'Did Paul really mean that? Episode 1 - Encounter' by Owen Lynch - April 26 2020
Could your life be changed by an encounter with Jesus? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at what happened with Saul, a devout religious teacher whose view on life was changed by meeting the risen Jesus in the original “road to Damascus” moment. Saul became Paul, who is often misunderstood today, but can we understand more, and even live better, by encountering Jesus for ourselves?
Bible references
‘About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, “Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?”…..
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”
“But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.
“Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles – only James, the Lord’s brother. I assure you before God that what I am writing to you is no lie.”
Questions
If you met the apostle Paul today, what would you think of him? Would you get on with him?
How would you describe Paul to someone who didn’t know him?
Do you have a favourite amongst all of Paul’s letters? Which one and why do you like it more than the others?
Reflect on your on spiritual journey - what has had a bigger impact - a spiritual experience or a well reasoned presentation of the gospel of Jesus?
Reflect on the most profound encounter you have had with Jesus - if you have had one, what was it like, why did it make such a difference to your life?
When was the last time you had a profound encounter with Jesus?
Would you like to have another encounter with Jesus - why not invite him to make himself present to you now?
References
Tom Wright - Paul: A Biography - a light and easy introduction to Paul.
NT Wright - Paul and the Faithfulness of God - a more comprehensive overview of Paul and his theology - a bit more to chew!
Steve Chalke - The lost message of Paul - another big overview of Paul and his theology - drawing from many sources.