Encountering Jesus Christ: The Transforming Power of God's Divine Plan

Message Overview

### Introduction and Opening Praise
Bro. Youssef Sabry opens his message expressing profound joy and gratitude for the opportunity to preach the Word of God at Praise God Ministry, Kuwait. Reflecting on the dedicated congregation—many of whom gather under intense heat—Bro. Youssef commends their hunger for God's Word. He introduces the annual theme of the Bible Society: "Encounter with Jesus Christ," encouraging the congregation to actively ponder what God's Holy Spirit desires to accomplish in their lives.

### The Setting: Saul's Persecution of the Church
Turning to Acts 9:1–6, the message recounts the background of Saul of Tarsus. Bro. Youssef describes Saul as a highly educated Jewish Pharisee, zealously devoted to his religion and trained under the law. Saul's main objective in life was the eradication of the early Christian Church, viewing the followers of Jesus as a threat to Judaism. His hostility was evident as he approved of the stoning of Stephen in Acts 8 and secured letters from the High Priest in Jerusalem to arrest Christians in Damascus.

### The Unexpected Damascus Encounter
As Saul journeyed toward Damascus, a blinding light from heaven shone around him, casting him to the ground. In that critical moment, the risen Christ confronted him, asking, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" Saul's response consisted of two fundamental questions every human must ask: "Who are You, Lord?" and "Lord, what do You want me to do?"

Bro. Youssef explains that Saul did not seek this encounter; rather, God in His mercy sought out Saul. Despite Saul's deep hatred toward Christ and the Church, God still loved him and provided him a chance for redemption. This miraculous intervention dismantled Saul's self-righteous plans and aligned him with God's eternal purpose.

### Total Transformation: From Persecutor to Apostle
Following his meeting with Jesus, Saul experienced a complete change of heart, attitude, and direction. Acts 9:20 records that "immediately he preached Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God." The very man who entered Damascus to destroy believers began boldly defending Jesus as the promised Messiah. Saul's life was redirected from destroying churches to planting them across the Mediterranean world, eventually penning much of the New Testament.

### Personal Testimony and Practical Application
Relating Saul's story to modern believers, Bro. Youssef shares his own testimony of coming to Kuwait 44 years prior from Egypt. Originally seeking temporary employment and personal financial goals, God met him in Kuwait and transformed his life from an English teacher into a preacher of the Gospel. He reminds the congregation that no one is in their present circumstances by accident; God has an intentional, divine plan for every individual.

Bro. Youssef challenges the church to examine whether they know Jesus personally rather than merely religiously. He calls believers to stand out as ambassadors for Christ, using their testimonies to invite others to "come and see" the grace and power of God. The service concludes with a passionate call to surrender personal plans and invite Jesus to transform every heart.