CONVERSION

SUNDAY SERMON – 23RD MARCH 2025

(Based on the Presbyterian Almanac)

Theme:

Conversion

Bible Readings:

• First Reading: Isaiah 55:1–9
• Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1–13
• Third Reading: Luke 13:1–9

Introduction

Imagine a raw material that is useless until it is processed. Take electricity, for example it is a powerful form of energy, but if you touch it directly, it can kill you. However, when converted into heat, light, or sound, it becomes beneficial to us. We use electricity to cook, provide light, and power appliances.

Similarly, humanity, in its sinful nature, is disconnected from God and unable to fulfill its purpose. But when we experience conversion through Jesus Christ, we become useful instruments in God's hands, equipped for every good work.

Today's theme, "Conversion," focuses on this transformation and the call for us to turn away from our sinful ways and surrender fully to Christ.

1. God Calls Us to Conversion (Isaiah 55:1–9)

Since the fall of humanity in Genesis 3, sin has corrupted us, making us incapable of pleasing God. However, God is always calling us back to Him, offering us salvation freely.

In Isaiah 55:1–3, God invites us:
"Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters… Listen, that you may live; I will make an everlasting covenant with you."

Jesus echoes this invitation in Matthew 11:28:
"Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest."

God is ready to forgive and transform us, but we must respond to His call. The prophet Isaiah urges, "Seek the LORD while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his ways and the unrighteous man his thoughts" (Isaiah 55:6–7).

Application:

• Do not postpone your decision to follow Christ—God’s call is urgent.
• Conversion requires a complete turnaround from our sinful ways to God's path.

2. Conversion Is Not Automatic (1 Corinthians 10:1–13)

Being part of a church does not automatically make you a Christian. Many people participate in church activities but are not truly converted.

Paul reminds us that although the Israelites in the wilderness experienced God’s miracles—crossing the Red Sea, eating manna, and drinking from the spiritual Rock (Christ) many of them still displeased God (1 Corinthians 10:1–5).

This teaches us an important lesson:

• Just attending church, praying, fasting, or giving offerings does not mean you are truly converted.
• There are people in the church engaging in immorality, idolatry, and hypocrisy, just as some Israelites did.

Jesus warns in Luke 13:1–5 that unless we repent, we will perish. True conversion is not about religious activities but about a changed life.

Application:

• Conversion begins with repentance but continues with daily commitment to righteousness.
• It is not enough to say, "I am a Christian"—our lives must show it.
• Ask yourself: Am I truly transformed, or am I just going through religious motions?

3. True Conversion Must Transform Every Aspect of Life

When we surrender to Christ, every area of our lives spiritual, emotional, social, financial, and ethical must reflect this change.

Paul warns Christians:
"Do not be idolaters… Do not commit sexual immorality… Do not test Christ… Do not grumble" (1 Corinthians 10:7–10).

Being a Christian does not mean we can live however we please. True conversion requires obedience to God’s word in every aspect of our lives.

Application:

• Conversion should affect how we work, do business, treat our families, and engage in politics or entertainment.
• We should not conform to the world’s standards but always seek to please God.
• Like the early church reformers taught: "The Church reformed, always reforming according to the Word of God."

Conclusion & Call to Action

1. God is calling you today will you respond? Don’t delay your conversion.
2. Conversion is not just an event but a lifelong journey of surrendering to Christ.
3. Let your conversion be complete, touching every part of your life.

Let us pray!

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Shalom!
© Rev. Immanuel Wiafe
Resident Minister – PCG, Living Bread Congregation, Tantra Hill

For counseling & prayer support: WhatsApp 0243284790 / 0268688687