S. O. A. P.

Here’s Your 90 second AM Devotional!

S-cripture:

Acts 8:1

And Saul approved of their killing him.

O-bservation:

This is the amazing revelation that Saul of Tarsus (a radical young Jewish lawyer) was present for the stoning of the first Christian martyr, Stephen. The reason this is noteworthy is because in the next chapter of Acts … Acts 9 … Saul, while on a trip to Damascus to round up Christians and bring them back to Rome, was transformed by Jesus Christ. It was a bona fide miracle! Not only did he change, but he became the dominant author and church planter of the New Testament.

A-pplication:

I suppose for “Saul of Tarsus” to convert to Christianity in his day would probably be like the leading Jewish rabbi in the world right now converting to Jesus and becoming the head of “The 700 Club!” But certainly bigger than that, or any contemporary example. Because St. Paul (his name after his transformation) became the “Framer” of The New Testament and Church Planting. After Jesus said, “Go into all the world and make disciples,” this former Jewish zealot showed … “How To Do It!” The latest Christian hero, preacher, Pastor, church planter, etc., today, and those of tomorrow, will all have taken Paul’s basic teaching and basic set up to form their lead teams. The story of “Saul” turned into “Paul” is simply proof that … “People Really Can Change!” Remember, he watched Stephen while he was being killed for the cause of Christ, and showed his approval.

P-rayer:

Dear Jesus,

You changed me! I should be homeless, living on the street, eating out of a trash bin, but You changed me! I’m so thankful! I’m going to help rescue people again today. Amen