The POWER to REDEEM
Salvation is God’s plan to redeem us from sin and restore us into right relationship with Him.
TEXTS: Romans 1:16, Luke 19:10
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. —Romans 1:16 (KJV - King James Version)
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. —Luke 19:10
A Life That Feels Ruined
Have you ever felt like your life is too messy, stained, or ruined for God to do anything with?
God specializes in turning
God doesn’t discard
He redeems them and makes beautiful what was flawed and ugly.
1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. —Acts 9:1-22 (KJV - King James Version)
SAUL TO PAUL
1. Saul’s Life Was a Messed-Up Canvas (Acts 9:1-2)
Saul was a violent persecutor of Christians—a man whose life was filled with hatred and destruction.
He was convinced he was doing the right thing while unknowingly fighting against God.
His life was a wreck, covered in pride, sin, and self-righteousness.
“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way…” (Isaiah 53:6)
- Bob Ross and the Redeemed Canvas
Anyone here ever watched Bob Ross paint?
He had a calm, patient way of creating incredible landscapes with just a few brushstrokes.
But what was most famous about his style?
Saul’s life looked like a wrecked painting—stained with the blood of Christians, filled with violence, hatred, and pride.
But when Jesus stepped in, He didn’t throw Saul away—He redeemed him!
The same man who once destroyed the church became the man who helped build it.
If God can redeem
2. Saul’s Encounter with Jesus Changed Everything (Acts 9:3-9)
While on his way to destroy more Christians, a bright light from heaven stopped him in his tracks.
Jesus spoke:”Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” (Acts 9:4)
Saul was blinded and led by the hand into the city, helpless and humbled.
If God can redeem Saul—the church’s greatest enemy—and transform him into Paul, the church’s greatest missionary, then there is no one beyond the reach of His redeeming power.
When others saw Saul, God saw…Paul!
When others saw a persecutor, God saw…A preacher!
When others saw a wasted life, God saw…A masterpiece!
3. Jesus Redeemed Saul and Made Him a New Creation (Acts 9:10-22)
God sent Ananias to lay hands on Saul.
Saul’s sight was restored, he was baptized, and he received the Holy Ghost!
The same man who tried to destroy the church became one of its greatest builders.
His name was changed from Saul to Paul, marking his new
Remember This…
Redemption is not just about forgiveness—it’s about being made
When God redeems you, He gives you a new name, a new purpose, and a new life.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Experience Redemption Today
1.
Saul thought he was fine until Jesus showed him his true condition.
We need to recognize that we are lost without Him.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent and
Saul didn’t just feel bad—he responded to Jesus’ call.
He was baptized in Jesus’ Name and filled with the Holy Ghost (Acts 2:38).
“Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” (Acts 2:38)
3. Walk in Your
When God redeems you, He doesn’t just forgive your past—He gives you a new future.
Say this with me…
“I am not my past!”
“I am redeemed!”
“I am not wasted!”
“I am redeemed!”
“I am not too far gone!”
“I am redeemed!”
the Bible tells us…
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works…” (Ephesians 2:10)
The messed up canvas.
Maybe you feel like your life is too messy for God to do anything with.
Maybe you’ve made too many mistakes and feel ruined beyond repair.
Maybe you think you’ve wasted too many years to be redeemed.
But in the hands of the Master Artist, your life’s story isn’t over.
If you need redemption, today is your day to respond.
If you’ve already been redeemed, you need to walk in your new identity and purpose.
If you know someone who feels lost, share the message of redemption with them.
Many feel too far gone, too broken, or too sinful for God to redeem.
God can redeem and transform anyone.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
1. What does true redemption look like?
We often think of redemption as just forgiveness, but it is also about transformation.
- In what ways was Paul’s redemption more than just forgiveness? How did God completely change his life?
2. Have you ever felt like a wasted canvas?
Many people struggle with feeling like their past disqualifies them from being used by God.
- Have you ever felt like you were too broken, stained, or “ruined” for God to use you? How does Paul’s story (or the Bob Ross illustration) change that perspective?
3. What role does repentance and obedience play in redemption?
Paul didn’t just have an encounter with Jesus—he responded by being baptized and receiving the Holy Ghost (Acts 9:17-18).
- Why is it important to not just “believe” in redemption but to respond in obedience? What steps of obedience does Acts 2:38 highlight?
4. How can your story of redemption impact others?
Just as Paul’s transformation became a testimony to the world, our redemption is meant to inspire and help others.
- Who in your life needs to hear about the redeeming power of Jesus? How can you share your story of redemption with them this week?