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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
Acts 9:26. Saul made his way back to Jerusalem, from Damascus. This was not going to be any easier to begin with. He tried to join the Christian fellowship there. Not only was this a hard test for Saul, it was also going to be a hard test for them. To begin with they would NOT accept him.
How would you react if you had tried to get into the Jerusalem Fellowship and someone had said - "No - No - we are not allowing you in here. We don't trust you. You are just a wolf in sheep's clothing - off you go - scarper!" Would that put you off the Church of Jesus Christ for good? Might you decide never to have anything further to do with the Church - ever?
These disciples in Jerusalem, including the leadership, were suspicious. Was Saul a planted spy professing conversion? They were afraid, and fear can make a man do funny things. Remember, some of their relatives were in jail because of Saul's violent behaviour. Hundreds had to flee from the city because of Saul's hatred of Christians. One beloved brother was dead because Saul had issued the final command to stone Stephen to death. They had every cause to be cautious.
Here he is, saying that he is a Christian - a believer - a disciple - that he has met Jesus Christ - and that Jesus has changed him totally. Hard to believe?
Do you remember Barnabas, the man who was always going around encouraging everyone - the man who was so generous in his giving? Barnabas goes up to Saul, takes him aside, hears his testimony, and realises that what he is professing and claiming is for real. The evidence is there. Yes, Saul has been transformed, and this new friend, Barnabas, introduces him to The Christian Church in Jerusalem, and Saul finally joins the disciples there. Here is another instance of how important a friend can be.
Do you need a special friend today to help you? Or, are you needed to befriend someone who is desperately looking for a friend who will listen and understand?
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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