A Changed Heart

N.T.#871  "A Changed Heart"

ACTS 22

LET IT GLOW

In the latter chapters of Acts we find the most extensive personal references to Paul's life and experiences. It is an extensive biography of this early church leader. Paul made his defense on the same Roman stairway where Pilate had condemned Christ to death some 26 years earlier. (Falwell)

Paul tells of his earlier life:

• He was born in Tarsus.
• He learned about the law under Gamaliel.
• He was zealous toward God. (verse 3)
• He persecuted Christians putting them in prison and to death. (verse 4)
• He was traveling to Damascus to bring believers to Jerusalem to be punished. 
• At noon, a great light shone and Jesus asked Saul why he was persecuting Him. (verse 7)
• He asked who it was.
• I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. (verse 8)
• Those with Paul saw the light but those with him didn't hear Jesus speak. (verse 9)
• Paul asked what he was to do. 
• Paul was blinded by the light of Jesus.
• Go to Damascus and it will be told him all things which are appointed for Paul to do. (verse 10)

Do you have a testimony for Jesus?

LET IT GROW

What happened in Damascus?

• Ananaias was a devout man in the law, went to Paul. (verse 13)
• Ananias spoke for Paul to receive his sight and it happened. (verse 13)
• His message to Paul was God chose Paul to know His will and see Jesus, that Paul was to be a witness to all men of what he had seen and heard. (verses 14-15)
• Arise, be baptized, and call on the name of the Lord. (verse 16)
• Paul went into the temple in Jerusalem and Jesus told him to leave for they would not receive his testimony of Jesus. (verse 15)

Paul knew he had done wrong when he put Christians to death.  Now he had a changed heart. Paul's message was that Jesus is the Messiah and is alive!

LET IT GO

What do you and I need to let go of so we can do all the things we are appointed to do for God's glory?

• God to damascus and it will be told him all things appointed for him to do.