What is the most shocking thing you've ever heard? The emotional or psychological upheaval that you felt at that moment, whether it was good news or bad, is most likely tame in comparison with what Saul of Tarsus felt when Jesus spoke to him on the road to Damascus. It took just such a shocking revelation to reach Saul because he was a man of both pride and zealous convictions. Sadly, there have been many times in the history of the Church when those claiming to follow Christ have been as eager to kill in his name as Saul. We may shudder at the actions of the jihadists, but five hundred years ago the Church was mired in the Inquisition's forced conversions, expulsions, and torture. Five hundred years ago the Church was slaughtering in God's name throughout Central Europe as Catholics, Lutherans, and Reformed Christians killed each other during the Thirty Years War. We have seen the Beast of killing in God's name, it was us, and we must be vigilant lest it ever return.
God spoke to Saul while he was in the process of attempting to destroy the fledgling Church. It was when Saul's rebellion against God was the greatest, that God's grace to Saul prevailed. God chose to rescue Saul from his path of self-righteous destruction, and God chose to offer to Saul the chance to be useful for his kingdom. Is there anyone too far gone that God's grace cannot reach them? If Saul was able to see Jesus, so can anyone. If Saul was able to be redeemed, everyone can be.
Are we listening when God is speaking to us? It is far better to seek the will of God, than to force God to get your attention, just ask Saul.
To watch the video, click on the link below:
Sermon Video
This blog serves as an outreach for Pastor Randy Powell of the First Baptist Church of Franklin, PA. Feel free to ask questions or send me an e-mail at pastorpowell@hotmail.com
No comments:
Post a Comment