Podcasts about Tarsus

After the Reports  Acts 9:1-31 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples.  He went to the high priest 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.  3 As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5 “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied.  6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” 7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone.  8 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. 9 For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. Belong to the Way. 10 In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. 11 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. 12 In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” 13 “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem.  14 And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” 15 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. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” 17 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.”  18 Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19 and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Obedience opens doors.  Identify as an instrument.   Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20 At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God.  21 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?”  22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah. 23 After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, 24 but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him.  25 But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall. 26 When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple.  27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.  Make room for redemption. 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.  29 He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews, but they tried to kill him. 30 When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. 31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. Have reverence for God, and renewal from God.

Listen along as we continue our series through the book of Acts. Notes//Quotes: Acts 9:1-31 - Larry/Jorgen Grace is something you can never get but can only be given. There's no way to earn it or deserve it or bring it about any more than you can deserve the taste of raspberries and cream or earn good looks or bring about your own birth. A good sleep is grace and so are good dreams. Most tears are grace. The smell of rain is grace. Somebody loving you is grace. Loving somebody is grace. A crucial eccentricity of the Christian faith is the assertion that people are saved by grace. There's nothing you have to do. The grace of God means something like: "Here is your life. You might never have been, but you are, because the party wouldn't have been complete without you. Here is the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Don't be afraid. I am with you. Nothing can ever separate us. It's for you I created the universe. I love you.” There's only one catch. Like any other gift, the gift of grace can be yours only if you'll reach out and take it. Maybe being able to reach out and take it is a gift too. - Frederick Buechner  Gradually, and without violence, Jesus pricked Saul's mind and conscience with his goads. Then he revealed Himself to him by the light and the voice, not in order to overwhelm him, but in such a way as to enable him to make a free response. Divine grace does not trample on human personality. Rather the reverse, for it enables human beings to be truly human. It is sin which imprisons; it is grace which liberates. The grace of God so frees us from the bondage of our pride, prejudice and self-centeredness, as to enable us to repent and believe. One can but magnify the grace of God that he should have had mercy on such a rabid bigot as Saul of Tarsus, and indeed on such proud, rebellious and wayward creatures as ourselves. - John Stott I fled Him, down the nights and down the days; I fled Him, down the arches of the years; I fled Him, down the labyrinthine ways Of my own mind; and in the mist of tears I hid from Him, and under running laughter. Up vistaed hopes I sped; And shot, precipitated, Adown Titanic glooms of chasmèd fears, From those strong Feet that followed, followed after. But with unhurrying chase, And unperturbèd pace, Deliberate speed, majestic instancy, They beat—and a Voice beat More instant than the Feet— ‘All things betray thee, who betrayest Me  Francis Thompson, The Hound of Heaven Romans 10:14 “Put all this together, and what do we have, as the central, shaping marker of the new worldview, taking the place and bearing the weight that the Jewish symbols had borne within the worldview of Saul of Tarsus? We have precisely the gospel, the euangelion, the ‘good news', rooted in the ‘good news' spoken of in the Great Prophet, confronting the ‘good news' carved in stone around Caesar's empire. We have the symbol by which Paul declared that he was himself defined, the anchor of his own vocational mindset: Paul, an apostle, set apart for the good news of God; I am not ashamed of the good news, because it is God's power for salvation to all who believe; the Messiah did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel; woe to me if I do not announce the good news; I do it all for the sake of the good news; let me remind you of the gospel which I announced to you, which you received, in which you stand firm, through which you are saved; the gospel of the glory of the Messiah, who is the image of God. The gospel, the gospel, the gospel. It defined Paul. It defined his work. It defined his communities. It was the shorthand summary of the theology which, in turn, was the foundation for the central pillar for the new worldview. It carried God's power. That was just as well: the worldview, and those who lived by it, were going to need it.” NT Wright “Grace is God acting in our life to bring about, and to enable us to do, what we cannot do on our own. Grace is for all of life and not just for forgiveness. Grace is not opposed to effort (action)-though it is opposed to earning (attitude). Grace is inextricably bound up with discipline in the life of the disciple or apprentice of Jesus. “Grace,” of course, as an active agency in the psychological and biological reality of the disciple.” - Dallas Willard Eph 1:7-10 What you need to drive out an old passion, is a new passion, a greater passion. What you need is an over-mastering positive passion. To the degree, that you see Jesus on the cross, loosing absolutely everything for you, He will become a beauty to you, He will become so beautiful in your eyes that you'll be able to change these things that control you now, they'll loose their power. Do you know how to work on your heart like that? It's only by rejoicing in and resting in what Jesus Christ has done for you. Then you can replace your idols. And if you really want to change and want to pound the Gospel more deeply into your heart - Jesus Christ must become your over-mastering positive passion. Tim Keller All which I took from thee I did but take, Not for thy harms,
But just that thou might'st seek it in My arms. All which thy child's mistake
Fancies as lost, I have stored for thee at home: Rise, clasp My hand, and come!' Francis Thompson, Hound of Heaven

This morning we discuss Rabbi Jonathan Sacks' presentation of two very different and consequential responses to the catastrophe of the destruction of the second Bet HaMikdash - from Paul of Tarsus and from Rabbi Akiva. This leads us to Rabbi Yaakov Weinberg's analysis of how the month of Av, and Tisha B'Av specifically, propels us to the month of Ellul. Michael Whitman is the senior rabbi of ADATH Congregation in Hampstead, Quebec, and an adjunct professor at McGill University Faculty of Law. ADATH is a modern orthodox synagogue community in suburban Montreal, providing Judaism for the next generation. We take great pleasure in welcoming everyone with a warm smile, while sharing inspiration through prayer, study, and friendship. Rabbi Whitman shares his thoughts and inspirations through online lectures and shiurim, which are available on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5FLcsC6xz5TmkirT1qObkA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adathmichael/ Podcast - Mining the Riches of the Parsha: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/mining-the-riches-of-the-parsha/id1479615142?fbclid=IwAR1c6YygRR6pvAKFvEmMGCcs0Y6hpmK8tXzPinbum8drqw2zLIo7c9SR-jc Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3hWYhCG5GR8zygw4ZNsSmO Please contact Rabbi Whitman (rabbi@adath.ca) with any questions or feedback, or to receive a daily email, "Study with Rabbi Whitman Today," with current and past insights for that day, video, and audio, all in one short email sent directly to your inbox.

Brenten Powers focuses on the conversion of an extreme persecutor of Jesus' followers, into an extreme preacher and apostle, and what made such an extreme difference? Meeting the risen Lord Jesus. Saul of Tarsus who would go on to be called Paul the Apostle, who would say in 1Cor. 15, I worked harder than all the other apostles - but not I, it's the grace of God in me, and his grace was not in vain! Let his testimony be an encouragement to us, how Jesus changes a formerly dark life  into a glorious life and light to the world, so all may glorify God.This episode sponsored by www.topgradepaving.com and www.btpav.com

In this episode, Fordham University master's student Kristian Powell is joined by his classmate Thomas Warren to discuss the life of Theodore of Tarsus. Theodore was a 7th-century intellectual refugee from Asia Minor who, through a long career as a monk in Rome, was appointed as the Archbishop of Canterbury, influencing the early Anglo-Saxon church immensely.For more information, visit www.multiculturalmiddleages.com.

As we know, Saul of Tarsus became the Apostle Paul - one of the greatest men in Christian history. That happened in Acts chapter nine. In our study today in Acts eight, we'll get to know Saul, and another early missionary named Philip. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1425/29

Today in History: The Apostle Shaul (Paul) of Tarsus was killed in Rome on this day (according to tradition, Book of the Bee 48). Tradition holds that he was beheaded (Roman citizens were not crucified). It happened during the reign of Emperor Nero, after the great fire in Rome in 64 CE. Shaul wrote, “The time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:6–7).This week's portion is called Mattot - Masei (Tribes - Journeys)TORAH PORTION: Numbers 34:16–35:8GOSPEL PORTION: Acts 1Think about: What Scripture spoke to you most today and why? Did you learn something about God, or something you need to do in your life?Daily Bread for Kids is a daily Bible reading podcast where we read through the Torah and the Gospels in one year! Helping young Bible-readers to study God's Word, while also discovering its Jewish context!THE KIDS' JOURNAL is available from ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://arielmedia.shop⁠⁠⁠⁠BUSY MOMS who want to follow the Daily Bread readings on podcast for adults, can go to ⁠⁠https://dailybreadmoms.com⁠⁠The Bible translation we are reading from is the Tree of Life Version (TLV) available from the Tree of Life Bible Society.INSTAGRAM: @dailybreadkids @arielmediabooks @dailybreadmomsTags: #DailyBreadMoms #DailyBreadJournal #BibleJournaling #Messianic #BiblePodcast #BiblicalFeasts #Journal #biblereadingplan #Messiah #JewishRoots #Yeshua #GodIsInControl #OneYearBible #MomLife #MotherCulture #FaithFilledMama #BiblicalWomanhood #Proverbs31woman

We've been working through the book of Acts, and we've seen how the apostles took seriously Jesus' command to go and make disciples. We have tracked the gospel going out from Jerusalem into Judea and Samaria. We met Saul (Paul) who, following his dramatic conversion, begins to preach the gospel in Damascus and Jerusalem. But, for now, Saul, having travelled to safety in Tarsus, leaves the stage, and the focus shifts back to Peter, as he travels about the region encouraging the believers. We now come to two stories where God used Peter mightily, first to heal a man who had been paralysed for eight years; and second, to raise a Christian woman from the dead. We need to ask, and try to answer, why Luke included these two stories. And we need to ask what it means for us today.Preacher: Jim de WittePassage: Acts 9:32-43 Support the show

While Paul traveled to Tarsus, we get a further glimpse into Peter's activities in Acts 9 and what his ministry says for Christians, today.

My daughter was all excited about the sign she saw at the airport. It was actually over the door at a terminal, and it simply said, "Through these doors pass the greatest employees in the world." She said, "You know, Dad, that would make me feel like I was really doing a good job if I came under that every day." It gives you something you want to live up to. I hope you're posting the right kind of sign. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "I'll Become What You Call Me." Well, our word for today from the Word of God is from Acts 4, and I'm going to read beginning at verse 36 where a man gets a name change. "Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet." Now, notice Joseph becomes Barnabas, The Encourager. We read about him on several occasions in the book of Acts, not the least of which is when he came with Saul of Tarsus, who had just come to Christ. Now, remember, Saul had been persecuting the church. He was like public enemy number one for the Christians. But, "When Saul came to Jerusalem, (Acts says) he tried to join the disciples, and they were all afraid of him. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles." This is the kind of thing Barnabas does throughout his ministry. He goes on to encourage new Gentile believers in Antioch, and nobody's quite sure about them. He rehabilitates Mark when Paul fires him. The point is, the apostles called Joseph an encourager, and he just kept living up to what they called him. That's a principle of human behavior. We tend to become the name we're called. That airline seems to know that, "Through these doors pass the greatest employees in the world." If you call them that, maybe they'll live up to it. That means you have at your disposal a powerful tool for building people, or a destructive weapon for tearing them down. For example, what names do you call your son or daughter? How many times have you said stupid, or lazy, or rebel, or problem? Well, you're programming them with ideas about themselves, and they may then go on to just prove you right. Think about what you've called your husband or wife lately, or that person who frustrates you - that person who's so irritating, so negative. You can help change a person if you'll look for their strengths and tell them what you see. Call them that good thing. Find a name you can use to bring out their best. Maybe that person, for all of their weaknesses, all of their negativeness, maybe they're obnoxious, but are they generous? Maybe they're sensitive, they fight for their family. Maybe they're a person of conviction; they're organized. Maybe they have a great smile, or a great spirit, or a budding talent. Would you tell them what you see? Would they make a great Christian if they turned their mind and talents toward Christ? Sometimes I've said that to people. "You know what, you would make a great follower of Jesus." Then they look surprised and I tell them their qualities that would make them a great follower of His. "With a mind like yours, with a gift like yours, oh what a follower of Christ you would be!" Tell the people around you who they could be with the strengths that they have, even if you only see a little bit of it. Because by naming it, you can nurture it. Look at those people close to you as if they were wearing a big old sign that says, "I'll become what you call me."

Worthaus 12 – Tübingen: 20. Mai 2024 von Prof. Dr. Kathy Ehrensperger.

In this powerful message, we explore the radical transformation of Saul of Tarsus—from persecutor of the church to passionate follower of Jesus. This story isn't just about Saul—it's about us. God still stops people in their tracks, opens blind eyes, and calls unlikely people into world-changing purpose.Whether you've been running from God, stuck in your past, or wondering if He could ever use you—this message is for you.Main scripture: Acts 9; Hebrews 12:5-10; Ecclesiastes 11:4

July 4, 2025 Today's Reading: Acts 11:19-30Daily Lectionary: Joshua 10:1-25; Joshua 10:28-22:34; Acts 11:19-30“and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” (Acts 11:26)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Man needs a preacher—someone to proclaim the Law that kills and the Gospel that makes alive. A man sent by God to that place to preach and teach the Word and administer The Sacraments. Antioch was no different, and St. Saul (Paul), although different, was that preacher.Ever since Pentecost, the church had been growing among the Jewish people. Outreach to the Gentiles was not exactly the church's area of expertise. Luckily, they had just the man for the job who had already been on the move preaching the Gospel in the synagogues in Damascus and Tarsus. Remember what God Himself said concerning Saul, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.” (Acts 9:15).Set Saul's faults aside; God has made him His preacher to the Gentiles. In the same way also, God sends you His preacher. He, like Saul, might have some quirks and might not do things the way we always want, but God has sent him to you to give you Jesus. Your pastor, like Saul, will sit with you, bear your cross and suffer with you, laugh and cry with you. In times of greatest doubt and despair, your Pastor is the one God has sent to you to proclaim that your sins are forgiven. Like Saul, pastors are not perfect. They rely on God's grace just as much as we do, and that grace sustains us even in the hard times. Saul would be no stranger to suffering for the sake of Christ. He had already been snuck out of Damascus in a basket and sent away from the apostles for his reputation. God was with Saul throughout his ministry and service to the church.Saul and all pastors in Christ sent to serve His people in that time and place are sent to do what the church has always done. Care for you by preaching the Gospel that you are one of God's elect, claimed in the waters of Baptism. God has not forgotten you; His words are written down for you and proclaimed to you by your pastor. Thanks be to God for men like Saul, your Pastor who teaches, preaches, and cares for you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord, help us walk Your servant way Wherever love may lead And, bending low, forgetting self, Each serve the other's need. (LSB 857:1)- Justin Chester is a seminary student at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.In Clarifying the Great Commission, Rev. Daniel Christian Voth identifies common omissions from our collective understanding of Jesus' farewell discourse—omissions that turn Christ's promises of forgiveness, life, and salvation into a legalistic command. Come and discover a richer understanding of The Great Commission.

16 Behold I send you as sheep in the midst of wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpents and simple as doves.Ecce ego mitto vos sicut oves in medio luporum. Estote ergo prudentes sicut serpentes, et simplices sicut columbae. 17 But beware of men. For they will deliver you up in councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues.Cavete autem ab hominibus. Tradent enim vos in conciliis, et in synagogis suis flagellabunt vos : 18 And you shall be brought before governors, and before kings for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the Gentiles:et ad praesides, et ad reges ducemini propter me in testimonium illis, et gentibus. 19 But when they shall deliver you up, take no thought how or what to speak: for it shall be given you in that hour what to speak.Cum autem tradent vos, nolite cogitare quomodo, aut quid loquamini : dabitur enim vobis in illa hora, quid loquamini : 20 For it is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaketh in you.non enim vos estis qui loquimini, sed Spiritus Patris vestri, qui loquitur in vobis. 21 The brother also shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the son: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and shall put them to death.Tradet autem frater fratrem in mortem, et pater filium : et insurgent filii in parentes, et morte eos afficient : 22 And you shall be hated by all men for my name's sake: but he that shall persevere unto the end, he shall be saved.et eritis odio omnibus propter nomen meum : qui autem perseveraverit usque in finem, hic salvus erit.Saul of Tarsus was first a great persecutor and made havoc of the infant Church. Miraculously converted, he began his three great Apostolic Voyages and wrote his Epistles. After a captivity of two years in Caesarea, he came to Rome and travelled to that part of the Church situated beyond Italy. He was beheaded A.D. 65.

Read Online“And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:17–19Saints Peter and Paul are often referred to as two of the great “Pillars of the Church.” They each played an incredibly essential role in the establishment of the early Church. And though each of their roles was essential and foundational, their roles were as different as they were different as persons.Peter was a family man, a local fisherman, uneducated and quite ordinary. From what we know about him prior to being called by Jesus, there was nothing that made him uniquely qualified to become one of the pillars of the new Church to be established by the Son of God. Jesus simply called him, and he responded. Jesus got into Peter's boat, ordered him to lower the nets, and produced a huge catch of fish. When Peter saw this miracle, he fell down at Jesus' feet and acknowledged that he was “a sinful man” who was unworthy of being in Jesus' presence (See Luke 5:8). But Jesus informed Peter that he would from now on be catching men. Peter immediately left everything behind and followed Jesus.Paul describes himself as “a Jew, born at Tarsus in Cili′cia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gama′li-el, educated according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as you all are this day” (Acts 22:3). Paul was well educated in the strictest interpretation of the Jewish law, understood philosophy and was quite zealous as a young man. Recall, also, that prior to becoming a convert to Christianity, he “persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it” (Galatians 1:13). In many ways, Paul would have been seen as the most unlikely person to be chosen to be a pillar of the Church, because he so vigorously opposed it at first. He even supported the killing of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. Though each of these men would have been considered by many as very unlikely founders of the Christian Church, this is exactly what they became. Paul, after his conversion, traveled far and wide to preach the Gospel, founding several new Churches throughout Asia Minor and Europe. Eventually he was arrested in Jerusalem, brought to Rome for trial and was beheaded. Over half of the New Testament books are attributed to Paul and half of the Acts of the Apostles detail Paul's missionary journeys. Paul is especially known for his missionary activity to the Gentiles, those who were not Jews. Peter's role was truly a unique one. His name was changed from “Simon” to “Peter” by Jesus. Recall Jesus saying, “And I tell you, you are Peter (Petros), and on this rock (petra) I will build my church…(Matthew 16:18). “Peter” in Greek is Petros. However, the Greek word petra means a rock as a solid formation that is fixed, immovable, and enduring. Therefore, Jesus chose to make Peter a solid foundation of immovable rock on which the Church was to be built.You, too, have been called by our Lord to a unique mission within the Church that has not been entrusted to another. In your own way, God wants to use you to reach certain people with the Gospel as He did with Saint Paul. And like Saint Peter, God wants to continue to establish His Church upon you and your faith. Reflect, today, upon these two holy and unique pillars of our Church. As you do, ponder how God may want to use you to continue their mission in this world. Though Saints Peter and Paul are among the greatest and most consequential Christians within our world, their mission must continue, and you are among the instruments that God wants to use. Commit yourself to this mission so that the preaching of the Gospel and the rock foundation of our Church will remain strong within our day and age just as it was of old. Saint Peter, you were uniquely chosen to be a rock foundation of faith upon which the Church was established. Saint Paul, you went forth to preach this faith far and wide, establishing many new communities of faith. Please use me, dear Lord, to continue the mission of Your Church so that the faith may be firmly planted in the minds and hearts of all Your people throughout the world. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: Jusepe de Ribera, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Worthaus 12 – Tübingen: 20. Mai 2024 von Prof. Dr. Peter Arzt-Grabner.

Send us a textActs 11:19-31Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.Support the show

My Story  Talk 20  Ministry at Basingstoke 1968-78  Part 5 Welcome to Talk 20 in our series where I'm reflecting on God's goodness to me throughout my life. Last time I was telling you how God was clearly blessing my trips abroad, to Switzeralnd, France, Belgium and the USA, and, thanks entirely to the gift that God had given me, my teaching was in increasingly great demand both at home and overseas. But how did all this fit in with my responsibilities as the pastor of the church in Basingstoke? The Lord showed me that the answer lay in two things – writing and team ministry.   Writing ministry Today, of course, it's relatively easy to communicate with people all over the world by a variety of options available through the internet. But before the internet, apart from radio and television, speaking on which was not readily available, Christian literature was the main means of communicating with potentially thousands of people. What you write can travel further than you can.   One example of this was Andy Anstey, a Canadian who became a student at Mattersey during the early years of my principalship. He told me that he had been baptised in the Spirit in a university library in Canada as a result of reading my book, The Dynamic Difference. I have never been to Canada, but one of my books had found its way there.   It had started as a booklet I wrote for the Students' Pentecostal Fellowship in 1971, Be Filled with the Spirit. Jim Hall had used it on my first trip to Illinois and persuaded me to expand it, as a result of which Receive Power was published in 1974 in time for my second trip to the States. It was finally published in 1978 by Gospel Publishing House, Springfield MO, under the title, The Dynamic Difference.   I was also writing articles for magazines like Redemption Tidings and Youth Aflame, the AoG youth magazine. At Basingstoke I had given a series of Bible studies on the Fundamental Truths of Assemblies of God, and I asked Vernon Ralphs, the editor of Youth Aflame, if he would like me to write a series of articles on the subject. Those articles were eventually published by Peniel Press as a book under the title, Know the Truth, in 1976, and with the cooperation of the publisher, I was able to give a free copy to every AoG minister at the General Conference that year.   And something similar happened with another series of articles I wrote for Youth Aflame. At Colchester I had duplicated a series of short talks for young people who had just given their lives to Jesus and these were eventually published as a book in 1977 under the title How to Live for Jesus. Both these books are still being used, over fifty years later, by a number of churches today, though Know the Truth is now published under the title You'd Better Believe It. It has been translated into several languages including German, French, Italian, Finnish, Spanish, Urdu, and Nepalese.   Another publication that is still being used widely around the world is the distance learning course I wrote on the Major Prophets for the International Correspondence Institute in Brussels under the title Themes from the Prophets. I have already mentioned that this was a subject I was lecturing on in Kenley Bible College and I already had many pages of lecture notes that I had produced and duplicated for the students.   So when Dr George Flattery, the brother of Warren and founder and director of ICI, asked me if I would be willing to write the course, I was happy to do so. This involved several visits to Brussels, each of which lasted for two weeks, where I could get on with writing the course undistracted. It was also a great opportunity to meet other Pentecostal educators from around the world, including the renowned New Testament scholar, Professor Gordon Fee who was writing the course on 1 Corinthians and became a good friend.   So I will always be grateful for the opportunity I was given to be a part of ICI, but especially for the induction teaching they offered to all their course writers, which included the requirement to read The Art of Readable Writing by Rudolf Flesch the basic message of which, as I remember it, was to write as you speak, rather than writing in the academic style you were required to use at school or university.   Other things Flesch recommended were, wherever possible, to use short words rather than long ones, personal names rather than pronouns, the active voice rather than the passive, and short sentences rather than long ones – which prompts me to close this sentence before it gets any longer!   So, to summarise, I had realised that by using literature a person's ministry could be extended far beyond their time and ability to travel. But that in itself did not solve the problem of reconciling what I perceived to be my obligations to the church where I was pastor with the travelling ministry the Lord was clearly opening up for me.   And, as I was praying about this, he answered my question by whispering into my heart the word Antioch. Of course, I knew that Antioch was the place where the disciples were first called Christians (Acts 11:26), but at first I couldn't see how it was relevant to my problem, so I decided to turn to Acts to see if I could find the answer. And I did. The answer was the development of team ministry.   Developing Team Ministry The church at Antioch was started by believers who had been scattered as a result of the persecution of the church that took place after the stoning of Stephen. Some of them went to Antioch spreading the word to both Jews and gentiles and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. When the apostles at Jerusalem heard about this they sent Barnabas to take care of the work, and even more people became Christians. Realising that he needed help, he went to Tarsus to find Paul and brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught great numbers of people.   From this it is clear that they were both, to say the least, key people in the church. And yet in Acts 13 we are told that the Holy Spirit sent them away from the church for a time in order to pioneer churches in other countries. The reason they were able to do this and, on their return, find that the church was still strong, was because they were not the only leaders in the church. Acts 13:1 talks of three others at Antioch who were prophets and teachers.   As I read about this it became obvious to me that this was the Lord's answer to my question. If I was to continue travelling we would need other leaders in the church. So I started on a detailed study of what the New Testament has to say about the leadership of the local church, and I discovered that churches were led by a team of elders, overseers, or pastors, and as I investigated the passages where these are mentioned I saw very clearly that these were all interchangeable terms. In the New Testament the elders were the pastors. They were the ones who were the shepherds of the flock and had the responsibility of watching over, or overseeing it.   I have gone into this in detail in my book, Body Builders, and so there is no need to repeat it here. All I need to say is that I came to the conclusion that the traditional system of having just one person as the church leader really has no biblical basis and that team leadership must be the way forward.   I have already mentioned how the pastor in East Saint Louis had come to the same conclusion and it soon became apparent that this was something the Lord was saying to many different leaders around the world. I preached on this in the Home Missions Conference at Weymouth in 1973 and was pleasantly surprised that I was not the only one to hold this view.   But where were these new leaders for our church in Basingstoke to come from? The answer was simple. We already had them, but they had never been recognised. There were two men, David Moncaster and Keith Davidson, who, I felt, both met the biblical qualifications mentioned in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. But before I asked the church to appoint them, I spent several weeks teaching about the principles of church leadership. If we are going to persuade people to break away from long held traditions it is vital that we show them very clearly that what we are proposing is in line with scripture.   I have already mentioned that Bill Mitchell had already been recognised as an elder in the church before I came. But after my teaching on the biblical qualifications of elders he graciously came to me and said that in the light of what I had taught he thought he was probably a deacon rather than an elder and offered to resign. I told him that I thought he was probably right, but that, as his resignation might be misunderstood by some of the members, I would prefer him to remain as an elder, nominally at least, as long as we both understood that this was not really his role. And to this he readily agreed.   So for the final few years of my time in Basingstoke the church was led by a team which we referred to as the pastoral oversight, Willaim Kay being added to the team a little later. The church continued to grow under this system of leadership, and when the Lord moved me on to Mattersey the church was in safe hands.   The call to the Bible College I have already mentioned that in 1970 I started as a visiting lecturer at Kenley Bible College. On one of my visits in January 1972 I learned that John Phillips, who was a full time residential tutor at Kenley would be leaving, and as I was travelling home that evening, I was wondering who might be chosen to replace him. It would surely be someone who was already teaching at the college and I was thinking through the names in the college prospectus when I came to my own name. But I quickly dismissed the thought as I was sure that I would be considered too young for such a responsible position. And anyway, God had called me to build a big church in Basingstoke, hadn't he?   But no sooner had I thought this than I felt a check in my spirit and said, But of course, Lord, I'll do whatever you want me to do. But if you ever do want me to leave Basingstoke I will need very clear guidance on the matter.   You may remember the struggle I had when we first moved to Basingstoke and how for some months I wondered if we had done the right thing. I didn't want a repetition of that. But now, having prayed that prayer, I tried to put the matter out of my mind. This turned out to be harder than expected and that very night, some time between 1:00 and 2:00, on Tuesday 25th January, I woke up with a burning conviction that I was going to live at the Bible College. I tried to shake it off, but it would not go away, so I went downstairs to pray. What I said to the Lord went something like this: Lord, you know I need my sleep, so if this is of you, and you want me to go to the college, would you please tell me quickly?   And he did! As I opened my King James Bible, it fell open at 2 Chronicles 34:22. I could hardly believe my eyes. It contained the words dwelt… at the college. With the exception of the parallel verse in 2 Kings 22:14, this is the only reference to the word college in the whole Bible. This had to be more than coincidence.   I had asked the Lord to tell me quickly, and he did. But, rather like Moses in Exodus 3 and 4, I found myself making excuses like, I've only been in Basingstoke for four years, and, They wouldn't choose me. I'm too young. I don't have enough experience etc. But just as God had an answer for every objection Moses made, he had an answer for mine too. For each objection I made he led me directly to a Bible passage that answered it.   As a result I was entirely convinced that I was going to live at the College. I didn't know when but thought that it might be in September after John Phillips had left. In fact it was five or six years later! I have discovered that one of the hardest things in understanding the will of God is his timing. I have also discovered that God seems to give us the clearest guidance when he knows that there is trouble ahead! It's only the certainty that we are in his will that will sustain us through trials and difficulties and tests to our faith.   And there were to be plenty of those before we got to Mattersey! But that's something for our next talk.  

When Saul of Tarsus came to faith in Christ, little did he know how much he would suffer for his faith. Today, Ron shares some of the events that took place during the Apostle Paul's first missionary journey. It's a story of partnership, persecution and perseverance, and it comes your way next, in Ron's teaching series, “Paul: Surprised by Grace.” 

In a grand display of irony, Saul of Tarsus came to faith in Christ on his way to persecute believers in Christ. God intervened in a miraculous way, striking Saul blind and giving him vision in the process. And what a vision it was. Today, Ron takes us to the Apostle Paul's first missionary journey, as he moves ahead in his teaching series, “Paul: Surprised by Grace.”  

Saul was on his way to round up all the Christians he could find and throw them in prison. But a funny thing happened on the road to Damascus. If you're wondering how Saul of Tarsus made the switch from murderer to missionary, from assassin to apostle, the answer is found in Acts chapter nine. He was reborn that way. Ron takes us to Saul's conversion next, as he continues his teaching series, “Paul: Surprised by Grace.”  

He spent the early part of his career as a hitman for the Sanhedrin, persecuting the people of God in the name of God. Saul of Tarsus was not alone. In the early days of the church, he was one of many religious leaders who wanted to stamp out what they believed to be heresy. Over the next few weeks, Ron does a deep dive into the life of Saul, from his early years terrorizing Christians, to his miraculous transformation, and finally, to his faithful ministry as the Apostle Paul. Stay with us now as Ron kicks off his brand-new teaching series, “Paul: Surprised by Grace.” 

Come listen to the Good news about what God is doing. It is not often presented by the MSM. Nonetheless, hear how God turned the heart of the Abortion King, Dr. Bernard Nathanson, the Father of Legalized Abortion in America 180 degrees from killing babies to preserving life. Terry Beatley, author of the book "What if we were wrong?" and founder of Hosea Initiative (www.hosea4you.org) describes how God led her to interview Dr. Nathanson before he passed in 2011. In her story she relates how God used ultrasound to bring Dr. Nathanson totally around from the dark side to the light. Dr. Nathanson's story is like the story of Saul of Tarsus, who persecuted the early Christians, killing as many as he could until that fateful day on his way to Damascus when the Lord revealed Himself to Saul and changed his name to Paul. In much the same way, God turned the most vehement supporter of legalized abortion into its leading nemesis. In fact, Dr. Nathanson could be accurately described as the father of legalized abortion, performing over 5,000 abortions personally as well as instructing abortion doctors on how to perform tens of thousands more.The key element to capture is the love of God and the forgiveness it carried to Dr. Nathanson as well as the millions of women who have had abortions over the years. Though we live in a fallen world. God is moving to bring forth light in these latter days. To Him be given all the glory. Come listen and be encouraged because we have a good, good Father!Blessings:Papa Tom

Doug Emslie is a global leader in the events, tradeshow, and exhibition industry. He's the former CEO of Tarsus, which sold for $1 Billion in 2023 to Informa. Now he's the Founder of Cuil Bay Capital, an investment vehicle focused on entrepreneurial event businesses. He is also one of the Co-Founders of TrailCon, the new trail running conference and festival debuting June 24th & 25th, 2025.    BPC:   Doug - Semafor Media Podcast 'Mixed Signals'   Dylan - Kilian's new YouTube Video     Join us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/second-nature-media     Meet us on Slack: https://www.launchpass.com/second-nature   Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondnature.media Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.secondnature.media Subscribe to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@secondnaturemedia

Send us a textActs 9:26-31And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenists. But they were seeking to kill him. And when the brothers learned this, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.So the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.Support the show

Send us a textActs 9:10-19Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized; and taking food, he was strengthened.Support the show

To support the ministry of Celebration Church please click here: https://subsplash.com/celebrationchurchtn/giveSubscribe to receive our latest content: https://tr.ee/2b6XuDKlaS...FOLLOW US►► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rwmccollum/►► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rwmccollum/►► Twitter: https://twitter.com/rwmccollum#celebrationchurchnashville #online #jesus #celebrationchurch #church #onlinechurch #sermon #nashville....'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'Acts 26:14Saul of Tarsus, in his encounter with the risen Christ, was given the parable of the ox goad as a reminder of the self-inflicted pain that comes upon men and nations that kick back against the will of God. Saul surrendered and became Paul the Apostle. Could we see something similar happen in America today?“The ox kicks against the goad to spite the husbandman for having goaded him onward; but instead of hurting the husbandman it hurts itself. If you think, O man, that you can stop the progress of Christ's Church, you might as well bid the universe to stand still!”Charles SpurgeonWe hope you enjoy Pastor Ray's message, “Kicking Against the Goads”.

Wednesday, 21 May 2025   And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet. Matthew 10:14   “And who, if not he should receive you nor he should hear your words, departing the house or that city, you out-swing the dust of your feet!” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus continued his instructions about greeting a house when looking to stay with someone in a city. Concerning someone whose peace is not received, Jesus says, “And who, if not he should receive you nor he should hear your words.”   The word dechomai, to receive, is introduced. HELPS Word Studies says, “to receive in a welcoming (receptive) way. ... [The personal element is emphasized ... which accounts for it always being in the Greek middle voice. This stresses the high level of self-involvement (interest) involved with the ‘welcoming-receiving.'”   If the peace spoken to the house is not well-received, it symbolically returns to the one who made the greeting. The apostles' words were heard, their mission was explained, and the one to whom the appeal was made found it unsuitable to the state of their household.   This is essentially what Jesus is speaking of. If this is the case, and their words have been rejected, He next says, “departing the house or that city, you out-swing the dust of your feet!”   The word ektinassó, to out-swing, is first used here. It is derived from ek, out or from, and tinassó, to swing. Thus, it literally signifies to out-swing. Saying “shake off,” as most translations say, is a suitable and understandable translation.   One can imagine them walking out of the house or the city, putting their foot forward, and swinging it back and forth as a symbolic gesture of their displeasure at how things transpired. This is something that is seen by Paul in Acts 13 –   “Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout all the region. 50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women and the chief men of the city, raised up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and came to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 15:48-52   A third new word is also seen in this verse, koniortos, dust. It is derived from koniaó, to whitewash or plaster, and ornumi, to rouse. Thus, one can think of something being pulverized. That leads to the thought of dust, which blows about like something as it is pulverized.   This symbolic gesture is a way of indicating that the very dust of the house or city that they visited was repulsive to them and they wanted to be rid of it, lest they carry a vestige of it with them, reminding them of the dirty treatment they received.   Life application: Concerning the act of shaking off the dust in this verse, the Pulpit Commentary, among other similar commentaries, says –   “Treating it as a heathen place, whose pollution must be shaken off. For the very dust from a heathen land was to be reckoned as polluting, since, as Rashi says on Talm. Bab., ‘Sabb.,' 15b (cf. Lightfoot, 'Hor. Hebr.,' in loc.), ‘It may be doubted, of all the dust of a heathen land, whether it were not from the sepulchre of the dead.'”   Because of this comment from Rashi, Vincent's Word Studies says –   “The very dust of a heathen country was unclean, and it defiled by contact. It was regarded like a grave, or like the putrescence of death. If a spot of heathen dust had touched an offering, it must at once be burnt. More than that, if by mischance any heathen dust had been brought into Palestine, it did not and could not mingle with that of 'the land,' but remained to the end what it had been - unclean, defiled and defiling everything to which it adhered." The apostles, therefore, were not only to leave the house or city which should refuse to receive them, ‘but it was to be considered and treated as if it were heathen, just as in the similar case mentioned in Matthew 18:17. All contact with such must be avoided, all trace of it shaken off' (Edersheim, ‘Jewish Social Life in the Days of Christ').”   There is a problem with this, which is that there is nothing to support the conclusion that this was how Jews felt about the dust of pagan lands. It is illogical and a pointless commentary. First, many Jews lived in the diaspora. Paul was born and raised in Tarsus of Cilicia.   Acts 2 notes that Jews were visiting from all over the empire. Further, Rashi was born in France in 1040 AD, studied in Germany, and then returned to France. Commenting on the filthy nature of pagan lands by someone who was born, raised, and died in them just means that he was an arrogant, close-minded, and racist person who thought he was better than those among whom he lived.   Jesus was making a point about the treatment of the apostles in the land of Israel, not among Gentiles. In Acts 13, Paul was making the same point about Jews in a Gentile nation.   God is not worried about the dust of foreign lands. His concern is about the defiled nature of those who come against the gospel. Be sure not to pass on ridiculous commentaries that are not based on a rational analysis of Scripture or how God deals with humanity.   Rashi, like the Jews in Acts 13, rejected Jesus Christ. Therefore, Rashi, not the dust of the land in which he lived, was defiled and unacceptable to God.   Heavenly Father, the earth is Yours and all its fullness. You are pleased with Your creation, whether in Ome, Japan, or Pueblo Viejo, Ecuador. The things that displease You don't concern the nature of the lands or the clarity of the water. Rather, You are pleased with those who have received Your Son, Jesus. Upon all others, Your wrath remains. Help us to get the word out so that the world will know the glory of Jesus! Amen.  

In this episode I talk with Dr. Frank Thielman, Professor of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School, about his brand-new book Paul, Apostle of Grace, out now on Eerdmans. This book is a sweeping but readable biography of Paul that addresses his life, ministry, theology, letter writing, and more. We discuss the importance of Paul in the development of the early church, the historical reliability of Acts and his letters, his Jewish background as a Pharisee from Tarsus, the Damascus Road experience, his missionary journeys to the Gentiles, the purpose of his letters, and the impact Paul has on the modern church. If you want a one-podcast summary of the life of Paul, this is it! Media Referenced:Paul, Apostle of Grace: https://a.co/d/6jp0AAQFrank Thielman Academic Page: https://www.samford.edu/beeson-divinity/directory/Thielman-Frank The Protestant Libertarian Podcast is a project of the Libertarian Christian Institute and a part of the Christians For Liberty Network. The Libertarian Christian Institute can be found at www.libertarianchristians.com.Questions, comments, suggestions? Please reach out to me at theprotestantlibertarian@gmail.com.  You can also follow the podcast on Twitter: @prolibertypod, and YouTube, @ProLibertyPod, where you will get shorts and other exclusive video content. For more about the show, you can go to theprotestantlibertarianpodcast.com. If you like the show and want to support it, you can! Go to libertarianchristians.com, where you can donate to LCI and buy The Protestant Libertarian Podcast Merch! Also, please consider giving me a star rating and leaving me a review, it really helps expand the show's profile! Thanks!

It's a Feria, with a commemoration of St. Boniface, 4th class, with the color of white. In this episode: Today's news from the Church: “Leo XIV's First Steps: A Busy Two Weeks,” a preview of the Sermon: “The Challenges Facing Our New Pope,” and today's thought from the Archbishop. We'd love your feedback on these Daily Devotionals! What do you like / not like, and what would you like us to add? podcast@sspx.org Sources Used Today: The Risen Christ– Caryll Houselander (Amazon) “Leo XIV's First Steps: A Busy Two Weeks” (FSSPX.news) https://fsspx.news/en/news/leo-xivs-first-steps-busy-two-weeks-52415 “The Challenges Facing Our New Pope” (SSPX Sermons) Watch on YouTube Listen & Subscribe: SSPX Sermons Podcast The Spiritual Life- Archbishop Lefebvre (Angelus Press) - - - - - - - - - - - “Uniting Ourselves to the Liturgy” (SSPX Sermons) -   Watch on YouTube -   Listen & Subscribe: SSPX Sermons Podcast - - - - - - - - - - - The Spiritual Life - Archbishop Lefebvre (Angelus Press) Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional - it's a perfect companion! Subscribe to this Podcast to receive this and all our audio episodes Subscribe to the SSPX YouTube channel for video versions of our podcast series and Sermons FSSPX News Website: https://fsspx.news Visit the US District website: https://sspx.org/ What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition.  What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to...

"Saul of Tarsus was a fundamentalist; and very little can be more damaging, more hurtful and harmful, than hard-shelled, hard-hearted fundamentalism. Fundamentalism is spirituality gone wrong; it is piety turned sour. It is a form of compromised, contaminated religion that has substituted right living with rule-following. It is fueled by impending judgment and certain punishment rather than by spiritual liberation. Fundamentalism trades in the currency of control, manipulation, and coercion. The short of it is this: Fundamentalism is a pathology of the heart, that has exchanged love for fear."

St. Francis of Assisi was fond of saying that, “I have been all things unholy. If God can work through me, He can work through anyone.” How true. There was a Redemptorist missionary stationed at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Boston who used to wear a gold watch on a key chain. He would hold the watch up to the crowds in church and say, “If anyone has a sin that I have not heard before, I will give you this gold watch.” You can imagine how long the lines were outside his confessional, but the point he made was clear. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. These thoughts come to mind in light of first reading from the Acts of the Apostles. By all measurements, Saul of Tarsus was an evil man. As he was was traveling to Damascus to continue persecuting those following the Way of Jesus, he was “breathing murderous threats.” Even Ananias, who received a vision from the Lord and eventually laid healing hands on Saul, said that Saul had done “evil things” to the holy ones in Jerusalem. Misguided as he was, Saul was on fire. Now, empowered with the Holy Spirit, he would preach before “Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel,” and, in the process, learn how to suffer for the name of Christ. The question we need to ask is, how do we keep our conversion going? The answer is in today's Gospel reading: “Whoever eats my Flesh and drinks my Blood remains in me and I in him.” We remain in Christ by receiving him in Holy Communion, knowing that the fullness of God's presence is available only when we leave our old selves behind and take up our new lives in Christ. St. Francis and Saul of Tarsus experienced this truth daily. The Holy Spirit sinks deeply into hearts that are receptive to change. “The past is history,” a beloved Redemptorist used to say to all of his penitents, “the future is mystery. Today is God's gift to us. That's way we call it the present.” 

To say that Saul of Tarsus was a religious man would be an understatement...

To say that Saul of Tarsus was a religious man would be an understatement...

The supernatural conversion of Saul of Tarsus

Pastor Brandon emphasizes the transformative encounter of Saul of Tarsus with Jesus on the road to Damascus, which leads to his conversion from a fierce persecutor of Christians to a devoted follower of Christ. He reflects on the importance of recognizing one's sinfulness in light of God's holiness. The sermon highlights that following Jesus comes with a cost and calls for a commitment to living a life aligned with His purposes. Brandon urges the congregation to seek deeper understanding and clarity in their relationship with God, ensuring they are instruments for His work in the world. Brandon Bachtel | Acts of the Church www.stonepointchurch.com

She was born in Tarsus (home of the Apostle Paul). Though her parents were prominent pagans, she heard of Christ from Christians in that city, and her heart was filled with love for the Savior. The Emperor Diocletian visited Tarsus, and during his stay the Emperor's son and heir fell in love with Pelagia and wished to marry her. To her parents' complete amazement, Pelagia replied that she was already promised to her betrothed, Christ the Lord. She then fled her parents' house and went to the holy Bishop Linus, who instructed her in the Faith and baptized her. Pelagia then gave away all her many possessions, returned home, and told her parents that she was baptised. The Emperor's son, despairing of marryng her, killed himself. Pelagia's mother then denounced her daughter to the Emperor, who summoned her for trial. When Pelagia freely confessed her unwavering faith in Christ, the Emperor condemned her to be burned in a metal ox heated by fire. An account of her martyrdom says that, entering the ox with prayers of thanksgiving on her lips, she instantly melted like wax. Bishop Linus, who had baptised her, found a few of her bones and buried them on a hill near Tarsus. During the reign of the Emperor Constantine Copronymus (741-775), a church was built there in her honor.

Third Sunday of Easter  The First Lesson Acts 9:1-6, (7-20) Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" He asked, "Who are you, Lord?" The reply came, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do." [The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." He answered, "Here I am, Lord." The Lord said to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight." But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who invoke your name." But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name." So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands on Saul and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. For several days he was with the disciples in Damascus, and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues, saying, "He is the Son of God."] The Psalm Psalm 30 Exaltabo te, Domine 1 I will exalt you, O Lord, because you have lifted me up * and have not let my enemies triumph over me. 2 O Lord my God, I cried out to you, * and you restored me to health. 3 You brought me up, O Lord, from the dead; * you restored my life as I was going down to the grave. 4 Sing to the Lord, you servants of his; * give thanks for the remembrance of his holiness. 5 For his wrath endures but the twinkling of an eye, * his favor for a lifetime. 6 Weeping may spend the night, * but joy comes in the morning. 7 While I felt secure, I said, "I shall never be disturbed. * You, Lord, with your favor, made me as strong as the mountains." 8 Then you hid your face, * and I was filled with fear. 9 I cried to you, O Lord; * I pleaded with the Lord, saying, 10 "What profit is there in my blood, if I go down to the Pit? * will the dust praise you or declare your faithfulness? 11 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me; * O Lord, be my helper." 12 You have turned my wailing into dancing; * you have put off my sack-cloth and clothed me with joy. 13 Therefore my heart sings to you without ceasing; * O Lord my God, I will give you thanks for ever. The Epistle Revelation 5:11-14 I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living creatures and the elders; they numbered myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, singing with full voice, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, "To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" And the elders fell down and worshiped. The Gospel John 21:1-19 Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias; and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, you have no fish, have you?" They answered him, "No." He said to them, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off. When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them; and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead. When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs." A second time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Tend my sheep." He said to him the third time, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go." (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, "Follow me."

The year was AD33 when we read in Acts 9 of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Saul is seeking to destroy the believers in Christ who dwelt in Damascus. Saul presses on as the fierce Syrian sun burns brightly in the sky. Saul is blinded by a light stronger than the sun and he is stirred by a voice that he may well have known, “Saul, Saul why are you persecuting me?” The Syriac Pashito, whose phrase, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads” is added to the English KJV. Saul's response is, “Who are you Lord?” With his eyes blinded and his mind in total turmoil and his entire world view turned upside down (as would be said of him in Acts 17:6) he is led by the hand into the city to await instructions. For three days Saul neither ate nor drank. Ananias is told to go to Saul to lay hands on him to recover Saul's sight. Ananias is further told of Saul's mission which Almighty God has marked out for him. Saul is a chosen vessel to take Christ's message before kings. Ananias goes to the street which ironically named “Straight”. Ramsay says in his book that it was the most crooked street in all Damascus. Ananias courageously lays his hands on Saul and restores his sight and imparts to Saul the Holy Spirit. Saul preaches Jesus in the Damascene synagogues to the astonishment of all. From there Saul goes to Jerusalem and seeks association with the believers, who shun him believing that Saul is using a ruse to get among them. Respite from persecution is granted to the ecclesias. Peter heals Aeneas at Lydda slightly inland from Joppa; then at Joppa he is shown the clothes that Dorcas had made for the widows and orphans before her decease. Peter raises her to life to continue her work and from there Peter he goes to the house of Simon the tanner. We might pose a question: Did Peter go to the house of a tanner to prepare himself to accept that ceremonial uncleanness was no longer relevant as we will see in our reading tomorrow from Acts 10?

“As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?’” (Acts 9:3–4 NLT) The story of Stephen’s stoning contains a curious footnote: “His accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a young man named Saul” (Acts 7:58 NLT). That would be Saul of Tarsus. After participating in the stoning of Stephen, Saul gained notoriety as a persecutor of Christians. Saul was proud of his Jewish heritage and zealous in his Jewish faith. When he saw the followers of Jesus of Nazareth, a dead revolutionary, challenging Jewish beliefs, he determined to put an end to their movement. Acts 8:3 says, “But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison” (NLT). Acts 9:1 says, “Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers” (NLT). This was a man fueled by religious extremism. Saul found his identity in his Jewish religion. He was rigid in his beliefs and unlikely to change. Until he encountered the risen Christ. While Saul was on his way to Damascus to arrest Christians, Jesus appeared to him, as explained in the passage above. Saul’s life was never the same again. Temporarily blinded after his encounter, Saul was led to the home of Ananias, a believer who knew of Saul’s reputation and was understandably suspicious of him. But the Lord revealed to Ananias that He had important plans for Saul. Saul regained his sight, was filled by the Holy Spirit, and then baptized. As zealous as ever, he went straight to the local synagogue and proclaimed that Jesus was the Son of God. The Jewish people who had been his former allies were confounded by the power of his teaching. As was the case with Ananias, the apostles and church leaders viewed Saul with skepticism. Eventually he won them over with the power of his testimony, his teaching, and his zeal to share the Good News. Saul embarked on three major missionary journeys that took him to Gentile regions throughout the land. Perhaps to give himself more credibility in those places, he started using his Roman name, Paul. He was imprisoned, stoned, and beaten for preaching the truth of Christ. But he never wavered. He considered it an honor to suffer for the Lord’s sake. He was beheaded in Rome around AD 66. But not before God had used him to change the world. The life of Saul/Paul is a testimony to the power of Jesus’ resurrection. The risen Christ can transform any life. He offers forgiveness and healing. He gives us new purpose, new meaning, and new hope. Through the Holy Spirit, He guides us, comforts us, convicts us when we do wrong, and challenges us to maximize our God-given gifts. Jesus lets us start again. Reflection question: How has Jesus transformed your life or the lives of people you know? Discuss Today's Devo in Harvest Discipleship! — Listen to the Greg Laurie Podcast Become a Harvest PartnerSupport the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Acts 11:19-30 19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. 27 Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). 29 So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. Key Words: Scatter, Preach, Hand, Believe, Turn, Add, Christians, Relief Keystone Verse: And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. (Acts 11:21) Download Bulletin

Ephesians 2:1, 4-5, "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins." "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions. It is by grace you have been saved." By the Spirit's divine energy, He savingly convinces men of the truth of the gospel. Those whom He saves, are men like Saul of Tarsus, who abhor the whole thing. He pours His effectual influences upon men, and infidelity melts away like the iceberg in the warm Gulf Stream. He touches the indifferent and careless sinners, and they repent, believe, and obey the Savior. He makes proud men tremble, and wicked men quake for fear.The regenerating work of the Spirit can make . . . the harlot to be chaste, the drunkard to be sober, the thief to be honest, the malicious to be forgiving, the covetous to be generous, and above all, the self-righteous to be humble.Whether He quickens, consoles, enlightens, refreshes, sanctifies, anoints, or inflames the soul--the Spirit always does it by taking the things of Christ, and revealing them to us.The Spirit works through the gospel. He is Almighty, and has complete mastery over the realm of mind. He has the ability to effectually: illuminate the intellect, win the affections, curb the will, and radically change the nature of man!He works all things after His own pleasure, and like the wind, He "blows wherever He wishes." When He puts forth His omnipotent energy, none can stand against Him. He has converted three thousand in a day, and He could as readily convert three million, or three hundred million.

The Good News of the resurrection of Jesus transformed the lives of the Paul of Tarsus and other disciples of Jesus. The resurrection is changing lives today. How can the Good News of the resurrection of Jesus transform your life? SCRIPTURE READING: 1 Corinthians 15:1-9, 17-21, 54-58

Jesus is calling us to put our sinful nature to death and be raised to new life—not just once, but daily. In this message, we look at someone who embraced this truth: Saul of Tarsus. Notes: Focus verses - Acts 7–9 Being friends with your kids is a reward you receive after being a good parent.It is biblical to think about death.James 4:14 (ESV)Psalm 90:12 (NKJV) Christopher Laurie pointed others to Jesus. Jesus wants us to put our sinful nature to death and raise us to new life, daily. Read Acts 7:57–8:4 (NKJV) #1 A Man of Death Saul cast his vote; he oversaw and led the stoning of Stephen. Acts 26:11 (NKJV) Saul was a man of death. Saul was sincere. Yet he was sincerely wrong. Saul depended on his own righteousness, and not on the righteousness of God. Jesus saw a future apostle, a bold witness; Jesus saw Paul.1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV) Nobody is beyond the reach of God. Saul was a man of death, but Jesus was calling him to put that life to deathso that he might truly live. #2 A Man Who Had to DieActs 9:1–5 (NKJV) Jesus didn’t just reform Saul, He replaced him.Saul became Paul. Jesus didn’t come to make bad people good.He came to make dead people live. Philippians 3:8–11 (MSG) #3 A Man Who Died DailyRomans 8:13–18 (NKJV) “I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.”1 Corinthians 15:31 (NKJV) The Christian life is a daily burial of the old self. Jesus came to make you new. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jesus is calling us to put our sinful nature to death and be raised to new life—not just once, but daily. In this message, we look at someone who embraced this truth: Saul of Tarsus. Notes: Focus verses - Acts 7–9 Being friends with your kids is a reward you receive after being a good parent.It is biblical to think about death.James 4:14 (ESV)Psalm 90:12 (NKJV) Christopher Laurie pointed others to Jesus. Jesus wants us to put our sinful nature to death and raise us to new life, daily. Read Acts 7:57–8:4 (NKJV) #1 A Man of Death Saul cast his vote; he oversaw and led the stoning of Stephen. Acts 26:11 (NKJV) Saul was a man of death. Saul was sincere. Yet he was sincerely wrong. Saul depended on his own righteousness, and not on the righteousness of God. Jesus saw a future apostle, a bold witness; Jesus saw Paul.1 Samuel 16:7 (NKJV) Nobody is beyond the reach of God. Saul was a man of death, but Jesus was calling him to put that life to deathso that he might truly live. #2 A Man Who Had to DieActs 9:1–5 (NKJV) Jesus didn’t just reform Saul, He replaced him.Saul became Paul. Jesus didn’t come to make bad people good.He came to make dead people live. Philippians 3:8–11 (MSG) #3 A Man Who Died DailyRomans 8:13–18 (NKJV) “I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.”1 Corinthians 15:31 (NKJV) The Christian life is a daily burial of the old self. Jesus came to make you new. --- Learn more about Greg Laurie and Harvest Ministries at harvest.org. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.Support the show: https://harvest.org/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In your sphere of influence, who is the person who comes to your mind as “the very last person who would ever become a follower of Jesus?” If you were to ask the early church that, they would have said, “Saul of Tarsus, the persecutor of the church.” And yet, in God's ironic economy, Saul not only is converted to following Jesus, he becomes the most influential person ever as a spokesperson for Jesus. Hear how Jesus' work in Saul's life transformed him to be this person. Acts: The Story Continues Steve Treichler Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

04-13-25 Biblical Literacy  Marks continued the study of the book of Romans by focusing on Chapter 1 vs 16 & 17 and Paul and his family life long movements and the influence that each of the places he lived and the influences each location had on his life, his person and influences on his character. God died for our sins. The most simple thing about the Gospel is Christ Died for our sins. The most profound thing about the Gospel is Christ died for our sins. Paul grew up in Tarsus, which was a major intellectual center and traveled the area as a child and as a God- fearing adult. Those travels shaped his persona and his deep belief and praise for the Christ that he came to know beyond well. Mark focused On:  The literary context of Romans 1:16-17 Dissecting Romans 1:16-17  The Impact of Romans 1:16-17 Good writing habits were discussed relative to the introduction content, omit needless words, brevity, completeness, conciseness, while focusing on each word. The lesson continues with the techniques that are needed to deliver an argument that is clear and lucid, briefly set forth in a methodical way, and have the following qualities, brevity, completeness and conciseness. Mark discusses, in detail, the use of the key words in Romans 1:16 & 17, Gospel, Power and Righteousness. Get Ready for Easter Weekend;  “For the word of the Cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being Saved it is the POWER OF GOD” 1-Cor 1:18

Thursday, 10 April 2025   And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” Matthew 9:11   “And the Pharisees, having seen, they said to His disciples, ‘Through what, your Teacher, He eats with the taxmen and sinners?'” (CG).   In the previous verse, Jesus reclined at the table. While there, it noted that many taxmen and sinners also reclined with Him and His disciples. Because of this, a bit of a stir arose. Matthew next says, “And the Pharisees, having seen.”   This is now the third time the Pharisees have been mentioned. The first was in Matthew 3:7 when John called them and the Sadducees a brood of vipers. In Matthew 5:20, Jesus spoke to the people about their need for having a righteousness that exceeded that of the scribes and Pharisees, implying that the Pharisees' righteousness was not righteous enough.   Now, they are aware of Jesus' company. Having just noted them as taxmen and sinners, they question the matter. Matthew records that “they said to His disciples, ‘Through what, your Teacher, He eats with the taxmen and sinners?'”   The meaning in standard English is essentially, “What allows your Teacher to do this?” It is a note that He, being a Teacher, should know better. If He is teaching, then what on earth is He doing sitting around with these profane and unrighteous people?   The issue here is that of familiarity and acceptance. People dine with those they are familiar with or intimate with or who they have accepted personally for one reason or another. It may be a social reason, a friendship reason, etc. However, having a meal together generally signifies a bond has been established between those gathered.   The Pharisees would have been incredulous that Jesus was reclining with such people. The term “Pharisee” by its nature means this would have been reprehensible to them. It is from the Hebrew word parash, to separate. Thus, they considered themselves purists and supposedly “separate from sin.”   By default, they would then be separated from sinners, not intermingling with them because of their own supposed holiness. Jesus' actions probably had them apoplectic.   Life application: Some years ago, the pastor of a large church, James MacDonald, decided to test the congregation by coming to the church dressed like a real bum. He had on old clothes, a fake beard and long hair, along with all the things associated with a homeless person. As he sat outside the church, nobody tended to him.   When church started, he walked in, through the congregation, and to the pulpit where he began removing his hobo attire. He explained that God is giving the same grace to the bums on the street that He is giving to those who had walked by, ignoring the plight of the homeless man.   The Bible reveals this truth throughout its pages. Noah may have found grace in the eyes of the Lord, but so did his son Ham, whose morals were found to be questionable. People from the lines of both of Lot's daughters entered into the genealogy of Jesus, one of whom was Rahab the harlot when she was spared at the destruction of Jericho.   These and other examples show us that God's attention is not focused on the self-righteous, wealthy, powerful, or famous. Rather, He is focused on reconciling humanity despite these things. He even did it for a Pharisee named Saul of Tarsus who became Paul the apostle.   If God can save an angry, violent, and self-righteous man like Paul, He can save anyone. But He has placed us in the position of conveying this message to the world. Let us be responsible enough to at least share the message with those we may not agree with or even like.   Jesus sat with taxmen and sinners. Can't we at least give a tract to them as well? Let us consider those around us as more than enemies when they don't fit into our life circles. Maybe they don't, but they can fit into the halls of heaven if we are willing to share the good news with them.   Lord God, thank You for Your wonderful kindness to sinners like us. We brought about the separation and enmity, and yet You have worked in human history to bring that to an end. Help us to remember this and to be willing to help others hear the good news as well. Amen.  

What happens when the church's greatest enemy becomes its boldest witness? In this episode, we trace the powerful journey of Saul's radical conversion on the road to Damascus and Barnabas's crucial role in his transformation from feared persecutor to trusted partner in ministry. While others hesitated, Barnabas saw God's hand on Paul's life, stood in the gap for him in Jerusalem, and later sought him out in Tarsus to join the mission in Antioch. This is a story of redemption, risk, and the kind of encouragement that can change someone's life.

Eric’s childhood challenges included a severe skin rash, difficulties in school, and getting high on alcohol or drugs daily from a very early age. Yet, the one who dubbed himself as the “king of bad” found that he excelled on the baseball field—until he abandoned baseball after becoming discouraged by discrimination. This allowed him even more time for using and dealing drugs. Things changed for Eric, however, when he had a life-altering encounter with Jesus while attending a church service. At his job the next day, a dedicated believer in Jesus invited Eric to attend yet another church service where he heard these words that encouraged him in his new-found faith: “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17 kjv). Eric’s life has never been the same. Like Eric, Saul of Tarsus (also known as Paul) would’ve been classified as a “tough case.” He said, “I am the worst” of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). He was “once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man” (v. 13). Like Saul, Eric was just right for Jesus. And so are we, even if we don’t view ourselves in the same league as Saul or Eric, for “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). We’re all just right for Jesus.