The times-news. [volume] (Hendersonville, N.C.) 1927-current, 1933-10-07
Sunday. Get. 8.
Ii Il = 1 u

man be in Christ. he is new
creature; old thing; are passed
away; behold. I'll things are be-
come new. II Corinthians SIT.
The most remarkable CONVEX
sion in the world was that OF Saul
of Tarsus. which occurred about
sc AID, near Damascus, whittier
he had gone with authority from
Jerusalem to stamp out Chris
tianity. But after the great
change, he was enlightened by
the evangelist whom he intended
to imprison and Joined the church
which he meant to destroy.
SAUL AND THE HIGH PRIEST
Painting with rage against Chris
tians, Saul, the Sanhedrist, was
not content TO prosecute and
scatter the church in Jerusalem;
he desired utterly to an!hl!ate
Christianity. Hearing of the Wig
orous church at Damascus. he
thirsted also for its blood: hence,
he secured from the high priest
at Jerusalem, probab Jonathan,
the successor Of Caiaphas who
had been deposed the year be-
fore, legal permission and author
ity to go to Damascus and arrest
the Christians in that city and
bring them to Jerusalem for trial.
We may well imagine with what
eager bitterness Saul and his at
tendants set out on the journey
of 40 miles northward to Da-
mascus and with what anticipa-
ton he iourneyed day by day.
THE LORD AND SAUL
Penitent for sin became the
prosecutor at a memorable spot
on the highway just before reach
ing his destination. 1t was at
high noon on the fifth or sixth
dav of the journey that a light
surprising that Of a cloudless sun
flashed down upon them, the
sudden glare striking Saul to the
earth. To the PROSTATE Sanhe-
drist there came in clear ringing
tones the voice which was unmls-
taxable to him. The fevered and
fretful mind of Saul recognized
the divine presence, and Jesus
identified himself with his fol-
lowers. interfering at the right
moment with their great persecu-
tor. The astonished and tremb-
ling traveller now became a con-
trite suppliant. Thereupon the
Lord told him to proceed to the
Citv and wait for further instruc-
tions. Then Saul, blinded by the
light, led by the hand, and aided
by his companions, entered Da-
mascus in a very different plight
from what he expected. For three
full days without sight or food
and in an agony of prayer he
abode in tn house of Judas on
the street called Straight.
THE LORD AND ANANlAS
Waiting for light Saul spent
the interim in the dust and ashes
of contrition and confession. He
poured out his ardent soul at
Throne of Grace. In the mean
time, Ananias who was a notably |
good man and probably the lead
ing. Christian in Damascus, was
designated as the evangelist to
lead Saul into the fuller light. It
is little wonder that Ananias
knowing the havoc wrought by
Saul at Jerusalem and realizing
the purpose of his present visit
to Damacus. hesitated, fearing
that Saul might be playing a
game to entrap the Damascus
disciples. BIZ. his suspicious were
cleared and he gladly did his
duty.
ANANIAS AND SAUL
Enisting for srevice. was the
outcome of Saul's interview with
Ananias. Beautiful was the
scene when Ananias entered the
house Of Judas and laid his hands
gently upon the PROSTATE and
penitent prosecutor, and spoke
to him the welcome word of
mercy. of restored sight and Of
the HOLY SPIRITS infilling. I'M
mediately the temporary blind
ness was removed. though per-
haps he never regained his form
er power Of vision. Being well
acquainted with the custom of
Christians, the example and COM
mand of Christ, and perhaps also
instructed by Ananias. the con-
verified prosecutor followed his
Lord through the wat
ers of baptism. 1t may have been
in the open pool at the house Of
Judas or in the crystal waters of
the ALBANIA he was baptized. With
soul regenerate. Sight restored,
and baptism performed. Saul
broke his fast, receiving food and
was strengthened.
SEEK THE CONVERSION ,
OF SINNERS
(DConversion and sin. Breath
ing threatening and slaughter"
Saul was great sinner. He
called himself the chief of sim
ners. He was not far wrong in
MS estimate. But great sin calls
Tor great salvation.
% Conversion and Conviction.
Heard voice of the persecut-
I'd Christ to lay him low. Then
t was that he fell PROSTATE to
ne earth. But there is hope for
he penitent.
(3) Conversion and Contrition. !
Three days without sight" The :
'rch prosecutor was in a pitiable
blight. Sightless and foodless he
vrithed in agony over his condi- =
ion. But his eyes were turned ,,
And God does, not =
lespise the contrite heart.
(G Conversion and Confess ,
ion. Behold he praveth !
Never was there a humber sup :
plant at Throne of Grace.
irlevously had he sinned and he 7