1 00:00:00,380 --> 00:00:04,080 Speaker 1: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 00:00:05,140 --> 00:00:09,539 Speaker 1: The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have 3 00:00:09,560 --> 00:00:17,950 Speaker 1: become new. 2 Corinthians 5.17 Dear Heavenly Father, In the 4 00:00:17,989 --> 00:00:21,790 Speaker 1: gentle embrace of your presence, we find comfort and joy 5 00:00:22,410 --> 00:00:26,250 Speaker 1: in the truth of this promise. It is a sweet 6 00:00:26,329 --> 00:00:31,290 Speaker 1: balm to our souls, reminding us that In you, we 7 00:00:31,360 --> 00:00:38,790 Speaker 1: are reborn, renewed, and restored. With tender hearts, we thank 8 00:00:38,830 --> 00:00:42,810 Speaker 1: you for the gift of new beginnings. The past, with 9 00:00:42,850 --> 00:00:47,010 Speaker 1: its failures and pains, no longer holds sway over us. 10 00:00:48,630 --> 00:00:52,659 Speaker 1: In Christ, we are set free. Our lives are a 11 00:00:52,740 --> 00:00:57,420 Speaker 1: testament to your boundless grace and love. Help us to 12 00:00:57,500 --> 00:01:02,210 Speaker 1: walk in this newness of life. embracing the beauty of 13 00:01:02,270 --> 00:01:07,560 Speaker 1: the transformation you have wrought in us. May the reality 14 00:01:07,640 --> 00:01:11,919 Speaker 1: of our identity in Christ soothe our spirits, filling us 15 00:01:11,980 --> 00:01:17,760 Speaker 1: with peace and assurance. Let us live each day in 16 00:01:17,800 --> 00:01:22,670 Speaker 1: the fullness of your joy, knowing that we are dearly loved, 17 00:01:23,410 --> 00:01:29,990 Speaker 1: completely forgiven, and forever changed. In the precious name of Jesus, 18 00:01:30,350 --> 00:01:36,300 Speaker 1: we pray. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. 19 00:01:37,080 --> 00:01:41,880 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. Gospel stories retold to 20 00:01:41,920 --> 00:01:47,340 Speaker 1: capture your imagination and invigorate your faith. Today we dive 21 00:01:47,440 --> 00:01:52,070 Speaker 1: into the story of Paul the Apostle. Before his encounter 22 00:01:52,110 --> 00:01:55,550 Speaker 1: with Christ, he was the grim reaper. and harbinger of 23 00:01:55,630 --> 00:02:00,770 Speaker 1: persecution for the church. Now, listen for part two of 24 00:02:00,810 --> 00:02:07,150 Speaker 1: his dramatic conversion story. Follow this podcast on whatever platform 25 00:02:07,170 --> 00:02:10,830 Speaker 1: you're listening to. Doing so will keep you updated, but 26 00:02:10,910 --> 00:02:15,120 Speaker 1: also help us get discovered by more people. We want 27 00:02:15,160 --> 00:02:18,320 Speaker 1: the story of Jesus to be known throughout the world. 28 00:02:19,080 --> 00:02:25,130 Speaker 1: Thanks for making that possible. Winter gave way to spring. 29 00:02:26,470 --> 00:02:29,890 Speaker 1: The frost melted slowly off the mountain range and trickled 30 00:02:29,930 --> 00:02:34,560 Speaker 1: downstream into the valley of Samaria. Saul left at first 31 00:02:34,660 --> 00:02:39,100 Speaker 1: light to Damascus. The sun's warmth chased away the fog, 32 00:02:39,960 --> 00:02:45,980 Speaker 1: revealing the newly budded wildflowers carpeting the valley floor. The 33 00:02:46,020 --> 00:02:48,970 Speaker 1: road to Damascus chased after the shadow of Mount Hermon. 34 00:02:50,310 --> 00:02:53,090 Speaker 1: and Saul could still see the white caps as he 35 00:02:53,150 --> 00:02:57,470 Speaker 1: rode atop his horse. A band of temple servants and 36 00:02:57,530 --> 00:03:03,959 Speaker 1: guards followed behind him. They considered themselves inquisitors for a 37 00:03:04,020 --> 00:03:08,440 Speaker 1: holy cause, righteous warriors for the armies of the Lord. 38 00:03:10,430 --> 00:03:14,269 Speaker 1: Saul rode at the front atop his noble steed. He 39 00:03:14,350 --> 00:03:19,030 Speaker 1: was their fearless leader, mighty and filled with religious zeal. 40 00:03:20,680 --> 00:03:24,799 Speaker 1: He had accepted his new role with excitement. He could 41 00:03:24,840 --> 00:03:29,060 Speaker 1: be renowned forever as the man who thwarted the uprising 42 00:03:29,100 --> 00:03:33,940 Speaker 1: of the Nazarenes. Historians would remember him forever as the 43 00:03:34,020 --> 00:03:38,630 Speaker 1: leader who ended the name of Jesus. The thought of 44 00:03:38,710 --> 00:03:42,850 Speaker 1: such accolades gave him a smile, like the river picking 45 00:03:42,910 --> 00:03:47,570 Speaker 1: up speed from the mountains. Saul continued his momentum to Damascus. 46 00:03:49,580 --> 00:03:52,560 Speaker 1: On the fourth day, Saul and his companions passed the 47 00:03:52,600 --> 00:03:56,980 Speaker 1: Sea of Galilee. Saul looked at the hills scaling upwards 48 00:03:57,120 --> 00:04:01,380 Speaker 1: away from the shore. Fishermen docked their boats and unloaded 49 00:04:01,420 --> 00:04:05,540 Speaker 1: their fish onto the beach. The shore of Galilee was 50 00:04:05,600 --> 00:04:09,740 Speaker 1: where Jesus often walked. It was where he taught and 51 00:04:09,800 --> 00:04:14,580 Speaker 1: gathered people to himself. For a moment, Paul stopped and 52 00:04:14,660 --> 00:04:18,760 Speaker 1: gazed at the vast body of water. He could see 53 00:04:18,839 --> 00:04:23,560 Speaker 1: Jesus in his mind's eye, spreading his shameful lies and 54 00:04:23,640 --> 00:04:29,360 Speaker 1: drawing people away with false promises of eternal life. He 55 00:04:29,520 --> 00:04:35,280 Speaker 1: often fantasized about interrupting Jesus and rebuking him. Yet there 56 00:04:35,320 --> 00:04:39,180 Speaker 1: was a small prodding on his heart that kept emerging 57 00:04:39,260 --> 00:04:43,229 Speaker 1: when he thought of Jesus, like a loose needle occasionally 58 00:04:43,400 --> 00:04:47,950 Speaker 1: pricking his spirit. He kicked against any feeling of conviction 59 00:04:49,020 --> 00:04:54,589 Speaker 1: and marched onward. Despite Saul's efforts, the impact of Jesus 60 00:04:55,050 --> 00:05:00,150 Speaker 1: was inescapable. Every inn, marketplace, and well they stopped at 61 00:05:00,589 --> 00:05:05,170 Speaker 1: was filled with people talking about him, the Messiah. They 62 00:05:05,210 --> 00:05:08,809 Speaker 1: told tales of his return from the grave. They spoke 63 00:05:08,890 --> 00:05:13,159 Speaker 1: freely about his miracles and teachings. They did not know 64 00:05:13,260 --> 00:05:15,980 Speaker 1: Saul was on his mission or else they would have 65 00:05:16,020 --> 00:05:21,680 Speaker 1: spoken with fear. Nevertheless, Saul was compelled not because of Jesus' 66 00:05:21,740 --> 00:05:26,140 Speaker 1: words or miracles, but because of how people talked about him. 67 00:05:27,540 --> 00:05:30,900 Speaker 1: This man, who was only a few years older than him, 68 00:05:31,740 --> 00:05:36,890 Speaker 1: had managed to grip the hearts of thousands, perhaps even millions. 69 00:05:38,830 --> 00:05:43,050 Speaker 1: He had done what Saul had only dreamed of, and 70 00:05:43,110 --> 00:05:46,500 Speaker 1: he did it with only a few fishermen by his side. 71 00:05:48,200 --> 00:05:52,750 Speaker 1: It enraged Saul even more. Now he was not just 72 00:05:52,830 --> 00:05:59,870 Speaker 1: fueled by piety, but jealousy. Saul left Galilee and crossed 73 00:05:59,890 --> 00:06:03,930 Speaker 1: the river Jordan by the Roman bridge. The significance of 74 00:06:03,950 --> 00:06:08,560 Speaker 1: the Jordan River moved Saul. His ancestors had crossed the 75 00:06:08,600 --> 00:06:15,219 Speaker 1: Jordan with Joshua centuries earlier. He saw himself like Joshua. 76 00:06:16,170 --> 00:06:20,230 Speaker 1: leading people out of slavery to this Jesus of Nazareth. 77 00:06:20,570 --> 00:06:26,099 Speaker 1: They are all bondservants to this Jesus, he murmured. He 78 00:06:26,240 --> 00:06:30,620 Speaker 1: hated that this blasphemous imposter had taken so many hearts 79 00:06:30,700 --> 00:06:34,460 Speaker 1: and minds away from God. I will liberate our nation, 80 00:06:34,940 --> 00:06:38,090 Speaker 1: Saul thought to himself. I will save them and set 81 00:06:38,130 --> 00:06:40,690 Speaker 1: them free, no matter the cost. 82 00:06:43,690 --> 00:06:46,550 Speaker 2: At some point, everyone faces a fork in the road 83 00:06:46,570 --> 00:06:50,660 Speaker 2: of life, decisions we must make that will dictate our future. 84 00:06:51,140 --> 00:06:53,440 Speaker 2: But there is one decision that holds the greatest weight 85 00:06:53,540 --> 00:06:56,640 Speaker 2: when it comes to our fate, the decision to follow Jesus. 86 00:06:57,220 --> 00:07:01,020 Speaker 2: Christ's sacrifice has made salvation available to anyone, but only 87 00:07:01,060 --> 00:07:03,930 Speaker 2: those who answer his call to follow him experience his 88 00:07:04,029 --> 00:07:08,170 Speaker 2: blessed promise for new life. This is the Jesus Podcast, 89 00:07:08,570 --> 00:07:11,030 Speaker 2: a year of stories showcasing the depth of Christ's love 90 00:07:11,050 --> 00:07:14,740 Speaker 2: through storytelling, and the glory of God's truth through honest reflection. 91 00:07:15,180 --> 00:07:17,940 Speaker 2: I'm Zach, your host from Pray.com, and I'm happy you're 92 00:07:17,960 --> 00:07:20,260 Speaker 2: here with us today as we dig into part of 93 00:07:20,340 --> 00:07:23,780 Speaker 2: the story of Paul the Apostle. We're going to learn 94 00:07:23,860 --> 00:07:28,390 Speaker 2: how he embraces transformation in Jesus. With letters in hand 95 00:07:28,470 --> 00:07:32,010 Speaker 2: giving him permission to persecute the followers of Jesus outside Jerusalem, 96 00:07:32,510 --> 00:07:35,290 Speaker 2: Saul sets out with his men down the road to Damascus. 97 00:07:35,910 --> 00:07:38,650 Speaker 2: In his mind, this was the moment that could lead 98 00:07:38,690 --> 00:07:41,390 Speaker 2: to his glory. If all went according to plan, he 99 00:07:41,430 --> 00:07:44,330 Speaker 2: would return a hero and become renowned among the Jews 100 00:07:44,510 --> 00:07:48,030 Speaker 2: as the one who stopped the Jesus movement. But as 101 00:07:48,250 --> 00:07:51,450 Speaker 2: Saul's mind is filled with his conquest, his eyes become 102 00:07:51,510 --> 00:07:55,040 Speaker 2: filled with blinding light from heaven. In our story, we'll 103 00:07:55,080 --> 00:07:58,900 Speaker 2: feel the tremendous power that flows from encountering Jesus. We'll 104 00:07:58,920 --> 00:08:01,619 Speaker 2: see Saul's heart move at the words of the Lord 105 00:08:01,740 --> 00:08:04,460 Speaker 2: as his life hits a proverbial fork in the road. 106 00:08:05,040 --> 00:08:08,400 Speaker 2: While he may not know what lies ahead, the choice 107 00:08:08,520 --> 00:08:11,470 Speaker 2: is clear. to continue to follow in his flesh, or 108 00:08:11,710 --> 00:08:14,950 Speaker 2: to make the change and follow Jesus. Immerse yourself now 109 00:08:14,990 --> 00:08:17,850 Speaker 2: in Saul's conversion story, as the Lord moves not only 110 00:08:17,870 --> 00:08:20,150 Speaker 2: in his heart, but ours as well. 111 00:08:22,790 --> 00:08:25,470 Speaker 1: The final days of Saul's journey were spent under the 112 00:08:25,510 --> 00:08:30,480 Speaker 1: shadow of Mount Hermon. Wildflowers scaled up the snowy mountaintops. 113 00:08:32,620 --> 00:08:36,500 Speaker 1: Besides the few clouds covering the peak, the skies were 114 00:08:36,600 --> 00:08:41,490 Speaker 1: clear and calm. Everything was quiet beneath the mountain, as 115 00:08:41,570 --> 00:08:46,550 Speaker 1: Saul and his companions rode along the dirt path. The 116 00:08:46,630 --> 00:08:50,500 Speaker 1: only sounds for miles were that of horses' hooves and 117 00:08:50,530 --> 00:08:55,100 Speaker 1: the occasional bird. There was a stillness in the air 118 00:08:56,100 --> 00:09:00,099 Speaker 1: that caused Saul to stir in place. It was an 119 00:09:00,200 --> 00:09:07,170 Speaker 1: uncomfortable silence compared to his disquieted and chaotic mind. while 120 00:09:07,210 --> 00:09:13,070 Speaker 1: everything on the outside was calm and serene. Inwardly, Saul 121 00:09:13,150 --> 00:09:20,130 Speaker 1: continued to reel and rage like a storm. Then, out 122 00:09:20,170 --> 00:09:23,910 Speaker 1: of the still and silent sky, a light burst forth. 123 00:09:25,080 --> 00:09:28,060 Speaker 1: It was as if reality itself had been cut open 124 00:09:28,120 --> 00:09:31,900 Speaker 1: with a blade, and light came rushing out like a 125 00:09:32,040 --> 00:09:37,260 Speaker 1: surging waterfall. The rays of light cascaded over Saul and 126 00:09:37,280 --> 00:09:41,560 Speaker 1: his companions. The horses were terrified and threw the men 127 00:09:41,679 --> 00:09:45,920 Speaker 1: off their backs. The men behind Saul cowered together at 128 00:09:45,970 --> 00:09:49,709 Speaker 1: a distance and watched the light move like a living thing. 129 00:09:50,790 --> 00:09:55,290 Speaker 1: It swirled in a brilliant and terrifying dance, directing its 130 00:09:55,390 --> 00:10:00,870 Speaker 1: power straight at Saul. Suddenly, he was surrounded. by a 131 00:10:00,970 --> 00:10:05,690 Speaker 1: whirlwind of living colors. Flashes of bright orange and hues 132 00:10:05,750 --> 00:10:09,350 Speaker 1: of pink showered every inch of Saul's body, as if 133 00:10:09,550 --> 00:10:14,830 Speaker 1: washing him clean. Saul couldn't stand, for the sheer power 134 00:10:14,890 --> 00:10:18,980 Speaker 1: he was surrounded by kept him on his knees. The 135 00:10:19,040 --> 00:10:22,760 Speaker 1: light didn't just envelop him, but it shone within him. 136 00:10:24,260 --> 00:10:30,540 Speaker 1: At that moment, Saul felt completely and utterly exposed. Whatever 137 00:10:30,640 --> 00:10:36,329 Speaker 1: strength he had previously felt seemed like weakness. Whatever boldness 138 00:10:36,390 --> 00:10:41,110 Speaker 1: Saul thought he had seemed like cowardice. Whatever knowledge he 139 00:10:41,170 --> 00:10:47,089 Speaker 1: had seemed like foolishness. Kneeling under the weight of a 140 00:10:47,230 --> 00:10:53,330 Speaker 1: brilliant light... Saul was terrifyingly aware of his fragility for 141 00:10:53,370 --> 00:10:57,670 Speaker 1: the first time. Saul gripped the dirt in his fists 142 00:10:58,250 --> 00:11:02,240 Speaker 1: and looked toward the light source. It was more than light. 143 00:11:03,240 --> 00:11:09,140 Speaker 1: Something was there with him, or someone. Out of the 144 00:11:09,220 --> 00:11:14,240 Speaker 1: radiant whirlwind of flashing colors, a figure shone brighter than 145 00:11:14,500 --> 00:11:19,380 Speaker 1: all the other bursts of light. A man walked towards him, 146 00:11:20,179 --> 00:11:21,949 Speaker 1: but he wasn't just a man. 147 00:11:22,450 --> 00:11:23,850 Speaker 3: Saul, he said. 148 00:11:25,110 --> 00:11:29,209 Speaker 1: Paul's heart ceased its beating for a moment. He recognized 149 00:11:29,250 --> 00:11:32,890 Speaker 1: the voice, like it had been calling out to him 150 00:11:33,010 --> 00:11:38,439 Speaker 1: for a long time. His voice was familiar, like an 151 00:11:38,520 --> 00:11:44,080 Speaker 1: old friend, but terrifying, like a feared enemy. Saul, the 152 00:11:44,120 --> 00:11:47,809 Speaker 1: voice cried out again. Why are you persecuting me? Saul's 153 00:11:47,950 --> 00:11:53,199 Speaker 1: jaw quivered and his eyes watered. He felt himself succumbing 154 00:11:53,630 --> 00:11:59,000 Speaker 1: to the weight of this being's glory. Something heavenly was 155 00:11:59,040 --> 00:12:04,260 Speaker 1: taking place. That much Saul could surmise. He managed to 156 00:12:04,340 --> 00:12:05,520 Speaker 1: speak with labored breath. 157 00:12:07,620 --> 00:12:08,620 Speaker 3: Who are you, Lord? 158 00:12:09,140 --> 00:12:13,370 Speaker 1: Saul looked as the figure drew closer. His face became 159 00:12:13,410 --> 00:12:18,250 Speaker 1: more evident and his presence even more palpable. He was 160 00:12:18,350 --> 00:12:23,960 Speaker 1: more than a man. He was God. The heavenly figure 161 00:12:24,120 --> 00:12:29,240 Speaker 1: knelt down and met Saul face to face. He touched 162 00:12:29,300 --> 00:12:31,100 Speaker 1: Saul's shoulder and replied. 163 00:12:31,940 --> 00:12:35,670 Speaker 3: Jesus' voice spoke to him and within him. At that moment, 164 00:12:35,710 --> 00:12:36,929 Speaker 3: time itself. 165 00:12:36,990 --> 00:12:49,270 Speaker 1: Seemed utterly meaningless. Saul was caught up in Christ's gaze 166 00:12:50,250 --> 00:12:52,890 Speaker 1: and heard his voice again, saying, It. 167 00:12:52,850 --> 00:12:56,210 Speaker 3: Has been hard for you, hasn't it, Saul, kicking against 168 00:12:56,290 --> 00:12:56,929 Speaker 3: the goats? 169 00:12:57,530 --> 00:13:01,760 Speaker 1: With a gentle touch of Jesus' hand, Saul's entire being 170 00:13:02,020 --> 00:13:07,300 Speaker 1: felt weightless. The burdens he had held on to were lifted, 171 00:13:08,400 --> 00:13:11,680 Speaker 1: and the chaos of his soul was quieted like the 172 00:13:11,740 --> 00:13:17,030 Speaker 1: storm Jesus spoke to years before. The God who had said, 173 00:13:17,830 --> 00:13:22,069 Speaker 1: let there be light, spoke light into Saul's heart. 174 00:13:22,550 --> 00:13:23,890 Speaker 2: What am I supposed to do? 175 00:13:24,270 --> 00:13:26,319 Speaker 1: Saul said with tears falling from his eyes. 176 00:13:27,020 --> 00:13:30,040 Speaker 3: Oh, Saul, always looking for something to do. 177 00:13:30,580 --> 00:13:31,960 Speaker 1: Jesus replied softly. 178 00:13:32,360 --> 00:13:35,680 Speaker 3: For now, I need you to rise. Go into the 179 00:13:35,700 --> 00:13:39,390 Speaker 3: city and remain there. You will be told all you 180 00:13:39,450 --> 00:13:40,030 Speaker 3: need to know. 181 00:13:40,530 --> 00:13:44,100 Speaker 1: Jesus stood to his feet and backed away. The light 182 00:13:44,140 --> 00:13:48,740 Speaker 1: that enveloped Saul pulled back toward Jesus. The light coiled 183 00:13:48,760 --> 00:13:54,959 Speaker 1: around Jesus. And suddenly, he was gone. As soon as 184 00:13:55,000 --> 00:13:59,040 Speaker 1: he vanished, Saul's eyes grew dim. And the light that 185 00:13:59,100 --> 00:14:04,040 Speaker 1: was once in his eyes faded into nothingness. The image 186 00:14:04,100 --> 00:14:08,590 Speaker 1: of Christ's face was seared into Saul's mind. And now 187 00:14:08,710 --> 00:14:12,540 Speaker 1: it was all he could see. Saul had been made 188 00:14:12,640 --> 00:14:17,980 Speaker 1: entirely blind. He stumbled to his feet, as Jesus commanded, 189 00:14:18,840 --> 00:14:23,300 Speaker 1: and searched for his companions. The other men had watched 190 00:14:23,360 --> 00:14:27,580 Speaker 1: Saul at a distance, enveloped in light and speaking to it, 191 00:14:28,790 --> 00:14:33,010 Speaker 1: but they did not see Jesus. When it was all over, 192 00:14:33,090 --> 00:14:35,890 Speaker 1: they ran to their master and surrounded him with questions, 193 00:14:36,960 --> 00:14:40,600 Speaker 1: but Saul said nothing. Rabbi, what did you see? 194 00:14:41,880 --> 00:14:42,440 Speaker 2: What happened? 195 00:14:42,780 --> 00:14:48,700 Speaker 1: They asked. Saul was not fully prepared to answer. Something 196 00:14:48,720 --> 00:14:52,750 Speaker 1: had changed in him that he could not describe, at 197 00:14:52,790 --> 00:14:57,950 Speaker 1: least not yet. He was blind, but it was as 198 00:14:58,110 --> 00:15:03,200 Speaker 1: if he could see clearly for the first time. He 199 00:15:03,220 --> 00:15:06,880 Speaker 1: could not see the dirt road leading to Damascus, but 200 00:15:06,920 --> 00:15:11,870 Speaker 1: the path before him was as clear as day. Jesus 201 00:15:11,930 --> 00:15:15,690 Speaker 1: had not said much. He had not divulged the secrets 202 00:15:15,730 --> 00:15:18,960 Speaker 1: of the universe to him, nor had he spoken about 203 00:15:19,000 --> 00:15:23,880 Speaker 1: the mission for the future. Jesus had given one command. 204 00:15:25,140 --> 00:15:30,600 Speaker 1: Rise and go. So Saul would do as he was told. 205 00:15:30,980 --> 00:15:34,030 Speaker 1: We will continue to Damascus, Saul said with a whisper. 206 00:15:34,430 --> 00:15:35,750 Speaker 1: We will go there and wait. 207 00:15:36,170 --> 00:15:38,010 Speaker 2: Wait for what? 208 00:15:38,610 --> 00:15:40,810 Speaker 3: I'm not sure. 209 00:15:41,400 --> 00:15:44,580 Speaker 1: Saul's words trailed off as he recounted what had happened. 210 00:15:45,380 --> 00:15:47,660 Speaker 1: I will know it when I see it. The others 211 00:15:47,780 --> 00:15:52,280 Speaker 1: looked at each other with worried faces. Saul could not 212 00:15:52,340 --> 00:15:56,320 Speaker 1: see anything. So what could he possibly be looking for? 213 00:15:58,440 --> 00:16:02,110 Speaker 3: I am Jesus, the one you have been fighting against 214 00:16:02,140 --> 00:16:03,260 Speaker 3: this entire time. 215 00:16:03,870 --> 00:16:08,350 Speaker 1: The words still echoed within Saul's mind. He was blind. 216 00:16:09,360 --> 00:16:12,330 Speaker 1: but the image of the risen Jesus could not be 217 00:16:12,470 --> 00:16:16,910 Speaker 1: wiped from his sight. For three days Saul was haunted 218 00:16:16,990 --> 00:16:20,830 Speaker 1: by the recent memories of his brutality against God's people. 219 00:16:22,070 --> 00:16:24,340 Speaker 1: He felt cut to the soul for what he had 220 00:16:24,380 --> 00:16:28,620 Speaker 1: been doing. However, he was not hopeless in his regret. 221 00:16:29,900 --> 00:16:33,640 Speaker 1: With the newfound conviction also came a sense of freedom. 222 00:16:35,090 --> 00:16:37,890 Speaker 1: He was not chained down by the sins he had committed. 223 00:16:39,000 --> 00:16:43,270 Speaker 1: He was forgiven. He was more than forgiven. In fact, 224 00:16:44,090 --> 00:16:48,310 Speaker 1: he was a new person. He did not look new, though. 225 00:16:49,030 --> 00:16:52,610 Speaker 1: He hadn't eaten anything for three days, and the complexion 226 00:16:52,690 --> 00:16:55,900 Speaker 1: of a pampered Pharisee had been removed from his face. 227 00:16:57,740 --> 00:17:01,080 Speaker 1: He sat upright in the room, facing the window without 228 00:17:01,160 --> 00:17:04,980 Speaker 1: seeing the light. Every few hours his companions would knock 229 00:17:05,050 --> 00:17:08,359 Speaker 1: on the door to offer him food. but he refused 230 00:17:08,740 --> 00:17:13,320 Speaker 1: every time. Saul felt the compulsion to rid himself of 231 00:17:13,380 --> 00:17:18,700 Speaker 1: what made him him. Fasting was a necessary act of 232 00:17:18,760 --> 00:17:21,680 Speaker 1: stripping himself of everything that made him who he used 233 00:17:21,720 --> 00:17:27,480 Speaker 1: to be. However, time was not on Saul's side. He 234 00:17:27,530 --> 00:17:30,150 Speaker 1: had to eat or drink sooner or later, or else 235 00:17:30,190 --> 00:17:35,590 Speaker 1: he might wither away into nothing. So Saul continued to pray, 236 00:17:36,500 --> 00:17:41,280 Speaker 1: waiting for the voice of Jesus to speak again. The 237 00:17:41,340 --> 00:17:43,460 Speaker 1: night before, he had had a vision of a man 238 00:17:43,560 --> 00:17:48,360 Speaker 1: visiting him and restoring his sight. He trusted that this 239 00:17:48,500 --> 00:17:52,120 Speaker 1: vision would come to pass. He just didn't know when 240 00:17:53,000 --> 00:17:59,369 Speaker 1: or how. The day rolled along, and Saul remained at 241 00:17:59,410 --> 00:18:03,889 Speaker 1: the windowsill, turning his face toward the sunlight. The door knocked, 242 00:18:04,490 --> 00:18:09,420 Speaker 1: but Saul remained silent. The door opened without Saul's permission. 243 00:18:10,780 --> 00:18:12,540 Speaker 1: He turned his ear toward the back of the room. 244 00:18:13,040 --> 00:18:13,520 Speaker 3: Who's there? 245 00:18:13,980 --> 00:18:20,000 Speaker 1: Saul asked. Whoever was in the room walked lightly. Their 246 00:18:20,040 --> 00:18:23,980 Speaker 1: footsteps were timid and cautious. I would like to be 247 00:18:24,240 --> 00:18:29,420 Speaker 1: left alone, Saul said into the darkness. The stranger stopped 248 00:18:29,500 --> 00:18:32,659 Speaker 1: right in front of him and knelt down beside him. 249 00:18:34,420 --> 00:18:37,160 Speaker 1: Without a word, he placed a hand on Saul's head. 250 00:18:38,660 --> 00:18:44,140 Speaker 1: His touch was gentle, yet firm. A tender power emanated 251 00:18:44,200 --> 00:18:50,040 Speaker 1: from this stranger. The power felt familiar. His presence was 252 00:18:50,100 --> 00:18:55,000 Speaker 1: similar to Jesus. Saul's heart began to beat heavily, and 253 00:18:55,040 --> 00:18:56,419 Speaker 1: his palms began to sweat. 254 00:18:58,340 --> 00:18:58,820 Speaker 3: Who are you? 255 00:19:01,940 --> 00:19:06,149 Speaker 1: Saul's entire body began to tremble. The presence of God 256 00:19:06,210 --> 00:19:10,840 Speaker 1: was palpable and brought him to his knees. Saul knelt 257 00:19:10,910 --> 00:19:15,139 Speaker 1: on the ground, shaking, and his darkened eyes dripping with tears. 258 00:19:15,160 --> 00:19:21,160 Speaker 1: Ananias knelt beside him and embraced him like a brother. 259 00:19:22,260 --> 00:19:32,100 Speaker 1: He held the weeping Saul tightly in his arms. He 260 00:19:32,200 --> 00:19:36,080 Speaker 1: placed one hand on Saul's head and another on his face. 261 00:19:39,300 --> 00:19:44,650 Speaker 1: In that instant, Saul felt his eyes change. It was 262 00:19:44,710 --> 00:19:47,940 Speaker 1: as if a thick layer of snake scales were peeling 263 00:19:48,080 --> 00:19:52,880 Speaker 1: off of his eyes. It was painful and refreshing all 264 00:19:52,890 --> 00:19:58,000 Speaker 1: at the same time. Slowly the darkness began to leave 265 00:19:58,060 --> 00:20:02,600 Speaker 1: him and slivers of light peeked through the windows of 266 00:20:02,660 --> 00:20:07,460 Speaker 1: his mind. Saul rubbed his eyes and blinked a few times. 267 00:20:08,540 --> 00:20:14,730 Speaker 1: Standing before him was Ananias, wearing the gentle smile of Christ. 268 00:20:15,950 --> 00:20:20,060 Speaker 1: Saul knew at that moment that he would never forget 269 00:20:20,140 --> 00:20:21,790 Speaker 1: that smile. I.... 270 00:20:23,840 --> 00:20:24,639 Speaker 3: I can see. 271 00:20:25,340 --> 00:20:29,879 Speaker 1: Saul sighed. Saul could see more than just what was 272 00:20:29,940 --> 00:20:33,440 Speaker 1: in front of him. The Holy Spirit had come upon 273 00:20:33,520 --> 00:20:37,760 Speaker 1: him like a torrent of rushing water. The eyes of 274 00:20:37,880 --> 00:20:42,020 Speaker 1: Saul's soul were opened as well He was beginning to 275 00:20:42,080 --> 00:20:46,120 Speaker 1: see the purpose set before him, like a dark road 276 00:20:46,440 --> 00:20:52,710 Speaker 1: illuminated by flickering torchlight. Ananias looked down at Saul and 277 00:20:53,190 --> 00:20:56,889 Speaker 1: reached out a hand to help him. Saul placed his 278 00:20:56,930 --> 00:21:00,429 Speaker 1: hands on his knees and struggled to stand. He was 279 00:21:00,470 --> 00:21:05,350 Speaker 1: malnourished and trembling, but determined to walk the road to 280 00:21:05,390 --> 00:21:10,000 Speaker 1: the river. They moved slowly past the garden courtyard and 281 00:21:10,040 --> 00:21:14,400 Speaker 1: down the steps leading to the road. Saul was taking 282 00:21:14,560 --> 00:21:18,320 Speaker 1: in every vivid color, as if he had been blind 283 00:21:18,380 --> 00:21:22,959 Speaker 1: his entire life. Now that he thought about it, he 284 00:21:23,020 --> 00:21:28,250 Speaker 1: had always been blind. His ambition blinded him to everything 285 00:21:28,330 --> 00:21:33,550 Speaker 1: and everyone around him. All he could see was the 286 00:21:33,710 --> 00:21:38,820 Speaker 1: object of his selfish desires. But now that Christ had 287 00:21:38,880 --> 00:21:43,820 Speaker 1: redeemed him, he had new eyes. He captured every image 288 00:21:43,880 --> 00:21:49,060 Speaker 1: around him and appreciated it for its pure beauty. The 289 00:21:49,119 --> 00:21:53,200 Speaker 1: cream-colored stone of the city walls shone under the brilliance 290 00:21:53,240 --> 00:21:56,500 Speaker 1: of the sun. And the road leading down to the 291 00:21:56,540 --> 00:22:02,580 Speaker 1: river was arrayed with freshly bloomed apricot trees. Saul's heart 292 00:22:02,640 --> 00:22:08,720 Speaker 1: was filling up with deep and unquenchable joy. Saul could 293 00:22:08,780 --> 00:22:12,699 Speaker 1: not help but think of the psalmist's words, The sun 294 00:22:12,840 --> 00:22:17,250 Speaker 1: is like a strong man who runs his course with joy. 295 00:22:18,750 --> 00:22:20,890 Speaker 1: The two of them made it to the Abana River. 296 00:22:22,210 --> 00:22:25,810 Speaker 1: The water glistened in the sunlight and invited the men 297 00:22:26,250 --> 00:22:32,060 Speaker 1: with enthusiasm. Saul felt the coolness of the river crawl 298 00:22:32,119 --> 00:22:37,040 Speaker 1: up his spine and wake him up. He breathed in deeply. 299 00:22:37,850 --> 00:22:43,110 Speaker 1: and held Ananias' hand. Ananias looked at Saul and smiled. 300 00:22:49,030 --> 00:22:52,930 Speaker 1: Saul accepted Ananias' words like they were from Jesus himself. 301 00:22:56,130 --> 00:23:00,260 Speaker 1: Ananias grasped Saul's hand with his left hand and placed 302 00:23:00,300 --> 00:23:04,700 Speaker 1: his right hand on his back. He dipped him back 303 00:23:04,820 --> 00:23:10,440 Speaker 1: into the water, then lifted him out. The cascading sunlight 304 00:23:10,580 --> 00:23:14,920 Speaker 1: split into a million directions as Saul emerged from the water. 305 00:23:16,240 --> 00:23:21,860 Speaker 1: Saul emerged under the radiance of Christ's unending love. Saul 306 00:23:22,000 --> 00:23:25,810 Speaker 1: could not see it, but every angel in heaven was 307 00:23:25,950 --> 00:23:31,609 Speaker 1: rejoicing over him with a cacophony of praise. The water 308 00:23:32,170 --> 00:23:37,130 Speaker 1: represented a tomb for Saul, the persecutor. That man was 309 00:23:37,190 --> 00:23:43,520 Speaker 1: buried and would never return. Emerging from the water was 310 00:23:43,580 --> 00:23:47,820 Speaker 1: a new man. Just as Christ rose from the grave, 311 00:23:48,900 --> 00:23:52,700 Speaker 1: Saul was resurrected from the water. 312 00:23:56,960 --> 00:24:00,659 Speaker 2: The Gospel message promises transformation, the promise of change and 313 00:24:00,700 --> 00:24:03,879 Speaker 2: hope for a better future. Oftentimes, the thing that hinders 314 00:24:04,060 --> 00:24:08,770 Speaker 2: us the most from finding transformation is ourselves. Whether this 315 00:24:08,790 --> 00:24:11,430 Speaker 2: is physical transformation as we search for the discipline to 316 00:24:11,470 --> 00:24:15,170 Speaker 2: be healthier, emotional transformation as we seek the guidance of professionals, 317 00:24:15,770 --> 00:24:18,470 Speaker 2: or spiritual transformation as our souls long to be made 318 00:24:18,550 --> 00:24:21,760 Speaker 2: whole by Jesus. Saul wasn't just an enemy of the church. 319 00:24:21,900 --> 00:24:24,760 Speaker 2: In many ways, he was his own worst enemy. He 320 00:24:24,800 --> 00:24:27,300 Speaker 2: was blind to the gospel, and the physical blindness in 321 00:24:27,340 --> 00:24:31,740 Speaker 2: this episode is merely a condition that reflected his spiritual blindness. 322 00:24:32,290 --> 00:24:35,210 Speaker 2: But although his past was brutal and dark, it wasn't 323 00:24:35,250 --> 00:24:37,490 Speaker 2: too thick for the light of Jesus to pierce through. 324 00:24:38,190 --> 00:24:41,600 Speaker 2: Saul experienced a radical transformation on the road to Damascus 325 00:24:41,619 --> 00:24:44,480 Speaker 2: that led to one of the most well-known testimonials of 326 00:24:44,540 --> 00:24:47,460 Speaker 2: God's faith under the new covenant. He had spent years 327 00:24:47,560 --> 00:24:50,930 Speaker 2: investing in himself and his religiosity, and it paid off. 328 00:24:51,150 --> 00:24:53,090 Speaker 2: He rose the ranks of the Pharisees and became a 329 00:24:53,190 --> 00:24:56,050 Speaker 2: member of the Sanhedrin. It was a coveted title only 330 00:24:56,090 --> 00:24:58,929 Speaker 2: given to a few. Nobody could compete with Saul when 331 00:24:58,950 --> 00:25:01,510 Speaker 2: it came to living by the law, being righteous and 332 00:25:01,570 --> 00:25:05,050 Speaker 2: respected in the Jewish community. But through his encounter with Jesus, 333 00:25:05,230 --> 00:25:07,270 Speaker 2: he learned that he was missing out on the most 334 00:25:07,350 --> 00:25:11,470 Speaker 2: important part of his faith, a relationship with the Savior. 335 00:25:12,190 --> 00:25:15,449 Speaker 2: His moment with the resurrected Lord that interrupts his determined 336 00:25:15,490 --> 00:25:20,510 Speaker 2: drive is exactly what he needed to experience transformation. Oftentimes, 337 00:25:20,770 --> 00:25:23,730 Speaker 2: the way Jesus gets to us is by interrupting the 338 00:25:23,810 --> 00:25:26,900 Speaker 2: flow of our lives. He wants to disrupt our comfortability. 339 00:25:27,160 --> 00:25:29,800 Speaker 2: He wants to interrupt our trajectory. He wants to shake 340 00:25:29,840 --> 00:25:31,930 Speaker 2: us to our core and make us question what we've 341 00:25:31,950 --> 00:25:34,960 Speaker 2: been doing all this time. As Saul is shaken up, 342 00:25:35,210 --> 00:25:38,250 Speaker 2: there's three lessons that show us and help us experience 343 00:25:38,290 --> 00:25:42,020 Speaker 2: transformation as well. The first lesson is this. Saul teaches 344 00:25:42,210 --> 00:25:44,700 Speaker 2: us that we need to learn to recognize when God 345 00:25:44,859 --> 00:25:47,760 Speaker 2: is speaking. You see, before his encounter with Jesus, Saul 346 00:25:47,800 --> 00:25:49,500 Speaker 2: would have said that he was listening to the voice 347 00:25:49,540 --> 00:25:52,220 Speaker 2: of God. He would have declared that he knew God's heart. 348 00:25:52,619 --> 00:25:55,240 Speaker 2: He would have considered himself as someone who was smack 349 00:25:55,260 --> 00:25:57,580 Speaker 2: dab in the middle of the perfect will of God. 350 00:25:58,160 --> 00:26:00,600 Speaker 2: Living on this side of his testimony, we know that 351 00:26:00,660 --> 00:26:05,130 Speaker 2: he actually didn't see things quite clearly. Saul's problem may 352 00:26:05,190 --> 00:26:07,530 Speaker 2: not be as different from our own as we might think. 353 00:26:08,050 --> 00:26:10,930 Speaker 2: We often hear voices, whether it's our own internal dialogue 354 00:26:10,990 --> 00:26:13,070 Speaker 2: or the words of others in our lives, that we 355 00:26:13,109 --> 00:26:15,520 Speaker 2: believe are giving us a word from the Lord. Whether 356 00:26:15,560 --> 00:26:18,480 Speaker 2: it's a gut feeling or affirmations from a friend, we 357 00:26:18,619 --> 00:26:20,920 Speaker 2: take it as a sign that we're aligned with God's will. 358 00:26:21,530 --> 00:26:24,389 Speaker 2: But unfortunately, that's not always the case. There will be 359 00:26:24,440 --> 00:26:27,340 Speaker 2: times where God is speaking to us, and it's dangerous 360 00:26:27,380 --> 00:26:30,379 Speaker 2: when we don't know when those times are. Part of 361 00:26:30,400 --> 00:26:33,840 Speaker 2: the transformative process is learning to hear God's voice as 362 00:26:33,900 --> 00:26:36,830 Speaker 2: something distinct from our own. When I was a high 363 00:26:36,850 --> 00:26:40,750 Speaker 2: school and college pastor, I often heard this statement. Well, 364 00:26:40,830 --> 00:26:43,369 Speaker 2: I think God has told me that I'm supposed to 365 00:26:43,430 --> 00:26:46,770 Speaker 2: marry this person. As a college pastor or high school pastor, 366 00:26:46,790 --> 00:26:48,879 Speaker 2: I often rolled my eyes and said, well, how do 367 00:26:48,920 --> 00:26:52,420 Speaker 2: you know that exactly? These students would often say that 368 00:26:52,619 --> 00:26:55,300 Speaker 2: it's just a feeling that they have. But feelings can 369 00:26:55,359 --> 00:26:58,639 Speaker 2: be deceiving. We have to understand that God's voice is 370 00:26:58,770 --> 00:27:02,350 Speaker 2: separate from our own. When around each and every corner 371 00:27:02,450 --> 00:27:06,909 Speaker 2: you find confirmations of your desires, that's probably a sure-tell 372 00:27:06,990 --> 00:27:10,750 Speaker 2: sign that you're not actually listening to God's will. Because 373 00:27:10,810 --> 00:27:15,440 Speaker 2: God's will will often compete against our base desires. God's 374 00:27:15,480 --> 00:27:18,899 Speaker 2: will will often be counterintuitive to what we would have chosen. 375 00:27:19,420 --> 00:27:21,649 Speaker 2: If we're keen to God's word and we're heeding the 376 00:27:21,690 --> 00:27:24,869 Speaker 2: wisdom of the Holy Spirit, it's often going to be uncomfortable. 377 00:27:25,230 --> 00:27:27,230 Speaker 2: It's not going to confirm all of our beliefs and 378 00:27:27,290 --> 00:27:29,609 Speaker 2: it's not going to confirm all of what we feel 379 00:27:29,730 --> 00:27:33,050 Speaker 2: to be true. God declares that his thoughts are higher 380 00:27:33,230 --> 00:27:35,820 Speaker 2: than our thoughts. That means that just because we think 381 00:27:35,859 --> 00:27:38,159 Speaker 2: something is right does not mean that it's going to 382 00:27:38,280 --> 00:27:41,500 Speaker 2: automatically be aligned with God's will. Whenever you feel like 383 00:27:41,540 --> 00:27:43,260 Speaker 2: you might be sensing a word from the Lord or 384 00:27:43,320 --> 00:27:45,630 Speaker 2: looking for him to speak, Make sure that what you 385 00:27:45,930 --> 00:27:48,910 Speaker 2: also ask him is to specifically discern what is really 386 00:27:48,950 --> 00:27:51,669 Speaker 2: from him and what isn't. We can only follow God 387 00:27:51,730 --> 00:27:54,889 Speaker 2: when we know when he is speaking. And luckily for us, 388 00:27:55,050 --> 00:27:59,320 Speaker 2: we have the word to confirm. In John 10, Jesus 389 00:27:59,359 --> 00:28:02,119 Speaker 2: and his disciples are in Jerusalem for the festival of dedication. 390 00:28:02,660 --> 00:28:05,220 Speaker 2: What we know as, while there, some of the Jews 391 00:28:05,380 --> 00:28:07,780 Speaker 2: ask him to tell them plainly if he is the Messiah. 392 00:28:08,280 --> 00:28:10,859 Speaker 2: In part of his response, Jesus says this, My sheep 393 00:28:10,900 --> 00:28:13,560 Speaker 2: listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me. 394 00:28:14,060 --> 00:28:15,919 Speaker 2: For those who have placed their faith in Jesus, they 395 00:28:15,940 --> 00:28:18,530 Speaker 2: will know the sound of the Good Shepherd's voice. As 396 00:28:18,570 --> 00:28:20,810 Speaker 2: you spend time with Jesus and reading the Bible and 397 00:28:20,830 --> 00:28:23,330 Speaker 2: immersing yourself in the Word, you'll learn to hear it 398 00:28:23,350 --> 00:28:27,050 Speaker 2: more clearly with each and every day. Saul's conversion also 399 00:28:27,109 --> 00:28:30,090 Speaker 2: teaches us to learn to be obedient to Jesus' commands. 400 00:28:30,609 --> 00:28:32,970 Speaker 2: Saul recognized that the voice he was hearing was from heaven, 401 00:28:33,190 --> 00:28:36,070 Speaker 2: a message from God. Confused and afraid, he asks a 402 00:28:36,170 --> 00:28:39,900 Speaker 2: very important question. Who are you? After a lifetime devoted 403 00:28:39,920 --> 00:28:43,020 Speaker 2: to God, Saul was realizing he didn't actually know who 404 00:28:43,100 --> 00:28:46,140 Speaker 2: he was at heart. In some translations, Saul asks a 405 00:28:46,220 --> 00:28:49,160 Speaker 2: second question, what do you want me to do? Jesus 406 00:28:49,220 --> 00:28:52,380 Speaker 2: simply tells him to arise, go to Damascus, and trust 407 00:28:52,520 --> 00:28:55,230 Speaker 2: that Jesus would guide him from there. Blinded on the 408 00:28:55,270 --> 00:28:58,010 Speaker 2: road to Damascus, Saul was given a choice. Was he 409 00:28:58,050 --> 00:29:00,310 Speaker 2: going to continue to live in spiritual blindness to who 410 00:29:00,350 --> 00:29:02,370 Speaker 2: God was? Or was he going to open the eyes 411 00:29:02,410 --> 00:29:04,670 Speaker 2: of his heart to see Jesus clearly for the first 412 00:29:04,750 --> 00:29:08,480 Speaker 2: time and obey him? The choice was completely his. Would 413 00:29:08,520 --> 00:29:10,880 Speaker 2: he stay the same or would he choose to change 414 00:29:11,000 --> 00:29:14,800 Speaker 2: and be transformed? Lastly, Saul's conversion teaches us that we 415 00:29:14,860 --> 00:29:17,660 Speaker 2: must embrace our new identity. In Christ, we are a 416 00:29:17,680 --> 00:29:20,660 Speaker 2: new creation. If we identify with Christ, the old person 417 00:29:20,780 --> 00:29:23,790 Speaker 2: was buried in the grave and the new person has 418 00:29:23,850 --> 00:29:27,270 Speaker 2: began a life with Jesus. Even if we have a 419 00:29:27,330 --> 00:29:30,090 Speaker 2: dark and weighty past like Saul, we don't have to 420 00:29:30,130 --> 00:29:32,350 Speaker 2: let it hold us back from being the person God 421 00:29:32,370 --> 00:29:35,550 Speaker 2: wants us to be right now. The light of Christ 422 00:29:35,730 --> 00:29:38,590 Speaker 2: makes our futures bright. Likewise, for those of us who 423 00:29:38,630 --> 00:29:41,460 Speaker 2: are followers of Jesus when someone else comes to a 424 00:29:41,520 --> 00:29:44,340 Speaker 2: saving faith, it benefits no one to judge them for 425 00:29:44,360 --> 00:29:47,850 Speaker 2: their past. We all come to Jesus with a past 426 00:29:48,030 --> 00:29:50,730 Speaker 2: riddled with sin. We have the privilege of seeing others 427 00:29:50,810 --> 00:29:54,020 Speaker 2: come to Jesus and enter into His transformative presence. Just 428 00:29:54,060 --> 00:29:57,040 Speaker 2: like Ananias welcomes Saul into the family of God, we 429 00:29:57,060 --> 00:29:59,700 Speaker 2: should have the same heart of forgiveness, compassion, and joy 430 00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:04,200 Speaker 2: in seeing previously wicked people come to repentance. While Saul's 431 00:30:04,240 --> 00:30:07,830 Speaker 2: conversion story may seem radical, it's not too dissimilar from 432 00:30:07,870 --> 00:30:11,310 Speaker 2: what happens in every heart when one receives Jesus. Without 433 00:30:11,330 --> 00:30:14,590 Speaker 2: the revelation of Jesus, we're spiritually blind. We're stumbling in darkness. 434 00:30:15,030 --> 00:30:17,570 Speaker 2: But when we see Jesus in his glorious light, hear 435 00:30:17,610 --> 00:30:20,450 Speaker 2: his voice, and obey his commands, nothing stops his spirit 436 00:30:20,470 --> 00:30:22,830 Speaker 2: from transforming the lives of men and women around the world. 437 00:30:23,680 --> 00:30:28,780 Speaker 2: That concludes our little mini-series, Jesus and the Outcasts. Next up, 438 00:30:28,880 --> 00:30:32,510 Speaker 2: we're going to start a series on Jesus' miracles. Now, 439 00:30:32,680 --> 00:30:34,729 Speaker 2: we have already showcased some of his miracles in this 440 00:30:34,770 --> 00:30:36,950 Speaker 2: past series, but this is going to take a specific 441 00:30:37,010 --> 00:30:40,630 Speaker 2: deep dive into people's personal lives that were transformed when 442 00:30:40,690 --> 00:30:45,810 Speaker 2: Jesus noticed them, considered them, and healed them radically. Make 443 00:30:45,850 --> 00:30:48,070 Speaker 2: sure to follow and subscribe so you don't have to 444 00:30:48,130 --> 00:30:51,010 Speaker 2: miss any of these episodes. And once again, thanks from 445 00:30:51,030 --> 00:30:53,590 Speaker 2: the bottom of our hearts for being devoted to this podcast. 446 00:30:54,070 --> 00:30:57,560 Speaker 2: We believe that we're starting a movement of beautiful storytelling 447 00:30:57,640 --> 00:31:00,860 Speaker 2: coupled with honest and humble reflection. We believe we're just 448 00:31:00,900 --> 00:31:03,120 Speaker 2: getting started. So thanks for making it all possible.