Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” 1 Corinthians 1:18 says, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.’

Think of the Thessalonians. They turned to God from their idols. 1 Thessalonians 1:9. Acts 19:18-19 says, “And many who had believed came confessing and telling their deeds. Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all…”

Paul’s Damascus road conversion was a radical change. Acts 9:20 says, “Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God.” Those who heard him were amazed. Verse 21 says, “…Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name…”

Jesus’ death on the cross brought newness of life to those who believed. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “…old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”