Remember Paul the Persecutor Turned Apostle

This morning during my devotional time, I found myself in the book of 1 Timothy 1:12-17 which says,

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.    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.    The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.    Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst.    But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.    Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (The Apostle Paul)

I wanted to share this with you and offer you some encouragement in the event that sometimes you feel like people who persecute Christians are hopeless, and will never find Christ.  The truth is that no one is ever hopeless and as long as there is life in a person, God can reach them.

I love this passage of scripture because it is the Apostle Paul talking about how Jesus saved him - "the worst sinner of all" - and I love this passage because Paul talks about how he used to persecute Christians,  be a violent man (even killing many Christians) and a blasphemer.

But God showed him mercy.  And not only did God show him mercy, but God's grace was also poured out on him abundantly.  And so was faith and love.

This was a true miraculous conversion! 

And this is the Lord God that we all serve.  Who else but the God of the living scriptures can save a man who killed His people, and bring that man into a place of repentance and life transformation.  With God all things are possible!

So when we invite you to join with us and pray for those who persecute believers, remember the Apostle Paul, who was blessed with writing most of the New Testament, used to persecute Christians.