This week we look at what is probably the most famous conversion in the history of the church – the conversion of the rabbi Saul of Tarsus – later known as the apostle Paul. This may also be history’s most unlikely conversion and the one to have the greatest impact on church history.
Audio: Acts09.mp3
Notes: Acts09.pdf
There’s a weird way in which I love instability. I’m referring to instability on a grand scale. When times and events cause people to be uncertain, when insecurity is the order of the day, when political, economic and whatever other sort of turmoil exposes the ricketiness of all this world’s structures, then our foundation of trust in the Lord can be tested and proved strong.
Peace, for example, seems to be in short supply these days. Nonetheless, the words of Jesus are still there for us to read and remember:
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John 14:27 (NKJV)
But that peace needs to be taken. It needs to be received intentionally through conscious trust. And the Bible is so full of encouragement to trust in the Lord.
“Many sorrows shall be to the wicked;
But he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him.
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous;
And shout for joy, all you upright in heart!”
– Psalms 32:10-11 (NKJV)
“Trust in the Lord, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.”
– Psalms 37:3-4 (NKJV)
“It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in man.
It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in princes.”
– Psalms 118:8-9 (NKJV)
In Chapter 8 we look at the ministry of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven deacons. First he goes to Samaria where many people hear his preaching and come to Christ. Then he goes to a desert road where he ministers to one man, a eunuch from Ethiopia.
Here are the audio and notes:
Today we look at Stephen’s sermon before the council in Jerusalem. He runs through the history of Israel, but then confronts the council with their rejection of Christ. They respond by killing him – stoning him to death. He prayed for them before he died – loving those who hated him.
The audio and notes are here below:
Central Reflections 