Published 3/28/19
Read John 8:31-32
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Reflect
· Is it possible that you're being deceived by worldly philosophies?
· Is your mind set on things of God--or the things of this world?
· Are you willing to be set free by truth?
Saul of Tarsus had an incredible truth encounter on the road to Damascus. He stood face-to-face with the risen Christ, and his life was forever changed.
As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?'
"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked.
"I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. (Acts 9:3-8)
When Saul regained his sight, he was a new man. And a short time later (Acts 13:9 to be exact), he got a new name: Paul. The Bible has at least 13 books in the New Testament bear Paul's name. Each tells about a transformational faith that literally turned his world upside down; a faith he wasn't ashamed to boast. As his faith grew, Paul learned three truths about life as a Christ-follower: (1) The crucified Jesus really had risen from the dead and truly is the Savior of all. (2) The wages of sin is death, but Jesus paid that price for humankind. Therefore, salvation is gained only through a relationship with Jesus--not by following the rigid laws of the Pharisees . . . or any other worldly philosophy. (3) Christians must never be ashamed of the Good News, and should strive to share it with the world--regardless of opposition.
The Lord gave Paul an important assignment: Tell others about the awesome Good News of Jesus Christ. Paul learned to make his work a priority and placed it above everything: ridicule, abuse, peer pressure, embarrassment . . . even the possibility of losing friends.
Pray
Lord, transform my mind with the truth. Empower me to share the Good News with friends, family, and neighbors. Amen.