Belington progressive. [volume] (Belington, W. Va.) 1912-1927, 1921-07-14

ing, and worthy of all acceptation, that
Jesus came into the world to save sin
ners; of whom l am chief.-I Tim. Ills.
REFERENCE MATERIAL-Acts I'll
q; 26:1-2S
PRIMARY ToPIC-Learning to Obey
Jesus.
JUNIOR ToPIc-saul Becomes Chris
tan
INTERMEDIATE AND SENIOR TOPIC
The Pharisee Becomes Christian
YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT TOPIC
"A Study Of Paul's Conversion,
!. Saul's Burning Hatred of Jesus
wv. /, p.
Saul knew full well that unless the
movement set on foot by Jesus was
stopped it would supersede Judaism,
but he was entirely ignorant of the
genius of Christianity Christianity
thrives on persecution. Prosperity may
ruin the church, but persecution
never.
The noble display of faith by
Stephen in sealing his testimony with
his blood did not soften Saul's spirit,
but rather intensified his hatred for
Jesus and His disciples. 1t made him
more determined than ever to stamp
out this Nazarene heresy. The in
tensity of his madness and the extent
of its operations are best set forth in
his own words (see Acts %: 4 and
Acts &c :10-12). He obtained authority
from the chief priests to carry on this
murderous work.
II. Saul Kicking Against the Pricks
wv. 3-9). The figure here is that of
the eastern ox-driver following the OK
with a sharp iron fixed to the end
of pole. The animal is prodded on
with this instrument and If it is re-
fractory it kicks against this sharp
iron and Injuries itself This is
picture of Saul as he was madly fight
ing against Jesus.
/. A light from heaven wv. 3, 4a).
The time had come for the Lord
to interfere. Saul is stricken with
blindness and falls to the earth. This
physical demonstration aeeentuated
the workings of his conscience which
doubtless we're going on, quickened
by the Holy Spirit as He used Ste
phens testimony.
2. A voice from heaven wv. Alb, 81.
This was the Lords voice calling Saul
by name and asking, "Why persecutest
thou me?" This moved Saul to in
quire, "Who art thou, Lord?" The
answer came, 81 am Jesus whom thou
persecutest," as if to say persecution
Of the church is persecution of Jesus.
g. what wilt thou have me to DOR
". 6)). The dictator is now willing to
be dictated to. The Lord told him to
70 into the city where information
would be given him as to what he
must do.
4. Saul entering Damascus wv. 7-9).
The naughty prosecutor goes quite
humbly into Damascus led by his
attendants. For the space of three
days he remained in blindness and
fasting. What went on in his soul
in those days no mortal can know,
but we may be assured that he, like
the Lord in the wilderness, was too
deep in meditation and prayer to de-
sire food. Doubtless in this time he
got hold Of the truths which he later
proclaimed to the world; for his con-
yersion was the basal fact Of his
theology.
III. Ananias Sent to Saul wv. 10
19a).
Here appears upon the scene q
hitherto unknown disciple.
/. Ananias vision wv. 1912. In
this vision the Lord appeared and in
structed him to 60 to Saul. He gave
him the name of the street and Sauls
host, and informed him that Saul was
now praying man and that he hac
prepared Saul by the vision for the
coming of Ananias.
2. Ananias' fear and hesitancy wv
1876. He knew Of Saul's mission anC
the authority by which he came. The
Lord encouraged him to go, assuring
him that Saul is no longer an enemy
but a chosen vessel to bear His name
before the Gentiles, kings, and thu
children Of Israel.
8. Ananias' obedience ". 10. HI!
fears being removed, Ananfas went t.
the house where Saul was staying
put his hands on him and affection
ately addressed him as brother" Tn
savage prosecutor is now brother il
Christ. He informed Saul that thu
Lord had sent him with twofolt
mission: ~ THAT thou mightes1
receive thy sight," (2) BE filed will
the Holy Spirit" He received sigh
forthwith. 1t is not said as to whethe
he received the Holy Ghost then, Blu
his life's work proves that he did.
j. Saul baptized wv. Is, 19a). Ate
Saul received his sight Ananias bap
tized him.
God Gives Light and Strength.