The New Testament Teaches Us Not to Second-Guess Surprising Conversions

Kanye West’s move from saying “Jesus walks” to confessing “Jesus is King” has divided Christians.

The early church in Acts had its share of surprising transformations and celebrity conversions, which stirred a range of reactions. But ultimately, the text points to acceptance over distrust. It also emphasizes the importance of perseverance for these unexpected converts.

Paul represents the first surprising conversion in Acts. He was killer of Christians...Understandably, Paul’s conversion is met with some hesitation and fear.

Each reaction is different based on context. But it helps to consider their concerns in light of the pattern we see throughout Scripture: Continually, God’s people are slow to God’s plan. They need help to catch up to his agenda. They need convincing when God’s plan is out sprinting ahead of them.

A next surprising conversion comes from Cornelius and his household in Acts 10–11. Once again, we sense a hesitation as the Jerusalem council gathers to debate Cornelius and his household...

However, their story is not example of “let’s see if it sticks.” In fact, Peter and the rest are quite quick to accept that a Gentile centurion, the last person they would expect, has come to the faith.

There is also a “celebrity conversion” in Acts: Simon the Sorcerer (8:4-25). This passage is notoriously difficult, and interpreters are divided about whether Simon’s faith is genuine to begin with. He “believed and was baptized” (8:13) and followed Phillip, but Peter refused to pray that Simon would receive the Holy Spirit, citing the condition of his heart.

Some are suspicious noting his discipleship to Philip is abnormal, and his fascination with signs and miracles will be his downfall. However, I think it is better to see Luke presenting this initially as a genuine conversion, though time will reveal the truth.

Kim Clement who prophesied in 2007 that Trump would become a Trumpet and become President, also prophesied about Hillary Clinton not becoming President, but converting and becoming a “president in the church”, and it sending a rumble through the Democrats.

I can’t imagine a conversion that would be met with more distrust. But if it happens, and if many Democrats follow her lead and are saved as a result, then WOW.

Reposting here from today's AMERICA Prayer Vigil thread:

Click to listen:

God Is (Jesus is King) - Kanye West

God is my light in darkness, oh God, God is
He, He is my all and all (and I'll never turn back)
God is

Everything that hath breath praise the Lord
Worship Christ with the best of your portions
I know I won't forget all He's done
He's the strength in this race that I run

Every time I look up, I see God's faithfulness
And it shows just how much He is miraculous
I can't keep it to myself, I can't sit here and be still
Everybody, I will tell 'til the whole world is healed

King of Kings, Lord of Lords, all the things He has in store
From the rich to the poor, all are welcome through the door
You won't ever be the same when you call on Jesus' name
Listen to the words I'm sayin', Jesus saved me, now I'm sane

And I know, I know God is the force that picked me up
I know Christ is the fountain that filled my cup
I know God is alive, yeah

He has opened up my vision, giving me a revelation
This ain't 'bout a dead religion. Jesus brought a revolution
All the captives are forgiven, time to break down all the prisons
Every man, every woman, there is freedom from addiction

Jesus, You have my soul! Sunday Service on a roll
All my idols, let 'em go, all the demons, let 'em know
This a mission, not a show, this is my eternal soul
This my kids, this the crib, this my wife, this my life
This my God-given right, Thank You, Jesus, won the fight

That's what God is! That's what God is
That's what God is

The New Testament Teaches Us Not to Second-Guess Surprising Conversions

Hogwash.
1 John tells us to test all spirits to see if they are of God.
Jesus told us we know them by their fruits, which means don't just trust their words.
1 Timothy 5:22 says, "Do not lay hands on anyone hastily".

kanye's conversion looks more real, as time passes. But that don't mean I'm going to trust every Hollywood star that claims to be a Christian. Consider the phony examples: Jane Fonda, Bill Clinton, Opra Winfree, Obama, the list goes on.

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