". Timothy 1:14 says, "The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." You could see how mercy and grace of God can turn you round for better. What changes do you need? Ask for His mercy and grace. The Lord that showed Paul mercy and grace is still alive.

Another example is Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector and a wealthy man. He had a turning point in his life the day he made frantic effort to see Jesus. Zacchaeus being a  chief tax collector, it was a common knowledge by the Jews then that he made his wealth by extorting his fellow Jews. He was considered a traitor and a sinner. That even when Jesus said in Luke 19:5 that he would abide in his house, the people murmured saying that Jesus was going to be a guest with a man that is a sinner (Luke 19: 6). But Zacchaeus immediately stood and said in Luke 19: 8, "Unto the Lord, behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. In the same day a former traitor, extortionist and sinner repented. In Luke 19:9, Jesus said unto him, "this day is salvation come to this house". Zacchaeus,  had a great turning point for nothing is as great as the salvation of ones' soul. Brethren, Zacchaeus frantically sought Jesus out and it was a great turning point for him. So could it be for any one who frantically seeks him. Zacchaeus was poor in spirit and he recognized it, hence he sought Christ. As written in Matt 5:5, "blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs  is the kingdom of heaven".

Brethren, do you know that you can provoke God for a turning point? Yes, you can by:

•  By asking for it in prayers  Matt 7: 7-8.
• By Asking for God's mercy and grace 1 Timothy 1: 13&16
• By being obedient to God's instructions Acts 9: 6
• By seeking Him Luke 19: 3

WHAT FOLLOWS A TURNING POINT?

• You become more powerful  Acts 9:22.
• You will be filled with faith and love Acts 9:14.
• You will be able to speak boldly and move freely Acts 9:28

PRAYER

Oh my God, whatever is not working according to your plan for my life needs a turning point. Father, effect such changes and let me have a turning point for better. Make your mercy and grace available for me in Jesus name I pray. Amen. And you will see everything turning around for you.