Weekly Ministry Tip #4, Spring 2013
The Conversion of One of the Greatest Leaders in the New Testament
The Apostle Paul’s original name was Saul. Acts 7 describes how a believer by the name of Stephen had just preached an evangelistic message that enraged the high priest and some in the crowd who were listening. Stephen called them a “Stiff-necked people who always resist the Holy Spirit.” He accused their “fathers of killing the prophets who announced the coming of the Righteous One (Jesus).” As the people and priest cast Stephen out of the city, they stoned him.
One of the individuals who witnessed the stoning of Stephen was Saul, and those doing the stoning laid their garments at his feet, Acts 7:54-58. Acts 8:1,3 state: “And Saul approved of his execution…But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison”.
But things dramatically changed in Acts 9. Saul had an encounter with the living Savior who said, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” The Lord spoke to another believer by the name of Ananias in a vision. He was resistant at first and did not want to go to Saul for fear of being put in prison for being a follower of Christ. In obedience, Ananias went to Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 9:17-18.
Man On A Mission
Saul was a feared man by many believers at that time but when he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, his life was changed forever. God even changed his name to Paul.
When someone has an encounter with Jesus and they fully place their trust in Him and begin to walk in obedience, their life will not look the same. Jesus is the only one who can bring true fulfillment, joy, meaning, purpose and endurance, even in the face of difficulties. Paul’s life was radically transformed, he was called by God to be a man on a mission.
The message of Christ is the Gospel (Good News) that we are also called to share with everyone who will listen. The apostle Paul was a powerful example. Share the message of Christ often with those around you.
Valentine’s Day Questionnaire
Today I spoke with our key leader at the University of North Florida. They are doing a Valentine’s Day questionnaire with as many as possible on campus, in the hope that they will get a chance to share the “Knowing God Personally” booklet with them. Why not give it a try. Here is the survey: Valentine’s Survey
If Valentine’s Day has come and gone, you can still use this questionnaire throughout the month of February and it can still work. People have felt a real need to know that they are loved. Share the unconditional love that Christ has for us.
Leadership Development and Summer Projects
Continue to share with those in your ministry the opportunities to serve the Lord this summer on Summer Projects. Do you want to raise-up some solid leaders for your ministry? Get them on Summer Projects. They will help people to be trained as disciples and learn how to reach out to the U.S. and the world with the gospel message. The time for applying is now and the space is limited. If at all possible go yourself and take others with you.
Ben for Cru