In the sermon titled "A Changed Heart," James Gudgeon explores the dramatic conversion of the Apostle Paul as described in Acts 9:6. The central theological theme revolves around the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in granting a new heart and will to believers through regeneration. Gudgeon emphasizes that Paul's complete change from a fierce persecutor of Christians to a dedicated preacher of the gospel exemplifies God’s sovereign grace and the necessity of divine intervention for any heart to turn towards God. He cites Romans 8:7 and John 1:12-13 to reinforce that human will, in its natural state, is at enmity with God and incapable of choosing righteousness without God’s empowering grace. The sermon calls believers to seek alignment with God's will in their lives, recognizing the struggle between the flesh and the spirit, and reassures them of the need for continual sanctification as an expression of their newfound will to follow Christ.
“It is not the will of the flesh. Our natural will, our natural choice will never be towards God or towards the Lord Jesus Christ.”
“When Jesus chooses you, you always choose him in return. Because he gives you a new desire.”
“Our will by nature is anything that makes us happy. We choose things that benefit ourselves.”
“Is that our desire, our soul, our soul motive for living? It's to fulfill the will of God.”
The Bible emphasizes that a changed heart is essential for genuine faith and obedience to God.
John 1:13, Acts 9:6
The transformation of our will is evidenced by a newfound desire to seek and obey God's will.
Acts 9:6, John 4:34
Obeying God's will allows Christians to live in alignment with His purposes and glorify Him in their lives.
1 Thessalonians 4:3, John 6:38
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