Jesus came to testify of the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.  John 18:37

During the next several weeks, we will be offering a Bible study at our local Salvation Army facility in New Bedford, MA.  We will be enlightened by the life-changing experience surrounding Saul (who became Apostle Paul), on his road trip to Damascus.  Saul was the Hebrew of Hebrews, and the renowned Pharisee and persecutor of Christians.  We’ll learn that when we or a full-fledged zealot like Saul have an encounter with the Living God, all bets, philosophies, religious beliefs, world views, experiences, and future expectations are completely revolutionized.

As a quick refresher, Saul was on his way to Damascus to arrest or do what was necessary to stop followers of Christ.  On the way, he was knocked off his horse and physically blinded by the powerful light of Christ’s appearance.  The conversation that followed established that it was Jesus Himself intervening on behalf of His church.  A subdued and humbled Saul, experiencing the magnificence of The True Lord, was told to go to Damascus to receive further instruction.

As purposed by God, Saul met up with a devout man, named Ananias.  Ananias proceeded to lay hands on Saul and his sight was immediately restored.  “Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the just One, and hear the voice of His mouth.  For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.'” (Acts 22: 14-15)

We know from God’s Word that He is not a respecter of persons.  By faith, when we read the five point prophesy Ananias said to Saul, we can hopefully personalize it for our own lives.  No matter what we’ve previously thought, felt, experienced, or believed, Almighty God is saying:

Point 1:  He chose me!

Point 2:  God’s Word is His Will for me; it is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Point 3: Through eyes of faith, I am able to see the Just One, Jesus Christ, dying on the cross for my sins.

Point 4:  I go beyond my natural ears and hearing because I am a faithful listener of what the Spirit of God says in His Word.   

Point 5:  I am able to receive the same Spiritual power that worked through Jesus to be a witness of God’s Kingdom.

You and I are not Saul turned Paul, who wrote most of the New Testament epistles. We can, however, encounter the pursuing Living God.  In that reality, I’m compelled to share this message of hope with you because I believe in my heart that He chose me, I can know His will, I can see the just One, I can hear the voice of His mouth, and I can be His witness to all men of what I have seen and heard. To top it off, all of this applies to you, too!

Family and friends, you are cordially invited to participate in our upcoming Salvation Army Bible study. Those in attendance will benefit and learn in greater detail the true power that drove wayward Saul to become the revered and mighty Paul. Now that is something worth pursuing!

Eph 1:4; Ps 119:105; Heb 12:2; Rom 10:17; Acts 1:8

 Bible Study Times:  Thursday Evenings, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM June 12, 19, 26, July 3, 10, 17

The Salvation Army
619 Purchase St.
New Bedford, MA
To Register, Please Call:  508-997-6561