ACTS 242: A Life-Changing Experience
Hello Lovelies,
When was the last time you attended something that radically changed your life in a single day? For me, that moment came on October 25, 2024, at the ACTS 242 Conference hosted by Jackie Hill Perry and Megan Ashley. While the conference spanned two days, I was only able to attend in person for day one and caught day two online. But it was the first day that truly shifted my heart posture, my understanding of Christ, and my commitment to walking faithfully with Him.
Before I dive into the messages that changed me, let’s start with the foundation of the conference: Acts 2:42.
Acts 2:42 - The Foundation of the Church
"They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
This verse captures the essence of the early church—believers who committed wholeheartedly to learning, growing in fellowship, remembering Christ’s sacrifice, and dedicating themselves to prayer. The ACTS 242 Conference embodied these principles, creating a space where hearts were awakened, convictions were sparked, and worship overflowed.
A Worship Session Like No Other
The night began with worship, and I can confidently say I have never experienced anything like it. It wasn’t just the music—it was the overwhelming presence of God in that room. One unique aspect was that I didn’t know any of the songs beforehand. That unfamiliarity forced me to focus on the lyrics, allowing me to worship not out of routine, but from a genuine place of love and gratitude.
One song that pierced my heart proclaimed:
"Adonai, Elohim, Great I Am lives in me.
El Shaddai, Prince of Peace, Emmanuel here with me.
Your name is great and greatly to be praised."
Each name carried profound meaning:
Adonai: Lord, Master, the one who reigns over all.
Elohim: Creator, mighty and powerful.
El Shaddai: God Almighty, the one who is sufficient.
Prince of Peace: The one who brings ultimate peace.
Emmanuel: God with us.
As I sang, I reflected on the weight of those truths: He lives in me. I couldn’t help but feel humbled and grateful.
The Messages That Shifted My Heart
The night’s speakers, Dr. Sarita Lyons and Philip A. Mitchell, brought messages that were both convicting and transformative.
How to Be a Faithful Christian Against Opposition
Sarita Lyons | 1 Samuel 11:1-6, 9
Sarita’s message hit me deeply as she unpacked the distractions and false gods we often chase after. She spoke of how:
We have a God who gives us pleasures, yet we turn to porn.
We have a God who gives us influence, yet we crave validation on social media.
We have a God who provides, yet we tirelessly serve the god of the bag (money).
Her key points were clear:
Don’t make a deal with the devil.
Don’t let the devil blind you.
Don’t forget to ask the King for help.
I felt immense conviction, especially regarding my struggles with porn, social media, and prioritizing work over church. Sarita’s words reminded me that my relationship with Christ should come first. That night, I made a commitment: no more allowing work to pull me away from time with God and truly give Him the respect and honor He deserves above all distractions.
False Prophets
Pastor Philip A. Mitchell | Isaiah 6:1-8
Philip’s message was a masterclass on the holiness of God. He walked us through Isaiah 6:1-8 line by line, painting a vivid picture of God’s majesty.
"When an idol died, Isaiah saw the Lord." Sometimes, things need to die—relationships, idols, affiliations—so we can truly see the Lord.
The Lord is holy. He is set apart, sanctified, and worthy of our highest honor, yet we often dishonor Him by treating His name casually or failing to be moved by His holiness.
"He’s a name on a bracelet." This line hit me hard, especially as I’m working on launching my brand, God Is So Kind & Co. It made me check my heart posture and intentions for the brand. Was I treating God’s name as just a trendy statement, or was I truly honoring Him? This message prompted me to pray deeply and seek God’s guidance for every step of this journey. The conference didn’t just touch my personal walk with Christ; it directly influenced the trajectory of my brand, ensuring it aligns with God’s will and purpose.
The cost of discipleship. This walk with Christ must cost us something. If I truly want to be a better disciple, I need to hate the sin that lives inside me.
Philip’s words pierced my soul: “The devil doesn’t have to attack what he already owns.” It was a wake-up call to get serious about my faith, to enter my prayer closet, and to respond like Isaiah, saying, “Here I am. Send me.”
Living Changed
By the end of that weekend, nothing in me was left untouched. The ACTS 242 Conference reminded me of the depth of God’s holiness, the necessity of removing idols from my life, and the importance of aligning every area of my life with His will.
The worship, the messages, and the convicting truths transformed how I approach my walk with Christ. I’ve started letting go of distractions, committing to attending church or work, and honoring the sacredness of God’s name—not just in my brand but in every area of my life.
The ACTS 242 Conference was more than an event; it was a catalyst for change. If you’ve been struggling with distractions, idolizing work, or failing to prioritize your relationship with Christ, I encourage you to meditate on Acts 2:42 and the holiness of our God.
Here’s to living a life fully devoted to Him, no matter the cost.
With Love,
Jadesha M. Hair
“The devil doesn’t have to attack what he already owns.”