Come and Become
Come and Become
A Church Where Anyone Can Come — and Everyone Can Become
What kind of church are we called to be?
In the message Come and Become, Pastor CJ Ward reminds us that following Jesus has always worked the same way: people come to Jesus exactly as they are — and then Jesus begins the lifelong work of transformation.
This message looks at the dramatic conversion of Saul in Acts 9 and reveals a foundational truth about the gospel: no one cleans themselves up before coming to Jesus. Grace always comes first. Change always comes after.
When we forget this, we become a church of judgment.
When we remember it, we become a church of mission.
Big Idea
Jesus invites us to come as we are — and empowers us to become who we were created to be.
Transformation is not about earning God’s love or proving our worth. It’s about trusting the Artist who sees not only who we are, but who we can become.
Key Scripture Reference
Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. 2 He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains. 3 As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” 5 “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men with Saul stood speechless, for they heard the sound of someone’s voice but saw no one! 8 Saul picked himself up off the ground, but when he opened his eyes he was blind. So his companions led him by the hand to Damascus. 9 He remained there blind for three days and did not eat or drink. 10 Now there was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision, calling, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord!” he replied. 11 The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now. 12 I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him so he can see again.” 13 “But Lord,” exclaimed Ananias, “I’ve heard many people talk about the terrible things this man has done to the believers in Jerusalem! 14 And he is authorized by the leading priests to arrest everyone who calls upon your name.” 15 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.” 17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.
Why This Message Matters
Church was never meant to be a place for people who have it together. It’s meant to be a place where broken people encounter a transforming Savior.
If Saul can come to Jesus, anyone can come.
If Saul can become who he was created to be, anyone can become.
That’s who we are called to be as a church — now and forever.
Come as you are.
Become who God created you to be.
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