Paul (Saul)

November 19

Acts 9:10-19

Saul—a changed man

Ananias, a believer in Damascus, had a vision in which the Lord said; “Ananias! Get ready and go to the house of Judas in Straight Street and ask for Saul. In a vision, he has seen you placing your hands on him to heal him of his blindness.”

Ananias answered, “Lord, many people have told me about this man and about the terrible things he has done to your people in Jerusalem. He is coming to Damascus to arrest all those who worship You.”

The Lord said to Ananias, “Go, because I have chosen him to serve Me.”

So Ananias went to the house where Saul was staying and said to him, “The Lord sent me to you so that you will see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Ananias placed his hands on Saul, and at once he was able to see. Then Saul got up and was baptized.

How can you tell if someone is a Christian?

Ananias was afraid of Saul—but God had changed Saul’s heart. The Bible gives us a number of ways that show when someone is a child of God.

Someone who is born again:

• believes that Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior of the world (1 John 4:15, 5:1)

• obeys the commands of God (1 John 2:3)

• follows the example of Jesus (1 John 2:5)

• does not deliberately keep on sinning (1 John 3:9, 5:18-19)

• shows love in practical ways (1 John 3:18-19, 1 John 3:14, 1 John 4:16)

• has the Spirit of God living in them (1 John 3:24, 4:13)

Verse for today

Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Matthew 7:17, 20