From Spectator To Participant

JESUS!

What a difference You made in my life!

The Apostle Paul’s testimony

From Pharisee to fair-you-see

From punisher to forgiver

From persecutor to proclaimer

From darkness to light

From power of Satan to power of God

From exclusive to inclusive

From “a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion” to a fair-you-see, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the Words of truth and reason.” [1]

From “I punished them often” to “that they may receive forgiveness of sins.” [2]

From “I persecuted them” to “a minister and a witness.” [3]

“To turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God.” [4]

From exclusive, “a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion” to inclusive, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.” [5]

Obedience to the Heavenly Vision

“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision but declared.. that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.” [6]

Paul experienced the blessing of JESUS lining up his actions with the message of the Gospel and of the holy prophets. Moments when God embodies His Word with my life yields great joy for me.

“ ...having obtained help from God to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come—that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.” [7]

Paul knew the resurrection of Jesus from the dead really happened. Jesus appeared to him. Jesus transformed him from being a doubter to being an assurer. Jesus opened doors for Paul to proclaim the Gospel in many countries. I believe that the Lord Jesus has a rich storehouse that is backed-up with supplies just waiting for that man or that woman of God to say, “Here I am Lord, send me.”

“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.” “Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘You almost persuade me to become a Christian.’ And Paul said, ‘I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.’” [8]

The mission of the missionary is converts. Mouths fed, seats filled and activities accomplished mean nothing if the spectators do not experience the conversion from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to the power of God. They need Jesus! From spectator to participant!

[1] Acts 26:5, 25
[2] Acts 26:11, 18
[3] Acts 26:11, 15-17
[4] Acts 26:18
[5] Acts 26:5, 29
[6] Acts 26:19-20
[7] Acts 26:22-23
[8] Acts 26:27-29