THE PASSAGES
Acts 26:9-20
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE
Sports fans can take it hard when someone changes sides. The classic rivalry between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees was fueled when Boston sold Babe Ruth to New York. The Babe had switched sides.
Coach Nick Saban led the LSU Tigers football team to a National Championship. After a brief time in the NFL, he returned to coaching college football—but he went to LSU’s biggest rival: the University of Alabama. LSU fans called him a traitor and a turncoat. Adding fuel to the fire were the three national championships he won with Alabama. To many people, Saban had converted. He had switched sides.
Switching sides—that is how many Jews viewed Paul’s conversion to faith in Christ. Originally called Saul, he was a rising star in the ranks of Judaism. He was making a name for himself as an aggressive defender of the Jewish faith against the new movement of people who claimed the resurrected Jesus was the Messiah. Then Paul changed sides. Something happened to him.
More accurately, Someone happened to him.
Acts 26:9-11
9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. 11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.
chief priests (v. 10)—The chief priests were composed of the current high priest, former high priests, leaders of the 24 orders of priests serving in the Jerusalem temple, the captain of the temple police, the priest in charge of the finances of the temple treasury, and other high ranking priests.
We regularly meet people who don’t follow Christ. It’s becoming more common than ever to meet people who vehemently oppose Christianity and any belief in God. While we certainly should care and be concerned about this phenomenon, we should not be surprised. They have varied reasons for their opposition. They are offended that the gospel of Christ would call them sinners. They don’t want to submit to anyone’s lordship except their own. They don’t like the exclusive claim that Jesus is the only way to God.They question any belief in a God who allows suffering, natural disasters, and violence; and who condemns people born into other religions.
At one time, Saul of Tarsus was one of those who opposed Christ and His followers. In fact, he had been a ringleader in seeking their destruction. Most people, however, remember him as Paul, the apostle who wrote much of the New Testament. But Paul never forgot who and what he had once been.
At one point in Paul’s ministry, he was taken into custody (Acts 21:33-36). He spent more than two years in custody, and during that time, he was able to present his case before King Agrippa (26:1-3). Agrippa II was the last of the Herods, a family given rule by Rome over the Jews. Because he was determined to keep order among the Jews, he was interested in Paul, who had been charged with blasphemy and with causing chaos among the Jewish people in the temple.
How can we handle situations where our faith
is criticized or questioned?
So how did Paul defend himself against the charges? He first confessed he formerly had supported the Jewish animosity toward Christ. Paul testified how he had been consumed with hatred and rage toward the followers of Jesus Christ. He openly admitted to casting believers into prison and seeking their deaths. By acting on the authority of the Jewish chief priests, Paul believed he was doing the will of God.
If you talk to someone vehemently opposed to Christ—or hear their attacks on a TV talk show—it’s hard to imagine them falling in love with Jesus. But as we will see in the life of Paul, it happens.
That’s why I want to view people—all people—with the eyes of Jesus. They are not enemies to be feared or conquered, but image bearers of God, fallen, broken, and in need of His grace. They may oppose the gospel now, but they can just as readily convert to faith in Jesus and become great witnesses of His power.
Just like Paul.
Acts 26:12-18
12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. 14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
pricks (v. 14)—The Greek term translated pricks described a rod, about eight feet in length and pointed on one end, used to direct and control oxen.
sanctified (v. 18)— To be sanctified means to be made holy or set apart. At the moment of salvation, the believer is set apart (from sin, self, and the world) to God.
Paul described the unmistakable nature of his encounter with Jesus. He reported seeing a bright light, and hearing a clear voice and a simple question—and all three had come from Jesus. I wonder what went through Paul’s mind at this point:
I was definitely wrong about Jesus being dead.
Jesus has come to kill me as revenge for my acts of violence and persecution against his followers.
Instead of a death sentence, Paul received …A rebuke. “It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” This was a common phrase in both the Greek and Roman cultures, a picture of someone kicking against a pointed spike. To do so is pointless and painful!
A call. “But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee.”
When did you first realize you need Jesus?
I hope you hear God’s grace in those words. No matter what you have done or how sinful you’ve been, you can never be so bad that Jesus can’t change you. You cannot make Him stop loving you regardless of your failures or opposition to Him. He knows your name and He chooses to pursue you even in your rebellion and stubbornness. Why? Because He loves you. Because He wants to save you. And because He has a purpose and plan for your life.
Acts 26:19-20
19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: 20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
Paul underwent a radical transformation. The man who previously opposed Jesus was now obeying Jesus. We see no delay or hesitation in Paul’s obedience. He became the most influential Christian in history. He wrote nearly half of the New Testament. A majority of what we know about church doctrine, leadership, and structure came through him. Paul’s letters and words, inspired by the Holy Spirit, have greatly impacted human history.
Don’t overlook this specific detail in Paul’s testimony. By birth and tradition, Paul was a Jew. He described himself as “circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless” (Phil 3:5-6). His Hebrew pedigree was second to none. Yet Jesus sent Paul “to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance” (Acts. 26:20).
What is your first impression of the
mission Jesus gave to Saul?
For the Jews, this was the most scandalous element of Paul’s testimony. Not only did Christianity’s greatest enemy become its greatest evangelist, but the gospel compelled a Jew to reach out to Gentiles. Paul would spend his ministry helping those outside of Judaism hear the gospel and believe in Jesus.
When we surrender to the truth of Jesus, it leads to a radical, continual, ongoing change called sanctification. The power of the gospel changes us—and it continues to change us throughout our lives as the Spirit does His work. The act of sanctification takes place day by day as we are transformed into the image of Jesus.
If God can use Paul, He can use you. If He can turn a murderer into His messenger, then He can redeem your brokenness for His glory. When Jesus transforms you from the inside out, you will discover, as Paul did, you can’t keep that to yourself. The news of what Jesus Christ has done for you is too good to hide.
Paul shared the good news of Jesus—and he never stopped until he died. Indeed, even though he physically died and is now in the presence of Jesus, he is still testifying to the power of Jesus Christ to redeem an unbelieving past for His glory.
Want proof? You just read his testimony 2,000 years after his death. Now that’s what I call a redemption story that lasts!
DIGGING DEEPER
“do works meet for repentance” (v. 20). As is true throughout this speech, Paul did not pass up any opportunity to testify to the gospel before the king. Thus, in speaking of his witness to Jews and Gentiles, he included the characteristic appeal he made—to “repent and turn to God” (v. 20). Repenting (metanoein) and turning (epistrephein) to God are variant expressions of the same act, for true repentance is a complete change of mind, an about-face from sin and self to God. The manifestation of this complete change of direction, the proof of the genuineness of repentance, is a life characterized by good works. Works can never be the basis of salvation. They are, however, the inevitable result of a genuine experience of turning to God in Christ.
In what ways are you different today
than when you first met Jesus?
LIVE IT OUT
How will this study make a difference in your life? Consider the following options as you move forward, both this week and beyond:
- Pray. Ask God to reveal any negative attitude that you may have against non-believers or other groups of people. Ask God to help you see them as He does.
- List. Make a prayer list with specific names of friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors who need to meet Christ. Lift them up daily to God for salvation.
- Share. Look for an opportunity to share your own story of redemption with a non-believer.
As God gives you the opportunity, talk about how Christ saved you and how your life is different now.
People may not like to see switching sides when it comes to sports, but there is one switch that all people need to make: the switch from death in sin to life in Christ. The apostle Paul made that switch, and so have many of us. If you’ve made that switch as well, it’s time to help others do the same.
This is our last lesson in this series on Beauty from Ashes.
Many thanks to Paul Mahrle for teaching for me last week! Hope to see everyone this Sunday!
Teacher Notes:
Video: Taming the Bull Ministries
Those of you that are football fans may remember John “Bull” Bramlett. He was an NFL linebacker in the late 60’s and early 70’s, and he was known for his aggression on and off the field. He drank heavily and often got into fistfights. In 1973, shortly after his retirement from pro football, he came to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior. From then on, he was a changed man. He died not long ago, but he spent the remaining years of his life traveling the country and telling people how Jesus had changed his life. He also wrote an autobiography called Taming the Bull, in which he detailed his life before and after his conversion.
In his book, Bull told about the time he shared his testimony in a small Mississippi church. His son Don was a new Christian at the time, and Bull invited Don to go with him and share his own testimony. Don began his testimony with these words: “Some of you may think you know somebody that’s mean – but folks, my Daddy was mean!” It was a great service, and they talked about it as they drove home. Don asked his father, “You didn’t mind what I said about you being mean before you met Jesus, did you?” Bull replied, “Son, you did just right. If you didn’t tell ‘em how bad I was before, they wouldn’t see what a difference it makes to know the Lord.”
The apostle Paul evidently shared this philosophy. When he shared his testimony, he often began by telling how he use to persecute Christians. He hated the name of Jesus and everything connected with it. He did his best to destroy the church.
Why did Paul feel the need to share these details?
He wanted people to see what a difference Jesus had made in his life. Before his conversion, he was willing to go anywhere and pay any price to persecute Christians. After his conversion, he was willing to go anywhere and pay any price to tell others about Jesus. As he stood before Festus and Agrippa, he told how Christ had changed his life.
Paul was accused of contributing to a worldwide insurrection. These charges landed him before the governing authorities: the Sanhedrin; Felix, the Roman governor; his successor, Festus; and Agrippa, a regional king who was considered an expert in Jewish culture and religion. Acts 26 is the record of Paul’s defense before King Agrippa, the Roman governor Festus.
I. Some People are Consumed by Hatred for Jesus
Listen for Paul’s former obsession.
Acts 26:9-11 (NIV) 9 "I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them.
Paul understood the perspective of his Jewish accusers, since he had once tried to destroy Christians.
What were some of the things Paul did against the Christians?
Why did he torture believers? What was he trying to get them to do?
Paul is in the custody of the roman governor Festus. When the Jewish king Agrippa II visits, Festus brings Paul out to tell his story to Agrippa, who was well versed in Judaism.
So what was Paul’s primary goal in his speech?
How did Paul tailor his message to the audience and situation he faced?
The gospel message was offensive to a very Jewish Saul of Tarsus.
What makes the gospel offensive to some people in today’s world?
What should be our objective when we tell others about the way we came to believe?
How can we use stories of our own experience to share the message of Christ?
II. Jesus Calls Even His Opponents
Listen for God’s intervention.
Acts 26:12-18 (NIV) "On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. 14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' 15 "Then I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?' "'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied. 16 'Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. 17 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'
Paul’s personal defense before King Agrippa is actually his personal testimony of how his life had changed because of a personal encounter with Jesus.
How did Paul describe his conversion and new life?
What did Jesus mean in verse 17 when He said He would rescue Paul from his own people as well as the Gentiles?
How does this promise relate to Paul’s present situation? Remember, he was in a Roman lock-up.
What were the “goads” that Jesus referred to?
What were some of the “goads” that God might use in our lives to wake us up to our need for salvation?
What did God tell Paul would be his future?
Why do we sometimes give up on people who oppose the gospel?
Our past does not predict our future.
III. Surrendering to Truth Leads to Transformation
Listen for Paul’s summary.
Acts 26:19-20 (NIV) "So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. 20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.
Where did Paul go to fulfill his commission?
What effect does the gospel have on the lives of those who receive it?
How would you describe “works worthy of repentance”?
How do you see God continuing to transform you?
Teacher Notes:
Click Here to Watch
Video: Taming the Bull Ministries
Those of you that are football fans may remember John “Bull” Bramlett. He was an NFL linebacker in the late 60’s and early 70’s, and he was known for his aggression on and off the field. He drank heavily and often got into fistfights. In 1973, shortly after his retirement from pro football, he came to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior. From then on, he was a changed man. He died not long ago, but he spent the remaining years of his life traveling the country and telling people how Jesus had changed his life. He also wrote an autobiography called Taming the Bull, in which he detailed his life before and after his conversion.
In his book, Bull told about the time he shared his testimony in a small Mississippi church. His son Don was a new Christian at the time, and Bull invited Don to go with him and share his own testimony. Don began his testimony with these words: “Some of you may think you know somebody that’s mean – but folks, my Daddy was mean!” It was a great service, and they talked about it as they drove home. Don asked his father, “You didn’t mind what I said about you being mean before you met Jesus, did you?” Bull replied, “Son, you did just right. If you didn’t tell ‘em how bad I was before, they wouldn’t see what a difference it makes to know the Lord.”
The apostle Paul evidently shared this philosophy. When he shared his testimony, he often began by telling how he use to persecute Christians. He hated the name of Jesus and everything connected with it. He did his best to destroy the church.
Why did Paul feel the need to share these details?
He wanted people to see what a difference Jesus had made in his life. Before his conversion, he was willing to go anywhere and pay any price to persecute Christians. After his conversion, he was willing to go anywhere and pay any price to tell others about Jesus. As he stood before Festus and Agrippa, he told how Christ had changed his life.
Paul was accused of contributing to a worldwide insurrection. These charges landed him before the governing authorities: the Sanhedrin; Felix, the Roman governor; his successor, Festus; and Agrippa, a regional king who was considered an expert in Jewish culture and religion. Acts 26 is the record of Paul’s defense before King Agrippa, the Roman governor Festus.
I. Some People are Consumed by Hatred for Jesus
Listen for Paul’s former obsession.
Acts 26:9-11 (NIV) 9 "I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. In my obsession against them, I even went to foreign cities to persecute them.
Paul understood the perspective of his Jewish accusers, since he had once tried to destroy Christians.
What were some of the things Paul did against the Christians?
- He had personally arrested many of them. Opposed name of Jesus, voted to have them put to death, and went to various synagogues, even foreign cities to chase them down.
Why did he torture believers? What was he trying to get them to do?
- He hated Christianity. A defender of the pure form of Judaism.
- Renounce the name of Jesus and punish those who would not.
- Make an example of those who refused, he (they) thought it would keep other people from also believing what they thought was heresy.
- Part of the first martyrdom - Stephen
Paul is in the custody of the roman governor Festus. When the Jewish king Agrippa II visits, Festus brings Paul out to tell his story to Agrippa, who was well versed in Judaism.
So what was Paul’s primary goal in his speech?
- To show how much God had changed him.
- How much he was against Christians.
How did Paul tailor his message to the audience and situation he faced?
- The man he faced was an expert in things Jewish and Paul knew he would understand his previous zealous attitude towards Jewish affairs.
- Then he described how God intervened in his life and changed him.
The gospel message was offensive to a very Jewish Saul of Tarsus.
What makes the gospel offensive to some people in today’s world?
- Feel it is too simple.
- They are not able to believe in God.
- Many don’t want to change their way of life.
- Many feel it is too limited … how could Jesus be the only way?
- Not politically correct.
- How could a loving God allow all the grief and suffering in the world today: Charles Templeton.
- Religion is just a crutch for folks who are not smart or strong enough to live life for real.
What should be our objective when we tell others about the way we came to believe?
- Share what Jesus can do, has done.
- Point people to Jesus.
How can we use stories of our own experience to share the message of Christ?
- God works in our lives to bring us to Himself.
- People might argue with our theology, but they cannot deny our own personal experience.
II. Jesus Calls Even His Opponents
Listen for God’s intervention.
Acts 26:12-18 (NIV) "On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 About noon, O king, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. 14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' 15 "Then I asked, 'Who are you, Lord?' "'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,' the Lord replied. 16 'Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen of me and what I will show you. 17 I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'
Paul’s personal defense before King Agrippa is actually his personal testimony of how his life had changed because of a personal encounter with Jesus.
How did Paul describe his conversion and new life?
- Was on the way to Damascus to chase down more Christians, all of a sudden a bright light from heaven appeared and caused them to fall down in shock. Jesus audibly spoke to Paul/Saul and told him his life was now to be turned around.
- Paul described himself as being thoroughly entrenched in Judaism. He was such an ardent supporter of the historic faith of Israel that he despised anything or anyone he perceived to be a threat to it, especially Christians. Then he met Jesus, and his life was never the same.
What did Jesus mean in verse 17 when He said He would rescue Paul from his own people as well as the Gentiles?
- He would be hassled and persecuted by both Jews and Gentiles and he eventually got in trouble with the Jewish religious leaders.
- He was run out of town more than once and he was stoned and left for dead by Gentiles who objected to what he said and did.
How does this promise relate to Paul’s present situation? Remember, he was in a Roman lock-up.
- He has been accused by Jewish religious leaders and they sought to get him prosecuted by the Roman authorities. He is in prison under Roman rule and he is also now talking to a government official who is an expert of Jewish issues.
What were the “goads” that Jesus referred to?
- Opposition to Paul’s campaign.
- People continued to believe in and follow Jesus, despite the persecution.
- Now God gets Paul’s attention by confronting Him dramatically.
What were some of the “goads” that God might use in our lives to wake us up to our need for salvation?
- Dissatisfaction with previous life.
- A dramatic or traumatic event in our life.
- Total failure going it alone without Jesus.
- Testimonies of believers around us.
- Contrast of our life without Jesus and someone else’s who is a believer.
What did God tell Paul would be his future?
- Paul to be a servant and a witness for Jesus.
- Turned his life around and sent Paul to minister to Gentiles … to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, rescue them from the power of Satan, and allow them to receive God’s forgiveness.
Why do we sometimes give up on people who oppose the gospel?
- We feel there is no hope and that they are just too fanatical about their opposition to Christ.
- They are too convinced … won’t listen to any argument.
- They have committed too many violent or gross activities to ever be convicted.
- People you know unlikely to become a Christian.
Our past does not predict our future.
III. Surrendering to Truth Leads to Transformation
Listen for Paul’s summary.
Acts 26:19-20 (NIV) "So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven. 20 First to those in Damascus, then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and to the Gentiles also, I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.
Where did Paul go to fulfill his commission?
- Went first to Damascus to preach and then went back to Jerusalem, Judea.
- Had been preaching to Gentiles wherever he went.
What effect does the gospel have on the lives of those who receive it?
- Leads them to repentance … turning away from sin, turning to God in confession and faith.
- Their lives demonstrate God’s working and changing them.
How would you describe “works worthy of repentance”?
- What you do, what you say will be different as a result of repenting.
- You are turning away from sinful attitudes and actions and you turn to God … submitting to His rule in your life.
- You allow Him to empower you to make right choices.
- When you fail (sin), you quickly confess and repent, receive His forgiveness and the power to make right choices the next time.
How do you see God continuing to transform you?
- God reveals new areas in our lives where we need to surrender to Him, repent, allow Him to change us.
- As you read and carefully consider scripture, God speaks to your conscience, appeals to your will to make the decision to change and learn new ways to trust Him and serve Him.
- Repentance is a radical change. The NT word means changing our mind so that our views, values, goals, and ways are changed, in other words our whole life is lived differently. The change is radical, both inwardly and outwardly; mind and judgment; will and affections; behavior and lifestyle; motives and purposes.
Acts 26:28
“He who is almost persuaded is almost
saved, and to be almost saved is to be entirely lost.”
Make that Change!
Application
Reject cynicism
- Ask God to reveal any negative or cynical attitude you may have against non-believers
- Pray to see them as Jesus does … people whose lives need to be rescued spiritually
Pray specifically
- Make a prayer list with specific names of non-believers you know personally whom you want to see come to faith in Christ
- Lift them up daily to God for salvation
Shine your light
- Begin praying for opportunities to build relationships with non-Christians
- Ask God for wisdom and boldness to share your own story of redemption as He leads
- Pray for patience as the Holy Spirit moves in His way and His timing in the lives of those to whom God leads you
Conclusion: I began this message with a story about NFL linebacker John “Bull” Bramlett and his son, Don. Bull had been a Christian for about three years when he got a letter from Don’s teacher. Don was in the eighth grade at the time, and it was about a week before Christmas. By the time Bull finished reading it, tears were running down his cheeks. He called a newspaper reporter and shared the story with him, and the reporter was so touched that he did a story about it in the local newspaper on Christmas Eve. Don’s teacher had assigned the class to write a paragraph on the subject, “All I Want for Christmas Is….” Here’s what Don wrote: All I want for Christmas is for my family and me to have a very merry Christmas, like the other two Christmases we’ve had. My dad was out drinking and fighting three years ago and we were all worrying about him and wondering when he will come back while opening our presents. It was so miserable through those years. Now we have a happy and merry Christmas after he accepted Jesus in his heart and we have a lot to be thankful for. This is all I want for Christmas and I got it.
Never underestimate the power of Christ to change someone’s life. Adrian Rogers said it well: “No one is so bad that he cannot be saved, and no one is so good that he need not be saved.” This same power transformed Paul from a persecutor of the church to a champion of the faith, and it changed Bull Bramlett from a drinking and fighting trouble-maker to a loving family man, a responsible citizen, and a witness of the good news of Jesus. Christ will change your life. If you’ve already trusted in Christ as your Lord and Savior, you need to be sharing with others what He’s done in your life. Who knows whether or not God will use you to bring them to a saving knowledge of Jesus?
In His Love,
David & Susan
