WEBVTT 00:00:00.400 --> 00:00:10.060 We affirm our faith, but we also declare it in many ways that is, this is our anthem, this is the thing that we live by. 00:00:10.700 --> 00:00:19.859 And as such, the Apostles' Creed that is, as such, it is not the totality of the faith, but it certainly is the foundation of our faith. 00:00:19.859 --> 00:00:36.079 And one of the reasons why we declare it, in a sense, is to keep me on my toes, so that if I say something that goes against what the creed says, then it's not the creed that is wrong, but it is me. 00:00:36.739 --> 00:00:48.920 So if you hear something from me, you have a thousand percent permission, if it contravenes the creed that is, to come and talk to me about it, and to rake me over the coals if necessary. 00:00:49.859 --> 00:00:53.619 Why don't we pray and ask the Lord's blessing before we open up his word. 00:00:56.439 --> 00:01:01.379 Father, we thank you for conversion. 00:01:02.600 --> 00:01:08.140 Lord, for those that have put their faith and trust in your blessed Son. 00:01:09.099 --> 00:01:12.319 Lord, we have wonderful testimonies. 00:01:12.680 --> 00:01:16.719 Some dramatic, maybe some not so much, but wonderful testimonies nevertheless, 00:01:16.719 --> 00:01:20.420 about coming to faith and what that looks like. 00:01:21.379 --> 00:01:25.079 Lord, we thank you that you have gone to great lengths to convert us. 00:01:26.439 --> 00:01:27.939 That you have sought us out. 00:01:28.039 --> 00:01:32.620 That you have not commanded us to come up, but you have descended to us. 00:01:32.719 --> 00:01:33.700 And Lord, we thank you for that. 00:01:33.739 --> 00:01:37.180 We thank you for the conversion of St. Paul that we'll read this morning. 00:01:38.180 --> 00:01:41.180 Lord, help us to glean from this story. 00:01:41.180 --> 00:01:47.480 To know what it truly means to follow after you and what it looks like to live a Christian life 00:01:47.480 --> 00:01:55.460 that is not perfect, but is reliant upon you, embedded in the church, learning to live for your glory. 00:01:55.520 --> 00:01:56.840 And we pray this in Christ's name. 00:01:57.580 --> 00:01:57.920 Amen. 00:01:57.920 --> 00:02:02.099 If you don't have one of these scripture journals, they should be at the back. 00:02:02.159 --> 00:02:02.700 In fact, they are. 00:02:02.760 --> 00:02:03.420 There's a big stack. 00:02:03.519 --> 00:02:04.000 Grab one. 00:02:04.040 --> 00:02:04.939 It's our gift to you. 00:02:05.420 --> 00:02:06.599 And follow along. 00:02:06.740 --> 00:02:11.539 In the scripture journal, we're going to be looking at Acts 9, verses 1 to 31. 00:02:11.740 --> 00:02:13.560 And that will be on page 52. 00:02:18.080 --> 00:02:19.560 Mossab Hassan Yusuf. 00:02:20.219 --> 00:02:21.539 Does anybody know this name? 00:02:23.759 --> 00:02:24.920 Have you heard of this man? 00:02:24.919 --> 00:02:31.939 Mossab Hassan Yusuf is the son of one of the founders of Hamas. 00:02:33.079 --> 00:02:38.179 The same terrorist organization that you might have heard of in the summer and early fall, 00:02:38.279 --> 00:02:41.919 but you certainly know all about it now, since October 7th. 00:02:43.299 --> 00:02:45.679 He is significant, Mr. Yusuf, 00:02:46.179 --> 00:02:50.659 because in the 90s, he defected and became an Israeli spy, 00:02:50.659 --> 00:02:57.900 and then, more significantly, he came to faith in Christ and was baptized in the early 2000s. 00:02:58.759 --> 00:03:05.599 Later, publicly proclaiming his faith, I think in 2007 or 2008, a bit later on in the 2000s. 00:03:06.439 --> 00:03:10.120 He is the most unlikely convert that I have heard of, at least in recent memory, 00:03:10.120 --> 00:03:13.360 in, say, the past hundred years. 00:03:13.780 --> 00:03:15.360 It is a remarkable story. 00:03:16.740 --> 00:03:22.640 He was an enemy of Christ and a member of one of the most brutal and evil terrorist organizations in the world, 00:03:22.719 --> 00:03:23.580 maybe of all time. 00:03:24.960 --> 00:03:28.379 And Christ intervened in his life and changed him forever. 00:03:30.460 --> 00:03:31.939 Mossab Hassan Yusuf. 00:03:31.939 --> 00:03:36.919 In our text today, we have another very significant and even more unlikely conversion, 00:03:37.319 --> 00:03:42.520 and even more, in a sense, in terms of salvation history, important conversion. 00:03:42.659 --> 00:03:45.939 I'm not saying some conversions are more important than others, 00:03:46.020 --> 00:03:47.520 but in the kind of the grand narrative, 00:03:49.240 --> 00:03:54.400 it would be hard to find a conversion more significant than Saul of Tarsus coming to faith, 00:03:54.759 --> 00:03:57.219 later becoming St. Paul the Apostle. 00:03:57.219 --> 00:04:02.039 Saul's conversion is one of the most pivotal moments in the whole of Acts. 00:04:02.099 --> 00:04:08.819 In fact, in many ways, the story of Acts, it hinges on Paul's conversion. 00:04:09.960 --> 00:04:13.319 I mean, you could argue that it actually hinges on the giving of the Holy Spirit, 00:04:13.680 --> 00:04:17.399 but in terms of the narrative, this is a key moment in Acts, 00:04:17.920 --> 00:04:21.300 so key that his conversion is mentioned three separate times, 00:04:21.800 --> 00:04:26.660 here in chapter 9, later on in chapter 22, and again in chapter 26. 00:04:26.660 --> 00:04:30.720 And it really, truly is among the most famous conversions of all time, 00:04:30.780 --> 00:04:34.460 not simply because it is of Saul, later Paul, 00:04:34.540 --> 00:04:38.220 who would carry the gospel to the known world, 00:04:38.320 --> 00:04:44.260 to the Gentiles from Asia Minor all the way to Rome itself, 00:04:45.160 --> 00:04:50.160 but it is significant because it is miraculous and dramatic, 00:04:50.160 --> 00:04:54.620 and it becomes, in a sense, paradigmatic of what conversion is. 00:04:54.620 --> 00:04:58.160 If you've been in church for a while, 00:04:58.259 --> 00:05:01.360 you can hear people talk about their own Damascus Road experience. 00:05:02.360 --> 00:05:04.660 That's describing Paul's conversion. 00:05:05.000 --> 00:05:06.939 It becomes the paradigm. 00:05:07.180 --> 00:05:09.199 Or you could hear other people saying, 00:05:09.879 --> 00:05:11.379 you know, my conversion was kind of boring. 00:05:11.519 --> 00:05:13.399 I didn't have a Damascus Road experience. 00:05:13.500 --> 00:05:14.240 But either way, 00:05:14.899 --> 00:05:19.220 Paul's conversion becomes a very, very important conversion 00:05:19.220 --> 00:05:23.740 for which we understand how God saves and redeems. 00:05:25.020 --> 00:05:27.820 However, we must be careful to treat Saul's conversion 00:05:27.820 --> 00:05:30.480 as either the standard for all conversions, 00:05:30.900 --> 00:05:34.860 or as simply an exceptional circumstance, 00:05:35.020 --> 00:05:37.800 a one-off event that happened never to happen again. 00:05:37.800 --> 00:05:43.860 In fact, we must instead take from it essential principles 00:05:43.860 --> 00:05:46.660 that are present in all conversions, 00:05:47.259 --> 00:05:48.699 be they dramatic or not. 00:05:48.840 --> 00:05:50.620 And if you're a Christian, 00:05:51.180 --> 00:05:54.379 the majority of us will attest 00:05:54.379 --> 00:05:57.600 to probably not having a dramatic conversion. 00:05:58.639 --> 00:06:05.220 Maybe it's more a situation of just a slow realization, 00:06:05.220 --> 00:06:06.879 a gradual coming to faith. 00:06:07.800 --> 00:06:08.439 But nevertheless, 00:06:08.780 --> 00:06:13.740 that does not mean it is any less significant or miraculous. 00:06:15.680 --> 00:06:18.920 The cause of all conversions is the grace of Christ. 00:06:19.139 --> 00:06:21.699 And this is really the crux of the message this morning. 00:06:22.300 --> 00:06:25.120 The cause of all conversions is the grace of Christ 00:06:25.120 --> 00:06:26.720 by the Holy Spirit, 00:06:27.300 --> 00:06:29.560 through the will of the sovereign, all-powerful, 00:06:29.699 --> 00:06:31.400 all-knowing Father God. 00:06:32.259 --> 00:06:35.879 So Saul, I'm sure multiple times during the sermon, 00:06:35.960 --> 00:06:36.780 I'm going to call him Paul, 00:06:36.779 --> 00:06:38.500 but Saul, Paul, 00:06:39.199 --> 00:06:41.139 his conversion is instructive for us 00:06:41.139 --> 00:06:44.479 because the key components of all conversions 00:06:44.479 --> 00:06:46.479 are right there in chapter 9. 00:06:47.500 --> 00:06:48.500 So to be converted, 00:06:49.019 --> 00:06:49.559 you must, 00:06:50.159 --> 00:06:50.899 first point, 00:06:51.259 --> 00:06:52.599 have an encounter with God. 00:06:53.199 --> 00:06:55.039 Now that looks different for all people, 00:06:55.159 --> 00:06:57.500 but you must have an encounter with God. 00:06:58.199 --> 00:06:59.039 And the second thing is, 00:06:59.040 --> 00:07:02.340 you must wrestle with and accept the truth of the gospel, 00:07:03.060 --> 00:07:04.240 the truth of God's word. 00:07:04.319 --> 00:07:07.800 And the third is that you must live as a member 00:07:07.800 --> 00:07:10.460 and participate in the life of the church. 00:07:11.120 --> 00:07:12.400 So to be converted, 00:07:12.860 --> 00:07:13.600 a bit of a recap, 00:07:13.820 --> 00:07:14.340 to be converted, 00:07:14.500 --> 00:07:16.020 you must have an encounter with God, 00:07:16.800 --> 00:07:19.160 wrestle with and accept the truth of the gospel, 00:07:19.720 --> 00:07:21.360 and live as a member 00:07:21.360 --> 00:07:24.340 and participate in the life of the church. 00:07:24.339 --> 00:07:25.379 So let's jump into it 00:07:25.379 --> 00:07:28.799 and look how Paul's encounter with Christ 00:07:28.799 --> 00:07:30.859 is instructive for us. 00:07:30.919 --> 00:07:32.139 Let's begin right in verse 1. 00:07:32.599 --> 00:07:33.639 We'll read verse 1 and 2. 00:07:34.759 --> 00:07:37.319 But Saul, still breathing threats 00:07:37.319 --> 00:07:39.539 and murder against the disciples of the Lord, 00:07:39.659 --> 00:07:40.799 went to the high priest 00:07:40.799 --> 00:07:42.739 and asked him for letters 00:07:42.739 --> 00:07:44.579 to the synagogues at Damascus 00:07:44.579 --> 00:07:47.299 so that if he found any belonging to the way, 00:07:47.859 --> 00:07:48.519 men or women, 00:07:49.179 --> 00:07:51.379 he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 00:07:51.379 --> 00:07:53.579 Up until now, 00:07:55.000 --> 00:07:59.459 Saul has been a murderous zealot. 00:07:59.779 --> 00:08:02.959 We haven't seen him for quite some time. 00:08:03.480 --> 00:08:04.639 The last time we saw him 00:08:04.639 --> 00:08:07.300 was in chapter 7 at the stoning of Stephen. 00:08:08.620 --> 00:08:10.360 And when we saw him for the first time 00:08:10.360 --> 00:08:10.939 when he was introduced, 00:08:11.100 --> 00:08:13.240 he was holding the garments of those 00:08:13.240 --> 00:08:14.659 that stoned Stephen 00:08:14.659 --> 00:08:17.360 and it said that he approved of what happened. 00:08:18.740 --> 00:08:20.079 Saul comes back on the scene. 00:08:20.079 --> 00:08:20.939 And this is, by the way, 00:08:20.979 --> 00:08:23.000 following chapter 8 00:08:23.000 --> 00:08:24.240 where the church scatters. 00:08:24.800 --> 00:08:26.779 Samaria essentially comes to faith 00:08:26.779 --> 00:08:29.019 and the Ethiopian eunuch comes to faith 00:08:29.019 --> 00:08:30.419 who is a high court official. 00:08:31.060 --> 00:08:32.620 And Ethiopia goes down south 00:08:32.620 --> 00:08:34.419 and back to Ethiopia 00:08:34.419 --> 00:08:35.960 and history tells us 00:08:35.960 --> 00:08:37.460 that he brought the gospel 00:08:37.460 --> 00:08:38.460 to an entire nation. 00:08:39.299 --> 00:08:40.379 But now we're back to Saul. 00:08:41.439 --> 00:08:42.960 And he is still murderous. 00:08:43.879 --> 00:08:45.299 He has a personal passion 00:08:45.299 --> 00:08:46.480 to hunt down Christians. 00:08:47.299 --> 00:08:48.340 He's passionate about this. 00:08:48.340 --> 00:08:52.639 In fact, he gets an open-ended extradition order 00:08:52.639 --> 00:08:54.399 from the high priest in Jerusalem. 00:08:55.200 --> 00:08:56.720 And he pursues Christians 00:08:56.720 --> 00:08:57.899 all the way up to Damascus. 00:08:58.019 --> 00:09:00.120 Now, if he's in Jerusalem 00:09:00.120 --> 00:09:02.800 where he gets the extradition order 00:09:02.800 --> 00:09:03.759 from the high priest, 00:09:04.500 --> 00:09:07.160 Damascus is almost 250 kilometers away. 00:09:08.540 --> 00:09:10.879 It's days, maybe even weeks' journey. 00:09:10.879 --> 00:09:15.320 This isn't, what we see here isn't described, 00:09:15.960 --> 00:09:18.279 Saul isn't described as some rioter 00:09:18.279 --> 00:09:20.259 who is just caught up in the moment 00:09:20.259 --> 00:09:21.779 of murderous vengeance. 00:09:22.539 --> 00:09:24.139 He is exacting. 00:09:24.279 --> 00:09:28.399 He is somebody who is planning his murder, 00:09:28.759 --> 00:09:31.480 planning the destruction of the church. 00:09:31.620 --> 00:09:32.419 This is his passion. 00:09:32.580 --> 00:09:34.659 This is his calling, so to speak. 00:09:34.659 --> 00:09:38.559 He is a very murderous man. 00:09:38.639 --> 00:09:42.419 In fact, Peter here, or Peter Luke, 00:09:42.559 --> 00:09:44.379 the writer of Acts, 00:09:44.860 --> 00:09:47.719 he says that he is breathing threats and murder. 00:09:48.600 --> 00:09:50.919 Literally, in the original language, 00:09:51.879 --> 00:09:53.219 Luke is trying to convey to us 00:09:53.219 --> 00:09:56.319 that Saul is like a rabid beast. 00:09:56.759 --> 00:09:58.679 He is a starving lion, 00:09:58.679 --> 00:10:02.979 and he is about to tear into the flesh of the church. 00:10:03.139 --> 00:10:04.739 Later on in verse 21, 00:10:04.919 --> 00:10:06.799 the church is afraid of Saul, 00:10:07.439 --> 00:10:09.339 and they say that he caused havoc to the church. 00:10:09.459 --> 00:10:12.439 Again, language used to describe a ferocious beast 00:10:12.439 --> 00:10:16.179 who is laying waste to everything that's in front of it. 00:10:17.419 --> 00:10:20.059 That's Saul of Tarsus, the Pharisee, 00:10:21.139 --> 00:10:25.919 the one with the green light to ravage the church. 00:10:25.919 --> 00:10:29.459 This is the last person that one would think 00:10:29.459 --> 00:10:31.539 and one would expect to come to faith. 00:10:32.579 --> 00:10:34.279 But then Christ comes in. 00:10:35.139 --> 00:10:38.120 Then Jesus enters into the story. 00:10:38.240 --> 00:10:39.379 And look with me in verse 3. 00:10:39.719 --> 00:10:41.319 We'll read from verse 3 to 9. 00:10:42.139 --> 00:10:45.139 This, remember, Saul is almost at Damascus. 00:10:45.879 --> 00:10:52.079 He is so cunning and exacting in his murderous intent. 00:10:52.639 --> 00:10:53.679 And then verse 3. 00:10:53.679 --> 00:10:57.379 Now, as he went on his way, that's Saul, 00:10:57.500 --> 00:10:58.639 he approached Damascus, 00:10:58.759 --> 00:11:02.620 and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 00:11:03.219 --> 00:11:04.219 And falling to the ground, 00:11:04.339 --> 00:11:05.519 he heard a voice saying to him, 00:11:05.620 --> 00:11:08.299 Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? 00:11:09.639 --> 00:11:11.399 And Saul said, who are you, Lord? 00:11:11.559 --> 00:11:14.399 Lord, by the way, would be an honorary title 00:11:14.399 --> 00:11:16.099 to somebody who clearly has authority. 00:11:16.500 --> 00:11:17.979 This doesn't necessarily, 00:11:18.319 --> 00:11:19.679 well, clearly, it doesn't imply 00:11:19.679 --> 00:11:22.439 imply that Saul knows that it is Jesus 00:11:22.439 --> 00:11:24.439 or that he's assuming that it's Jesus. 00:11:25.059 --> 00:11:26.679 He's saying, who are you, Lord? 00:11:27.099 --> 00:11:27.699 Let's continue. 00:11:29.799 --> 00:11:32.399 And he said, I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 00:11:33.120 --> 00:11:34.719 But rise and enter the city 00:11:34.719 --> 00:11:36.639 and you will be told what you are to do. 00:11:37.459 --> 00:11:39.099 The men who were traveling with him, 00:11:39.620 --> 00:11:41.719 that is Saul, stood speechless, 00:11:41.919 --> 00:11:43.399 hearing the voice but seeing no one. 00:11:43.399 --> 00:11:45.899 Saul rose from the ground 00:11:45.899 --> 00:11:47.620 and although his eyes were opened, 00:11:47.699 --> 00:11:48.360 he saw nothing. 00:11:48.500 --> 00:11:49.679 So they led him by the hand 00:11:49.679 --> 00:11:51.600 and brought him into Damascus. 00:11:51.679 --> 00:11:52.559 And for three days, 00:11:53.419 --> 00:11:54.299 he was without sight 00:11:54.299 --> 00:11:56.919 and neither ate nor drank. 00:11:58.740 --> 00:12:01.019 Saul was about to enter Damascus 00:12:01.019 --> 00:12:03.559 to carry out his heinous mission upon the church 00:12:03.559 --> 00:12:06.779 when the sovereign Lord Jesus Christ 00:12:06.779 --> 00:12:08.240 intervened in his life. 00:12:08.240 --> 00:12:16.180 Saul was ready to enter into Damascus 00:12:16.180 --> 00:12:20.200 as a ravaging, terrorizing lion. 00:12:21.320 --> 00:12:22.620 And Christ intervenes 00:12:22.620 --> 00:12:24.860 and he has to be helped by the arm 00:12:24.860 --> 00:12:27.580 and he looks a lot more like a helpless lamb 00:12:27.580 --> 00:12:28.680 than a ravaging lion. 00:12:29.399 --> 00:12:33.419 This is what Christ has done with Saul. 00:12:34.820 --> 00:12:36.580 He has intervened in his life. 00:12:36.580 --> 00:12:39.480 And it's very clear in the text 00:12:39.480 --> 00:12:42.960 that Saul did not choose Jesus 00:12:42.960 --> 00:12:44.879 but that Jesus chose Saul here. 00:12:45.540 --> 00:12:47.020 He broke into his life. 00:12:47.879 --> 00:12:49.300 Saul was an enemy of Christ, 00:12:49.740 --> 00:12:51.879 persecuting him by persecuting his church. 00:12:52.759 --> 00:12:54.540 It would be great if we spent a bit of time 00:12:54.540 --> 00:12:56.139 on what Jesus was meaning 00:12:56.139 --> 00:12:57.680 when he said you were persecuting me 00:12:57.680 --> 00:13:00.379 even though Saul was persecuting the church. 00:13:00.759 --> 00:13:02.480 We'll get to that, I think, 00:13:02.580 --> 00:13:03.920 in the Sunday follow-up 00:13:03.920 --> 00:13:04.940 that I send out midweek. 00:13:04.940 --> 00:13:08.660 But clearly Saul is an enemy of Christ. 00:13:09.780 --> 00:13:11.420 He is persecuting his church. 00:13:12.800 --> 00:13:14.600 Saul was not seeking Christ, friends. 00:13:14.820 --> 00:13:16.240 Christ was seeking Saul 00:13:16.240 --> 00:13:18.060 the same way that he sought out 00:13:18.060 --> 00:13:19.760 the Ethiopian eunuch in chapter 8. 00:13:21.660 --> 00:13:23.820 Jesus reveals himself to Saul 00:13:23.820 --> 00:13:25.860 so that he would never be the same. 00:13:26.920 --> 00:13:30.720 This is the sovereign grace of God at work. 00:13:30.720 --> 00:13:32.720 This is how we encounter God 00:13:32.720 --> 00:13:34.840 when God encounters us. 00:13:36.000 --> 00:13:38.320 Christ is working salvation in Saul 00:13:38.320 --> 00:13:41.300 not in a collaborative way with Saul 00:13:41.300 --> 00:13:44.440 but despite Saul's best efforts 00:13:44.440 --> 00:13:45.620 to destroy Jesus. 00:13:46.680 --> 00:13:47.320 It's remarkable 00:13:47.320 --> 00:13:51.500 that Jesus extends grace to his enemy. 00:13:51.500 --> 00:13:54.000 Consider Ephesians 2 00:13:54.000 --> 00:13:55.399 written by the same Saul 00:13:55.399 --> 00:13:57.519 years later to the church in Ephesus 00:13:57.519 --> 00:13:58.460 and this is what he says 00:13:58.460 --> 00:14:00.740 verse 1 of Ephesians chapter 2 00:14:00.740 --> 00:14:12.539 verse 2 00:14:12.539 --> 00:14:18.579 in the sons of disobedience, among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, 00:14:18.699 --> 00:14:21.639 carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, 00:14:21.759 --> 00:14:24.899 and were by nature children of wrath like the rest of mankind. 00:14:25.000 --> 00:14:25.480 Verse 4, 00:14:26.019 --> 00:14:32.599 But God, being rich in mercy because of the great love with which he loved us, 00:14:33.059 --> 00:14:36.099 even when we were dead in our trespasses, 00:14:36.259 --> 00:14:40.399 made us alive together with Christ, by grace you have been saved, 00:14:40.399 --> 00:14:46.459 and raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 00:14:47.019 --> 00:14:55.279 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness towards us in Christ Jesus. 00:14:55.500 --> 00:14:56.039 Verse 8, 00:14:56.659 --> 00:15:04.100 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God, 00:15:04.620 --> 00:15:08.460 not a result of works, so that no one may boast, for we are his workmanship, 00:15:08.460 --> 00:15:13.460 created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, 00:15:14.120 --> 00:15:15.240 that we should walk in them. 00:15:15.740 --> 00:15:17.460 It's very clear, the Apostle Paul, 00:15:18.320 --> 00:15:20.800 this is not of your own doing if you are saved. 00:15:21.460 --> 00:15:24.960 In fact, you are dead, you have no spiritual life in you. 00:15:25.540 --> 00:15:27.400 Dead people can't choose anything. 00:15:27.920 --> 00:15:30.759 This is what is happening in Acts chapter 9, 00:15:30.759 --> 00:15:36.179 this is what Paul will testify about until he dies in Rome. 00:15:37.439 --> 00:15:39.179 This is the doctrine of election, 00:15:39.439 --> 00:15:41.519 and this is the doctrine, 00:15:41.620 --> 00:15:44.679 that God chooses to save us while we were far from him. 00:15:45.419 --> 00:15:50.779 He awakens in us spiritual life when we were spiritually dead. 00:15:51.860 --> 00:15:54.259 He changes us, he shakes us up, 00:15:54.259 --> 00:15:57.460 he takes the hostile and makes some friends, 00:15:57.580 --> 00:16:00.080 he intervenes and changes our course, 00:16:00.439 --> 00:16:04.720 and he does this apart from our own working of, 00:16:04.720 --> 00:16:07.100 of working our way up to him, 00:16:07.299 --> 00:16:08.700 of choosing him, 00:16:08.819 --> 00:16:12.960 because we are incredibly about ourselves, 00:16:13.340 --> 00:16:17.019 and we do not want to give up the seat of kingship 00:16:17.019 --> 00:16:19.399 that we sit in, or we think we sit in, 00:16:19.419 --> 00:16:20.980 in the throne of our own souls. 00:16:20.980 --> 00:16:24.139 But the doctrine of election, 00:16:24.899 --> 00:16:26.779 that God saves who he wills, 00:16:26.800 --> 00:16:27.539 when he wills, 00:16:27.580 --> 00:16:29.039 can be a difficult thing for some. 00:16:30.279 --> 00:16:31.080 And I'll admit, 00:16:31.200 --> 00:16:32.860 it's in some ways very difficult for me, 00:16:32.920 --> 00:16:34.300 because it appears that God 00:16:34.300 --> 00:16:37.620 bypasses our ability to choose him, 00:16:37.720 --> 00:16:42.940 that somehow it makes little of our own agency as human beings. 00:16:43.460 --> 00:16:45.340 And our agency as human beings, 00:16:45.440 --> 00:16:46.519 it's core to who we are. 00:16:47.620 --> 00:16:48.820 Ability to choose. 00:16:48.820 --> 00:16:51.379 It is core to what it means to be a human. 00:16:51.480 --> 00:16:52.000 But consider, 00:16:52.700 --> 00:16:54.360 that the sovereign grace of God 00:16:54.360 --> 00:16:57.860 does not trample on human personality or agency, 00:16:58.600 --> 00:17:00.940 but rather it enables us to be free 00:17:00.940 --> 00:17:02.840 from the bondage of pride, 00:17:03.400 --> 00:17:05.240 and of sin and prejudice. 00:17:06.580 --> 00:17:07.920 In fact, it humbles us, 00:17:07.960 --> 00:17:09.320 so that we can see clearly, 00:17:10.140 --> 00:17:12.059 without the fog and cloud, 00:17:12.220 --> 00:17:14.200 and film of selfish ambition, 00:17:14.960 --> 00:17:16.799 and a misguided worldview, 00:17:16.799 --> 00:17:18.180 of confusion. 00:17:19.419 --> 00:17:21.339 Saul does not encounter Christ 00:17:21.339 --> 00:17:23.799 only to become some kind of automaton. 00:17:23.919 --> 00:17:27.059 It doesn't say that he just went about his business, 00:17:27.399 --> 00:17:28.559 Christ's business afterwards, 00:17:28.940 --> 00:17:33.159 without any personality drained of who he is. 00:17:33.500 --> 00:17:34.779 That's not the case at all. 00:17:35.039 --> 00:17:35.399 Instead, 00:17:37.319 --> 00:17:40.159 he was struck with the reality that Christ is real, 00:17:40.240 --> 00:17:43.659 and that his truth is the only real truth. 00:17:43.660 --> 00:17:46.580 And we'll see in this next section, 00:17:46.759 --> 00:17:49.620 where Saul wrestles and accepts the truth, 00:17:50.120 --> 00:17:52.960 that the sovereign grace of God 00:17:52.960 --> 00:17:55.740 requires a proper response of those 00:17:55.740 --> 00:17:57.900 that hear the gospel, 00:17:58.180 --> 00:18:00.600 and ultimately have to respond to it. 00:18:01.700 --> 00:18:03.180 And this brings us to the second point, 00:18:03.320 --> 00:18:05.960 that a key aspect of salvation 00:18:05.960 --> 00:18:07.600 is that we have to wrestle with, 00:18:07.680 --> 00:18:09.680 and ultimately accept the gospel message. 00:18:09.980 --> 00:18:10.300 And again, 00:18:10.299 --> 00:18:12.819 that looks different for each person. 00:18:13.279 --> 00:18:14.779 That can be a longer process, 00:18:14.859 --> 00:18:15.579 a shorter process, 00:18:15.579 --> 00:18:16.799 but it has to be there. 00:18:17.740 --> 00:18:18.740 It has to be there. 00:18:20.599 --> 00:18:21.599 Saul is blinded. 00:18:21.960 --> 00:18:23.799 And here, 00:18:24.039 --> 00:18:25.539 in the same way that Zechariah, 00:18:25.639 --> 00:18:26.159 if you remember, 00:18:26.359 --> 00:18:28.639 in the opening chapters of Luke, 00:18:29.379 --> 00:18:30.460 John the Baptist's father, 00:18:30.559 --> 00:18:33.200 where he can't talk anymore, 00:18:33.960 --> 00:18:35.299 it is a physical representation 00:18:35.299 --> 00:18:37.740 of what is happening in his soul, 00:18:37.940 --> 00:18:38.559 in his spirit. 00:18:39.819 --> 00:18:40.980 Saul is blinded 00:18:40.980 --> 00:18:43.680 as a reflection of his spiritual condition. 00:18:44.599 --> 00:18:46.039 But it is also, in a sense, 00:18:46.079 --> 00:18:47.519 the grace of God in his life, 00:18:47.639 --> 00:18:51.319 for what we see is going to happen next. 00:18:51.460 --> 00:18:52.919 Look with me, verses 8 and 9. 00:18:52.920 --> 00:18:56.160 Saul rose from the ground, 00:18:56.519 --> 00:18:58.060 and although his eyes were opened, 00:18:58.140 --> 00:18:58.800 he saw nothing. 00:18:59.460 --> 00:19:00.840 So they led him by the hand 00:19:00.840 --> 00:19:02.320 and brought him into Damascus. 00:19:03.160 --> 00:19:04.220 And for three days, 00:19:04.340 --> 00:19:05.519 he was without sight 00:19:05.519 --> 00:19:07.200 and neither ate nor drank. 00:19:09.060 --> 00:19:10.039 Saul, again, 00:19:10.160 --> 00:19:11.800 who was to enter Damascus, 00:19:11.880 --> 00:19:13.120 strong and powerful, 00:19:13.240 --> 00:19:14.840 to take captive the church, 00:19:15.360 --> 00:19:17.120 was now a captive of Christ, 00:19:17.800 --> 00:19:19.279 being helped into Damascus. 00:19:19.500 --> 00:19:22.019 Things couldn't be any more different. 00:19:22.019 --> 00:19:22.960 He is blind. 00:19:24.299 --> 00:19:24.859 It says that, 00:19:25.000 --> 00:19:25.900 and for three days, 00:19:26.000 --> 00:19:26.859 he was without sight 00:19:26.859 --> 00:19:28.759 and neither ate nor drank. 00:19:31.000 --> 00:19:32.339 Nowhere yet do we see 00:19:32.339 --> 00:19:34.779 Saul confess the faith. 00:19:35.160 --> 00:19:36.980 Nowhere yet has he been baptized. 00:19:37.400 --> 00:19:38.480 Has he joined a church? 00:19:39.859 --> 00:19:41.299 Maybe he's a Christian. 00:19:41.440 --> 00:19:42.220 Maybe he's not. 00:19:42.319 --> 00:19:43.059 The text doesn't say. 00:19:43.119 --> 00:19:43.559 But clearly, 00:19:43.980 --> 00:19:44.680 in his life, 00:19:44.799 --> 00:19:46.460 as of verse 9, 00:19:46.859 --> 00:19:48.119 he does not have the markings 00:19:48.119 --> 00:19:49.500 of a Christian. 00:19:49.759 --> 00:19:50.980 He has not confessed his faith. 00:19:50.980 --> 00:19:51.839 He has not been baptized. 00:19:52.019 --> 00:19:52.160 He has not confessed his faith. 00:19:56.660 --> 00:19:57.180 Conversion, 00:19:57.779 --> 00:19:58.039 friends, 00:19:58.119 --> 00:19:59.119 is often gradual. 00:20:00.299 --> 00:20:01.539 And it's gradual because, 00:20:02.519 --> 00:20:02.799 again, 00:20:02.920 --> 00:20:04.240 we are not drained 00:20:04.240 --> 00:20:05.099 of who we are 00:20:05.099 --> 00:20:06.099 and our experiences 00:20:06.099 --> 00:20:08.440 and our thoughts 00:20:08.440 --> 00:20:09.639 and our ability to think 00:20:09.639 --> 00:20:10.400 and be rational. 00:20:11.240 --> 00:20:11.680 But we, 00:20:12.559 --> 00:20:13.579 when we encounter God, 00:20:13.660 --> 00:20:15.180 are confronted with things 00:20:15.180 --> 00:20:16.579 that come up 00:20:16.579 --> 00:20:18.180 against our existing worldview. 00:20:18.180 --> 00:20:20.660 And we have to ask the question, 00:20:21.880 --> 00:20:22.120 okay, 00:20:22.180 --> 00:20:23.480 I've encountered God, 00:20:23.940 --> 00:20:25.620 at least I think I have, 00:20:25.680 --> 00:20:27.279 I feel like this gnawing 00:20:27.279 --> 00:20:28.680 in my head, 00:20:28.920 --> 00:20:29.640 maybe it's my heart, 00:20:29.720 --> 00:20:30.240 I don't know, 00:20:30.519 --> 00:20:31.420 do I have a soul? 00:20:32.279 --> 00:20:33.720 But it seems completely 00:20:33.720 --> 00:20:34.620 counter to everything 00:20:34.620 --> 00:20:35.320 I've believed 00:20:35.320 --> 00:20:36.519 my entire life. 00:20:37.080 --> 00:20:37.960 What my friends believe. 00:20:37.960 --> 00:20:38.900 My friends are good people 00:20:38.900 --> 00:20:39.880 but they're not Christians. 00:20:40.480 --> 00:20:41.160 Does this mean 00:20:41.160 --> 00:20:43.100 I have to lose my friends 00:20:43.100 --> 00:20:44.620 or push them away 00:20:44.620 --> 00:20:46.660 or start dressing a certain way 00:20:46.660 --> 00:20:49.600 or stop doing a certain thing? 00:20:49.920 --> 00:20:50.640 And all of a sudden 00:20:50.640 --> 00:20:52.640 we have this inner dialogue, 00:20:52.920 --> 00:20:53.660 this wrestling, 00:20:53.819 --> 00:20:54.559 this turmoil, 00:20:54.700 --> 00:20:55.200 in a sense, 00:20:55.200 --> 00:20:57.880 of the implications 00:20:57.880 --> 00:20:58.779 of what it means 00:20:58.779 --> 00:21:00.160 to be a follower of Christ. 00:21:00.920 --> 00:21:02.080 And that can be a wrestling 00:21:02.080 --> 00:21:03.340 that can go on 00:21:03.340 --> 00:21:03.960 for months 00:21:03.960 --> 00:21:05.480 and maybe years. 00:21:06.519 --> 00:21:07.600 God in his sovereignty 00:21:07.600 --> 00:21:09.400 will determine 00:21:09.400 --> 00:21:10.460 how long that takes 00:21:10.460 --> 00:21:11.299 for each person. 00:21:12.180 --> 00:21:12.880 That's why 00:21:12.880 --> 00:21:14.900 we as a congregation 00:21:14.900 --> 00:21:15.960 ought to be patient 00:21:15.960 --> 00:21:17.940 because Christ is patient. 00:21:19.100 --> 00:21:19.740 Some of you 00:21:19.740 --> 00:21:21.039 may have gone through 00:21:21.039 --> 00:21:23.000 a series of wrestlings 00:21:23.000 --> 00:21:24.180 before you've come to faith 00:21:24.180 --> 00:21:25.480 and then have gone through 00:21:25.480 --> 00:21:26.799 a series of wrestlings after. 00:21:28.120 --> 00:21:28.820 And you can attest 00:21:28.820 --> 00:21:29.460 to the patience 00:21:29.460 --> 00:21:30.700 of Christ in your life. 00:21:31.140 --> 00:21:32.000 So too, church, 00:21:32.180 --> 00:21:33.039 we must be patient 00:21:33.039 --> 00:21:33.519 with people. 00:21:34.900 --> 00:21:35.900 But anyways, 00:21:36.039 --> 00:21:36.980 back to the text. 00:21:37.039 --> 00:21:37.720 This is what seems 00:21:37.720 --> 00:21:38.240 to be happening 00:21:38.240 --> 00:21:38.740 with Paul. 00:21:39.500 --> 00:21:39.840 I mean, 00:21:40.519 --> 00:21:41.380 it's speculation. 00:21:41.900 --> 00:21:43.299 I'm maybe reading 00:21:43.299 --> 00:21:44.299 in between the lines here 00:21:44.299 --> 00:21:45.620 but based on what Paul says 00:21:45.620 --> 00:21:48.519 in 2 Corinthians 11 00:21:48.519 --> 00:21:49.600 and Philippians 3 00:21:49.600 --> 00:21:50.440 and Romans 7 00:21:50.440 --> 00:21:51.440 of his previous life, 00:21:51.980 --> 00:21:52.660 it would seem to me 00:21:52.660 --> 00:21:53.180 that Paul 00:21:53.180 --> 00:21:55.220 has nothing going on 00:21:55.220 --> 00:21:56.080 for three days. 00:21:56.180 --> 00:21:56.840 He's blind. 00:21:57.440 --> 00:21:58.920 He's completely dumbfounded. 00:21:59.480 --> 00:22:00.640 He's neither eating 00:22:00.640 --> 00:22:01.259 nor drinking. 00:22:01.400 --> 00:22:01.960 He's weak. 00:22:02.900 --> 00:22:03.400 Could it be 00:22:03.400 --> 00:22:04.500 that he is wrestling 00:22:04.500 --> 00:22:05.940 with God 00:22:05.940 --> 00:22:07.060 in this time? 00:22:08.400 --> 00:22:10.080 He's encountered Christ. 00:22:10.820 --> 00:22:11.340 Remember, 00:22:11.720 --> 00:22:13.580 he was a top-notch, 00:22:13.660 --> 00:22:14.460 next-level 00:22:14.460 --> 00:22:16.360 religious zealot 00:22:16.360 --> 00:22:17.320 entrusted 00:22:17.320 --> 00:22:18.560 with the purity 00:22:18.560 --> 00:22:20.799 of his sect 00:22:20.799 --> 00:22:21.460 of Judaism. 00:22:21.460 --> 00:22:24.559 Could some of these words 00:22:24.559 --> 00:22:25.299 be going on 00:22:25.299 --> 00:22:27.620 in Saul of Tarsus' head 00:22:27.620 --> 00:22:29.720 during these three days 00:22:29.720 --> 00:22:30.559 where he was blind, 00:22:30.680 --> 00:22:31.200 neither eating 00:22:31.200 --> 00:22:31.740 nor drinking? 00:22:32.799 --> 00:22:33.519 Jesus couldn't be 00:22:33.519 --> 00:22:34.079 the Messiah, 00:22:34.340 --> 00:22:34.700 could he? 00:22:35.100 --> 00:22:35.860 He was killed 00:22:35.860 --> 00:22:36.519 as a criminal 00:22:36.519 --> 00:22:37.440 and hung on a tree. 00:22:37.980 --> 00:22:39.240 The Torah tells us 00:22:39.240 --> 00:22:40.539 that those that hang 00:22:40.539 --> 00:22:41.039 from a tree 00:22:41.039 --> 00:22:41.720 are cursed 00:22:41.720 --> 00:22:43.180 by God 00:22:43.180 --> 00:22:44.039 and the Messiah 00:22:44.039 --> 00:22:44.740 can't be cursed 00:22:44.740 --> 00:22:45.360 by God. 00:22:46.140 --> 00:22:46.860 But then, 00:22:47.279 --> 00:22:48.019 a cursed man 00:22:48.019 --> 00:22:49.000 can't be risen 00:22:49.000 --> 00:22:49.880 from the grave. 00:22:50.680 --> 00:22:51.619 That seems that 00:22:51.619 --> 00:22:52.400 God himself 00:22:52.400 --> 00:22:53.420 is vindicating 00:22:53.420 --> 00:22:54.160 Jesus, 00:22:54.700 --> 00:22:55.660 but how can God 00:22:55.660 --> 00:22:56.619 vindicate somebody 00:22:56.619 --> 00:22:57.220 who's cursed 00:22:57.220 --> 00:22:57.720 and evil? 00:22:59.279 --> 00:23:00.440 And if his teachings, 00:23:01.039 --> 00:23:02.480 and if he is vindicated, 00:23:02.579 --> 00:23:03.680 that means his teachings 00:23:03.680 --> 00:23:04.460 and his life 00:23:04.460 --> 00:23:05.160 must be correct, 00:23:05.660 --> 00:23:06.460 but his teachings 00:23:06.460 --> 00:23:07.960 go against what I believe 00:23:07.960 --> 00:23:09.599 and what I've trusted in. 00:23:10.099 --> 00:23:10.519 Does that mean 00:23:10.519 --> 00:23:11.759 I have to give up 00:23:11.759 --> 00:23:12.160 everything 00:23:12.160 --> 00:23:13.240 that I've believed in 00:23:13.240 --> 00:23:13.880 and I've studied 00:23:13.880 --> 00:23:14.880 for my entire life 00:23:14.880 --> 00:23:15.859 since I was a child? 00:23:15.859 --> 00:23:18.219 And if that's the case, 00:23:18.339 --> 00:23:19.399 do I lose my community? 00:23:19.859 --> 00:23:20.740 Do I lose my standing 00:23:20.740 --> 00:23:21.319 in the synagogue 00:23:21.319 --> 00:23:22.119 in Jerusalem? 00:23:23.039 --> 00:23:23.919 You start to see 00:23:23.919 --> 00:23:25.559 that this wrestling 00:23:25.559 --> 00:23:26.959 could very well 00:23:26.959 --> 00:23:27.699 be taking place 00:23:27.699 --> 00:23:28.559 with Saul. 00:23:29.119 --> 00:23:29.619 And this is 00:23:29.619 --> 00:23:30.899 going before 00:23:30.899 --> 00:23:31.859 his conversion. 00:23:32.659 --> 00:23:33.579 And he is seeking 00:23:33.579 --> 00:23:35.019 answers 00:23:35.019 --> 00:23:36.139 and he is wrestling 00:23:36.139 --> 00:23:37.759 and his world 00:23:37.759 --> 00:23:38.619 is coming up 00:23:38.619 --> 00:23:39.859 against the worldview 00:23:39.859 --> 00:23:41.240 of the Messiah. 00:23:41.639 --> 00:23:42.299 And he's not sure 00:23:42.299 --> 00:23:42.740 what to do 00:23:42.740 --> 00:23:43.719 or maybe he is sure 00:23:43.719 --> 00:23:44.799 but there's doubt 00:23:44.799 --> 00:23:45.679 and there's struggles 00:23:45.680 --> 00:23:50.360 sovereign grace 00:23:50.360 --> 00:23:51.060 of Christ, 00:23:51.200 --> 00:23:52.100 it confronts us 00:23:52.100 --> 00:23:52.900 and it grips us. 00:23:53.440 --> 00:23:54.160 That's when we know 00:23:54.160 --> 00:23:55.660 we've encountered God. 00:23:57.299 --> 00:23:57.440 That 00:23:57.440 --> 00:23:59.740 when we encounter God 00:23:59.740 --> 00:24:00.279 and we'll see 00:24:00.279 --> 00:24:00.700 in the life 00:24:00.700 --> 00:24:01.900 of Saul here, 00:24:02.720 --> 00:24:04.299 in many ways 00:24:04.299 --> 00:24:05.480 life doesn't get better, 00:24:05.600 --> 00:24:06.539 it can get more difficult 00:24:06.539 --> 00:24:07.900 and more messy. 00:24:09.640 --> 00:24:11.100 The things that we've enjoyed, 00:24:11.200 --> 00:24:11.700 the privileges 00:24:11.700 --> 00:24:12.560 that we've had, 00:24:13.360 --> 00:24:14.460 we have to give up 00:24:14.460 --> 00:24:15.080 potentially. 00:24:15.680 --> 00:24:17.200 And these are things 00:24:17.200 --> 00:24:18.019 that we need to count 00:24:18.019 --> 00:24:18.799 the cost of 00:24:18.799 --> 00:24:21.080 as we come to faith 00:24:21.080 --> 00:24:22.100 and as we continue 00:24:22.100 --> 00:24:23.060 on in the life of faith 00:24:23.060 --> 00:24:23.660 but especially 00:24:23.660 --> 00:24:24.680 as we come to faith. 00:24:26.600 --> 00:24:27.799 The sovereign grace 00:24:27.799 --> 00:24:28.240 of Christ 00:24:28.240 --> 00:24:29.660 confronts and grips us 00:24:29.660 --> 00:24:30.220 and we are left 00:24:30.220 --> 00:24:31.299 to respond to him 00:24:31.299 --> 00:24:32.080 how? 00:24:32.200 --> 00:24:33.120 By wrestling 00:24:33.120 --> 00:24:34.320 through 00:24:34.320 --> 00:24:36.019 the implications 00:24:36.019 --> 00:24:36.920 and ultimately 00:24:36.920 --> 00:24:39.019 by accepting the truth. 00:24:39.900 --> 00:24:40.500 And that truth, 00:24:40.920 --> 00:24:41.519 that journey 00:24:41.519 --> 00:24:42.620 of wrestling 00:24:42.620 --> 00:24:43.380 leading us 00:24:43.380 --> 00:24:44.480 to a decision, 00:24:44.960 --> 00:24:45.660 that also 00:24:45.660 --> 00:24:47.480 has the grace 00:24:47.480 --> 00:24:48.060 of God 00:24:48.060 --> 00:24:49.360 marbled through it 00:24:49.360 --> 00:24:50.980 so that God is there 00:24:50.980 --> 00:24:51.940 every step 00:24:51.940 --> 00:24:53.260 of the conversion process. 00:24:55.420 --> 00:24:56.580 It is a gift from him. 00:24:56.660 --> 00:24:57.240 So on one hand, 00:24:57.300 --> 00:24:58.580 we are saved by grace alone 00:24:58.580 --> 00:24:59.480 through faith alone 00:24:59.480 --> 00:25:00.460 and yet, 00:25:00.540 --> 00:25:01.440 our own wrestlings 00:25:01.440 --> 00:25:02.220 and responses 00:25:02.220 --> 00:25:03.060 are necessary. 00:25:03.180 --> 00:25:03.780 And you see 00:25:03.780 --> 00:25:04.540 all of a sudden 00:25:04.540 --> 00:25:06.460 that on one hand, 00:25:06.540 --> 00:25:07.300 we choose God 00:25:07.299 --> 00:25:08.180 but on the other hand, 00:25:08.240 --> 00:25:09.720 we do not choose God. 00:25:10.240 --> 00:25:11.019 He saves us 00:25:11.019 --> 00:25:11.419 and yet, 00:25:12.200 --> 00:25:12.940 he does all that 00:25:12.940 --> 00:25:13.960 but we have to respond 00:25:13.960 --> 00:25:14.480 to him 00:25:14.480 --> 00:25:16.879 and it's a really 00:25:16.879 --> 00:25:18.259 remarkable back and forth. 00:25:19.240 --> 00:25:19.619 Ultimately, 00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:20.440 God saves. 00:25:20.659 --> 00:25:21.480 We don't have a part 00:25:21.480 --> 00:25:22.220 in our salvation 00:25:22.220 --> 00:25:23.680 but we certainly 00:25:23.680 --> 00:25:24.480 have to respond 00:25:24.480 --> 00:25:25.019 to him. 00:25:25.659 --> 00:25:26.419 I'll read from you 00:25:26.419 --> 00:25:27.440 just a small bit 00:25:27.440 --> 00:25:28.859 of C.S. Lewis' 00:25:29.259 --> 00:25:30.839 own conversion. 00:25:31.539 --> 00:25:32.159 This is from 00:25:32.159 --> 00:25:33.539 Surprised by Hope. 00:25:33.700 --> 00:25:34.539 This is from 00:25:34.539 --> 00:25:35.480 his autobiography 00:25:35.480 --> 00:25:36.000 and this is how 00:25:36.000 --> 00:25:36.700 he describes 00:25:36.700 --> 00:25:38.839 this encounter 00:25:38.839 --> 00:25:39.620 with God 00:25:39.620 --> 00:25:41.200 but then also 00:25:41.200 --> 00:25:42.940 his choosing God 00:25:42.940 --> 00:25:43.460 and this is 00:25:43.460 --> 00:25:44.480 what he says. 00:25:45.940 --> 00:25:47.160 I became aware 00:25:47.160 --> 00:25:47.960 that I was holding 00:25:47.960 --> 00:25:48.880 something at bay 00:25:48.880 --> 00:25:49.720 or shutting 00:25:49.720 --> 00:25:50.539 something out 00:25:50.539 --> 00:25:51.400 or, 00:25:51.620 --> 00:25:52.099 if you like, 00:25:52.599 --> 00:25:53.319 that I was wearing 00:25:53.319 --> 00:25:54.680 some stiff clothing 00:25:54.680 --> 00:25:55.700 like corsets 00:25:55.700 --> 00:25:56.539 or even a suit 00:25:56.539 --> 00:25:57.039 of armor 00:25:57.039 --> 00:25:58.259 as if I were 00:25:58.259 --> 00:25:58.819 a lobster. 00:25:59.660 --> 00:26:00.440 I felt myself 00:26:00.440 --> 00:26:01.700 being there 00:26:01.700 --> 00:26:02.099 and then 00:26:02.099 --> 00:26:03.160 given a free choice. 00:26:03.700 --> 00:26:04.240 I could open 00:26:04.240 --> 00:26:04.660 the door 00:26:04.660 --> 00:26:05.720 or keep it shut. 00:26:06.519 --> 00:26:07.500 I could unbuckle 00:26:07.500 --> 00:26:08.060 the armor 00:26:08.060 --> 00:26:08.980 or keep it on. 00:26:09.680 --> 00:26:10.460 Neither choice 00:26:10.460 --> 00:26:11.100 was presented 00:26:11.100 --> 00:26:11.840 as a duty. 00:26:12.519 --> 00:26:13.100 No threat 00:26:13.100 --> 00:26:13.740 or promise 00:26:13.740 --> 00:26:14.380 was attached 00:26:14.380 --> 00:26:14.940 to either 00:26:14.940 --> 00:26:16.100 though I knew 00:26:16.100 --> 00:26:16.740 that to open 00:26:16.740 --> 00:26:17.240 the door 00:26:17.240 --> 00:26:18.120 or to take off 00:26:18.120 --> 00:26:18.720 the corset 00:26:18.720 --> 00:26:20.640 meant the incalculable. 00:26:21.360 --> 00:26:22.180 The choice 00:26:22.180 --> 00:26:23.000 appeared to be 00:26:23.000 --> 00:26:23.640 momentous 00:26:23.640 --> 00:26:25.160 but it was also 00:26:25.160 --> 00:26:26.519 strangely unemotional. 00:26:26.720 --> 00:26:27.279 I was moved 00:26:27.279 --> 00:26:28.279 by no desires 00:26:28.279 --> 00:26:28.840 or fears. 00:26:29.779 --> 00:26:30.300 In a sense 00:26:30.300 --> 00:26:31.019 I was not moved 00:26:31.019 --> 00:26:31.620 by anything. 00:26:32.140 --> 00:26:33.000 I chose to open, 00:26:33.220 --> 00:26:33.759 to unbuckle, 00:26:33.759 --> 00:26:34.900 to loosen the rein. 00:26:35.539 --> 00:26:36.700 I say I chose 00:26:36.700 --> 00:26:37.879 yet it did not 00:26:37.879 --> 00:26:38.900 really seem possible 00:26:38.900 --> 00:26:39.779 to do the opposite. 00:26:40.779 --> 00:26:41.420 On the other hand 00:26:41.420 --> 00:26:42.059 I was aware 00:26:42.059 --> 00:26:42.819 of no motives. 00:26:43.640 --> 00:26:44.200 You could argue 00:26:44.200 --> 00:26:44.879 that I was not 00:26:44.879 --> 00:26:45.599 a free agent 00:26:45.599 --> 00:26:46.619 but I am more 00:26:46.619 --> 00:26:47.480 inclined to think 00:26:47.480 --> 00:26:48.400 this came near 00:26:48.400 --> 00:26:48.839 to me 00:26:48.839 --> 00:26:49.500 or sorry 00:26:49.500 --> 00:26:50.279 this came near 00:26:50.279 --> 00:26:51.500 to being 00:26:51.500 --> 00:26:53.099 a perfectly free act 00:26:53.099 --> 00:26:53.579 than most 00:26:53.579 --> 00:26:54.460 I have ever done. 00:26:55.460 --> 00:26:56.299 Necessity may not 00:26:56.299 --> 00:26:56.940 be the opposite 00:26:56.940 --> 00:26:57.400 of freedom 00:26:57.400 --> 00:26:57.980 and perhaps 00:26:57.980 --> 00:26:59.000 a man is most free 00:26:59.000 --> 00:27:00.160 when instead 00:27:00.160 --> 00:27:01.299 of producing motives 00:27:01.299 --> 00:27:03.359 he could only say 00:27:03.359 --> 00:27:04.819 I am what I do. 00:27:09.019 --> 00:27:09.940 For those 00:27:09.940 --> 00:27:10.720 who may still 00:27:10.720 --> 00:27:11.259 be wrestling 00:27:11.259 --> 00:27:11.899 with the truth 00:27:11.899 --> 00:27:12.579 of the gospel 00:27:12.579 --> 00:27:15.099 as it confronts 00:27:15.099 --> 00:27:15.879 your world view 00:27:15.879 --> 00:27:17.619 rest assured 00:27:17.619 --> 00:27:18.659 that God is patient 00:27:18.659 --> 00:27:19.299 and gentle 00:27:19.299 --> 00:27:20.119 in the process 00:27:20.119 --> 00:27:22.720 but that he certainly 00:27:22.720 --> 00:27:23.559 will complete 00:27:23.559 --> 00:27:24.139 the work 00:27:24.139 --> 00:27:25.299 that he begins 00:27:25.299 --> 00:27:27.059 that he will 00:27:27.059 --> 00:27:27.879 be faithful 00:27:27.879 --> 00:27:28.460 to you 00:27:28.460 --> 00:27:29.859 and patient 00:27:29.859 --> 00:27:30.719 in the process. 00:27:31.639 --> 00:27:32.359 So we 00:27:32.359 --> 00:27:33.019 as Christians 00:27:33.019 --> 00:27:33.639 like I mentioned 00:27:33.639 --> 00:27:34.639 we ought to be 00:27:34.639 --> 00:27:35.579 also 00:27:35.579 --> 00:27:36.919 patient 00:27:36.919 --> 00:27:37.639 with those 00:27:37.639 --> 00:27:38.500 around us 00:27:38.500 --> 00:27:39.979 with our family 00:27:39.979 --> 00:27:40.359 members 00:27:40.359 --> 00:27:40.959 and friends 00:27:40.959 --> 00:27:41.659 and other 00:27:41.659 --> 00:27:42.319 parishioners. 00:27:43.240 --> 00:27:44.359 If we continue 00:27:44.359 --> 00:27:45.240 we see that 00:27:45.240 --> 00:27:45.679 the wrestling 00:27:45.679 --> 00:27:46.219 and struggle 00:27:46.219 --> 00:27:47.000 of coming to faith 00:27:47.000 --> 00:27:47.699 is not something 00:27:47.699 --> 00:27:48.839 we are left 00:27:48.839 --> 00:27:49.779 to go through 00:27:49.779 --> 00:27:50.839 by ourselves 00:27:50.839 --> 00:27:51.399 because 00:27:51.399 --> 00:27:52.619 God sent 00:27:52.619 --> 00:27:53.599 to Saul 00:27:53.599 --> 00:27:54.240 this man 00:27:54.240 --> 00:27:55.459 named Ananias. 00:27:56.039 --> 00:27:56.559 Look with me 00:27:56.559 --> 00:27:57.819 verses 10 to 16. 00:27:57.819 --> 00:28:00.039 Now there was 00:28:00.039 --> 00:28:00.519 a disciple 00:28:00.519 --> 00:28:01.359 at Damascus 00:28:01.359 --> 00:28:02.679 named Ananias 00:28:02.679 --> 00:28:03.500 the Lord said 00:28:03.500 --> 00:28:03.819 to him 00:28:03.819 --> 00:28:04.319 in a vision 00:28:04.319 --> 00:28:05.019 Ananias 00:28:05.019 --> 00:28:06.099 and he said 00:28:06.099 --> 00:28:06.939 here I am Lord 00:28:06.939 --> 00:28:08.220 and the Lord 00:28:08.220 --> 00:28:08.759 said to him 00:28:08.759 --> 00:28:09.559 rise and go 00:28:09.559 --> 00:28:10.139 to the street 00:28:10.139 --> 00:28:10.819 called Straight 00:28:10.819 --> 00:28:12.240 and at the house 00:28:12.240 --> 00:28:12.679 of Judas 00:28:12.679 --> 00:28:13.720 look for a man 00:28:13.720 --> 00:28:14.939 of Tarsus 00:28:14.939 --> 00:28:15.559 named Saul 00:28:15.559 --> 00:28:16.119 for behold 00:28:16.119 --> 00:28:16.779 he is praying 00:28:16.779 --> 00:28:18.460 and he has seen 00:28:18.460 --> 00:28:18.960 in a vision 00:28:18.960 --> 00:28:19.759 a man named 00:28:19.759 --> 00:28:20.359 Ananias 00:28:20.359 --> 00:28:20.819 come in 00:28:20.819 --> 00:28:21.480 and lay his 00:28:21.480 --> 00:28:22.119 hands on him 00:28:22.119 --> 00:28:23.439 so that he 00:28:23.439 --> 00:28:24.099 might regain 00:28:24.099 --> 00:28:24.639 his sight 00:28:24.639 --> 00:28:26.000 but Ananias 00:28:26.000 --> 00:28:26.480 answered 00:28:26.480 --> 00:28:27.680 Lord I have 00:28:27.680 --> 00:28:28.160 heard from 00:28:28.160 --> 00:28:29.099 many about 00:28:29.099 --> 00:28:29.660 this man 00:28:29.660 --> 00:28:30.440 how much 00:28:30.440 --> 00:28:31.259 evil he has 00:28:31.259 --> 00:28:31.599 done 00:28:31.599 --> 00:28:32.360 to your 00:28:32.360 --> 00:28:32.640 saints 00:28:32.640 --> 00:28:33.220 at Jerusalem 00:28:33.220 --> 00:28:34.339 and here 00:28:34.339 --> 00:28:34.620 he has 00:28:34.620 --> 00:28:35.019 authority 00:28:35.019 --> 00:28:35.400 from the 00:28:35.400 --> 00:28:35.620 chief 00:28:35.620 --> 00:28:36.099 priests 00:28:36.099 --> 00:28:37.019 to bind 00:28:37.019 --> 00:28:37.480 all who 00:28:37.480 --> 00:28:37.779 call 00:28:37.779 --> 00:28:38.200 on your 00:28:38.200 --> 00:28:38.500 name 00:28:38.500 --> 00:28:39.559 but the 00:28:39.559 --> 00:28:39.759 Lord 00:28:39.759 --> 00:28:40.259 said to 00:28:40.259 --> 00:28:40.900 Ananias 00:28:40.900 --> 00:28:41.279 go 00:28:41.279 --> 00:28:42.240 for he is 00:28:42.240 --> 00:28:42.799 a chosen 00:28:42.799 --> 00:28:43.360 instrument 00:28:43.360 --> 00:28:44.039 of mine 00:28:44.039 --> 00:28:44.519 to carry 00:28:44.519 --> 00:28:45.180 my name 00:28:45.180 --> 00:28:45.660 before the 00:28:45.660 --> 00:28:46.240 Gentiles 00:28:46.240 --> 00:28:47.339 and kings 00:28:47.339 --> 00:28:47.920 and the 00:28:47.920 --> 00:28:48.200 children 00:28:48.200 --> 00:28:48.720 of Israel 00:28:48.720 --> 00:28:49.180 for I 00:28:49.180 --> 00:28:49.599 will show 00:28:49.599 --> 00:28:49.880 him 00:28:49.880 --> 00:28:50.740 how much 00:28:50.740 --> 00:28:51.539 he must 00:28:51.539 --> 00:28:52.079 suffer 00:28:52.079 --> 00:28:52.940 for the 00:28:52.940 --> 00:28:53.140 sake 00:28:53.140 --> 00:28:53.460 of my 00:28:53.460 --> 00:28:53.740 name 00:28:53.740 --> 00:28:55.200 if you 00:28:55.200 --> 00:28:55.519 remember 00:28:55.519 --> 00:28:55.940 the first 00:28:55.940 --> 00:28:56.420 Ananias 00:28:56.420 --> 00:28:56.759 was not 00:28:56.759 --> 00:28:57.180 a faithful 00:28:57.180 --> 00:28:57.559 follower 00:28:57.559 --> 00:28:58.059 in fact 00:28:58.059 --> 00:28:58.400 he might 00:28:58.400 --> 00:28:58.680 not have 00:28:58.680 --> 00:28:58.920 been a 00:28:58.920 --> 00:28:59.120 follower 00:28:59.120 --> 00:28:59.519 at all 00:28:59.519 --> 00:29:00.539 he was 00:29:00.539 --> 00:29:01.059 faithless 00:29:01.059 --> 00:29:01.380 and an 00:29:01.380 --> 00:29:01.620 enemy 00:29:01.620 --> 00:29:01.900 of the 00:29:01.900 --> 00:29:02.279 gospel 00:29:02.279 --> 00:29:02.980 now this 00:29:02.980 --> 00:29:03.359 new 00:29:03.359 --> 00:29:04.140 Ananias 00:29:04.140 --> 00:29:05.019 that we 00:29:05.019 --> 00:29:05.400 see in 00:29:05.400 --> 00:29:05.920 chapter 9 00:29:05.920 --> 00:29:06.180 he is 00:29:06.180 --> 00:29:06.660 faithful 00:29:06.660 --> 00:29:08.420 he is 00:29:08.420 --> 00:29:08.880 used by 00:29:08.880 --> 00:29:09.319 God 00:29:09.319 --> 00:29:09.799 in 00:29:09.799 --> 00:29:10.599 Saul's 00:29:10.599 --> 00:29:11.660 life 00:29:11.660 --> 00:29:11.920 in a 00:29:11.920 --> 00:29:12.299 remarkable 00:29:12.299 --> 00:29:12.559 way 00:29:12.559 --> 00:29:13.160 confirming 00:29:13.160 --> 00:29:15.180 God's 00:29:15.180 --> 00:29:15.500 call 00:29:15.500 --> 00:29:15.960 on his 00:29:15.960 --> 00:29:16.400 life 00:29:16.400 --> 00:29:20.019 despite 00:29:20.019 --> 00:29:21.700 Ananias 00:29:21.700 --> 00:29:22.539 apprehension 00:29:22.539 --> 00:29:23.180 he obeys 00:29:23.180 --> 00:29:23.500 the Lord 00:29:23.500 --> 00:29:24.019 and look 00:29:24.019 --> 00:29:24.460 at verse 00:29:24.460 --> 00:29:24.980 17 00:29:24.980 --> 00:29:25.759 and just 00:29:25.759 --> 00:29:26.320 before we 00:29:26.320 --> 00:29:26.779 read it 00:29:26.779 --> 00:29:27.960 consider the 00:29:27.960 --> 00:29:28.620 turmoil that 00:29:28.620 --> 00:29:29.080 Paul has 00:29:29.080 --> 00:29:29.640 gone through 00:29:29.640 --> 00:29:31.400 potentially has 00:29:31.400 --> 00:29:31.820 gone through 00:29:31.820 --> 00:29:32.299 if we go 00:29:32.299 --> 00:29:33.100 through you 00:29:33.100 --> 00:29:33.480 know my 00:29:33.480 --> 00:29:34.080 speculative 00:29:34.080 --> 00:29:36.640 reading of 00:29:36.640 --> 00:29:37.380 Saul 00:29:37.380 --> 00:29:38.640 for sure he's 00:29:38.640 --> 00:29:39.220 weak he's been 00:29:39.220 --> 00:29:39.720 in prayer it 00:29:39.720 --> 00:29:40.340 just says that 00:29:40.340 --> 00:29:42.039 he feels 00:29:42.039 --> 00:29:42.460 alone 00:29:42.460 --> 00:29:43.660 because he's 00:29:43.660 --> 00:29:44.039 a human 00:29:44.039 --> 00:29:44.620 and we would 00:29:44.620 --> 00:29:45.000 all feel 00:29:45.000 --> 00:29:45.320 alone 00:29:45.320 --> 00:29:46.700 and then 00:29:46.700 --> 00:29:47.320 Ananias 00:29:47.320 --> 00:29:47.980 shows up 00:29:47.980 --> 00:29:49.360 verse 17 00:29:49.360 --> 00:29:50.400 let's read 00:29:50.400 --> 00:29:52.920 so 00:29:52.920 --> 00:29:53.400 Ananias 00:29:53.400 --> 00:29:53.860 departed 00:29:53.860 --> 00:29:54.460 and entered 00:29:54.460 --> 00:29:54.900 the house 00:29:54.900 --> 00:29:55.360 and laying 00:29:55.360 --> 00:29:55.920 his hands 00:29:55.920 --> 00:29:56.240 on him 00:29:56.240 --> 00:29:56.640 he said 00:29:56.640 --> 00:29:58.720 brother 00:29:58.720 --> 00:29:59.180 Saul 00:29:59.180 --> 00:30:00.300 the Lord 00:30:00.300 --> 00:30:00.660 Jesus 00:30:00.660 --> 00:30:01.240 who appeared 00:30:01.240 --> 00:30:01.640 to you 00:30:01.640 --> 00:30:01.960 on the 00:30:01.960 --> 00:30:02.240 road 00:30:02.240 --> 00:30:03.080 by which 00:30:03.080 --> 00:30:03.540 you came 00:30:03.540 --> 00:30:04.040 has sent 00:30:04.040 --> 00:30:04.280 me 00:30:04.280 --> 00:30:05.360 so that 00:30:05.360 --> 00:30:05.600 you may 00:30:05.600 --> 00:30:05.980 regain 00:30:05.980 --> 00:30:06.460 your sight 00:30:06.460 --> 00:30:06.800 and be 00:30:06.800 --> 00:30:07.060 filled 00:30:07.060 --> 00:30:07.360 with the 00:30:07.360 --> 00:30:07.519 Holy 00:30:07.519 --> 00:30:07.940 Spirit 00:30:07.940 --> 00:30:09.700 so imagine 00:30:09.700 --> 00:30:10.100 being called 00:30:10.100 --> 00:30:10.460 a brother 00:30:10.460 --> 00:30:10.880 and having 00:30:10.880 --> 00:30:11.540 hands laid 00:30:11.540 --> 00:30:11.920 on you 00:30:11.920 --> 00:30:13.500 feeling like 00:30:13.500 --> 00:30:13.860 your world 00:30:13.860 --> 00:30:14.200 has been 00:30:14.200 --> 00:30:14.720 turned upside 00:30:14.720 --> 00:30:15.280 down 00:30:15.279 --> 00:30:16.099 and the 00:30:16.099 --> 00:30:16.619 implications 00:30:16.619 --> 00:30:17.079 might be 00:30:17.079 --> 00:30:17.420 more than 00:30:17.420 --> 00:30:17.660 you can 00:30:17.660 --> 00:30:17.940 bear 00:30:17.940 --> 00:30:19.599 and then 00:30:19.599 --> 00:30:19.899 God 00:30:19.899 --> 00:30:20.460 sends a 00:30:20.460 --> 00:30:20.779 man 00:30:20.779 --> 00:30:21.859 to comfort 00:30:21.859 --> 00:30:22.160 you 00:30:22.160 --> 00:30:22.859 and to 00:30:22.859 --> 00:30:23.139 welcome 00:30:23.139 --> 00:30:23.500 you into 00:30:23.500 --> 00:30:23.980 a family 00:30:23.980 --> 00:30:26.059 you feel 00:30:26.059 --> 00:30:27.759 the faithfulness 00:30:27.759 --> 00:30:28.279 of Christ 00:30:28.279 --> 00:30:28.599 in that 00:30:28.599 --> 00:30:28.960 moment 00:30:28.960 --> 00:30:29.500 to Saul 00:30:29.500 --> 00:30:31.740 the kindness 00:30:31.740 --> 00:30:33.220 of God 00:30:33.220 --> 00:30:33.980 in that 00:30:33.980 --> 00:30:34.359 moment 00:30:34.359 --> 00:30:35.819 to be 00:30:35.819 --> 00:30:36.139 called 00:30:36.139 --> 00:30:37.180 brother 00:30:37.180 --> 00:30:37.559 by the 00:30:37.559 --> 00:30:38.299 very man 00:30:38.299 --> 00:30:38.680 that you 00:30:38.680 --> 00:30:39.000 would have 00:30:39.000 --> 00:30:39.379 likely 00:30:39.379 --> 00:30:39.859 saw 00:30:39.859 --> 00:30:40.379 killed 00:30:40.379 --> 00:30:40.779 just 00:30:40.779 --> 00:30:41.099 three 00:30:41.099 --> 00:30:41.420 days 00:30:41.420 --> 00:30:41.819 before 00:30:41.819 --> 00:30:44.859 this 00:30:44.859 --> 00:30:45.539 is grace 00:30:45.539 --> 00:30:45.879 this 00:30:45.879 --> 00:30:46.159 is the 00:30:46.159 --> 00:30:46.439 sovereign 00:30:46.439 --> 00:30:46.759 grace 00:30:46.759 --> 00:30:47.179 of God 00:30:47.179 --> 00:30:47.639 at work 00:30:47.639 --> 00:30:48.859 this 00:30:48.859 --> 00:30:49.139 is what 00:30:49.139 --> 00:30:49.539 it means 00:30:49.539 --> 00:30:49.819 to be 00:30:49.819 --> 00:30:50.279 called 00:30:50.279 --> 00:30:50.700 into 00:30:50.700 --> 00:30:51.359 the 00:30:51.359 --> 00:30:51.639 church 00:30:51.639 --> 00:30:51.819 of 00:30:51.819 --> 00:30:52.279 Christ 00:30:52.279 --> 00:30:53.579 is to 00:30:53.579 --> 00:30:53.740 know 00:30:53.740 --> 00:30:54.179 a love 00:30:54.179 --> 00:30:54.799 and kindness 00:30:54.799 --> 00:30:55.519 that is 00:30:55.519 --> 00:30:56.879 it is so 00:30:56.879 --> 00:30:57.419 foreign 00:30:57.419 --> 00:30:58.159 in our 00:30:58.159 --> 00:30:58.579 world 00:30:58.579 --> 00:31:00.119 not because 00:31:00.119 --> 00:31:00.599 the world 00:31:00.599 --> 00:31:01.259 is rougher 00:31:01.259 --> 00:31:01.859 now than 00:31:01.859 --> 00:31:02.259 it was 00:31:02.259 --> 00:31:02.859 50 years 00:31:02.859 --> 00:31:03.079 ago 00:31:03.079 --> 00:31:03.379 because 00:31:03.379 --> 00:31:03.779 the world 00:31:03.779 --> 00:31:04.379 is rough 00:31:04.379 --> 00:31:06.819 and that 00:31:06.819 --> 00:31:07.159 is what 00:31:07.159 --> 00:31:07.740 is happening 00:31:07.740 --> 00:31:08.159 here 00:31:08.159 --> 00:31:10.139 imagine 00:31:10.139 --> 00:31:10.619 if this 00:31:10.619 --> 00:31:11.119 was 00:31:11.119 --> 00:31:12.479 the way 00:31:12.479 --> 00:31:13.159 we lived 00:31:13.159 --> 00:31:13.759 our lives 00:31:13.759 --> 00:31:14.159 as a 00:31:14.159 --> 00:31:14.579 church 00:31:14.579 --> 00:31:15.579 in the 00:31:15.579 --> 00:31:15.919 midst 00:31:15.919 --> 00:31:16.500 of a 00:31:16.500 --> 00:31:17.759 culture 00:31:17.759 --> 00:31:18.659 of 00:31:18.659 --> 00:31:19.059 cancellation 00:31:19.059 --> 00:31:19.599 and 00:31:19.599 --> 00:31:20.099 polarization 00:31:20.099 --> 00:31:21.119 of 00:31:21.119 --> 00:31:21.919 demonizing 00:31:21.919 --> 00:31:22.299 those 00:31:22.299 --> 00:31:22.539 who are 00:31:22.539 --> 00:31:22.879 different 00:31:22.879 --> 00:31:23.079 than 00:31:23.079 --> 00:31:23.299 you 00:31:23.299 --> 00:31:24.099 people 00:31:24.099 --> 00:31:24.359 come 00:31:24.359 --> 00:31:24.500 to 00:31:24.500 --> 00:31:24.879 faith 00:31:24.879 --> 00:31:26.479 and we 00:31:26.479 --> 00:31:26.859 welcome 00:31:26.859 --> 00:31:27.159 them 00:31:27.159 --> 00:31:28.139 to your 00:31:28.139 --> 00:31:28.439 brother 00:31:28.439 --> 00:31:28.779 to your 00:31:28.779 --> 00:31:29.139 sister 00:31:29.139 --> 00:31:30.379 somebody 00:31:30.379 --> 00:31:30.639 who has 00:31:30.639 --> 00:31:30.859 not 00:31:30.859 --> 00:31:31.839 enjoyed 00:31:31.839 --> 00:31:32.079 the 00:31:32.079 --> 00:31:32.699 embrace 00:31:32.699 --> 00:31:32.899 of 00:31:32.899 --> 00:31:33.159 somebody 00:31:33.159 --> 00:31:33.339 that 00:31:33.339 --> 00:31:33.639 truly 00:31:33.639 --> 00:31:33.979 loves 00:31:33.979 --> 00:31:34.139 them 00:31:34.139 --> 00:31:34.319 for 00:31:34.319 --> 00:31:34.699 years 00:31:34.699 --> 00:31:35.299 potentially 00:31:35.299 --> 00:31:35.879 decades 00:31:35.879 --> 00:31:36.539 are 00:31:36.539 --> 00:31:37.039 embraced 00:31:37.039 --> 00:31:37.359 with 00:31:37.359 --> 00:31:37.759 Christian 00:31:37.759 --> 00:31:38.159 love 00:31:38.159 --> 00:31:40.279 it's a 00:31:40.279 --> 00:31:40.839 very powerful 00:31:40.839 --> 00:31:41.240 thing 00:31:41.240 --> 00:31:43.940 friends 00:31:43.940 --> 00:31:44.220 you may 00:31:44.220 --> 00:31:44.519 have a 00:31:44.519 --> 00:31:45.059 small or 00:31:45.059 --> 00:31:45.639 large part 00:31:45.639 --> 00:31:46.220 in someone's 00:31:46.220 --> 00:31:46.819 faith journey 00:31:46.819 --> 00:31:47.579 but be ready 00:31:47.579 --> 00:31:47.920 because you 00:31:47.920 --> 00:31:48.180 will 00:31:48.180 --> 00:31:50.559 some plant 00:31:50.559 --> 00:31:51.220 some water 00:31:51.220 --> 00:31:51.680 but it is 00:31:51.680 --> 00:31:52.180 Christ who 00:31:52.180 --> 00:31:52.579 brings the 00:31:52.579 --> 00:31:52.920 growth 00:31:52.920 --> 00:31:54.759 surely 00:31:54.759 --> 00:31:56.039 but some 00:31:56.039 --> 00:31:56.460 plant and 00:31:56.460 --> 00:31:56.940 some water 00:31:56.940 --> 00:31:59.440 when an 00:31:59.440 --> 00:31:59.980 opportunity 00:31:59.980 --> 00:32:00.799 presents itself 00:32:00.799 --> 00:32:01.160 to you 00:32:01.160 --> 00:32:01.599 will you 00:32:01.599 --> 00:32:02.299 be obedient 00:32:02.299 --> 00:32:02.700 will you 00:32:02.700 --> 00:32:03.039 be 00:32:03.039 --> 00:32:03.720 an 00:32:03.720 --> 00:32:04.500 ananias 00:32:04.500 --> 00:32:06.359 that person 00:32:06.359 --> 00:32:07.039 might look 00:32:07.039 --> 00:32:07.539 like a 00:32:07.539 --> 00:32:07.920 threat 00:32:07.920 --> 00:32:09.920 or somebody 00:32:09.920 --> 00:32:10.140 who is 00:32:10.140 --> 00:32:10.660 terribly 00:32:10.660 --> 00:32:11.180 uncomfortable 00:32:11.180 --> 00:32:11.779 and awkward 00:32:11.779 --> 00:32:14.140 or somebody 00:32:14.140 --> 00:32:14.460 that you 00:32:14.460 --> 00:32:14.660 just 00:32:14.660 --> 00:32:15.460 you don't 00:32:15.460 --> 00:32:15.819 want to 00:32:15.819 --> 00:32:16.140 go near 00:32:16.140 --> 00:32:16.579 because you 00:32:16.579 --> 00:32:16.859 are a 00:32:16.859 --> 00:32:17.180 hyper 00:32:17.180 --> 00:32:17.900 introvert 00:32:17.900 --> 00:32:18.819 and you 00:32:18.819 --> 00:32:19.180 like your 00:32:19.180 --> 00:32:19.640 space 00:32:19.640 --> 00:32:21.700 will you 00:32:21.700 --> 00:32:22.460 be obedient 00:32:22.460 --> 00:32:24.619 will you 00:32:24.619 --> 00:32:25.119 offer 00:32:25.119 --> 00:32:26.200 a hand 00:32:26.200 --> 00:32:26.779 of family 00:32:26.779 --> 00:32:27.319 and fellowship 00:32:27.319 --> 00:32:27.880 to that 00:32:27.880 --> 00:32:28.259 person 00:32:28.259 --> 00:32:29.220 if the 00:32:29.220 --> 00:32:29.519 Lord is 00:32:29.519 --> 00:32:29.980 calling you 00:32:29.980 --> 00:32:30.380 to that 00:32:30.380 --> 00:32:32.680 Saul 00:32:32.680 --> 00:32:33.019 is given 00:32:33.019 --> 00:32:33.619 assurance 00:32:33.619 --> 00:32:35.579 by his 00:32:35.579 --> 00:32:36.039 sight being 00:32:36.039 --> 00:32:36.500 restored 00:32:36.500 --> 00:32:36.839 and he 00:32:36.839 --> 00:32:37.219 comes to 00:32:37.219 --> 00:32:37.699 accept the 00:32:37.699 --> 00:32:38.199 truth that 00:32:38.199 --> 00:32:38.799 Jesus is 00:32:38.799 --> 00:32:39.319 indeed the 00:32:39.319 --> 00:32:39.679 Christ 00:32:39.679 --> 00:32:40.579 verse 18 00:32:40.579 --> 00:32:41.739 it says 00:32:41.739 --> 00:32:42.219 this 00:32:42.219 --> 00:32:43.979 and immediately 00:32:43.979 --> 00:32:44.659 something like 00:32:44.659 --> 00:32:45.399 scales fell 00:32:45.399 --> 00:32:45.799 from his 00:32:45.799 --> 00:32:46.500 eyes and 00:32:46.500 --> 00:32:47.099 he regained 00:32:47.099 --> 00:32:47.739 sight he 00:32:47.739 --> 00:32:48.500 arose and 00:32:48.500 --> 00:32:49.039 was baptized 00:32:49.039 --> 00:32:49.619 and taking 00:32:49.619 --> 00:32:50.039 food he 00:32:50.039 --> 00:32:50.579 was strengthened 00:32:50.579 --> 00:32:51.619 Saul has 00:32:51.619 --> 00:32:51.979 come to 00:32:51.979 --> 00:32:52.219 faith 00:32:52.219 --> 00:32:53.979 he has 00:32:53.979 --> 00:32:54.599 encountered 00:32:54.599 --> 00:32:55.179 God he 00:32:55.179 --> 00:32:55.979 has wrestled 00:32:55.979 --> 00:32:56.399 with God 00:32:56.399 --> 00:32:56.659 he has 00:32:56.659 --> 00:32:57.039 ultimately 00:32:57.039 --> 00:32:57.739 accepted 00:32:57.739 --> 00:32:58.839 the gospel 00:32:58.839 --> 00:32:59.439 message 00:32:59.439 --> 00:33:00.979 and friends 00:33:00.979 --> 00:33:01.519 this is a 00:33:01.519 --> 00:33:02.619 Christian man 00:33:02.619 --> 00:33:03.559 who just 00:33:03.559 --> 00:33:04.059 three days 00:33:04.059 --> 00:33:04.500 before 00:33:04.500 --> 00:33:05.059 sought to 00:33:05.059 --> 00:33:05.279 kill 00:33:05.279 --> 00:33:05.879 Christians 00:33:05.879 --> 00:33:07.700 immediately 00:33:07.700 --> 00:33:08.279 Saul is 00:33:08.279 --> 00:33:08.879 welcomed into 00:33:08.879 --> 00:33:09.299 the church 00:33:09.299 --> 00:33:10.059 and participates 00:33:10.059 --> 00:33:10.519 in the life 00:33:10.519 --> 00:33:11.059 of the church 00:33:11.059 --> 00:33:12.079 and this is a 00:33:12.079 --> 00:33:12.740 key reality 00:33:12.740 --> 00:33:13.319 of coming to 00:33:13.319 --> 00:33:13.779 faith and this 00:33:13.779 --> 00:33:14.500 will help us 00:33:14.500 --> 00:33:15.159 to transition 00:33:15.159 --> 00:33:15.619 into our 00:33:15.619 --> 00:33:16.039 third and 00:33:16.039 --> 00:33:16.899 final aspect 00:33:16.899 --> 00:33:17.299 of what it 00:33:17.299 --> 00:33:17.720 means to 00:33:17.720 --> 00:33:18.980 be a 00:33:18.980 --> 00:33:19.419 converted 00:33:19.419 --> 00:33:20.099 person 00:33:20.099 --> 00:33:20.899 is that 00:33:20.899 --> 00:33:21.980 we are to 00:33:21.980 --> 00:33:22.559 live as 00:33:22.559 --> 00:33:23.259 members and 00:33:23.259 --> 00:33:24.000 participate in 00:33:24.000 --> 00:33:24.519 the life of 00:33:24.519 --> 00:33:25.019 the church 00:33:25.019 --> 00:33:26.200 when we come 00:33:26.200 --> 00:33:26.799 to faith you 00:33:26.799 --> 00:33:27.639 are incorporated 00:33:27.639 --> 00:33:28.859 into the 00:33:28.859 --> 00:33:29.960 very body 00:33:29.960 --> 00:33:30.720 of Christ 00:33:30.720 --> 00:33:32.220 and with 00:33:32.220 --> 00:33:32.460 it 00:33:32.460 --> 00:33:33.620 you get to 00:33:33.620 --> 00:33:34.480 participate in 00:33:34.480 --> 00:33:35.180 the life and 00:33:35.180 --> 00:33:35.920 mission of 00:33:35.920 --> 00:33:36.380 the church 00:33:36.380 --> 00:33:37.200 so look with 00:33:37.200 --> 00:33:37.420 me at 00:33:37.420 --> 00:33:37.900 verse 20 00:33:37.900 --> 00:33:44.519 and immediately 00:33:44.519 --> 00:33:47.519 and immediately 00:33:47.519 --> 00:33:49.799 sorry 00:33:49.799 --> 00:33:51.299 and immediately 00:33:51.299 --> 00:33:52.620 he proclaimed 00:33:52.620 --> 00:33:53.240 that is Saul 00:33:53.240 --> 00:33:54.180 Jesus in the 00:33:54.180 --> 00:33:54.900 synagogue saying 00:33:54.900 --> 00:33:55.940 he is the 00:33:55.940 --> 00:33:56.720 son of God 00:33:56.720 --> 00:33:58.140 and all who 00:33:58.140 --> 00:33:58.440 heard him 00:33:58.440 --> 00:33:58.960 were amazed 00:33:58.960 --> 00:33:59.339 and said 00:33:59.339 --> 00:33:59.759 is this not 00:33:59.759 --> 00:34:00.339 the man who 00:34:00.339 --> 00:34:02.100 made havoc in 00:34:02.100 --> 00:34:02.660 Jerusalem of 00:34:02.660 --> 00:34:03.160 those who 00:34:03.160 --> 00:34:04.480 called upon 00:34:04.480 --> 00:34:05.279 this name 00:34:05.279 --> 00:34:06.880 and has he not 00:34:06.880 --> 00:34:07.539 come here for 00:34:07.539 --> 00:34:08.059 this purpose 00:34:08.059 --> 00:34:08.619 to bring them 00:34:08.619 --> 00:34:09.139 bound before 00:34:09.139 --> 00:34:09.500 the chief 00:34:09.500 --> 00:34:09.920 priests 00:34:09.920 --> 00:34:11.260 but Saul 00:34:11.260 --> 00:34:12.099 increased all 00:34:12.099 --> 00:34:12.599 the more in 00:34:12.599 --> 00:34:13.079 strength and 00:34:13.079 --> 00:34:14.420 confounded the 00:34:14.420 --> 00:34:15.079 Jews that is the 00:34:15.079 --> 00:34:15.940 unbelieving Jews 00:34:15.940 --> 00:34:16.599 who lived in 00:34:16.599 --> 00:34:17.320 Damascus by 00:34:17.320 --> 00:34:17.920 proving that 00:34:17.920 --> 00:34:18.559 Jesus was 00:34:18.559 --> 00:34:19.420 the Christ 00:34:19.420 --> 00:34:20.980 when many 00:34:20.980 --> 00:34:21.460 days had 00:34:21.460 --> 00:34:22.539 passed the 00:34:22.539 --> 00:34:23.320 unbelieving Jews 00:34:23.320 --> 00:34:24.079 plotted to kill 00:34:24.079 --> 00:34:25.340 him but their 00:34:25.340 --> 00:34:26.199 plot became known 00:34:26.199 --> 00:34:27.419 to Saul they 00:34:27.419 --> 00:34:28.039 were watching the 00:34:28.039 --> 00:34:28.759 gates day and 00:34:28.759 --> 00:34:29.199 night in order 00:34:29.199 --> 00:34:29.719 to kill him 00:34:29.719 --> 00:34:30.899 but his 00:34:30.899 --> 00:34:31.779 disciples took 00:34:31.779 --> 00:34:32.579 him by night 00:34:32.579 --> 00:34:33.699 and let him 00:34:33.699 --> 00:34:35.579 down through an 00:34:35.579 --> 00:34:36.319 opening in the 00:34:36.319 --> 00:34:37.019 wall lowering 00:34:37.019 --> 00:34:38.399 him in a 00:34:38.399 --> 00:34:38.819 basket 00:34:38.819 --> 00:34:41.000 Saul the 00:34:41.000 --> 00:34:42.159 ravager of the 00:34:42.159 --> 00:34:42.939 church becomes 00:34:42.939 --> 00:34:43.559 the proclaimer 00:34:43.559 --> 00:34:44.259 of the gospel 00:34:44.259 --> 00:34:45.819 the raging lion 00:34:45.819 --> 00:34:46.519 has become the 00:34:46.519 --> 00:34:47.199 bleeding lamb 00:34:47.199 --> 00:34:49.659 the bleeding of 00:34:49.659 --> 00:34:50.799 this lamb is the 00:34:50.799 --> 00:34:51.960 proclamation of the 00:34:51.960 --> 00:34:53.039 lamb of God who 00:34:53.039 --> 00:34:53.939 takes away the 00:34:53.939 --> 00:34:54.539 sins of the 00:34:54.539 --> 00:34:55.960 world so when 00:34:55.960 --> 00:34:57.220 Paul when Luke 00:34:57.220 --> 00:34:57.900 tells us that he 00:34:57.900 --> 00:34:58.579 proclaims that 00:34:58.579 --> 00:34:59.519 Jesus is the 00:34:59.519 --> 00:35:00.000 son of God 00:35:00.000 --> 00:35:00.619 that's a bit of a 00:35:00.619 --> 00:35:02.619 catch-all term for 00:35:02.619 --> 00:35:04.000 Saul later Paul's 00:35:04.000 --> 00:35:05.599 theology that Jesus 00:35:05.599 --> 00:35:06.820 is indeed the 00:35:06.820 --> 00:35:07.639 sent one the 00:35:07.639 --> 00:35:09.019 Messiah God's 00:35:09.019 --> 00:35:10.659 only son that is 00:35:10.659 --> 00:35:11.440 going to die for 00:35:11.440 --> 00:35:12.300 the sins of the 00:35:12.300 --> 00:35:14.780 world Paul is 00:35:14.780 --> 00:35:15.619 participating in the 00:35:15.619 --> 00:35:16.079 mission of the 00:35:16.079 --> 00:35:18.340 church friends at 00:35:18.340 --> 00:35:19.440 the very heart of 00:35:19.440 --> 00:35:20.240 the church is the 00:35:20.240 --> 00:35:21.119 mission to continue 00:35:21.119 --> 00:35:23.240 the same ministry of 00:35:23.239 --> 00:35:24.399 Jesus Christ himself 00:35:24.399 --> 00:35:25.879 proclaiming that the 00:35:25.879 --> 00:35:26.799 kingdom of God is 00:35:26.799 --> 00:35:27.779 at hand that they 00:35:27.779 --> 00:35:29.059 that all people 00:35:29.059 --> 00:35:29.959 should repent and 00:35:29.959 --> 00:35:30.679 believe and be 00:35:30.679 --> 00:35:31.119 baptized 00:35:31.119 --> 00:35:36.059 Jesus is the 00:35:36.059 --> 00:35:37.239 only one by which 00:35:37.239 --> 00:35:38.759 anyone can be 00:35:38.759 --> 00:35:39.899 saved it's the 00:35:39.899 --> 00:35:40.839 only name that 00:35:40.839 --> 00:35:41.579 brings salvation 00:35:41.579 --> 00:35:42.319 under heaven 00:35:42.319 --> 00:35:43.699 this is the 00:35:43.699 --> 00:35:44.539 message of Christ 00:35:44.539 --> 00:35:45.619 and it becomes our 00:35:45.619 --> 00:35:46.799 message to 00:35:46.799 --> 00:35:47.579 proclaim as well 00:35:47.579 --> 00:35:48.299 we are called to 00:35:48.299 --> 00:35:49.299 both live out and 00:35:49.299 --> 00:35:50.419 proclaim this gospel 00:35:50.420 --> 00:35:52.559 and evangelism 00:35:52.559 --> 00:35:54.220 right it can be 00:35:54.220 --> 00:35:54.800 difficult and 00:35:54.800 --> 00:35:56.940 daunting because we 00:35:56.940 --> 00:35:59.480 live in Canada and 00:35:59.480 --> 00:36:00.559 Canada is very much a 00:36:00.559 --> 00:36:01.280 live and let live 00:36:01.280 --> 00:36:03.240 society our history 00:36:03.240 --> 00:36:04.180 was forged not on 00:36:04.180 --> 00:36:05.119 the battlefields of 00:36:05.119 --> 00:36:06.000 Gettysburg but on 00:36:06.000 --> 00:36:08.000 the on the on the 00:36:08.000 --> 00:36:08.720 boardroom of 00:36:08.720 --> 00:36:09.760 Charlottetown so to 00:36:09.760 --> 00:36:12.059 speak we we 00:36:12.059 --> 00:36:13.260 negotiate we find 00:36:13.260 --> 00:36:15.360 nuance we we 00:36:15.360 --> 00:36:17.340 tolerate it's in the 00:36:17.340 --> 00:36:19.579 very DNA in a sense 00:36:19.579 --> 00:36:20.420 of what it means to 00:36:20.420 --> 00:36:21.219 be Canadians 00:36:21.219 --> 00:36:21.920 interesting we'll 00:36:21.920 --> 00:36:23.980 see in 30 40 50 00:36:23.980 --> 00:36:25.319 years what Canada 00:36:25.319 --> 00:36:26.019 will look like if 00:36:26.019 --> 00:36:26.579 that will still be 00:36:26.579 --> 00:36:28.699 our DNA as more and 00:36:28.699 --> 00:36:30.039 more people come from 00:36:30.039 --> 00:36:30.960 around the world into 00:36:30.960 --> 00:36:31.480 Canada but 00:36:31.480 --> 00:36:32.920 nevertheless we are a 00:36:32.920 --> 00:36:33.860 live and let live 00:36:33.860 --> 00:36:35.960 society by and large 00:36:35.960 --> 00:36:38.519 on the ground so 00:36:38.519 --> 00:36:39.599 confrontation is not 00:36:39.599 --> 00:36:40.179 something that comes 00:36:40.179 --> 00:36:42.119 easy for us and 00:36:42.119 --> 00:36:43.219 evangelism seems very 00:36:43.219 --> 00:36:45.079 confrontational because 00:36:45.079 --> 00:36:46.219 as we share the faith 00:36:46.219 --> 00:36:47.639 and we're not 00:36:47.639 --> 00:36:48.579 necessarily attacking 00:36:48.579 --> 00:36:49.380 people but it can be 00:36:49.380 --> 00:36:51.579 perceived as that and 00:36:51.579 --> 00:36:55.719 it is difficult but 00:36:55.719 --> 00:36:56.739 this is the reality of 00:36:56.739 --> 00:36:58.239 the kingdom that when 00:36:58.239 --> 00:36:59.739 the gospel is 00:36:59.739 --> 00:37:01.519 proclaimed it comes 00:37:01.519 --> 00:37:02.880 against our existing 00:37:02.880 --> 00:37:05.819 worldview and it 00:37:05.819 --> 00:37:06.880 causes us to make a 00:37:06.880 --> 00:37:08.599 choice it confronts us 00:37:08.599 --> 00:37:10.519 and when heaven 00:37:10.519 --> 00:37:11.579 confronts an unredeemed 00:37:12.099 --> 00:37:14.559 people and culture of 00:37:14.559 --> 00:37:16.420 any culture but of 00:37:16.420 --> 00:37:18.240 Canada persecution is 00:37:18.240 --> 00:37:19.720 bound to come not 00:37:19.720 --> 00:37:20.880 necessarily from 00:37:20.880 --> 00:37:21.619 Jerusalem and the 00:37:21.619 --> 00:37:22.599 chief priests to bound 00:37:22.599 --> 00:37:23.500 us up and take us 00:37:23.500 --> 00:37:25.400 away to be arrested and 00:37:25.400 --> 00:37:28.039 stoned but in all sorts 00:37:28.039 --> 00:37:29.280 of ways where our 00:37:29.280 --> 00:37:30.659 reputation could take a 00:37:30.659 --> 00:37:32.860 hit and decisions that 00:37:32.860 --> 00:37:34.700 we make will result in a 00:37:34.700 --> 00:37:37.119 less comfortable less 00:37:37.119 --> 00:37:39.500 live and let live kind of 00:37:39.500 --> 00:37:44.599 life but the strength that 00:37:44.599 --> 00:37:46.219 God gives as we bear 00:37:46.219 --> 00:37:48.000 witness to him is a 00:37:48.000 --> 00:37:49.259 strength that we need to 00:37:49.259 --> 00:37:50.460 accomplish this goal and 00:37:50.460 --> 00:37:51.360 this is what we are called 00:37:51.360 --> 00:37:54.559 to do so that God calls us 00:37:54.559 --> 00:37:56.699 into the church gives us a 00:37:56.699 --> 00:37:59.179 mission knows our frailty 00:37:59.179 --> 00:38:00.679 gives us the strength to do 00:38:00.679 --> 00:38:02.360 it to be encouraged by one 00:38:02.360 --> 00:38:04.759 another so not all of us are 00:38:04.759 --> 00:38:06.500 called to have an evangelism 00:38:06.500 --> 00:38:08.940 ministry of St. Paul thank God 00:38:08.940 --> 00:38:12.019 in many ways Paul is going to 00:38:12.019 --> 00:38:13.599 live a crazy difficult hard 00:38:13.599 --> 00:38:16.400 life but we are called to 00:38:16.400 --> 00:38:17.460 follow our Savior and to 00:38:17.460 --> 00:38:20.259 proclaim his name let us 00:38:20.259 --> 00:38:23.599 continue in verse 26 and when 00:38:23.599 --> 00:38:25.199 he had come to Jerusalem that 00:38:25.199 --> 00:38:27.360 is Saul just pause really 00:38:27.360 --> 00:38:28.300 quickly here and this is 00:38:28.300 --> 00:38:29.280 something we'll deal with 00:38:29.280 --> 00:38:31.559 later on the time markers 00:38:31.559 --> 00:38:33.179 aren't like Paul was in 00:38:33.179 --> 00:38:34.659 Damascus for a week or two 00:38:34.659 --> 00:38:36.280 good possibility that he was 00:38:36.280 --> 00:38:38.820 there for a year or two and 00:38:38.820 --> 00:38:40.259 in here somewhere there's a 00:38:40.260 --> 00:38:41.340 trip to Arabia that he'll 00:38:41.340 --> 00:38:42.460 talk about later on we're 00:38:42.460 --> 00:38:43.300 not going to deal with that 00:38:43.300 --> 00:38:45.080 but anyway some time has 00:38:45.080 --> 00:38:46.140 passed he comes to 00:38:46.140 --> 00:38:47.340 Jerusalem let's pick it up 00:38:47.340 --> 00:38:49.340 in verse 26 and when he 00:38:49.340 --> 00:38:50.280 had come to Jerusalem he 00:38:50.280 --> 00:38:51.340 attempted to join the 00:38:51.340 --> 00:38:53.280 disciples and they were all 00:38:53.280 --> 00:38:55.080 afraid of him for they did 00:38:55.080 --> 00:38:56.000 not believe that he was a 00:38:56.000 --> 00:38:57.240 disciple but Barnabas took 00:38:57.240 --> 00:38:58.360 him and brought him to the 00:38:58.360 --> 00:38:59.540 apostles and declared to 00:38:59.540 --> 00:39:02.600 them how on the road he had 00:39:02.600 --> 00:39:04.440 seen the Lord who spoke to 00:39:04.440 --> 00:39:06.020 him and how at Damascus he 00:39:06.020 --> 00:39:07.200 had preached boldly in the 00:39:07.200 --> 00:39:09.380 name of Jesus so he went in 00:39:09.380 --> 00:39:10.579 and out among them at 00:39:10.579 --> 00:39:11.619 Jerusalem and what's 00:39:11.619 --> 00:39:12.720 implied in between verse 00:39:12.720 --> 00:39:14.059 27 and 28 is that they've 00:39:14.059 --> 00:39:16.240 accepted him the church in 00:39:16.240 --> 00:39:18.480 Jerusalem so Paul went in 00:39:18.480 --> 00:39:19.579 and out among them at 00:39:19.579 --> 00:39:20.860 Jerusalem preaching boldly in 00:39:20.860 --> 00:39:21.920 the name of the Lord and he 00:39:21.920 --> 00:39:23.320 spoke and disputed against 00:39:23.320 --> 00:39:24.500 the Hellenists the the 00:39:24.500 --> 00:39:25.980 Greek speaking Jewish people 00:39:25.980 --> 00:39:27.599 but they were seeking to 00:39:27.599 --> 00:39:29.039 kill him and when the 00:39:29.039 --> 00:39:30.180 brothers learned this they 00:39:30.180 --> 00:39:31.420 brought him down to 00:39:31.420 --> 00:39:33.019 Caesarea and sent him off to 00:39:33.019 --> 00:39:39.719 Tarsus his hometown our church 00:39:39.719 --> 00:39:41.420 will see people come to 00:39:41.420 --> 00:39:44.759 faith it's true it will and 00:39:44.759 --> 00:39:45.920 those converts will almost 00:39:45.920 --> 00:39:47.659 certainly include people that 00:39:47.659 --> 00:39:48.759 will be ethnically and 00:39:48.759 --> 00:39:50.860 culturally and socially and 00:39:50.860 --> 00:39:52.280 economically different than 00:39:52.280 --> 00:39:55.460 many of us and we have the 00:39:55.460 --> 00:39:58.539 privilege but we also have the 00:39:58.539 --> 00:40:01.300 orders from Christ himself to 00:40:01.300 --> 00:40:04.119 welcome all new Christians 00:40:04.119 --> 00:40:06.739 into the church without 00:40:06.739 --> 00:40:09.199 exception and welcome them as 00:40:09.199 --> 00:40:11.119 brothers and sisters that we 00:40:11.119 --> 00:40:14.079 must extend hospitality and love 00:40:14.079 --> 00:40:15.659 in the same way that Ananias 00:40:15.659 --> 00:40:18.699 extended it to Saul in 00:40:18.699 --> 00:40:20.960 Damascus and Barnabas did so to 00:40:20.960 --> 00:40:24.559 Saul in Jerusalem it makes sense 00:40:24.559 --> 00:40:25.800 that they were afraid of of 00:40:25.800 --> 00:40:27.920 Saul he came and he showed up 00:40:27.920 --> 00:40:29.380 maybe this was the the the 00:40:29.380 --> 00:40:31.580 result of an extended plot and 00:40:31.580 --> 00:40:33.260 Saul was he's like a fifth 00:40:33.260 --> 00:40:34.900 columnist inside the Jerusalem 00:40:34.900 --> 00:40:36.600 church they didn't know they're 00:40:36.600 --> 00:40:38.720 maybe potentially wise to to be 00:40:38.720 --> 00:40:40.220 careful but Barnabas comes in and 00:40:40.220 --> 00:40:42.640 he advocates he does in a sense 00:40:42.640 --> 00:40:43.640 the work of the Holy Spirit 00:40:43.640 --> 00:40:46.840 advocating for for Saul and and 00:40:46.840 --> 00:40:49.060 that is our call too so when we 00:40:49.060 --> 00:40:51.100 see people that will be different 00:40:51.100 --> 00:40:54.800 than us we are compelled to 00:40:54.800 --> 00:40:59.300 to welcome them in that means in 00:40:59.300 --> 00:41:01.220 all likely in all likelihood we 00:41:01.220 --> 00:41:03.700 will see people come to faith and 00:41:03.700 --> 00:41:05.800 join our church that come from the 00:41:06.560 --> 00:41:10.019 LGBT community we might see people 00:41:10.019 --> 00:41:12.800 that have previously lived a trans 00:41:12.800 --> 00:41:14.960 life or have been in a same-sex 00:41:14.960 --> 00:41:17.900 relationship and they come to faith 00:41:17.900 --> 00:41:20.360 and who knows where they are in the 00:41:20.360 --> 00:41:22.720 process of of submitting their lives 00:41:22.719 --> 00:41:26.500 to Christ our job primarily first and 00:41:26.500 --> 00:41:29.279 foremost is to love them and welcome 00:41:29.279 --> 00:41:32.159 them and to be to them brothers and 00:41:32.159 --> 00:41:36.079 sisters in Christ and as they are 00:41:36.079 --> 00:41:37.879 growing in their faith and wrestling 00:41:37.879 --> 00:41:40.939 through sin in their lives we are there 00:41:40.939 --> 00:41:44.000 to be strength for them because later 00:41:44.000 --> 00:41:45.939 on they will be strength for us when 00:41:45.939 --> 00:41:49.519 we are wrestling through things we do 00:41:49.519 --> 00:41:52.400 not have the option of shunning people 00:41:52.400 --> 00:41:57.460 if they do not fit in our nice neat 00:41:57.460 --> 00:42:00.039 categories after people come to faith 00:42:00.039 --> 00:42:02.340 and before they come to faith we we 00:42:02.340 --> 00:42:04.139 show them love and kindness compelling 00:42:04.139 --> 00:42:05.900 them to submit their lives to Christ 00:42:05.900 --> 00:42:09.840 and this is why in a very real way the 00:42:09.840 --> 00:42:13.400 church the church is the true diversity 00:42:13.400 --> 00:42:19.780 equity inclusion originators because what 00:42:19.780 --> 00:42:24.960 unites us isn't who we are or what we 00:42:24.960 --> 00:42:27.039 have done or what we will do or how 00:42:27.039 --> 00:42:29.800 much money we have or because we need to 00:42:29.800 --> 00:42:31.660 reach a specific quota or look a certain 00:42:31.660 --> 00:42:35.780 way but it's because of Christ Christ who 00:42:35.780 --> 00:42:39.059 saves all without partiality he looks at 00:42:39.059 --> 00:42:41.440 people and chooses them not because of 00:42:41.440 --> 00:42:43.280 what they have done but because of his 00:42:43.280 --> 00:42:45.920 great love extended to them and welcomes 00:42:45.920 --> 00:42:48.840 them in so that the church truly is 00:42:48.840 --> 00:42:53.079 diverse united though around Christ 00:42:53.079 --> 00:42:59.599 bigotry prejudice haughtiness of any 00:42:59.599 --> 00:43:02.260 kind has no place in our church and 00:43:02.260 --> 00:43:04.240 sometimes it takes a Barnabas to remind 00:43:04.240 --> 00:43:07.220 us of that it is fitting then as Paul 00:43:07.220 --> 00:43:09.119 says in Galatians chapter 3 starting 00:43:09.119 --> 00:43:12.460 verse 25 but now that faith has come we 00:43:12.460 --> 00:43:14.539 are no longer under a guardian for in 00:43:14.539 --> 00:43:18.019 Christ Jesus you are all sons of God and 00:43:18.019 --> 00:43:21.460 when he says sons of God he is talking in a 00:43:21.460 --> 00:43:24.440 sense of firstborn it's not just that 00:43:24.440 --> 00:43:26.440 it's sons and daughters it's or just 00:43:26.440 --> 00:43:28.659 regular sons it's that we are firstborn 00:43:28.659 --> 00:43:30.779 sons with all the privileges that that 00:43:30.779 --> 00:43:33.259 entails in the ancient world firstborn 00:43:33.259 --> 00:43:33.819 sons 00:43:33.820 --> 00:43:38.460 men and women all firstborn sons in 00:43:38.460 --> 00:43:43.140 Christ Jesus for as many of you as 00:43:43.140 --> 00:43:45.120 were baptized into Christ have put on 00:43:45.120 --> 00:43:48.800 Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek 00:43:48.800 --> 00:43:53.180 slave or free male or female for you are 00:43:53.180 --> 00:43:56.280 all one in Christ Jesus and if you are 00:43:56.280 --> 00:43:59.840 Christ's then you are Abraham's offspring 00:43:59.840 --> 00:44:04.400 heirs according to promise that is the 00:44:04.400 --> 00:44:06.240 calling of all of us in the church 00:44:06.240 --> 00:44:09.440 firstborn sons with all the benefits 00:44:09.440 --> 00:44:11.059 and privileges that accompany that 00:44:11.059 --> 00:44:14.340 reality do you see the grace of God at 00:44:14.340 --> 00:44:18.340 work here in Acts chapter 9 where Saul 00:44:18.340 --> 00:44:22.100 who we last saw as approving the stoning 00:44:22.100 --> 00:44:24.260 of Stephen has become a Stephen himself 00:44:24.260 --> 00:44:28.900 fleeing Jerusalem the sovereign grace of 00:44:28.900 --> 00:44:31.160 God has gripped him so that he has 00:44:31.160 --> 00:44:33.099 encountered Christ wrestled with him and 00:44:33.099 --> 00:44:35.280 accepted the truth and has been 00:44:35.280 --> 00:44:37.820 welcomed in as a full member of the 00:44:37.820 --> 00:44:40.220 church participating in its life and 00:44:40.220 --> 00:44:42.519 mission and he suffers not as a 00:44:42.519 --> 00:44:44.420 punishment of his previous crimes but 00:44:44.420 --> 00:44:46.800 as a privilege of being united to Christ 00:44:46.800 --> 00:44:48.300 and being associated with his name 00:44:48.300 --> 00:44:50.539 friends this is conversion this is the 00:44:50.539 --> 00:44:52.720 gospel message this is our reality 00:44:52.719 --> 00:44:56.599 and if it's a struggle this morning 00:44:56.599 --> 00:44:59.699 good keep struggling keep wrestling 00:44:59.699 --> 00:45:03.539 there's there's lots of room for that 00:45:03.539 --> 00:45:07.039 this is a reality friends of all 00:45:07.039 --> 00:45:09.679 conversions whether or not your 00:45:09.679 --> 00:45:11.539 conversion was like Paul's or coming to 00:45:11.539 --> 00:45:14.559 faith as a teen and later kind of 00:45:14.559 --> 00:45:17.399 confirming your faith later on or maybe 00:45:17.399 --> 00:45:19.619 it's that you've never not known a time 00:45:19.619 --> 00:45:21.920 where you haven't been saved and just 00:45:21.920 --> 00:45:24.639 God's kindness and grace is all you've 00:45:24.639 --> 00:45:26.019 known from your entire life and you've 00:45:26.019 --> 00:45:28.759 kind of grown in that maturity whatever 00:45:28.759 --> 00:45:31.619 it is the principles are the same God's 00:45:32.199 --> 00:45:34.699 sovereign grace has been active in your 00:45:34.699 --> 00:45:37.759 life this is the reality for which Jesus 00:45:37.759 --> 00:45:39.719 Christ died on the cross being buried and 00:45:39.719 --> 00:45:42.619 rising again this is grace it is life it 00:45:42.619 --> 00:45:46.619 is truth it is the way of salvation let's 00:45:46.619 --> 00:45:50.460 let us pray father we thank you for the 00:45:50.460 --> 00:45:53.980 example in life of St. Paul or we thank 00:45:53.980 --> 00:45:58.000 you that there's no mistaking that you 00:45:58.000 --> 00:46:00.420 intervened in his life and that you 00:46:00.420 --> 00:46:03.779 showed up in a miraculous way so that he 00:46:03.779 --> 00:46:07.699 encountered you that he wrestled with 00:46:07.699 --> 00:46:09.159 the implications of what it meant to 00:46:09.159 --> 00:46:10.880 become a Christian and ultimately came to 00:46:10.880 --> 00:46:14.539 faith accepting and proclaiming your name 00:46:14.539 --> 00:46:16.559 being baptized being welcomed into the 00:46:16.559 --> 00:46:19.739 church Lord may that reality be our 00:46:19.739 --> 00:46:21.739 reality may that reality be the reality 00:46:21.739 --> 00:46:23.300 of our neighbors and friends and our 00:46:23.300 --> 00:46:26.820 children our co-workers those we meet as 00:46:26.820 --> 00:46:31.019 we go about our lives in this part of 00:46:31.019 --> 00:46:34.239 Ottawa Lord we pray that this would be so 00:46:34.239 --> 00:46:37.259 clear and evident that you and you alone 00:46:37.259 --> 00:46:40.400 bring people to faith Lord we ask that 00:46:40.400 --> 00:46:44.300 you would help us to be real about our 00:46:44.300 --> 00:46:47.519 ongoing wrestlings our ongoing struggles 00:46:47.519 --> 00:46:51.139 and Lord help us to remember that you are 00:46:51.139 --> 00:46:54.619 patient with us and help us to remember to be 00:46:54.619 --> 00:46:57.700 patient with each other and Lord we pray 00:46:57.700 --> 00:47:00.240 that the the the goodness of your grace would 00:47:00.240 --> 00:47:03.220 abound in our congregation all the more we 00:47:03.220 --> 00:47:06.519 pray this in Christ's name amen if you have 00:47:06.519 --> 00:47:08.900 children now is the time to pick them up to 00:47:08.900 --> 00:47:10.720 pick them up to sign them out of Messiah 00:47:10.720 --> 00:47:11.079 kids