1. why should we care? who was paul?

2. man of law, not grace of violence, not peace just a few years earlier...

3. saul of tarsus Born in Turkey Roman citizen Israelite Tribe of Benjamin First king namesake Rembrandt

4. law: Sanhedrin power: Pax Romana two passions

5. “thoroughly trained” Jerusalem Rabbi Gamaliel Excelled in studies

6. a story of law and power, stones and cloaks

7. zealous for God door to door arrests dragging into prison

8. destroying the church stolen letters and “murderous threats”

9. "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?' " `Who are you, Lord?' I asked. " `I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,' he replied. acts 22:6-8

10. My companions saw the light, but they did not understand the voice of him who was speaking to me. "`What shall I do, Lord?' I asked." `Get up,' the Lord said, `and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.' My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me". acts 22:9-11

11. law became grace. violence became peace. in an instant...

12. thirty-two years later... executed for proclaiming “Jesus Christ is Lord.”

13. Q. how can a man who persecuted Christians suddenly become one? A. grace. question and answer...

14. charis: undeserved gift charis

15. grace is the gift you cannot see until Jesus opens your eyes. once blind, now see...

16. religion vs. relationship

17. religion: human effort law work (fear or pride) separation relationship: God’s grace love work (joy and humility) unity, peace

18. grace is something God does for you and in you for and in...

19. in fear or failure... some throw stones others say, “forgive and forget” Jesus says: “I do not condemn you, go and leave your life of sin.”

20. grace is free, but not cheap costly grace...

21. where are you with Jesus? religion? or relationship?

22. what shall we do? go deeper into grace

23. mother’s day greetings