acts 9

how someone is converted . . .

no contest: God is the One that attracts. however it was interesting how
perfectly Saul converted to Paul. i believe salvation is two-fold - it takes
the effort of an evangelist (worker of God) and also the good heart of
hearer of good news.

<10-11> now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to
him the Lord said in a vision, "Ananias." and he said, "here i am, Lord." so
the Lord said to him, "arise and go to the street called Straight, and
inquire at the house of judas for one called saul of tarsus, for behold, he
is praying."

everything was perfect - Ananias heard the Lord's voice, and Paul was
praying to the Lord. God's love is what brought these two men together that
day - the obedience of Ananias despite the possible hardship and the
humility of Paul to change from one extreme to another. today we can only
play the role of ananias (even tho sometimes we fall into the steps of
saul). ananias was called becuase he dwelt in damascas - probably not
becuase he is more mighty than others in jerusalem. however he had a heart
of obedience and trust, which is apparently enough - God handles the rest.

satan doesn't change . . .

just a few chapters back, Saul was the bad guy. he was the chief persecutor,
pulling people out of their homes if they called on the name of Jesus. he
grew notorious enough for Ananias to flinch when God mentioned Paul. "Lord,
i have heard from many about [saul], how much harm he has done to Your
saints in jerusalem. and here he has authority from the chief priests to
bind all who call on Your name." <13-14>

now, the enemy still exists even though paul was converted. satan never lets
down or gives up. now he used other jews to plot against Paul to kill him
<23>. so a lot of times, people in the church may seem to be an enemy of
God. however, people do change but Satan does not. therefore, we can never
judge a person for life or condemn them forever. everyone has their good
moments, and everyone has been a tool of satan at one point or another. i
think a lot of times, ppl miss who the enemy is - it's really a concept, not
an individual. it's satan and whatever he uses at the time - we wrestle
"against principalities, against powers, agasint the rulers of darkness of
this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."
on the other hand, we are taught to love our neighbors as
ourselves.

barnabas did well.