WHEN YOUR PAST IS A ROADBLOCK
Crossroads Part 1
December 30, 2007
mikematijevich
mmatevich@aol.com

"Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls." Jeremiah 6:16a

"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matthew 7:13-14

Roadblock #1: YOUR PAST

AN EVENTFUL PAST

“And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul." Acts 7:58

“And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles." Acts 8:1

“As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison." Acts 8:3

And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 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." Acts 9:1-2

"Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities." Acts 26:10-11

A GENUINE CONVERSION [Three accounts of Saul's conversion: Acts 9: 1-19; 22: 6-16; 26:12-18]

“And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. Acts 9:26

AN AMAZING TRANSFORMATION

“And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 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?" Acts 9:20-21

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting." 1 Timothy 1:15-16

"Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin." Romans 4:7-8

CONCLUSION:
1. Read these verses (Psalm 86:5; Mark 3:28; Acts 10:43; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14;
Hebrews 10:10; 1 John 2:2, 1 John 2:12, 1 John 4:10)

2. Talk to a mature believer that you trust about the things that you are struggling with in reference to your past. Get your past “out in the open” and allow that Christ-following friend to affirm what you know to be true, “You're forgiven!” Hear those words. Remember those words. Feel those words. Live out those words. Your past is gone! (2 Cor. 5:17).