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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
In Acts 22:7, Paul speaks about that specific day when he met Jesus Christ, and the very time of day. There was this great light. I fell to the ground, and as I lay on the ground I heard a voice - such detail - and clear convictions. This was no dream.
Verse 10 gives us that vital question, which can continue to trouble people!
Jesus speaks to him directly, and he follows Christ's instructions from the very beginning. Then Ananias came to him - sent by Jesus - to deal with other areas of his life, which had to be dealt with right away.
Verse 14. Ananias speaks prophetic words. No-one makes up that type of thing. You don't even think about saying such words - they just flow - and in these prophetic words from Ananias are the seeds of Paul's prophetic ministry. He too would hear words from God, and speak them forth. What Ananias said all came true, and that is the mark of a true prophet. This was more than mere wishful thinking.
Verse 16. Then comes a question and answer! You wanted to know what to do. Let me tell you now what you HAVE to do, and we learn that Paul was baptised right away. Important matters are dealt with immediately. There is no debate or discussion whether or not this was the right thing to do - no wondering - no argument - no need for time to consider things.
The foundation is laid during these first three days - during the first 72 hours - and Paul never modified what had happened. He didn't water it down, or say later, "Well you don't need to do that nowadays". After 25 years he continues to give his testimony - his very personal account of how he became a disciple of Jesus - and in every sentence there are clear convictions. So should it be like this with us. Let people disagree with what we say - but let us at least be clear in what we are saying, as we live and serve as witnesses to Jesus Christ.
As a disciple of Jesus Christ are you clear in your witness? Does you light shine brightly? Do people know exactly where you stand and also how much you are prayerfully concerned and caring?
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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