1 00:00:00,350 --> 00:00:04,080 Speaker 1: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 00:00:05,120 --> 00:00:09,520 Speaker 1: The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have 3 00:00:09,539 --> 00:00:17,940 Speaker 1: become new. 2 Corinthians 5.17 Dear Heavenly Father, In the 4 00:00:17,980 --> 00:00:21,760 Speaker 1: gentle embrace of your presence, we find comfort and joy 5 00:00:22,380 --> 00:00:26,240 Speaker 1: in the truth of this promise. It is a sweet 6 00:00:26,300 --> 00:00:31,290 Speaker 1: balm to our souls, reminding us that In you, we 7 00:00:31,350 --> 00:00:38,769 Speaker 1: are reborn, renewed, and restored. With tender hearts, we thank 8 00:00:38,810 --> 00:00:42,790 Speaker 1: you for the gift of new beginnings. The past, with 9 00:00:42,850 --> 00:00:47,019 Speaker 1: its failures and pains, no longer holds sway over us. 10 00:00:48,640 --> 00:00:52,659 Speaker 1: In Christ, we are set free. Our lives are a 11 00:00:52,720 --> 00:00:57,400 Speaker 1: testament to your boundless grace and love. Help us to 12 00:00:57,480 --> 00:01:02,210 Speaker 1: walk in this newness of life, embracing the beauty of 13 00:01:02,250 --> 00:01:07,560 Speaker 1: the transformation you have wrought in us. May the reality 14 00:01:07,610 --> 00:01:11,919 Speaker 1: of our identity in Christ soothe our spirits, filling us 15 00:01:11,980 --> 00:01:17,740 Speaker 1: with peace and assurance. Let us live each day in 16 00:01:17,780 --> 00:01:22,670 Speaker 1: the fullness of your joy, knowing that we are dearly loved, 17 00:01:23,390 --> 00:01:29,980 Speaker 1: completely forgiven, and forever changed. In the precious name of Jesus, 18 00:01:30,340 --> 00:01:36,280 Speaker 1: we pray. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. 19 00:01:37,060 --> 00:01:41,860 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. Gospel stories retold to 20 00:01:41,920 --> 00:01:47,350 Speaker 1: capture your imagination and invigorate your faith. Today we dive 21 00:01:47,430 --> 00:01:52,050 Speaker 1: into the story of Paul the Apostle. Before his encounter 22 00:01:52,090 --> 00:01:55,530 Speaker 1: with Christ, he was the grim reaper. and harbinger of 23 00:01:55,610 --> 00:02:00,750 Speaker 1: persecution for the church. Now, listen for part two of 24 00:02:00,790 --> 00:02:07,150 Speaker 1: his dramatic conversion story. Follow this podcast on whatever platform 25 00:02:07,170 --> 00:02:10,810 Speaker 1: you're listening to. Doing so will keep you updated, but 26 00:02:10,900 --> 00:02:15,100 Speaker 1: also help us get discovered by more people. We want 27 00:02:15,139 --> 00:02:18,300 Speaker 1: the story of Jesus to be known throughout the world. 28 00:02:19,060 --> 00:02:25,110 Speaker 1: Thanks for making that possible. Winter gave way to spring. 29 00:02:26,450 --> 00:02:29,870 Speaker 1: The frost melted slowly off the mountain range and trickled 30 00:02:29,910 --> 00:02:34,560 Speaker 1: downstream into the valley of Samaria. Saul left at first 31 00:02:34,639 --> 00:02:39,080 Speaker 1: light to Damascus. The sun's warmth chased away the fog, 32 00:02:39,940 --> 00:02:45,970 Speaker 1: revealing the newly budded wildflowers carpeting the valley floor. The 33 00:02:46,000 --> 00:02:48,950 Speaker 1: road to Damascus chased after the shadow of Mount Hermon. 34 00:02:50,290 --> 00:02:53,070 Speaker 1: and Saul could still see the white caps as he 35 00:02:53,130 --> 00:02:57,450 Speaker 1: rode atop his horse. A band of temple servants and 36 00:02:57,530 --> 00:03:03,950 Speaker 1: guards followed behind him. They considered themselves inquisitors for a 37 00:03:03,990 --> 00:03:08,440 Speaker 1: holy cause, righteous warriors for the armies of the Lord. 38 00:03:10,400 --> 00:03:14,260 Speaker 1: Saul rode at the front atop his noble steed. He 39 00:03:14,320 --> 00:03:19,000 Speaker 1: was their fearless leader, mighty and filled with religious zeal. 40 00:03:20,680 --> 00:03:24,780 Speaker 1: He had accepted his new role with excitement. He could 41 00:03:24,820 --> 00:03:29,040 Speaker 1: be renowned forever as the man who thwarted the uprising 42 00:03:29,100 --> 00:03:33,930 Speaker 1: of the Nazarenes. Historians would remember him forever as the 43 00:03:34,010 --> 00:03:38,610 Speaker 1: leader who ended the name of Jesus. The thought of 44 00:03:38,690 --> 00:03:42,850 Speaker 1: such accolades gave him a smile, like the river picking 45 00:03:42,890 --> 00:03:47,570 Speaker 1: up speed from the mountains. Saul continued his momentum to Damascus. 46 00:03:49,560 --> 00:03:52,540 Speaker 1: On the fourth day, Saul and his companions passed the 47 00:03:52,600 --> 00:03:56,970 Speaker 1: Sea of Galilee. Saul looked at the hills scaling upwards 48 00:03:57,110 --> 00:04:01,370 Speaker 1: away from the shore. Fishermen docked their boats and unloaded 49 00:04:01,410 --> 00:04:05,529 Speaker 1: their fish onto the beach. The shore of Galilee was 50 00:04:05,590 --> 00:04:09,760 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 --> 00:04:18,740 Speaker 1: gazed at the vast body of water. He could see 53 00:04:18,820 --> 00:04:23,560 Speaker 1: Jesus in his mind's eye, spreading his shameful lies and 54 00:04:23,640 --> 00:04:29,370 Speaker 1: drawing people away with false promises of eternal life. He 55 00:04:29,510 --> 00:04:35,270 Speaker 1: often fantasized about interrupting Jesus and rebuking him. Yet there 56 00:04:35,310 --> 00:04:39,190 Speaker 1: was a small prodding on his heart that kept emerging 57 00:04:39,250 --> 00:04:43,230 Speaker 1: when he thought of Jesus, like a loose needle occasionally 58 00:04:43,390 --> 00:04:47,940 Speaker 1: pricking his spirit. He kicked against any feeling of conviction 59 00:04:49,000 --> 00:04:54,580 Speaker 1: and marched onward. Despite Saul's efforts, the impact of Jesus 60 00:04:55,020 --> 00:05:00,120 Speaker 1: was inescapable. Every inn, marketplace, and well they stopped at 61 00:05:00,580 --> 00:05:05,170 Speaker 1: was filled with people talking about him, the Messiah. They 62 00:05:05,200 --> 00:05:08,789 Speaker 1: told tales of his return from the grave. They spoke 63 00:05:08,870 --> 00:05:13,150 Speaker 1: freely about his miracles and teachings. They did not know 64 00:05:13,250 --> 00:05:15,960 Speaker 1: Saul was on his mission. or else they would have 65 00:05:16,000 --> 00:05:21,660 Speaker 1: spoken with fear. Nevertheless, Saul was compelled not because of Jesus' 66 00:05:21,720 --> 00:05:26,120 Speaker 1: words or miracles, but because of how people talked about him. 67 00:05:27,520 --> 00:05:30,880 Speaker 1: This man, who was only a few years older than him, 68 00:05:31,720 --> 00:05:36,880 Speaker 1: had managed to grip the hearts of thousands, perhaps even millions. 69 00:05:38,810 --> 00:05:43,020 Speaker 1: He had done what Saul had only dreamed of, and 70 00:05:43,060 --> 00:05:46,500 Speaker 1: he did it with only a few fishermen by his side. 71 00:05:48,190 --> 00:05:52,729 Speaker 1: It enraged Saul even more. Now he was not just 72 00:05:52,810 --> 00:05:59,869 Speaker 1: fueled by piety, but jealousy. Saul left Galilee and crossed 73 00:05:59,890 --> 00:06:03,920 Speaker 1: the river Jordan by the Roman bridge. The significance of 74 00:06:03,940 --> 00:06:08,560 Speaker 1: the Jordan River moved Saul. His ancestors had crossed the 75 00:06:08,600 --> 00:06:15,260 Speaker 1: Jordan with Joshua centuries earlier. He saw himself, like Joshua, 76 00:06:16,160 --> 00:06:20,200 Speaker 1: leading people out of slavery to this Jesus of Nazareth. 77 00:06:20,550 --> 00:06:26,089 Speaker 1: They are all bondservants to this Jesus, he murmured. He 78 00:06:26,230 --> 00:06:30,610 Speaker 1: hated that this blasphemous imposter had taken so many hearts 79 00:06:30,690 --> 00:06:34,450 Speaker 1: and minds away from God. I will liberate our nation, 80 00:06:34,910 --> 00:06:35,890 Speaker 1: Saul thought to himself. 81 00:06:36,450 --> 00:06:40,210 Speaker 2: I will save them and set them free, no matter 82 00:06:40,230 --> 00:06:40,669 Speaker 2: the cost. 83 00:06:43,670 --> 00:06:46,530 Speaker 3: At some point, everyone faces a fork in the road 84 00:06:46,550 --> 00:06:50,630 Speaker 3: of life, decisions we must make that will dictate our future. 85 00:06:51,120 --> 00:06:53,420 Speaker 3: But there is one decision that holds the greatest weight 86 00:06:53,510 --> 00:06:56,620 Speaker 3: when it comes to our fate, the decision to follow Jesus. 87 00:06:57,200 --> 00:07:01,000 Speaker 3: Christ's sacrifice has made salvation available to anyone, but only 88 00:07:01,060 --> 00:07:03,919 Speaker 3: those who answer his call to follow him experience his 89 00:07:04,000 --> 00:07:08,160 Speaker 3: blessed promise for new life. This is The Jesus Podcast, 90 00:07:08,540 --> 00:07:11,000 Speaker 3: a year of stories showcasing the depth of Christ's love 91 00:07:11,020 --> 00:07:14,720 Speaker 3: through storytelling, and the glory of God's truth through honest reflection. 92 00:07:15,160 --> 00:07:17,920 Speaker 3: I'm Zach, your host from Pray.com, and I'm happy you're 93 00:07:17,960 --> 00:07:20,240 Speaker 3: here with us today as we dig into part of 94 00:07:20,340 --> 00:07:23,770 Speaker 3: the story of Paul the Apostle. We're going to learn 95 00:07:23,850 --> 00:07:28,390 Speaker 3: how he embraces transformation in Jesus. With letters in hand 96 00:07:28,450 --> 00:07:32,010 Speaker 3: giving him permission to persecute the followers of Jesus outside Jerusalem, 97 00:07:32,490 --> 00:07:35,270 Speaker 3: Saul sets out with his men down the road to Damascus. 98 00:07:35,890 --> 00:07:38,650 Speaker 3: In his mind, this was the moment that could lead 99 00:07:38,680 --> 00:07:41,380 Speaker 3: to his glory. If all went according to plan, he 100 00:07:41,420 --> 00:07:44,320 Speaker 3: would return a hero and become renowned among the Jews 101 00:07:44,500 --> 00:07:48,020 Speaker 3: as the one who stopped the Jesus movement. But as 102 00:07:48,240 --> 00:07:51,450 Speaker 3: Saul's mind is filled with his conquest, his eyes become 103 00:07:51,510 --> 00:07:55,030 Speaker 3: filled with blinding light from heaven. In our story, we'll 104 00:07:55,070 --> 00:07:58,890 Speaker 3: feel the tremendous power that flows from encountering Jesus. We'll 105 00:07:58,930 --> 00:08:01,620 Speaker 3: see Saul's heart move at the words of the Lord 106 00:08:01,740 --> 00:08:04,460 Speaker 3: as his life hits a proverbial fork in the road. 107 00:08:05,040 --> 00:08:08,400 Speaker 3: While he may not know what lies ahead, the choice 108 00:08:08,520 --> 00:08:11,470 Speaker 3: is clear. to continue to follow in his flesh, or 109 00:08:11,710 --> 00:08:14,930 Speaker 3: to make the change and follow Jesus. Immerse yourself now 110 00:08:14,990 --> 00:08:17,830 Speaker 3: in Saul's conversion story, as the Lord moves not only 111 00:08:17,870 --> 00:08:20,130 Speaker 3: in his heart, but ours as well. 112 00:08:22,790 --> 00:08:25,450 Speaker 1: The final days of Saul's journey were spent under the 113 00:08:25,490 --> 00:08:30,450 Speaker 1: shadow of Mount Hermon. Wildflowers scaled up the snowy mountaintops. 114 00:08:32,610 --> 00:08:36,480 Speaker 1: Besides the few clouds covering the peak, the skies were 115 00:08:36,600 --> 00:08:41,490 Speaker 1: clear and calm. Everything was quiet beneath the mountain, as 116 00:08:41,550 --> 00:08:46,550 Speaker 1: Saul and his companions rode along the dirt path. The 117 00:08:46,610 --> 00:08:50,480 Speaker 1: only sounds for miles were that of horses' hooves and 118 00:08:50,510 --> 00:08:55,080 Speaker 1: the occasional bird. There was a stillness in the air 119 00:08:56,080 --> 00:09:00,079 Speaker 1: that caused Saul to stir in place. It was an 120 00:09:00,179 --> 00:09:07,150 Speaker 1: uncomfortable silence compared to his disquieted and chaotic mind. while 121 00:09:07,190 --> 00:09:13,070 Speaker 1: everything on the outside was calm and serene. Inwardly, Saul 122 00:09:13,130 --> 00:09:20,130 Speaker 1: continued to reel and rage like a storm. Then, out 123 00:09:20,170 --> 00:09:23,890 Speaker 1: of the still and silent sky, a light burst forth. 124 00:09:25,050 --> 00:09:28,050 Speaker 1: It was as if reality itself had been cut open 125 00:09:28,100 --> 00:09:31,900 Speaker 1: with a blade, and light came rushing out like a 126 00:09:32,040 --> 00:09:37,240 Speaker 1: surging waterfall. The rays of light cascaded over Saul and 127 00:09:37,280 --> 00:09:41,540 Speaker 1: his companions. The horses were terrified and threw the men 128 00:09:41,660 --> 00:09:45,910 Speaker 1: off their backs. The men behind Saul cowered together at 129 00:09:45,950 --> 00:09:49,689 Speaker 1: a distance and watched the light move like a living thing. 130 00:09:50,770 --> 00:09:55,270 Speaker 1: It swirled in a brilliant and terrifying dance, directing its 131 00:09:55,370 --> 00:10:00,870 Speaker 1: power straight at Saul. Suddenly, he was surrounded. by a 132 00:10:00,970 --> 00:10:05,670 Speaker 1: whirlwind of living colors. Flashes of bright orange and hues 133 00:10:05,730 --> 00:10:09,330 Speaker 1: of pink showered every inch of Saul's body, as if 134 00:10:09,550 --> 00:10:14,840 Speaker 1: washing him clean. Saul couldn't stand, for the sheer power 135 00:10:14,880 --> 00:10:18,980 Speaker 1: he was surrounded by kept him on his knees. The 136 00:10:19,020 --> 00:10:22,760 Speaker 1: light didn't just envelop him, but it shone within him. 137 00:10:24,260 --> 00:10:30,540 Speaker 1: At that moment, Saul felt completely and utterly exposed. Whatever 138 00:10:30,620 --> 00:10:36,300 Speaker 1: strength he had previously felt seemed like weakness. Whatever boldness 139 00:10:36,370 --> 00:10:41,090 Speaker 1: Saul thought he had seemed like cowardice. Whatever knowledge he 140 00:10:41,150 --> 00:10:47,069 Speaker 1: had seemed like foolishness. Kneeling under the weight of a 141 00:10:47,210 --> 00:10:53,330 Speaker 1: brilliant light, Saul was terrifyingly aware of his fragility for 142 00:10:53,370 --> 00:10:57,670 Speaker 1: the first time. Saul gripped the dirt in his fists 143 00:10:58,250 --> 00:11:02,230 Speaker 1: and looked toward the light source. It was more than light. 144 00:11:03,210 --> 00:11:09,110 Speaker 1: Something was there with him, or someone. Out of the 145 00:11:09,210 --> 00:11:14,210 Speaker 1: radiant whirlwind of flashing colors, a figure, shone brighter than 146 00:11:14,490 --> 00:11:19,380 Speaker 1: all the other bursts of light. A man walked towards him, 147 00:11:20,170 --> 00:11:21,939 Speaker 1: but he wasn't just a man. 148 00:11:22,440 --> 00:11:23,840 Speaker 2: Saul, he said. 149 00:11:25,100 --> 00:11:29,200 Speaker 1: Paul's heart ceased its beating for a moment. He recognized 150 00:11:29,240 --> 00:11:32,880 Speaker 1: the voice, like it had been calling out to him 151 00:11:33,000 --> 00:11:38,420 Speaker 1: for a long time. His voice was familiar, like an 152 00:11:38,520 --> 00:11:44,050 Speaker 1: old friend, but terrifying, like a feared enemy. Saul, the 153 00:11:44,090 --> 00:11:47,809 Speaker 1: voice cried out again. Why are you persecuting me? Saul's 154 00:11:47,929 --> 00:11:53,179 Speaker 1: jaw quivered and his eyes watered. He felt himself succumbing 155 00:11:53,640 --> 00:11:59,000 Speaker 1: to the weight of this being's glory. Something heavenly was 156 00:11:59,040 --> 00:12:04,260 Speaker 1: taking place. That much Saul could surmise. He managed to 157 00:12:04,320 --> 00:12:05,500 Speaker 1: speak with labored breath. 158 00:12:07,620 --> 00:12:08,610 Speaker 2: Who are you, Lord? 159 00:12:09,130 --> 00:12:13,339 Speaker 1: Saul looked as the figure drew closer. His face became 160 00:12:13,390 --> 00:12:18,240 Speaker 1: more evident and his presence even more palpable. He was 161 00:12:18,340 --> 00:12:23,960 Speaker 1: more than a man. He was God. The heavenly figure 162 00:12:24,100 --> 00:12:29,220 Speaker 1: knelt down and met Saul face to face. He touched 163 00:12:29,300 --> 00:12:31,960 Speaker 1: Saul's shoulder and replied, I am. 164 00:12:31,920 --> 00:12:36,440 Speaker 2: Jesus, the one you have been fighting against this entire time. 165 00:12:36,980 --> 00:12:42,250 Speaker 1: Jesus' voice spoke to him, and within him. At that moment, 166 00:12:42,830 --> 00:12:48,330 Speaker 1: time itself seemed utterly meaningless. Saul was caught up in 167 00:12:48,410 --> 00:12:52,850 Speaker 1: Christ's gaze and heard his voice again, saying, It. 168 00:12:52,830 --> 00:12:56,210 Speaker 2: Has been hard for you, hasn't it, Saul, kicking against 169 00:12:56,290 --> 00:12:56,929 Speaker 2: the goats? 170 00:12:57,510 --> 00:13:01,740 Speaker 1: With a gentle touch of Jesus' hand, Saul's entire being 171 00:13:02,000 --> 00:13:07,240 Speaker 1: felt weightless. The burdens he had held on to were lifted. 172 00:13:08,380 --> 00:13:11,660 Speaker 1: and the chaos of his soul was quieted like the 173 00:13:11,700 --> 00:13:17,020 Speaker 1: storm Jesus spoke to years before. The God who had said, 174 00:13:17,830 --> 00:13:22,069 Speaker 1: Let there be light, spoke light into Saul's heart. 175 00:13:22,550 --> 00:13:23,890 Speaker 2: What am I supposed to do? 176 00:13:24,250 --> 00:13:27,650 Speaker 1: Saul said with tears falling from his eyes. Oh, Saul, 177 00:13:28,390 --> 00:13:32,790 Speaker 1: always looking for something to do, Jesus replied softly. For now, 178 00:13:33,350 --> 00:13:36,450 Speaker 1: I need you to rise, go into the city, and 179 00:13:36,490 --> 00:13:40,000 Speaker 1: remain there, You will be told all you need to know. 180 00:13:40,480 --> 00:13:44,080 Speaker 1: Jesus stood to his feet and backed away. The light 181 00:13:44,120 --> 00:13:48,750 Speaker 1: that enveloped Saul pulled back toward Jesus. The light coiled 182 00:13:48,809 --> 00:13:54,970 Speaker 1: around Jesus. And suddenly, he was gone. As soon as 183 00:13:54,990 --> 00:13:59,030 Speaker 1: he vanished, Saul's eyes grew dim. And the light that 184 00:13:59,090 --> 00:14:04,030 Speaker 1: was once in his eyes faded into nothingness. The image 185 00:14:04,090 --> 00:14:08,750 Speaker 1: of Christ's face was seared into Saul's mind. Now it 186 00:14:08,809 --> 00:14:13,790 Speaker 1: was all he could see. Saul had been made entirely blind. 187 00:14:15,220 --> 00:14:19,300 Speaker 1: He stumbled to his feet, as Jesus commanded, and searched 188 00:14:19,340 --> 00:14:24,000 Speaker 1: for his companions. The other men had watched Saul at 189 00:14:24,040 --> 00:14:28,880 Speaker 1: a distance, enveloped in light and speaking to it, but 190 00:14:28,940 --> 00:14:32,990 Speaker 1: they did not see Jesus. When it was all over, 191 00:14:33,090 --> 00:14:35,850 Speaker 1: they ran to their master and surrounded him with questions. 192 00:14:36,920 --> 00:14:40,630 Speaker 1: But Saul said nothing. Rabbi, what did you see? 193 00:14:40,650 --> 00:14:42,410 Speaker 2: What happened? 194 00:14:42,770 --> 00:14:48,690 Speaker 1: They asked. Saul was not fully prepared to answer. Something 195 00:14:48,710 --> 00:14:52,740 Speaker 1: had changed in him that he could not describe, at 196 00:14:52,780 --> 00:14:57,940 Speaker 1: least not yet. He was blind, but it was as 197 00:14:58,120 --> 00:15:03,140 Speaker 1: if he could see clearly for the first time. He 198 00:15:03,180 --> 00:15:06,850 Speaker 1: could not see the dirt road leading to Damascus, but 199 00:15:06,890 --> 00:15:11,870 Speaker 1: the path before him was as clear as day. Jesus 200 00:15:11,910 --> 00:15:15,670 Speaker 1: had not said much. He had not divulged the secrets 201 00:15:15,730 --> 00:15:18,960 Speaker 1: of the universe to him, nor had he spoken about 202 00:15:18,980 --> 00:15:23,880 Speaker 1: the mission for the future. Jesus had given one command, 203 00:15:25,120 --> 00:15:30,610 Speaker 1: rise and go. So Saul would do as he was told. 204 00:15:30,990 --> 00:15:32,370 Speaker 2: We will continue to Damascus. 205 00:15:32,970 --> 00:15:35,720 Speaker 1: Saul said with a whisper. We will go there and wait. 206 00:15:36,160 --> 00:15:38,700 Speaker 2: Wait for... for what? I. 207 00:15:40,240 --> 00:15:43,960 Speaker 1: I'm not sure. Saul's words trailed off as he recounted 208 00:15:44,020 --> 00:15:44,580 Speaker 1: what had happened. 209 00:15:45,360 --> 00:15:46,610 Speaker 2: I will know it when I see it. 210 00:15:47,160 --> 00:15:51,670 Speaker 1: The others looked at each other with worried faces. Saul 211 00:15:51,950 --> 00:15:55,590 Speaker 1: could not see anything. So what could he possibly be 212 00:15:55,830 --> 00:15:56,310 Speaker 1: looking for? 213 00:15:58,450 --> 00:16:02,070 Speaker 2: I am Jesus... the one you have been fighting against 214 00:16:02,130 --> 00:16:03,250 Speaker 2: this entire time. 215 00:16:03,850 --> 00:16:08,390 Speaker 1: The words still echoed within Saul's mind. He was blind, 216 00:16:09,350 --> 00:16:12,340 Speaker 1: but the image of the risen Jesus could not be 217 00:16:12,480 --> 00:16:16,900 Speaker 1: wiped from his sight. For three days Saul was haunted 218 00:16:16,980 --> 00:16:20,820 Speaker 1: by the recent memories of his brutality against God's people. 219 00:16:22,080 --> 00:16:24,340 Speaker 1: He felt cut to the soul for what he had 220 00:16:24,360 --> 00:16:28,540 Speaker 1: been doing. However, he was not hopeless in his regret. 221 00:16:29,870 --> 00:16:33,610 Speaker 1: With the newfound conviction also came a sense of freedom. 222 00:16:35,050 --> 00:16:37,880 Speaker 1: He was not chained down by the sins he had committed. 223 00:16:39,000 --> 00:16:43,260 Speaker 1: He was forgiven. He was more than forgiven. In fact, 224 00:16:44,080 --> 00:16:48,300 Speaker 1: he was a new person. He did not look new, though. 225 00:16:49,020 --> 00:16:52,610 Speaker 1: He hadn't eaten anything for three days, and the complexion 226 00:16:52,690 --> 00:16:55,890 Speaker 1: of a pampered Pharisee had been removed from his face. 227 00:16:57,730 --> 00:17:01,840 Speaker 1: He sat upright in facing the window without seeing the light. 228 00:17:02,820 --> 00:17:05,480 Speaker 1: Every few hours his companions would knock on the door 229 00:17:05,540 --> 00:17:10,720 Speaker 1: to offer him food, but he refused every time. Saul 230 00:17:10,760 --> 00:17:14,430 Speaker 1: felt the compulsion to rid himself of what made him him. 231 00:17:16,270 --> 00:17:20,250 Speaker 1: Fasting was a necessary act of stripping himself of everything 232 00:17:20,290 --> 00:17:24,590 Speaker 1: that made him who he used to be. However, time 233 00:17:24,630 --> 00:17:28,090 Speaker 1: was not on Saul's side. He had to eat or 234 00:17:28,130 --> 00:17:31,340 Speaker 1: drink sooner or later. or else he might wither away 235 00:17:31,820 --> 00:17:37,060 Speaker 1: into nothing. So Saul continued to pray, waiting for the 236 00:17:37,100 --> 00:17:42,250 Speaker 1: voice of Jesus to speak again. The night before, he 237 00:17:42,270 --> 00:17:44,710 Speaker 1: had had a vision of a man visiting him and 238 00:17:44,770 --> 00:17:49,330 Speaker 1: restoring his sight. He trusted that this vision would come 239 00:17:49,390 --> 00:17:56,590 Speaker 1: to pass. He just didn't know when or how. The 240 00:17:56,630 --> 00:18:00,510 Speaker 1: day rolled along, and Saul remained at the windowsill, turning 241 00:18:00,550 --> 00:18:04,940 Speaker 1: his face toward the sunlight. The door knocked, but Saul 242 00:18:05,020 --> 00:18:11,120 Speaker 1: remained silent. The door opened without Saul's permission. He turned 243 00:18:11,140 --> 00:18:13,660 Speaker 1: his ear toward the back of the room.' Who' s there?' 244 00:18:13,960 --> 00:18:19,980 Speaker 1: Saul asked. Whoever was in the room walked lightly. Their 245 00:18:20,020 --> 00:18:23,949 Speaker 1: footsteps were timid and cautious. I would like to be 246 00:18:24,230 --> 00:18:29,410 Speaker 1: left alone, Saul said into the darkness. The stranger stopped 247 00:18:29,490 --> 00:18:32,649 Speaker 1: right in front of him and knelt down beside him. 248 00:18:34,390 --> 00:18:37,140 Speaker 1: Without a word, he placed a hand on Saul's head. 249 00:18:38,660 --> 00:18:44,120 Speaker 1: His touch was gentle, yet firm. A tender power emanated 250 00:18:44,180 --> 00:18:50,020 Speaker 1: from this stranger. The power felt familiar. His presence was 251 00:18:50,100 --> 00:18:54,980 Speaker 1: similar to Jesus'. Saul's heart began to beat heavily, and 252 00:18:55,020 --> 00:18:56,379 Speaker 1: his palms began to sweat. 253 00:18:58,330 --> 00:18:58,810 Speaker 2: Who are you? 254 00:18:59,290 --> 00:19:03,510 Speaker 1: Saul's entire body began to tremble. The presence of God 255 00:19:03,570 --> 00:19:08,210 Speaker 1: was palpable and brought him to his knees. Saul knelt 256 00:19:08,280 --> 00:19:12,480 Speaker 1: on the ground, shaking, and his darkened eyes dripping with tears. 257 00:19:14,060 --> 00:19:18,500 Speaker 1: Ananias knelt beside him and embraced him like a brother. 258 00:19:19,619 --> 00:19:25,560 Speaker 1: he held the weeping Saul tightly in his arms. He 259 00:19:25,640 --> 00:19:29,540 Speaker 1: placed one hand on Saul's head and another on his face. 260 00:19:32,740 --> 00:19:38,090 Speaker 1: In that instant, Saul felt his eyes change. It was 261 00:19:38,170 --> 00:19:41,350 Speaker 1: as if a thick layer of snake scales were peeling 262 00:19:41,510 --> 00:19:46,330 Speaker 1: off of his eyes. It was painful and refreshing all 263 00:19:46,369 --> 00:19:51,619 Speaker 1: at the same time. Slowly, the dark... began to leave him, 264 00:19:52,619 --> 00:19:56,600 Speaker 1: and slivers of light peeked through the windows of his mind. 265 00:19:58,260 --> 00:20:02,480 Speaker 1: Saul rubbed his eyes and blinked a few times. Standing 266 00:20:02,540 --> 00:20:08,129 Speaker 1: before him was Ananias, wearing the gentle smile of Christ. 267 00:20:09,420 --> 00:20:13,510 Speaker 1: Saul knew at that moment that he would never forget 268 00:20:13,590 --> 00:20:15,090 Speaker 1: that smile. I. 269 00:20:17,270 --> 00:20:18,090 Speaker 2: I can see. 270 00:20:18,810 --> 00:20:23,330 Speaker 1: Saul sighed. Saul could see more than just what was 271 00:20:23,390 --> 00:20:26,889 Speaker 1: in front of him. The Holy Spirit had come upon 272 00:20:26,970 --> 00:20:31,220 Speaker 1: him like a torrent of rushing water. The eyes of 273 00:20:31,340 --> 00:20:35,500 Speaker 1: Saul's soul were opened as well. He was beginning to 274 00:20:35,560 --> 00:20:39,590 Speaker 1: see the purpose set before him. like a dark road 275 00:20:39,890 --> 00:20:46,179 Speaker 1: illuminated by flickering torchlight. Ananias looked down at Saul and 276 00:20:46,660 --> 00:20:50,359 Speaker 1: reached out a hand to help him. Saul placed his 277 00:20:50,400 --> 00:20:53,879 Speaker 1: hands on his knees and struggled to stand. He was 278 00:20:53,920 --> 00:20:58,830 Speaker 1: malnourished and trembling, but determined to walk the road to 279 00:20:58,850 --> 00:21:03,449 Speaker 1: the river. They moved slowly past the garden courtyard and 280 00:21:03,510 --> 00:21:07,840 Speaker 1: down the steps leading to the road. Saul was taking 281 00:21:08,000 --> 00:21:11,760 Speaker 1: in every vivid color as if he had been blind 282 00:21:11,840 --> 00:21:16,419 Speaker 1: his entire life. Now that he thought about it, he 283 00:21:16,480 --> 00:21:21,700 Speaker 1: had always been blind. His ambition blinded him to everything 284 00:21:21,780 --> 00:21:27,010 Speaker 1: and everyone around him. All he could see was the 285 00:21:27,170 --> 00:21:32,290 Speaker 1: object of his selfish desires. But now that Christ had 286 00:21:32,330 --> 00:21:37,260 Speaker 1: redeemed him, He had new eyes. He captured every image 287 00:21:37,340 --> 00:21:42,530 Speaker 1: around him and appreciated it for its pure beauty. The 288 00:21:42,590 --> 00:21:46,649 Speaker 1: cream-colored stone of the city walls shone under the brilliance 289 00:21:46,690 --> 00:21:49,949 Speaker 1: of the sun, and the road leading down to the 290 00:21:50,010 --> 00:21:56,050 Speaker 1: river was arrayed with freshly bloomed apricot trees. Saul's heart 291 00:21:56,109 --> 00:22:02,170 Speaker 1: was filling up with deep and unquenchable joys. Saul could 292 00:22:02,230 --> 00:22:06,149 Speaker 1: not help but think of the psalmist's words, The sun 293 00:22:06,300 --> 00:22:10,700 Speaker 1: is like a strong man who runs his course with joy. 294 00:22:12,200 --> 00:22:14,340 Speaker 1: The two of them made it to the Abana River. 295 00:22:15,660 --> 00:22:19,260 Speaker 1: The water glistened in the sunlight and invited them in 296 00:22:19,700 --> 00:22:25,510 Speaker 1: with enthusiasm. Saul felt the coolness of the river crawl 297 00:22:25,570 --> 00:22:29,860 Speaker 1: up his spine and wake him up. He breathed in 298 00:22:30,040 --> 00:22:36,570 Speaker 1: deeply and held Ananias' hand. Ananias looked at Saul and smiled. 299 00:22:37,990 --> 00:22:41,870 Speaker 1: Saul accepted Ananias' words like they were from Jesus himself. 300 00:22:42,450 --> 00:22:46,590 Speaker 1: Ananias grasped Saul's hand with his left hand and placed 301 00:22:46,630 --> 00:22:51,040 Speaker 1: his right hand on his back. He dipped him back 302 00:22:51,160 --> 00:22:56,770 Speaker 1: into the water, then lifted him out. The cascading sunlight 303 00:22:56,890 --> 00:23:01,240 Speaker 1: split into a million directions as Saul emerged from the water. 304 00:23:02,560 --> 00:23:08,180 Speaker 1: Saul emerged under the radiance of Christ's unending love. Saul 305 00:23:08,340 --> 00:23:12,150 Speaker 1: could not see it, but every angel in heaven was 306 00:23:12,290 --> 00:23:17,929 Speaker 1: rejoicing over him with a cacophony of praise. The water 307 00:23:18,510 --> 00:23:23,449 Speaker 1: represented a tomb for Saul, the persecutor. That man was 308 00:23:23,540 --> 00:23:29,850 Speaker 1: buried and would never return. Emerging from the water was 309 00:23:29,890 --> 00:23:34,169 Speaker 1: a new man. Just as Christ rose from the grave, 310 00:23:35,210 --> 00:23:39,020 Speaker 1: Saul was resurrected from the water. 311 00:23:43,280 --> 00:23:46,980 Speaker 3: The gospel message promises transformation, the promise of change and 312 00:23:47,020 --> 00:23:50,220 Speaker 3: hope for a better future. Oftentimes, the thing that hinders 313 00:23:50,380 --> 00:23:55,090 Speaker 3: us the most from finding transformation is ourselves. Whether this 314 00:23:55,109 --> 00:23:57,750 Speaker 3: is physical transformation as we search for the discipline to 315 00:23:57,790 --> 00:24:01,490 Speaker 3: be healthier, emotional transformation as we seek the guidance of professionals, 316 00:24:02,090 --> 00:24:04,790 Speaker 3: or spiritual transformation as our souls long to be made 317 00:24:04,869 --> 00:24:08,080 Speaker 3: whole by Jesus. Saul wasn't just an enemy of the church. 318 00:24:08,210 --> 00:24:11,080 Speaker 3: In many ways, he was his own worst enemy. He 319 00:24:11,119 --> 00:24:13,619 Speaker 3: was blind to the gospel, and the physical blindness in 320 00:24:13,660 --> 00:24:18,080 Speaker 3: this episode is merely a condition that reflected his spiritual blindness. 321 00:24:18,619 --> 00:24:21,540 Speaker 3: But although his past was brutal and dark, it wasn't 322 00:24:21,580 --> 00:24:23,810 Speaker 3: too thick for the light of Jesus to pierce through. 323 00:24:24,510 --> 00:24:27,910 Speaker 3: Saul experienced a radical transformation on the road to Damascus 324 00:24:27,930 --> 00:24:30,790 Speaker 3: that led to one of the most well-known testimonials of 325 00:24:30,869 --> 00:24:33,770 Speaker 3: God's faith under the new covenant. He had spent years 326 00:24:33,869 --> 00:24:37,240 Speaker 3: investing in himself and his religiosity, and it paid off. 327 00:24:37,460 --> 00:24:39,420 Speaker 3: He rose the ranks of the Pharisees and became a 328 00:24:39,500 --> 00:24:42,360 Speaker 3: member of the Sanhedrin. It was a coveted title only 329 00:24:42,400 --> 00:24:45,260 Speaker 3: given to a few. Nobody could compete with Saul when 330 00:24:45,280 --> 00:24:47,850 Speaker 3: it came to living by the law, being righteous, and 331 00:24:47,910 --> 00:24:51,370 Speaker 3: respected in the Jewish community. But through his encounter with Jesus, 332 00:24:51,550 --> 00:24:53,590 Speaker 3: he learned that he was missing out on the most 333 00:24:53,670 --> 00:24:57,790 Speaker 3: important part of his faith, a relationship with the Savior. 334 00:24:58,490 --> 00:25:01,770 Speaker 3: His moment with the resurrected Lord that interrupts his determined 335 00:25:01,810 --> 00:25:06,840 Speaker 3: drive is exactly what he needed to experience transformation. Oftentimes, 336 00:25:07,100 --> 00:25:10,060 Speaker 3: the way Jesus gets to us is by interrupting the 337 00:25:10,119 --> 00:25:13,220 Speaker 3: flow of our lives. He wants to disrupt our comfortability. 338 00:25:13,500 --> 00:25:16,140 Speaker 3: He wants to interrupt our trajectory. He wants to shake 339 00:25:16,180 --> 00:25:18,260 Speaker 3: us to our core and make us question what we've 340 00:25:18,280 --> 00:25:21,280 Speaker 3: been doing all this time. As Saul is shaken up, 341 00:25:21,550 --> 00:25:24,550 Speaker 3: there's three lessons that show us and help us experience 342 00:25:24,590 --> 00:25:28,330 Speaker 3: transformation as well. The first lesson is this. Saul teaches 343 00:25:28,530 --> 00:25:31,010 Speaker 3: us that we need to learn to recognize when God 344 00:25:31,170 --> 00:25:34,080 Speaker 3: is speaking. You see, before his encounter with Jesus, Saul 345 00:25:34,100 --> 00:25:35,820 Speaker 3: would have said that he was listening to the voice 346 00:25:35,859 --> 00:25:38,580 Speaker 3: of God. He would have declared that he knew God's heart. 347 00:25:38,960 --> 00:25:41,560 Speaker 3: He would have considered himself as someone who was smack 348 00:25:41,600 --> 00:25:43,899 Speaker 3: dab in the middle of the perfect will of God. 349 00:25:44,480 --> 00:25:46,929 Speaker 3: Living on this side of his testimony, we know that 350 00:25:47,010 --> 00:25:51,450 Speaker 3: he actually didn't see things quite clearly. Saul's problem may 351 00:25:51,490 --> 00:25:53,840 Speaker 3: not be as different from our own as we might think. 352 00:25:54,380 --> 00:25:57,260 Speaker 3: We often hear voices, whether it's our own internal dialogue 353 00:25:57,300 --> 00:25:59,379 Speaker 3: or the words of others in our lives, that we 354 00:25:59,440 --> 00:26:01,820 Speaker 3: believe are giving us a word from the Lord. Whether 355 00:26:01,859 --> 00:26:04,790 Speaker 3: it's a gut feeling or affirmations from a friend, we 356 00:26:04,920 --> 00:26:07,270 Speaker 3: take it as a sign that we're aligned with God's will. 357 00:26:07,869 --> 00:26:10,730 Speaker 3: But unfortunately, that's not always the case. There will be 358 00:26:10,770 --> 00:26:13,670 Speaker 3: times where God is speaking to us, and it's dangerous 359 00:26:13,710 --> 00:26:16,710 Speaker 3: when we don't know when those times are. Part of 360 00:26:16,730 --> 00:26:20,159 Speaker 3: the transformative process is learning to hear God's voice as 361 00:26:20,220 --> 00:26:23,119 Speaker 3: something distinct from our own. When I was a high 362 00:26:23,160 --> 00:26:27,060 Speaker 3: school and college pastor, I often heard this statement, well, 363 00:26:27,140 --> 00:26:29,699 Speaker 3: I think God has told me that I'm supposed to 364 00:26:29,740 --> 00:26:33,070 Speaker 3: marry this person. As a college pastor or high school pastor, 365 00:26:33,109 --> 00:26:35,190 Speaker 3: I often rolled my eyes and said, well, how do 366 00:26:35,230 --> 00:26:38,770 Speaker 3: you know that exactly? These students would often say that 367 00:26:38,970 --> 00:26:41,630 Speaker 3: it's just a feeling that they have, but feelings can 368 00:26:41,690 --> 00:26:44,980 Speaker 3: be deceiving. We have to understand that God's voice is 369 00:26:45,100 --> 00:26:48,690 Speaker 3: separate from our own When around each and every corner 370 00:26:48,770 --> 00:26:53,210 Speaker 3: you find confirmations of your desires, that's probably a sure-tell 371 00:26:53,310 --> 00:26:57,070 Speaker 3: sign that you're not actually listening to God's will. Because 372 00:26:57,109 --> 00:27:01,730 Speaker 3: God's will will often compete against our base desires. God's 373 00:27:01,790 --> 00:27:05,260 Speaker 3: will will often be counterintuitive to what we would have chosen. 374 00:27:05,760 --> 00:27:07,980 Speaker 3: If we're keen to God's word and we're heeding the 375 00:27:08,020 --> 00:27:11,199 Speaker 3: wisdom of the Holy Spirit, it's often going to be uncomfortable. 376 00:27:11,560 --> 00:27:13,560 Speaker 3: It's not going to confirm all of our beliefs and 377 00:27:13,619 --> 00:27:15,919 Speaker 3: it's not going to confirm all of what we feel 378 00:27:16,040 --> 00:27:19,379 Speaker 3: to be true. God declares that His thoughts are higher 379 00:27:19,550 --> 00:27:22,130 Speaker 3: than our thoughts. That means that just because we think 380 00:27:22,170 --> 00:27:24,470 Speaker 3: something is right does not mean that it's going to 381 00:27:24,609 --> 00:27:27,810 Speaker 3: automatically be aligned with God's will. Whenever you feel like 382 00:27:27,850 --> 00:27:29,570 Speaker 3: you might be sensing a word from the Lord or 383 00:27:29,630 --> 00:27:31,950 Speaker 3: looking for Him to speak, make sure that what you 384 00:27:32,250 --> 00:27:35,230 Speaker 3: also ask Him is to specifically discern what is really 385 00:27:35,290 --> 00:27:38,010 Speaker 3: from Him and what isn't. We can only follow God 386 00:27:38,050 --> 00:27:41,209 Speaker 3: when we know when He is speaking. And luckily for us, 387 00:27:41,369 --> 00:27:45,629 Speaker 3: we have the Word to confirm. In John 10, Jesus 388 00:27:45,670 --> 00:27:48,430 Speaker 3: and his disciples are in Jerusalem for the festival of dedication. 389 00:27:48,970 --> 00:27:51,530 Speaker 3: What we know as, while there, some of the Jews 390 00:27:51,690 --> 00:27:54,090 Speaker 3: ask him to tell them plainly if he is the Messiah. 391 00:27:54,609 --> 00:27:57,170 Speaker 3: In part of his response, Jesus says this, My sheep 392 00:27:57,210 --> 00:27:59,919 Speaker 3: listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me. 393 00:28:00,400 --> 00:28:02,260 Speaker 3: For those who have placed their faith in Jesus, they 394 00:28:02,280 --> 00:28:04,859 Speaker 3: will know the sound of the good shepherd's voice. As 395 00:28:04,900 --> 00:28:07,139 Speaker 3: you spend time with Jesus and reading the Bible and 396 00:28:07,160 --> 00:28:09,659 Speaker 3: immersing yourself in the word, you'll learn to hear it 397 00:28:09,680 --> 00:28:13,359 Speaker 3: more clearly with each and every day. Saul's conversion also 398 00:28:13,420 --> 00:28:16,400 Speaker 3: teaches us to learn to be obedient to Jesus' commands. 399 00:28:16,920 --> 00:28:19,280 Speaker 3: Saul recognized that the voice he was hearing was from heaven, 400 00:28:19,500 --> 00:28:22,379 Speaker 3: a message from God. Confused and afraid, he asks a 401 00:28:22,480 --> 00:28:26,210 Speaker 3: very important question. Who are you? After a lifetime devoted 402 00:28:26,250 --> 00:28:29,350 Speaker 3: to God, Saul was realizing he didn't actually know who 403 00:28:29,430 --> 00:28:32,470 Speaker 3: he was at heart. In some translations, Saul asks a 404 00:28:32,550 --> 00:28:35,490 Speaker 3: second question. What do you want me to do? Jesus 405 00:28:35,550 --> 00:28:38,710 Speaker 3: simply tells him to arise, go to Damascus, and trust 406 00:28:38,850 --> 00:28:41,530 Speaker 3: that Jesus would guide him from there. Blinded on the 407 00:28:41,570 --> 00:28:44,330 Speaker 3: road to Damascus, Saul was given a choice. Was he 408 00:28:44,370 --> 00:28:46,630 Speaker 3: going to continue to live in spiritual blindness to who 409 00:28:46,650 --> 00:28:48,690 Speaker 3: God was? Or was he going to open the eyes 410 00:28:48,730 --> 00:28:50,980 Speaker 3: of his heart to see Jesus clearly for the first 411 00:28:51,060 --> 00:28:54,820 Speaker 3: time and obey him? The choice was completely his. Would 412 00:28:54,840 --> 00:28:57,200 Speaker 3: he stay the same? Or would he choose to change 413 00:28:57,320 --> 00:29:01,140 Speaker 3: and be transformed? Lastly, Saul's conversion teaches us that we 414 00:29:01,200 --> 00:29:04,010 Speaker 3: must embrace our new identity. In Christ, we are a 415 00:29:04,030 --> 00:29:07,010 Speaker 3: new creation. If we identify with Christ, the old person 416 00:29:07,130 --> 00:29:10,100 Speaker 3: was buried in the grave and The new person has 417 00:29:10,160 --> 00:29:13,580 Speaker 3: began a life with Jesus. Even if we have a 418 00:29:13,640 --> 00:29:16,400 Speaker 3: dark and weighty past like Saul, we don't have to 419 00:29:16,440 --> 00:29:18,660 Speaker 3: let it hold us back from being the person God 420 00:29:18,700 --> 00:29:21,860 Speaker 3: wants us to be right now. The light of Christ 421 00:29:22,040 --> 00:29:24,920 Speaker 3: makes our futures bright. Likewise, for those of us who 422 00:29:24,940 --> 00:29:27,780 Speaker 3: are followers of Jesus, when someone else comes to a 423 00:29:27,820 --> 00:29:30,660 Speaker 3: saving faith, it benefits no one to judge them for 424 00:29:30,680 --> 00:29:34,160 Speaker 3: their past. We all come to Jesus with a past 425 00:29:34,340 --> 00:29:37,040 Speaker 3: riddled with sin. We have the privilege of seeing others 426 00:29:37,120 --> 00:29:40,360 Speaker 3: come to Jesus and enter into his transformative presence. Just 427 00:29:40,380 --> 00:29:43,360 Speaker 3: like Ananias welcomes Saul into the family of God, we 428 00:29:43,400 --> 00:29:46,040 Speaker 3: should have the same heart of forgiveness, compassion, and joy 429 00:29:46,340 --> 00:29:50,530 Speaker 3: in seeing previously wicked people come to repentance. While Saul's 430 00:29:50,570 --> 00:29:54,170 Speaker 3: conversion story may seem radical, it's not too dissimilar from 431 00:29:54,210 --> 00:29:57,630 Speaker 3: what happens in every heart when one receives Jesus. Without 432 00:29:57,650 --> 00:30:02,370 Speaker 3: the We're stumbling in darkness, but when we see Jesus 433 00:30:02,430 --> 00:30:05,270 Speaker 3: in his glorious light, hear his voice, and obey his commands, 434 00:30:05,690 --> 00:30:08,190 Speaker 3: nothing stops his spirit from transforming the lives of men 435 00:30:08,210 --> 00:30:11,910 Speaker 3: and women around the world. That concludes our little mini-series, 436 00:30:12,190 --> 00:30:15,920 Speaker 3: Jesus and the Outcasts. Next up, we're going to start 437 00:30:15,980 --> 00:30:19,980 Speaker 3: a series on Jesus' miracles. Now, we have already showcased 438 00:30:20,000 --> 00:30:22,000 Speaker 3: some of his miracles in this past series, but this 439 00:30:22,060 --> 00:30:24,820 Speaker 3: is going to take a specific deep dive into people's 440 00:30:24,940 --> 00:30:29,480 Speaker 3: personal lives that were transformed when Jesus noticed them, considered them, 441 00:30:29,950 --> 00:30:33,770 Speaker 3: We believe that we're starting a movement of beautiful storytelling 442 00:30:33,810 --> 00:30:35,900 Speaker 3: coupled with honest and humble reflection. We believe we're just 443 00:30:36,160 --> 00:30:37,920 Speaker 3: getting started. So thanks for making it all possible.