9/9/26
The amazing, complete change that happens through Jesus and the Holy Spirit leaves no part untouched!
Acts 9:26-29 NASB95: When he came to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. And he was with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord. And he was talking and arguing with the Hellenistic Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death.
In verse 1 of this chapter, Paul is an enemy of the followers of Christ in Jerusalem. His desire is to arrest them. With the possibility of even stoning. Then, in 25 short verses, the estimated time frame is a little over 3 years. Galatians 1:17-18 NASB1995: Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Damascus. Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Cephas, and stayed with him fifteen days.
He is now back in the same town, seeking to join in with these same people he had sought to arrest or kill. This change was so drastic that the followers of Jesus were afraid Paul was secretly trying to fool them so as to arrest them. They couldn't understand how the one who had attacked others for preaching the way of Jesus was now boldly doing the very thing he had arrested people for. One man was willing to talk with him. Barnabas apparently discussed with Paul his conversion in Damascus and his time spent in the wilderness with the risen Jesus. Barnabas was so convinced by Paul's testimony that he took Paul to the apostles. Barnabas then shared, or had Paul share, his testimony with the disciples. His testimony included not just his past, but his conversion on the road to Damascus, his discussion with Jesus, and his life as a bold witness afterwards. Then, lastly, his own boldness in the shadow of the risk of death.
From this we can learn three things. 1st, true conversion should be undeniably visible to those you come in contact with. 2nd, there is immense power in the truth of a true conversion testimony. This is a testimony that must include the description of the saving grace that provided instant justification and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. 3rd, A salvation conversion will cause a change in you, where your old friends attack you and your old enemies will accept you on the verbal and visual sharing of your Testimony.
Not everyone has a testimony that you were setting out to destroy the church and then joined it. However, everyone who is saved has a testimony of, I was headed to hell when Jesus spoke to me, and I surrendered. I was set free from my hellish despair, and now I follow Jesus. I strive to live like Him. I talk about His love and direction in my life, and I now desire to fellowship with other believers.
If none of this applies to you, then I ask you to please talk with my Lord and Savior Jesus. Talk and listen to what He says. He might ask you something like, "Why are you pushing against me all the time? Don't you know that it is useless to you when you fight against My Will?"
The truth is obvious when you know the Way, the Truth, and the Life. You can't get to the Father but through Jesus.
Just a little "Sharing the Way, " kind of like Paul.
Love Brother Scott