Dear Christian friends:

Next month Nikita Krushchev comes to America. Perhaps he changes his mind and accepts democracy and begins to lecture against Communism. That is not likely to happen, but if it did happen, you would be amazed and say that's a miracle.

In our text we have such a miracle with Saul. Saul was a fanatic enemy of Christ and became his friend. Also in the baptism this morning another miracle happened, a baby born in sin and an enemy of God, through baptism became a child of God! It is hard to see this wonderful change in a baby, but in an adult like Saul it is easy to see. If you are a Christian such wonderful change has happened to you and is happening daily to you.

We often forget to thank God for this wonderful change, so let us attend to our text and see:


It is amazing that such a person can change. Saul didn't want to change. He thought his old religion was right. Saul persecuted those who did not agree especially the true faith of Jesus. Men today don't want to change. They think they are good just as they are. They mock Christ and his followers. It is surprising that anyone changes to faith in Jesus. It isn't natural.

This leads us to the next point. Only God can change man. And it is amazing that God bothers to change us. But because of His grace He does that.

Look at Saul on the way to Damascus. Jesus pitied him and went after him. What a beautiful Savior! Look at the power of God's Word on Saul! One minute before he proudly hated Christ, the next minute he becomes a broken trembling soul in the dust. Power did not make Paul despair, but caused him to plead for mercy.

So God's grace has and does work on our stubborn and proud hearts. We often think we are smart and know everything. Church, Bible Class, Stewardship, Missions etc. God comes to us through preaching and shows us our wrongs. We are broken and trembling and ashamed, but we do not despair. We wait for His mercy to forgive us and to help and teach us.

Then we notice the wonderful change in our life and improvement as Saul did. Saul immediately wanted to do something. But now he didn't try to do His own will as before. Now He asked Jesus, "Lord what will thou have me to do?" He was now ready to listen and get taught from God Himself. So we should also feel this way.

Before I listened to my own heart and did my own wishes. But now I will confess I know nothing good or pleasing to God. Lord teach me! And if you feel that way you will search your Bible and to to church regularly, if you are well and also not despise Bible class.

Paul then heard what Jesus wanted. Pray and Preach. So Jesus will teach you and lead you and use you, if you let Him. Then you to will thank God for the wonderful change and improvement in your life. Then you will be eager and glad and feel honored to hear His Word and tell others.

But if you do not let God change you and think your own way is best then you will not enjoy church or prayer or the Bible. You won't want to serve God, study or give to the church. You will not be a helper in the Church, but a trouble maker and finally be lost.

May God help us to see the wonderful work and change in Saul and in ourselves!

Amen!