-
Rely On The Holy Spirit
The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. Acts 13:4, NIV Barnabas and Saul were sent by the Holy Spirit for a special mission. This calling wasn’t just something that is made up of human desires, but God Himself anointed them to preach the gospel to other places. It is important to note that they didn’t simply came up with their own plans, but instead, they choose to rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and lead them. This is a powerful reminder for us to seek the Holy Spirit. We may have our plans, but…
-
They Pursued God’s Presence Above Anything Else
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Acts 13:2, NIV When Barnabas, Saul, and other leaders in Antioch gathered, they worshipped the Lord and fasted. While they were on their knees, and while their hearts were in a posture of worship and surrender before God’s presence, the Holy Spirit instructed them about what to do next. These leaders may have experienced many supernatural things with God, but they didn’t fully rely on what they already received. Instead, they continued to seek God’s instructions and guidance. They still ministered before…
-
What It Means To Be A Christian
and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. Acts 11: 26, NIV The followers of Jesus where once called as disciples, saints, believers, or followers of the way. In Antioch, they were first called as Christians. They were identified as “Jesus’ People.” Christians are those who spread the gospel and truly follow the teachings of Jesus. In the present, Christianity is the most widely practiced religion. But sadly, many of us didn’t really have an intimate relationship with Him. Before, Christians were…
-
A Good Friend Like Barnabas
Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul. Acts 11: 25, NIV Barnabas was one of the followers of Jesus. When the church in Jerusalem heard that a significant number of people in Antioch believed and turned to God, they sent Barnabas to help the people there. When Barnabas arrived in Antioch, he witnessed the grace of God. He encouraged the followers and continued to minister to the people there. While he was serving, Barnabas remembered his friend Saul. In Acts 9, it was written that he was the one who welcomed Saul and helped him. Since there was a threat for his life, Saul was sent to Tarsus.…
-
When You Choose To Listen And Care
But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. Acts 9:27, NIV When Saul went to Jerusalem, the disciples didn’t wholeheartedly accept him at first. They were hesitant to welcome him, perhaps because, in the past, he persecuted many Christians. But a man named Barnabas brought him to the apostles. He was the one who shared with them what Saul experienced and how the Lord had spoken to him. Barnabas chose to listen to him despite…
-
Paul Patiently Dealt With The Disciples According To God’s Ways
When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. Acts 9:26, NIV When Saul went to Jerusalem years after encountering Jesus in Damascus, the disciples were hesitant to welcome him. Before Saul met Jesus, he persecuted Christians and threatened their lives. He put them in prison, and many of them suffered because of him. This must’ve been why the disciples in Jerusalem found it hard to accept him. I would have probably felt the same way if I had worn their shoes. Fear would possibly dominate my heart, especially when I recall the…
-
Obeying God’s Will Won’t Always Be Easy
After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. But his followers took him and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall. Acts 9: 23-25, NIV Saul, also known as Paul, was not a stranger to persecution. When he started to preach the gospel, he slowly experienced the things that he used to do to the early Christians. He was once the persecutor, but now he was persecuted. Following Jesus wasn’t easy for him. He went through…
-
God Can Turn Things Around
Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Acts 9: 18-19, NIV Saul, also known as Paul, was once a man who hurt Christians. He was full of zeal and eagerness to destroy those who follow Jesus. In fact, he went to Damascus just to threaten the people there, not knowing God had a different plan for him. It turned out that Saul met Jesus along the way. He encountered the Man who changed his life forever. From a person who persecuted the church to a person who was willing…
-
Saul Unknowingly Persecuted Jesus
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. Acts 9:3-5, NIV Saul was breathing out murderous threats against the early Christians. He was full of zeal with his beliefs in Judaism to the point of hurting those people who followed Jesus. He was one of the Pharisees who greatly persecuted those who believed in Jesus as the Messiah. He never really realized who he was persecuting until he encountered…
-
Acts 22:7, NIV
I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’ Acts 22:7, NIV This is what Jesus said to Saul (also known as Paul) when he supernaturally encountered Him in a place near Damascus. Before he was saved, Saul used to persecute the Christians in his days. He is one of those who arrested the men and women who were Jesus’ followers. This is the reason why Jesus asked Him this question, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’ It was an overwhelming encounter for Paul because that’s when he realized who Jesus was. And the amazing part is even though…
