Of Freedom and Forgivenessنموونە

Saul Meets Jesus, Part 1

The Apostle Paul who wrote many of the New Testament letters, was not always a follower of Christ. In fact he was probably the greatest human enemy of the early church. Let’s look at Saul (which was Paul’s name before he became a Christian) and see how he changed when he met Jesus Christ.

Read Acts 9: 2.

Why do you think Christians were called those who belonged to “the Way?” Christians claim that faith in Jesus is the “only way” to salvation. Paul was a proud Jewish religious leader and did not want to admit that his religious practices were missing something. No one likes to be told that their beliefs are wrong. We should be sensitive when we share what the Bible teaches with others. Some of them may react like Saul. Remember, the focus is on Jesus: Jesus is the way! Not our church or denomination.

Read Paul’s own account of his encounter with Christ in Gal. 1:11,12 to see what Paul emphasizes about the “gospel” (good news) he preaches. Where did it come from? Not from man, but a revelation from God! Now look in verse 14 where he talks about “the traditions of my fathers.” Paul had two choices: He could follow (a) the traditions of his fathers or (b) the revelation he received from Jesus Christ. He had to decide which he would follow. Which did he choose? The revelation from God!

1. What are some “traditions of your fathers” that you have decided to leave? (i.e. working on the farm, living in your home province, etc.)

2. Without criticizing anyone else’s religion, share about something you have learned from the Bible about how to worship God.

Reflection Time:

1. What has happened this week as you have reached out to others to share the love of Christ with them?

2. What is the Lord leading us to do to reach out to others with the Love of Christ?

Ask God to give you the courage to be like the Apostle Paul and to choose to follow what the Bible teaches about our relationship to God, rather than “the traditions of our fathers.”