Paul has undoubtedly become one of the most important figures in the history of Christianity because of his firm commitment to serve Jesus with all his heart.
His conversion was supernatural; when he received a heavenly vision, he became part of the mission that Jesus began: to disciple entire nations.
*Acts 9:4-22
He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.
Different stages Paul lived through when he met the Lord Jesus (Acts 9):
1. He was confronted with his past (vs. 4-5)
The answer to the question, "Why do you persecute me?" could have been very simple had Saul had the strength to respond.
Given what we know about his previous life, we can presume he would have said something like, "Because zeal for tradition consumes me".
Yet despite his zeal, when Jesus revealed Himself to Saul, all his great learning was left unfounded.
For the first time in his life, he was unable to run to that in which he had previously placed his hope.
2. He received a revelation of his own nature. (vs. 6)
Saul was shaking & afraid when the Lord appeared to him on the road.
When we are confronted by God, what was hidden in our heart comes to light & we feel ashamed because we can clearly see the reality of our own nature; we feel powerless in the presence of His Majesty.
This startles us & makes us tremble, because who can stand in His presence?
3. He had his 1st encounter (vs. 9)
He spent 3 days in intimacy with God. During that time, he did not want to eat or drink anything because the only thing he wanted was to pray.
4. A man of God prayed for him (vs. 17)
Through this act, Saul received his sight & was filled with the Holy Spirit. God always uses people to bless us.
5. He made the decision to get baptized (vs. 18)
Because Saul knew the Law, he understood that our God is a God of covenants.
He was able to understand that God relates to His Church through the covenant of baptism, which identifies us with the death of Jesus on the cross.
6. He spent time being discipled (vs. 19)
The time he spent with Christian leaders provided him with the foundation he needed to develop the ministry God had entrusted to him.
7. He preached tirelessly about Jesus (vs. 20)
As Saul went about sharing the testimony of his experience with Jesus, he caught the attention of all who had previously heard about his religious zeal. They were amazed that he had become a Christian.
8. He gave his all (vs. 22)
It is essential that everyone who has had a genuine encounter with Jesus makes every effort to tell others about His love.
*Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
Now that you have been on an Encounter, it is important that you let others know about the changes God has made in your life - whether that be your family members, your work colleagues or your neighbors.
Tell them about your own experiences of asking Jesus into your heart.
Telling others about our faith is very important because it helps us pay careful attention to the way in which we are living & the example we are setting every day.
9. He believed that Jesus is the Christ.
Although Saul knew the supernatural prophecies about the Messiah, he was unable to understand them until he had a personal encounter with Jesus.
His personal experience helped him understand biblical teachings; John teaches us that it is the anointing itself (the Holy Spirit in us) that teaches us all things.
*1 John 2:27
As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.
Being confronted in the past: During the time I was battling depression.
A revelation of your own nature: During the time I wasn't able to graduate on time & did not pass the licensure exam twice.
Your 1st encounter: During the 1st church attendance in Manila.
Being prayed for by a person of God: We are laid by our pastors in Manila.
Baptism: In 2016, at Logroño's Swimming Pool.
A time of discipleship: During closed cell & every trainings.
Telling others about Jesus: During our Revo in Gaisano Mall.
Giving your all: Every time I share gospel through social media.
Faith in Jesus: Every problems I encountered.
REMEMBER:
THE BEST DECISION WE COULD EVER MAKE IS LIVING FOR JESUS.
#day43
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