Brother David recounts the conversion of Saul, highlighting the transformative power of the heavenly vision. Saul, a zealous persecutor of the early church, encounters the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus. This encounter leaves him blind and shaken to his core as he realizes the true nature of the church as the body of Christ.
He emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church, comparing the early church's reliance on the Spirit to the Israelites' reliance on the tabernacle as the dwelling place of God's presence. He points out that despite persecution, the early Christians continued to meet, driven by their understanding of the church as the house of God.
He then focuses on the role of Ananias in Saul's conversion. Ananias, a seemingly ordinary believer, is chosen by God to be an instrument of Saul's physical and spiritual healing. He uses this interaction to illustrate several key aspects of the heavenly vision:
The Holy Spirit's Sovereignty: The Holy Spirit empowers the church and guides its members.
Suffering for Christ's Sake: Suffering is an integral part of Christian life, and believers are called to share in each other's burdens.
Oneness in Christ: Despite differences, believers are united as one body in Christ.
Brotherly Love: The term "brother" signifies the deep familial bond shared among believers.
The Centrality of God's Word: The Word of God is a source of life and guidance for the church.
Brother David concludes by urging listeners to embrace the heavenly vision, to study it diligently, and to live lives worthy of their calling as members of Christ's body.
Saul's Conversion and the Heavenly Vision
The Importance of the Holy Spirit
Ananias and Saul: Illustrating the Heavenly Vision
The Holy Spirit's Sovereignty
Suffering for Christ's Sake
Oneness in Christ
Brotherly Love
The Centrality of God's Word
Conclusion: Embracing the Heavenly Vision
19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. 12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, 13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. 14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth. 15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. 16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.