1 00:00:00,340 --> 00:00:04,040 Speaker 1: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 00:00:05,110 --> 00:00:09,489 Speaker 1: The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have 3 00:00:09,530 --> 00:00:17,909 Speaker 1: become new. 2 Corinthians 5.17 Dear Heavenly Father, In the 4 00:00:17,950 --> 00:00:21,740 Speaker 1: gentle embrace of your presence, we find comfort and joy 5 00:00:22,380 --> 00:00:26,220 Speaker 1: in the truth of this promise. It is a sweet 6 00:00:26,300 --> 00:00:31,250 Speaker 1: balm to our souls, reminding us that, In you, we 7 00:00:31,330 --> 00:00:38,760 Speaker 1: are reborn, renewed, and restored. With tender hearts, we thank 8 00:00:38,770 --> 00:00:42,780 Speaker 1: you for the gift of new beginnings. The past, with 9 00:00:42,820 --> 00:00:46,979 Speaker 1: its failures and pains, no longer holds sway over us. 10 00:00:48,600 --> 00:00:52,620 Speaker 1: In Christ, we are set free. Our lives are a 11 00:00:52,700 --> 00:00:57,370 Speaker 1: testament to your boundless grace and love. Help us to 12 00:00:57,450 --> 00:01:02,180 Speaker 1: walk in this newness of life. embracing the beauty of 13 00:01:02,240 --> 00:01:07,520 Speaker 1: the transformation you have wrought in us. May the reality 14 00:01:07,580 --> 00:01:11,890 Speaker 1: of our identity in Christ soothe our spirits, filling us 15 00:01:11,950 --> 00:01:17,729 Speaker 1: with peace and assurance. Let us live each day in 16 00:01:17,750 --> 00:01:22,640 Speaker 1: the fullness of your joy, knowing that we are dearly loved, 17 00:01:23,380 --> 00:01:29,940 Speaker 1: completely forgiven, and forever changed. In the precious name of Jesus, 18 00:01:30,319 --> 00:01:30,740 Speaker 1: we pray. 19 00:01:32,500 --> 00:01:32,740 Speaker 2: Amen. 20 00:01:34,500 --> 00:01:37,830 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 21 00:01:37,860 --> 00:01:43,370 Speaker 1: the Jesus Podcast. Gospel stories retold to capture your imagination 22 00:01:43,790 --> 00:01:48,250 Speaker 1: and invigorate your faith. Today we dive into the story 23 00:01:48,290 --> 00:01:53,360 Speaker 1: of Paul the Apostle. Before his encounter with Christ, he 24 00:01:53,390 --> 00:01:58,169 Speaker 1: was the grim reaper. and harbinger of persecution for the church. Now, 25 00:01:59,050 --> 00:02:05,000 Speaker 1: listen for part two of his dramatic conversion story. Follow 26 00:02:05,040 --> 00:02:09,120 Speaker 1: this podcast on whatever platform you're listening to. Doing so 27 00:02:09,360 --> 00:02:12,840 Speaker 1: will keep you updated, but also help us get discovered 28 00:02:12,900 --> 00:02:16,620 Speaker 1: by more people. We want the story of Jesus to 29 00:02:16,660 --> 00:02:20,710 Speaker 1: be known throughout the world. Thanks for making that possible. 30 00:02:23,500 --> 00:02:28,359 Speaker 1: Winter gave way to spring. The frost melted slowly off 31 00:02:28,400 --> 00:02:31,940 Speaker 1: the mountain range and trickled downstream into the valley of Samaria. 32 00:02:33,460 --> 00:02:37,610 Speaker 1: Saul left at first light to Damascus. The sun's warmth 33 00:02:37,910 --> 00:02:43,010 Speaker 1: chased away the fog, revealing the newly budded wildflowers carpeting 34 00:02:43,070 --> 00:02:47,870 Speaker 1: the valley floor. The road to Damascus chased after the 35 00:02:47,910 --> 00:02:51,720 Speaker 1: shadow of Mount Hermon, and Saul could still see the 36 00:02:51,780 --> 00:02:56,300 Speaker 1: whitecaps as he rode atop his horse. A band of 37 00:02:56,380 --> 00:03:02,040 Speaker 1: temple servants and guards followed behind him. They considered themselves 38 00:03:02,470 --> 00:03:07,810 Speaker 1: inquisitors for a holy cause, righteous warriors for the armies 39 00:03:07,870 --> 00:03:12,270 Speaker 1: of the Lord. Saul rode at the front atop his 40 00:03:12,330 --> 00:03:17,900 Speaker 1: noble steed. He was their fearless leader, mighty and filled 41 00:03:17,960 --> 00:03:23,290 Speaker 1: with religious zeal. He had accepted his new role with excitement. 42 00:03:24,530 --> 00:03:27,710 Speaker 1: He could be renowned forever as the man who thwarted 43 00:03:27,990 --> 00:03:33,170 Speaker 1: the uprising of the Nazarenes. Historians would remember him forever 44 00:03:33,650 --> 00:03:38,130 Speaker 1: as the leader who ended the name of Jesus. The 45 00:03:38,190 --> 00:03:42,160 Speaker 1: thought of such accolades gave him a smile, like the 46 00:03:42,220 --> 00:03:46,140 Speaker 1: river picking up speed from the mountains. Saul continued his 47 00:03:46,200 --> 00:03:51,340 Speaker 1: momentum to Damascus. On the fourth day, Saul and his 48 00:03:51,380 --> 00:03:55,620 Speaker 1: companions passed the Sea of Galilee. Saul looked at the 49 00:03:55,660 --> 00:04:00,210 Speaker 1: hill scaling upwards away from the shore. Fishermen docked their 50 00:04:00,250 --> 00:04:04,650 Speaker 1: boats and unloaded their fish onto the beach. The shore 51 00:04:04,670 --> 00:04:08,630 Speaker 1: of Galilee was where Jesus often walked. It was where 52 00:04:08,670 --> 00:04:13,330 Speaker 1: he taught and gathered people to himself. For a moment, 53 00:04:13,430 --> 00:04:16,350 Speaker 1: Paul stopped and gazed at the vast body of water. 54 00:04:18,200 --> 00:04:21,730 Speaker 1: He could see Jesus in his mind's eye, spreading his 55 00:04:21,830 --> 00:04:26,589 Speaker 1: shameful lies and drawing people away with false promises of 56 00:04:26,650 --> 00:04:33,390 Speaker 1: eternal life. He often fantasized about interrupting Jesus and rebuking him. 57 00:04:34,750 --> 00:04:38,229 Speaker 1: Yet there was a small prodding on his heart that 58 00:04:38,310 --> 00:04:41,849 Speaker 1: kept emerging when he thought of Jesus, like a loose 59 00:04:41,930 --> 00:04:47,290 Speaker 1: needle occasionally pricking his spirit. He kicked against any feeling 60 00:04:47,330 --> 00:04:53,909 Speaker 1: of conviction and marched onward. Despite Saul's efforts, the impact 61 00:04:53,950 --> 00:04:59,500 Speaker 1: of Jesus was inescapable. Every inn, marketplace, and well they 62 00:04:59,580 --> 00:05:03,780 Speaker 1: stopped at was filled with people talking about him, the Messiah. 63 00:05:05,020 --> 00:05:08,460 Speaker 1: They told tales of his return from the grave. They 64 00:05:08,500 --> 00:05:12,839 Speaker 1: spoke freely about his miracles and teachings. They did not 65 00:05:12,920 --> 00:05:15,780 Speaker 1: know Saul was on his mission or else they would 66 00:05:15,820 --> 00:05:21,140 Speaker 1: have spoken with fear. Nevertheless, Saul was compelled not because 67 00:05:21,160 --> 00:05:25,100 Speaker 1: of Jesus' words or miracles, but because of how people 68 00:05:25,300 --> 00:05:29,320 Speaker 1: talked about him. This man, who was only a few 69 00:05:29,480 --> 00:05:33,839 Speaker 1: years older than him, had managed to grip the hearts 70 00:05:33,920 --> 00:05:40,190 Speaker 1: of thousands, perhaps even millions. He had done what Saul 71 00:05:40,250 --> 00:05:44,430 Speaker 1: had only dreamed of, and he did it with only 72 00:05:44,490 --> 00:05:49,839 Speaker 1: a few fishermen by his side. It enraged Saul even more. 73 00:05:51,160 --> 00:05:55,380 Speaker 1: Now he was not just fueled by piety, but jealousy. 74 00:05:58,080 --> 00:06:01,099 Speaker 1: Saul left Galilee and crossed the river Jordan by the 75 00:06:01,140 --> 00:06:05,690 Speaker 1: Roman bridge. The significance of the Jordan River moved Saul. 76 00:06:07,000 --> 00:06:11,210 Speaker 1: His ancestors had crossed the Jordan with Joshua centuries earlier. 77 00:06:13,130 --> 00:06:17,839 Speaker 1: He saw himself like Joshua. leading people out of slavery 78 00:06:17,920 --> 00:06:20,180 Speaker 1: to this Jesus of Nazareth. 79 00:06:20,540 --> 00:06:24,380 Speaker 3: We are all bondservants to this Jesus, he murmured. 80 00:06:25,920 --> 00:06:30,110 Speaker 1: He hated that this blasphemous imposter had taken so many 81 00:06:30,210 --> 00:06:34,430 Speaker 1: hearts and minds away from God. I will liberate our nation, 82 00:06:34,890 --> 00:06:35,869 Speaker 1: Saul thought to himself. 83 00:06:36,430 --> 00:06:40,180 Speaker 3: I will save them and set them free, no matter 84 00:06:40,210 --> 00:06:40,650 Speaker 3: the cost. 85 00:06:43,640 --> 00:06:46,500 Speaker 2: At some point, everyone faces a fork in the road 86 00:06:46,520 --> 00:06:50,609 Speaker 2: of life, decisions we must make that will dictate our future. 87 00:06:51,089 --> 00:06:53,409 Speaker 2: But there is one decision that holds the greatest weight 88 00:06:53,490 --> 00:06:56,589 Speaker 2: when it comes to our fate, the decision to follow Jesus. 89 00:06:57,170 --> 00:07:01,000 Speaker 2: Christ's sacrifice has made salvation available to anyone, but only 90 00:07:01,040 --> 00:07:03,900 Speaker 2: those who answer his call to follow him experience his 91 00:07:03,980 --> 00:07:08,080 Speaker 2: blessed promise for new life. This is the Jesus Podcast. 92 00:07:08,510 --> 00:07:10,970 Speaker 2: a year of stories showcasing the depth of Christ's love 93 00:07:10,990 --> 00:07:14,690 Speaker 2: through storytelling and the glory of God's truth through honest reflection. 94 00:07:15,130 --> 00:07:17,890 Speaker 2: I'm Zach, your host from Pray.com, and I'm happy you're 95 00:07:17,940 --> 00:07:20,220 Speaker 2: here with us today as we dig into part of 96 00:07:20,320 --> 00:07:23,739 Speaker 2: the story of Paul the Apostle. We're going to learn 97 00:07:23,820 --> 00:07:28,360 Speaker 2: how he embraces transformation in Jesus. With letters in hand 98 00:07:28,420 --> 00:07:31,990 Speaker 2: giving him permission to persecute the followers of Jesus outside Jerusalem, 99 00:07:32,470 --> 00:07:35,210 Speaker 2: Saul sets out with his men down the road to Damascus. 100 00:07:35,850 --> 00:07:38,610 Speaker 2: In his mind, this was the moment that could lead 101 00:07:38,630 --> 00:07:41,350 Speaker 2: to his glory. If all went according to plan, he 102 00:07:41,390 --> 00:07:44,300 Speaker 2: would return a hero and become renowned among the Jews 103 00:07:44,480 --> 00:07:48,000 Speaker 2: as the one who stopped the Jesus movement. But as 104 00:07:48,220 --> 00:07:51,420 Speaker 2: Saul's mind is filled with his conquest, his eyes become 105 00:07:51,480 --> 00:07:55,000 Speaker 2: filled with blinding light from heaven. In our story, we'll 106 00:07:55,040 --> 00:07:58,860 Speaker 2: feel the tremendous power that flows from encountering Jesus. We'll 107 00:07:58,900 --> 00:08:01,580 Speaker 2: see Saul's heart move at the words of the Lord 108 00:08:01,700 --> 00:08:04,370 Speaker 2: as his life hits a proverbial fork in the road. 109 00:08:04,990 --> 00:08:08,350 Speaker 2: While he may not know what lies ahead, the choice 110 00:08:08,470 --> 00:08:11,430 Speaker 2: is clear to continue to follow in his flesh or 111 00:08:11,670 --> 00:08:14,910 Speaker 2: to make the change and follow Jesus. Immerse yourself now 112 00:08:14,970 --> 00:08:17,810 Speaker 2: in Saul's conversion story as the Lord moves not only 113 00:08:17,830 --> 00:08:20,090 Speaker 2: in his heart, but ours as well. 114 00:08:22,750 --> 00:08:25,430 Speaker 1: The final days of Saul's journey were spent under the 115 00:08:25,470 --> 00:08:30,410 Speaker 1: shadow of Mount Hermon. Wildflowers scaled up the snowy mountaintops. 116 00:08:32,570 --> 00:08:36,449 Speaker 1: Besides the few clouds covering the peak, the skies were 117 00:08:36,570 --> 00:08:41,450 Speaker 1: clear and calm. Everything was quiet beneath the mountain, as 118 00:08:41,530 --> 00:08:46,520 Speaker 1: Saul and his companions rode along the dirt path. The 119 00:08:46,580 --> 00:08:50,459 Speaker 1: only sounds for miles were that of horses' hooves and 120 00:08:50,500 --> 00:08:55,060 Speaker 1: the occasional bird. There was a stillness in the air 121 00:08:56,059 --> 00:09:00,069 Speaker 1: that caused Saul to stir in place. It was an 122 00:09:00,150 --> 00:09:07,120 Speaker 1: uncomfortable silence, compared to his disquieted and chaotic mind. While 123 00:09:07,160 --> 00:09:13,040 Speaker 1: everything on the outside was calm and serene, inwardly, Saul 124 00:09:13,100 --> 00:09:20,100 Speaker 1: continued to reel and rage like a storm. Then, out 125 00:09:20,140 --> 00:09:23,880 Speaker 1: of the still and silent sky, a light burst forth. 126 00:09:25,020 --> 00:09:28,020 Speaker 1: It was as if reality itself had been cut open 127 00:09:28,059 --> 00:09:31,849 Speaker 1: with a blade, and light came rushing out like a 128 00:09:32,010 --> 00:09:37,220 Speaker 1: surging waterfall. The rays of light cascaded over Saul and 129 00:09:37,260 --> 00:09:41,520 Speaker 1: his companions. The horses were terrified and threw the men 130 00:09:41,640 --> 00:09:45,880 Speaker 1: off their backs. The men behind Saul cowered together at 131 00:09:45,920 --> 00:09:49,660 Speaker 1: a distance and watched the light move like a living thing. 132 00:09:50,750 --> 00:09:55,250 Speaker 1: It swirled in a brilliant and terrifying dance, directing its 133 00:09:55,350 --> 00:10:00,829 Speaker 1: power straight at Saul. Suddenly, He was surrounded. by a 134 00:10:00,929 --> 00:10:05,650 Speaker 1: whirlwind of living colors. Flashes of bright orange and hues 135 00:10:05,700 --> 00:10:09,290 Speaker 1: of pink showered every inch of Saul's body, as if 136 00:10:09,510 --> 00:10:14,800 Speaker 1: washing him clean. Saul couldn't stand, for the sheer power 137 00:10:14,840 --> 00:10:18,960 Speaker 1: he was surrounded by kept him on his knees. The 138 00:10:19,000 --> 00:10:22,719 Speaker 1: light didn't just envelop him, but it shone within him. 139 00:10:24,220 --> 00:10:30,500 Speaker 1: At that moment, Saul felt completely and utterly exposed. Whatever 140 00:10:30,610 --> 00:10:36,290 Speaker 1: strength he had previously felt seemed like weakness. Whatever boldness 141 00:10:36,330 --> 00:10:41,070 Speaker 1: Saul thought he had seemed like cowardice. Whatever knowledge he 142 00:10:41,130 --> 00:10:47,050 Speaker 1: had seemed like foolishness. Kneeling under the weight of a 143 00:10:47,190 --> 00:10:53,300 Speaker 1: brilliant light, Saul was terrifyingly aware of his fragility for 144 00:10:53,340 --> 00:10:57,640 Speaker 1: the first time. Saul gripped the dirt in his fists 145 00:10:58,220 --> 00:11:02,200 Speaker 1: and looked toward the light source. It was more than light. 146 00:11:03,179 --> 00:11:09,090 Speaker 1: Something was there with him, or someone. Out of the 147 00:11:09,190 --> 00:11:14,190 Speaker 1: radiant whirlwind of flashing colors, a figure shone brighter than 148 00:11:14,470 --> 00:11:19,350 Speaker 1: all the other bursts of light. A man walked towards him, 149 00:11:20,150 --> 00:11:21,910 Speaker 1: but he wasn't just a man. 150 00:11:22,410 --> 00:11:23,810 Speaker 3: Saul, he said. 151 00:11:25,070 --> 00:11:29,170 Speaker 1: Paul's heart ceased its beating for a moment. He recognized 152 00:11:29,210 --> 00:11:32,860 Speaker 1: the voice, like it had been calling out to him 153 00:11:32,980 --> 00:11:38,400 Speaker 1: for a long time. His voice was familiar, like an 154 00:11:38,480 --> 00:11:44,020 Speaker 1: old friend, but terrifying, like a feared enemy. Saul, the 155 00:11:44,059 --> 00:11:47,780 Speaker 1: voice cried out again. Why are you persecuting me? Saul's 156 00:11:47,900 --> 00:11:53,150 Speaker 1: jaw quivered and his eyes watered. He felt himself succumbing 157 00:11:53,610 --> 00:11:58,970 Speaker 1: to the weight of this being's glory. Something heavenly was 158 00:11:59,010 --> 00:12:04,230 Speaker 1: taking place. That much Saul could surmise. He managed to 159 00:12:04,290 --> 00:12:05,470 Speaker 1: speak with labored breath. 160 00:12:07,590 --> 00:12:08,569 Speaker 3: Who are you, Lord? 161 00:12:09,090 --> 00:12:13,319 Speaker 1: Saul looked as the figure drew closer. His face became 162 00:12:13,380 --> 00:12:18,220 Speaker 1: more evident. and his presence even more palpable. He was 163 00:12:18,300 --> 00:12:19,400 Speaker 1: more than a man. 164 00:12:20,620 --> 00:12:21,480 Speaker 3: He was God. 165 00:12:22,760 --> 00:12:27,089 Speaker 1: The heavenly figure knelt down and met Saul face to face. 166 00:12:28,570 --> 00:12:31,930 Speaker 1: He touched Saul's shoulder and replied, I am. 167 00:12:31,890 --> 00:12:36,410 Speaker 4: Jesus, the one you have been fighting against this entire time. 168 00:12:36,950 --> 00:12:42,209 Speaker 1: Jesus' voice spoke to him and within him. At that moment, 169 00:12:42,800 --> 00:12:48,280 Speaker 1: Time itself seemed utterly meaningless. Saul was caught up in 170 00:12:48,380 --> 00:12:52,830 Speaker 1: Christ's gaze and heard his voice again, saying, It. 171 00:12:52,809 --> 00:12:56,190 Speaker 4: Has been hard for you, hasn't it, Saul, kicking against 172 00:12:56,270 --> 00:12:56,910 Speaker 4: the goats? 173 00:12:57,490 --> 00:13:01,710 Speaker 1: With a gentle touch of Jesus' hand, Saul's entire being 174 00:13:01,970 --> 00:13:07,250 Speaker 1: felt weightless. The burdens he had held on to were lifted, 175 00:13:08,370 --> 00:13:11,630 Speaker 1: and the chaos of his soul was quieted. like the 176 00:13:11,690 --> 00:13:16,990 Speaker 1: storm Jesus spoke to years before. The God who had said, 177 00:13:17,790 --> 00:13:22,040 Speaker 1: Let there be light, spoke light into Saul's heart. 178 00:13:22,520 --> 00:13:23,860 Speaker 3: What am I supposed to do? 179 00:13:24,220 --> 00:13:26,280 Speaker 1: Saul said with tears falling from his eyes. 180 00:13:26,980 --> 00:13:31,920 Speaker 4: Oh, Saul, always looking for something to do, Jesus replied softly. 181 00:13:32,330 --> 00:13:35,630 Speaker 4: For now, I need you to rise. Go into the 182 00:13:35,670 --> 00:13:39,350 Speaker 4: city and remain there. You will be told all you 183 00:13:39,410 --> 00:13:42,770 Speaker 4: need to know. Jesus stood to his feet and backed away. 184 00:13:43,700 --> 00:13:47,760 Speaker 4: The light that enveloped Saul pulled back toward Jesus. The 185 00:13:47,820 --> 00:13:54,579 Speaker 4: light coiled around Jesus. And suddenly, he was gone. As 186 00:13:54,640 --> 00:13:58,450 Speaker 4: soon as he vanished, Saul's eyes grew dim. And the 187 00:13:58,510 --> 00:14:02,170 Speaker 4: light that was once in his eyes faded into nothingness. 188 00:14:03,490 --> 00:14:06,929 Speaker 4: The image of Christ's face was seared into Saul's mind. 189 00:14:08,070 --> 00:14:11,940 Speaker 4: And now it was all he could see. Saul had 190 00:14:12,000 --> 00:14:16,960 Speaker 4: been made entirely blind. He stumbled to his feet, as 191 00:14:17,040 --> 00:14:22,580 Speaker 4: Jesus commanded, and searched for his companions. The other men 192 00:14:22,720 --> 00:14:26,710 Speaker 4: had watched Saul at a distance, enveloped in light and 193 00:14:26,760 --> 00:14:32,190 Speaker 4: speaking to it, but they did not see Jesus. When 194 00:14:32,210 --> 00:14:34,510 Speaker 4: it was all over, they ran to their master and 195 00:14:34,550 --> 00:14:38,130 Speaker 4: surrounded him with questions, but Saul said nothing. 196 00:14:38,730 --> 00:14:40,450 Speaker 3: Rabbi, what did you see? 197 00:14:41,830 --> 00:14:42,380 Speaker 2: What happened? 198 00:14:42,750 --> 00:14:48,650 Speaker 1: They asked. Saul was not fully prepared to answer. Something 199 00:14:48,690 --> 00:14:52,690 Speaker 1: had changed in him that he could not describe, at 200 00:14:52,750 --> 00:14:57,910 Speaker 1: least not yet. He was blind, but it was as 201 00:14:58,070 --> 00:15:03,130 Speaker 1: if he could see clearly for the first time. He 202 00:15:03,170 --> 00:15:06,830 Speaker 1: could not see the dirt road leading to Damascus, but 203 00:15:06,870 --> 00:15:11,840 Speaker 1: the path before him was as clear as day. Jesus 204 00:15:11,880 --> 00:15:15,640 Speaker 1: had not said much. He had not divulged the secrets 205 00:15:15,700 --> 00:15:18,920 Speaker 1: of the universe to him, nor had he spoken about 206 00:15:18,940 --> 00:15:23,850 Speaker 1: the mission for the future. Jesus had given one command, 207 00:15:25,090 --> 00:15:30,570 Speaker 1: rise and go. So Saul would do as he was told. 208 00:15:30,950 --> 00:15:33,990 Speaker 3: We will continue to Damascus, Saul said with a whisper. 209 00:15:34,370 --> 00:15:38,700 Speaker 3: We will go there and wait. Wait for, for what? I, 210 00:15:40,220 --> 00:15:40,780 Speaker 3: I'm not sure. 211 00:15:41,340 --> 00:15:44,550 Speaker 1: Saul's words trailed off as he recounted what had happened. 212 00:15:45,330 --> 00:15:46,580 Speaker 3: I will know it when I see it. 213 00:15:47,130 --> 00:15:51,630 Speaker 1: The others looked at each other with worried faces. Saul 214 00:15:51,910 --> 00:15:55,550 Speaker 1: could not see anything. So what could he possibly be 215 00:15:55,790 --> 00:16:01,170 Speaker 1: looking for? I am Jesus, the one you have been 216 00:16:01,250 --> 00:16:05,580 Speaker 1: fighting against this entire time. The words still echoed within 217 00:16:05,660 --> 00:16:10,190 Speaker 1: Saul's mind. He was blind. But the image of the 218 00:16:10,230 --> 00:16:15,150 Speaker 1: risen Jesus could not be wiped from his sight. For 219 00:16:15,210 --> 00:16:18,530 Speaker 1: three days Saul was haunted by the recent memories of 220 00:16:18,570 --> 00:16:23,170 Speaker 1: his brutality against God's people. He felt cut to the 221 00:16:23,270 --> 00:16:26,700 Speaker 1: soul for what he had been doing. However, he was 222 00:16:26,750 --> 00:16:32,040 Speaker 1: not hopeless in his regret. With a newfound conviction also 223 00:16:32,380 --> 00:16:36,260 Speaker 1: came a sense of freedom. He was not chained down 224 00:16:36,340 --> 00:16:40,780 Speaker 1: by the sins he had committed. He was forgiven. He 225 00:16:40,820 --> 00:16:45,520 Speaker 1: was more than forgiven. In fact, he was a new person. 226 00:16:47,040 --> 00:16:50,080 Speaker 1: He did not look new, though. He hadn't eaten anything 227 00:16:50,140 --> 00:16:53,920 Speaker 1: for three days, and the complexion of a pampered Pharisee 228 00:16:54,220 --> 00:16:58,619 Speaker 1: had been removed from his face. He sat upright in 229 00:16:58,640 --> 00:17:02,979 Speaker 1: the room, facing the window without seeing the light. Every 230 00:17:03,040 --> 00:17:05,600 Speaker 1: few hours his companions would knock on the door to 231 00:17:05,680 --> 00:17:10,950 Speaker 1: offer him food, but he refused every time. Saul felt 232 00:17:10,990 --> 00:17:14,410 Speaker 1: the compulsion to rid himself of what made him him. 233 00:17:16,230 --> 00:17:20,210 Speaker 1: Fasting was a necessary act of stripping himself of everything 234 00:17:20,250 --> 00:17:24,550 Speaker 1: that made him who he used to be. However, time 235 00:17:24,609 --> 00:17:28,060 Speaker 1: was not on Saul's side. He had to eat or 236 00:17:28,119 --> 00:17:31,320 Speaker 1: drink sooner or later, or else he might wither away 237 00:17:31,800 --> 00:17:37,030 Speaker 1: into nothing. So Saul continued to pray, waiting for the 238 00:17:37,070 --> 00:17:42,209 Speaker 1: voice of Jesus to speak again. The night before, he 239 00:17:42,230 --> 00:17:44,689 Speaker 1: had had a vision of a man visiting him and 240 00:17:44,730 --> 00:17:49,300 Speaker 1: restoring his sight. He trusted that this vision would come 241 00:17:49,359 --> 00:17:56,580 Speaker 1: to pass. He just didn't know when or how. The 242 00:17:56,619 --> 00:18:00,500 Speaker 1: day rolled along, and Saul remained at the windowsill, turning 243 00:18:00,540 --> 00:18:04,919 Speaker 1: his face toward the sunlight. The door knocked, but Saul 244 00:18:04,980 --> 00:18:11,080 Speaker 1: remained silent. The door opened without Saul's permission. He turned 245 00:18:11,119 --> 00:18:12,500 Speaker 1: his ear toward the back of the room. 246 00:18:12,980 --> 00:18:13,480 Speaker 3: Who's there? 247 00:18:13,940 --> 00:18:19,970 Speaker 1: Saul asked. Whoever was in the room walked lightly. Their 248 00:18:20,010 --> 00:18:22,390 Speaker 1: footsteps were timid and cautious. 249 00:18:23,270 --> 00:18:24,750 Speaker 3: I would like to be left alone. 250 00:18:25,270 --> 00:18:29,840 Speaker 1: Saul said into the darkness. The stranger stopped right in 251 00:18:29,890 --> 00:18:35,119 Speaker 1: front of him and knelt down beside him. Without a word, 252 00:18:35,160 --> 00:18:39,740 Speaker 1: he placed a hand on Saul's head. His touch was gentle, 253 00:18:40,460 --> 00:18:46,649 Speaker 1: yet firm. A tender power emanated from this stranger. The 254 00:18:46,690 --> 00:18:52,930 Speaker 1: power felt familiar. His presence was similar to Jesus. Saul's 255 00:18:52,970 --> 00:18:56,429 Speaker 1: heart began to beat heavily, and his palms began to sweat. 256 00:18:58,310 --> 00:18:58,790 Speaker 3: Who are you? 257 00:19:01,910 --> 00:19:06,119 Speaker 1: Saul's entire body began to tremble. The presence of God 258 00:19:06,180 --> 00:19:10,800 Speaker 1: was palpable and brought him to his knees. Saul knelt 259 00:19:10,859 --> 00:19:15,080 Speaker 1: on the ground, shaking, and his darkened eyes dripping with tears. 260 00:19:15,100 --> 00:19:21,120 Speaker 1: Ananias knelt beside him and embraced him like a brother. 261 00:19:22,220 --> 00:19:32,070 Speaker 1: He held the weeping Saul tightly in his arms. He 262 00:19:32,150 --> 00:19:36,050 Speaker 1: placed one hand on Saul's head and another on his face. 263 00:19:39,250 --> 00:19:44,600 Speaker 1: In that instant, Saul felt his eyes change. It was 264 00:19:44,680 --> 00:19:47,880 Speaker 1: as if a thick layer of snake scales were peeling 265 00:19:48,020 --> 00:19:52,840 Speaker 1: off of his eyes. It was painful and refreshing all 266 00:19:52,859 --> 00:19:57,960 Speaker 1: at the same time. Slowly the darkness began to leave 267 00:19:58,020 --> 00:20:02,560 Speaker 1: him and slivers of light peeked through the windows of 268 00:20:02,619 --> 00:20:07,419 Speaker 1: his mind. Saul rubbed his eyes and blinked a few times. 269 00:20:08,500 --> 00:20:14,699 Speaker 1: Standing before him was Ananias, wearing the gentle smile of Christ. 270 00:20:15,920 --> 00:20:20,020 Speaker 1: Saul knew at that moment that he would never forget 271 00:20:20,080 --> 00:20:21,730 Speaker 1: that smile. I.... 272 00:20:23,780 --> 00:20:24,580 Speaker 3: I can see. 273 00:20:25,300 --> 00:20:29,850 Speaker 1: Saul sighed. Saul could see more than just what was 274 00:20:29,910 --> 00:20:33,409 Speaker 1: in front of him. The Holy Spirit had come upon 275 00:20:33,470 --> 00:20:37,730 Speaker 1: him like a torrent of rushing water. The eyes of 276 00:20:37,830 --> 00:20:41,970 Speaker 1: Saul's soul were opened as well He was beginning to 277 00:20:42,050 --> 00:20:46,090 Speaker 1: see the purpose set before him, like a dark road 278 00:20:46,390 --> 00:20:52,679 Speaker 1: illuminated by flickering torchlight. Ananias looked down at Saul and 279 00:20:53,160 --> 00:20:56,859 Speaker 1: reached out a hand to help him. Saul placed his 280 00:20:56,900 --> 00:21:00,409 Speaker 1: hands on his knees and struggled to stand. He was 281 00:21:00,450 --> 00:21:05,330 Speaker 1: malnourished and trembling, but determined to walk the road to 282 00:21:05,369 --> 00:21:09,959 Speaker 1: the river. They moved slowly past the garden courtyard and 283 00:21:10,000 --> 00:21:11,459 Speaker 1: down the steps leading. 284 00:21:11,220 --> 00:21:11,740 Speaker 4: To the road. 285 00:21:13,420 --> 00:21:17,470 Speaker 1: Saul was taking in every vivid color, as if he 286 00:21:17,510 --> 00:21:21,270 Speaker 1: had been blind his entire life. Now that he thought 287 00:21:21,310 --> 00:21:27,350 Speaker 1: about it, he had always been blind. His ambition blinded 288 00:21:27,369 --> 00:21:32,600 Speaker 1: him to everything and everyone around him. All he could 289 00:21:32,700 --> 00:21:37,500 Speaker 1: see was the object of his selfish desires. But now 290 00:21:38,080 --> 00:21:42,419 Speaker 1: that Christ had redeemed him, he had new eyes. He 291 00:21:42,460 --> 00:21:46,840 Speaker 1: captured every image around him and appreciated it for its 292 00:21:46,980 --> 00:21:52,220 Speaker 1: pure beauty. The cream-colored stone of the city walls shone 293 00:21:52,280 --> 00:21:55,790 Speaker 1: under the brilliance of the sun. And the road leading 294 00:21:55,880 --> 00:22:00,669 Speaker 1: down to the river was arrayed with freshly bloomed apricot trees. 295 00:22:01,730 --> 00:22:06,190 Speaker 1: Saul's heart was filling up with deep and unquenchable joy. 296 00:22:08,210 --> 00:22:10,950 Speaker 1: Saul could not help but think of the psalmist's words, 297 00:22:12,109 --> 00:22:15,790 Speaker 1: The sun is like a strong man who runs his 298 00:22:16,010 --> 00:22:20,000 Speaker 1: course with joy. The two of them made it to 299 00:22:20,020 --> 00:22:24,780 Speaker 1: the Abana River. The water glistened in the sunlight and 300 00:22:24,820 --> 00:22:30,820 Speaker 1: invited the men with enthusiasm. Saul felt the coolness of 301 00:22:30,859 --> 00:22:33,889 Speaker 1: the river crawl up his spine and wake him up. 302 00:22:35,540 --> 00:22:41,460 Speaker 1: He breathed in deeply and held Ananias' hand. Ananias looked 303 00:22:41,500 --> 00:22:51,440 Speaker 1: at Saul and smiled. Saul accepted Ananias' words like they 304 00:22:51,460 --> 00:22:58,429 Speaker 1: were from Jesus himself. Ananias grasped Saul's hand with his 305 00:22:58,510 --> 00:23:01,830 Speaker 1: left hand and placed his right hand on his back. 306 00:23:03,600 --> 00:23:07,260 Speaker 1: He dipped him back into the water, then lifted him out. 307 00:23:08,980 --> 00:23:13,679 Speaker 1: The cascading sunlight split into a million directions as Saul 308 00:23:13,750 --> 00:23:18,050 Speaker 1: emerged from the water. Saul emerged under the radiance of 309 00:23:18,190 --> 00:23:24,109 Speaker 1: Christ's unending love. Saul could not see it, but every 310 00:23:24,430 --> 00:23:28,930 Speaker 1: angel in heaven was rejoicing over him with a cacophony 311 00:23:28,970 --> 00:23:34,919 Speaker 1: of praise. The water represented a tomb For Saul, the persecutor, 312 00:23:36,100 --> 00:23:42,119 Speaker 1: that man was buried and would never return. Emerging from 313 00:23:42,180 --> 00:23:47,040 Speaker 1: the water was a new man. Just as Christ rose 314 00:23:47,100 --> 00:23:52,660 Speaker 1: from the grave, Saul was resurrected from the water. 315 00:23:56,920 --> 00:24:00,629 Speaker 2: The Gospel message promises transformation, the promise of change and 316 00:24:00,670 --> 00:24:03,850 Speaker 2: hope for a better future. Oftentimes, the thing that hinders 317 00:24:04,010 --> 00:24:08,530 Speaker 2: us the most from finding transformation is ourselves. Whether this 318 00:24:08,630 --> 00:24:11,389 Speaker 2: is physical transformation as we search for the discipline to 319 00:24:11,430 --> 00:24:15,109 Speaker 2: be healthier, emotional transformation as we seek the guidance of professionals, 320 00:24:15,730 --> 00:24:18,430 Speaker 2: or spiritual transformation as our souls long to be made 321 00:24:18,510 --> 00:24:21,689 Speaker 2: whole by Jesus. Saul wasn't just an enemy of the church. 322 00:24:21,850 --> 00:24:24,710 Speaker 2: In many ways, he was his own worst enemy. He 323 00:24:24,750 --> 00:24:27,250 Speaker 2: was blind to the gospel, and the physical blindness in 324 00:24:27,290 --> 00:24:31,630 Speaker 2: this episode is merely a condition that reflected his spiritual blindness. 325 00:24:32,260 --> 00:24:35,160 Speaker 2: But although his past was brutal and dark, it wasn't 326 00:24:35,220 --> 00:24:37,460 Speaker 2: too thick for the light of Jesus to pierce through. 327 00:24:38,160 --> 00:24:41,540 Speaker 2: Saul experienced a radical transformation on the road to Damascus 328 00:24:41,580 --> 00:24:44,439 Speaker 2: that led to one of the most well-known testimonials of 329 00:24:44,500 --> 00:24:47,419 Speaker 2: God's faith under the new covenant. He had spent years 330 00:24:47,520 --> 00:24:50,890 Speaker 2: investing in himself and his religiosity, and it paid off. 331 00:24:51,109 --> 00:24:53,050 Speaker 2: He rose the ranks of the Pharisees and became a 332 00:24:53,150 --> 00:24:55,990 Speaker 2: member of the Sanhedrin. It was a coveted title only 333 00:24:56,050 --> 00:24:58,879 Speaker 2: given to a few. Nobody could compete with Saul when 334 00:24:58,920 --> 00:25:01,460 Speaker 2: it came to living by the law, being righteous and 335 00:25:01,520 --> 00:25:05,000 Speaker 2: respected in the Jewish community. But through his encounter with Jesus, 336 00:25:05,200 --> 00:25:07,240 Speaker 2: he learned that he was missing out on the most 337 00:25:07,320 --> 00:25:11,420 Speaker 2: important part of his faith, a relationship with the Savior. 338 00:25:12,140 --> 00:25:15,399 Speaker 2: His moment with the resurrected Lord that interrupts his determined 339 00:25:15,460 --> 00:25:20,460 Speaker 2: drive is exactly what he needed to experience transformation. Oftentimes, 340 00:25:20,740 --> 00:25:23,679 Speaker 2: the way Jesus gets to us is by interrupting the 341 00:25:23,760 --> 00:25:26,850 Speaker 2: flow of our lives. He wants to disrupt our comfortability. 342 00:25:27,130 --> 00:25:29,750 Speaker 2: He wants to interrupt our trajectory. He wants to shake 343 00:25:29,810 --> 00:25:31,890 Speaker 2: us to our core and make us question what we've 344 00:25:31,910 --> 00:25:34,929 Speaker 2: been doing all this time. As Saul is shaken up, 345 00:25:35,180 --> 00:25:38,200 Speaker 2: there's three lessons that show us and help us experience 346 00:25:38,240 --> 00:25:41,980 Speaker 2: transformation as well. The first lesson is this. Saul teaches 347 00:25:42,160 --> 00:25:44,669 Speaker 2: us that we need to learn to recognize when God 348 00:25:44,830 --> 00:25:47,730 Speaker 2: is speaking. You see, before his encounter with Jesus, Saul 349 00:25:47,750 --> 00:25:49,450 Speaker 2: would have said that he was listening to the voice 350 00:25:49,490 --> 00:25:52,190 Speaker 2: of God. He would have declared that he knew God's heart. 351 00:25:52,580 --> 00:25:55,180 Speaker 2: He would have considered himself as someone who was smack 352 00:25:55,220 --> 00:25:57,530 Speaker 2: dab in the middle of the perfect will of God. 353 00:25:58,109 --> 00:26:00,550 Speaker 2: Living on this side of his testimony, we know that 354 00:26:00,609 --> 00:26:05,090 Speaker 2: he actually didn't see things quite clearly. Saul's problem may 355 00:26:05,150 --> 00:26:07,500 Speaker 2: not be as different from our own as we might think. 356 00:26:08,020 --> 00:26:10,900 Speaker 2: We often hear voices, whether it's our own internal dialogue 357 00:26:10,960 --> 00:26:13,020 Speaker 2: or the words of others in our lives, that we 358 00:26:13,080 --> 00:26:15,480 Speaker 2: believe are giving us a word from the Lord. Whether 359 00:26:15,520 --> 00:26:18,440 Speaker 2: it's a gut feeling or affirmations from a friend, we 360 00:26:18,590 --> 00:26:20,830 Speaker 2: take it as a sign that we're aligned with God's will. 361 00:26:21,500 --> 00:26:24,350 Speaker 2: But unfortunately, that's not always the case. There will be 362 00:26:24,380 --> 00:26:27,290 Speaker 2: times where God is speaking to us, and it's dangerous 363 00:26:27,330 --> 00:26:30,330 Speaker 2: when we don't know when those times are. Part of 364 00:26:30,369 --> 00:26:33,810 Speaker 2: the transformative process is learning to hear God's voice as 365 00:26:33,869 --> 00:26:36,770 Speaker 2: something distinct from our own. When I was a high 366 00:26:36,810 --> 00:26:40,700 Speaker 2: school and college pastor, I often heard this statement, Well, 367 00:26:40,780 --> 00:26:43,340 Speaker 2: I think God has told me that I'm supposed to 368 00:26:43,380 --> 00:26:46,720 Speaker 2: marry this person. As a college pastor or high school pastor, 369 00:26:46,740 --> 00:26:48,840 Speaker 2: I often rolled my eyes and said, Well, how do 370 00:26:48,859 --> 00:26:52,380 Speaker 2: you know that exactly? These students would often say that 371 00:26:52,590 --> 00:26:55,270 Speaker 2: it's just a feeling that they have. But feelings can 372 00:26:55,330 --> 00:26:58,609 Speaker 2: be deceiving. We have to understand that God's voice is 373 00:26:58,710 --> 00:27:02,310 Speaker 2: separate from our own. When around each and every corner 374 00:27:02,410 --> 00:27:06,850 Speaker 2: you find confirmations of your desires, that's probably a sure-tell 375 00:27:06,950 --> 00:27:10,710 Speaker 2: sign that you're not actually listening to God's will. Because 376 00:27:10,750 --> 00:27:15,370 Speaker 2: God's will will often compete against our base desires. God's 377 00:27:15,430 --> 00:27:18,850 Speaker 2: will will often be counterintuitive to what we would have chosen. 378 00:27:19,390 --> 00:27:21,609 Speaker 2: If we're keen to God's word and we're heeding the 379 00:27:21,650 --> 00:27:24,840 Speaker 2: wisdom of the Holy Spirit, it's often going to be uncomfortable. 380 00:27:25,200 --> 00:27:27,199 Speaker 2: It's not going to confirm all of our beliefs and 381 00:27:27,260 --> 00:27:29,560 Speaker 2: it's not going to confirm all of what we feel 382 00:27:29,680 --> 00:27:33,020 Speaker 2: to be true. God declares that his thoughts are higher 383 00:27:33,200 --> 00:27:35,780 Speaker 2: than our thoughts. That means that just because we think 384 00:27:35,820 --> 00:27:38,109 Speaker 2: something is right does not mean that it's going to 385 00:27:38,250 --> 00:27:41,469 Speaker 2: automatically be aligned with God's will. Whenever you feel like 386 00:27:41,490 --> 00:27:43,230 Speaker 2: you might be sensing a word from the Lord or 387 00:27:43,290 --> 00:27:45,600 Speaker 2: looking for him to speak, Make sure that what you 388 00:27:45,900 --> 00:27:48,879 Speaker 2: also ask him is to specifically discern what is really 389 00:27:48,920 --> 00:27:51,639 Speaker 2: from him and what isn't. We can only follow God 390 00:27:51,700 --> 00:27:54,840 Speaker 2: when we know when he is speaking. And luckily for us, 391 00:27:55,020 --> 00:27:59,280 Speaker 2: we have the word to confirm. In John 10, Jesus 392 00:27:59,320 --> 00:28:02,080 Speaker 2: and his disciples are in Jerusalem for the festival of dedication. 393 00:28:02,600 --> 00:28:05,160 Speaker 2: What we know as, while there, some of the Jews 394 00:28:05,350 --> 00:28:07,750 Speaker 2: ask him to tell them plainly if he is the Messiah. 395 00:28:08,250 --> 00:28:10,810 Speaker 2: In part of his response, Jesus says this, My sheep 396 00:28:10,869 --> 00:28:13,520 Speaker 2: listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me. 397 00:28:14,030 --> 00:28:15,889 Speaker 2: For those who have placed their faith in Jesus, they 398 00:28:15,910 --> 00:28:18,490 Speaker 2: will know the sound of the Good Shepherd's voice. As 399 00:28:18,530 --> 00:28:20,750 Speaker 2: you spend time with Jesus and reading the Bible and 400 00:28:20,790 --> 00:28:23,290 Speaker 2: immersing yourself in the Word, you'll learn to hear it 401 00:28:23,310 --> 00:28:27,020 Speaker 2: more clearly with each and every day. Saul's conversion also 402 00:28:27,080 --> 00:28:30,060 Speaker 2: teaches us to learn to be obedient to Jesus' commands. 403 00:28:30,580 --> 00:28:32,920 Speaker 2: Saul recognized that the voice he was hearing was from heaven, 404 00:28:33,140 --> 00:28:36,020 Speaker 2: a message from God. Confused and afraid, he asks a 405 00:28:36,140 --> 00:28:37,180 Speaker 2: very important question. 406 00:28:37,619 --> 00:28:38,080 Speaker 1: Who are you? 407 00:28:38,810 --> 00:28:41,570 Speaker 2: After a lifetime devoted to God, Saul was realizing he 408 00:28:41,610 --> 00:28:45,390 Speaker 2: didn't actually know who he was at heart. In some translations, 409 00:28:45,450 --> 00:28:47,810 Speaker 2: Saul asks a second question, what do you want me 410 00:28:47,850 --> 00:28:51,570 Speaker 2: to do? Jesus simply tells him to arise, go to Damascus, 411 00:28:51,710 --> 00:28:54,990 Speaker 2: and trust that Jesus would guide him from there. Blinded 412 00:28:55,030 --> 00:28:57,180 Speaker 2: on the road to Damascus, Saul was given a choice. 413 00:28:57,740 --> 00:29:00,020 Speaker 2: Was he going to continue to live in spiritual blindness 414 00:29:00,040 --> 00:29:02,060 Speaker 2: to who God was? Or was he going to open 415 00:29:02,080 --> 00:29:04,180 Speaker 2: the eyes of his heart to see Jesus clearly for 416 00:29:04,200 --> 00:29:07,760 Speaker 2: the first time and obey him? The choice was completely his. 417 00:29:08,280 --> 00:29:10,360 Speaker 2: Would he stay the same or would he choose to 418 00:29:10,440 --> 00:29:14,650 Speaker 2: change and be transformed? Lastly, Saul's conversion teaches us that 419 00:29:14,670 --> 00:29:17,550 Speaker 2: we must embrace our new identity. In Christ, we are 420 00:29:17,570 --> 00:29:20,150 Speaker 2: a new creation. If we identify with Christ, the old 421 00:29:20,210 --> 00:29:23,570 Speaker 2: person was buried in the grave and the new person 422 00:29:23,610 --> 00:29:27,160 Speaker 2: has began a life with Jesus. Even if we have 423 00:29:27,200 --> 00:29:29,960 Speaker 2: a dark and weighty past like Saul, we don't have 424 00:29:29,980 --> 00:29:32,020 Speaker 2: to let it hold us back from being the person 425 00:29:32,080 --> 00:29:35,000 Speaker 2: God wants us to be right now. The light of 426 00:29:35,120 --> 00:29:38,440 Speaker 2: Christ makes our futures bright. Likewise for those of us 427 00:29:38,480 --> 00:29:41,340 Speaker 2: who are followers of Jesus, when someone else comes to 428 00:29:41,380 --> 00:29:44,160 Speaker 2: a saving faith, it benefits no one to judge them 429 00:29:44,200 --> 00:29:47,360 Speaker 2: for their past. We all come to Jesus with a 430 00:29:47,420 --> 00:29:50,340 Speaker 2: past riddled with sin. We have the privilege of seeing 431 00:29:50,440 --> 00:29:53,320 Speaker 2: others come to Jesus and enter into His transformative presence. 432 00:29:53,850 --> 00:29:56,590 Speaker 2: Just like Ananias welcomes Saul into the family of God, 433 00:29:56,910 --> 00:29:59,210 Speaker 2: we should have the same heart of forgiveness, compassion, and 434 00:29:59,330 --> 00:30:03,870 Speaker 2: joy in seeing previously wicked people come to repentance. While 435 00:30:03,910 --> 00:30:07,550 Speaker 2: Saul's conversion story may seem radical, it's not too dissimilar 436 00:30:07,650 --> 00:30:10,490 Speaker 2: from what happens in every heart when one receives Jesus. 437 00:30:11,050 --> 00:30:14,010 Speaker 2: Without the revelation of Jesus, we're spiritually blind. We're stumbling 438 00:30:14,030 --> 00:30:17,020 Speaker 2: in darkness. But when we see Jesus in his glorious light, 439 00:30:17,380 --> 00:30:20,120 Speaker 2: hear his voice, and obey his commands, nothing stops his 440 00:30:20,140 --> 00:30:22,440 Speaker 2: spirit from transforming the lives of men and women around 441 00:30:22,480 --> 00:30:27,650 Speaker 2: the world. That concludes our little mini-series, Jesus and the Outcasts. 442 00:30:28,290 --> 00:30:32,470 Speaker 2: Next up, we're going to start a series on Jesus' miracles. Now, 443 00:30:32,630 --> 00:30:34,690 Speaker 2: we have already showcased some of his miracles in this 444 00:30:34,730 --> 00:30:36,910 Speaker 2: past series, but this is going to take a specific 445 00:30:36,970 --> 00:30:40,590 Speaker 2: deep dive into people's personal lives that were transformed when 446 00:30:40,650 --> 00:30:45,770 Speaker 2: Jesus noticed them, considered them, and healed them radically. Make 447 00:30:45,810 --> 00:30:48,030 Speaker 2: sure to follow and subscribe so you don't have to 448 00:30:48,110 --> 00:30:50,969 Speaker 2: miss any of these episodes. And once again, thanks from 449 00:30:50,990 --> 00:30:53,490 Speaker 2: the bottom of our hearts for being devoted to this podcast. 450 00:30:54,040 --> 00:30:57,530 Speaker 2: We believe that we're starting a movement of beautiful storytelling 451 00:30:57,610 --> 00:31:00,810 Speaker 2: coupled with honest and humble reflection. We believe we're just 452 00:31:00,850 --> 00:31:03,070 Speaker 2: getting started. So thanks for making it all possible.