Hello, I'm Shelley Quinn. 00:00:01.36\00:00:02.76 Have you ever reached a turning point of faith? 00:00:02.76\00:00:05.03 Join us now on "The Grace Pipeline" 00:00:05.03\00:00:06.63 to see what the Bible has to say about it. 00:00:06.63\00:00:09.37 Welcome to "The Grace Pipeline." 00:00:32.06\00:00:34.10 A series of Bible studies 00:00:34.10\00:00:36.70 that focuses on the overriding theme of God's grace 00:00:36.70\00:00:40.24 from Genesis to Revelation. 00:00:40.24\00:00:42.60 All things come to us from our heavenly Father of love 00:00:42.60\00:00:46.24 through His pipeline of grace. 00:00:46.24\00:00:49.51 And since it is by faith that we tap into this heavenly pipeline, 00:00:49.51\00:00:53.58 we have spent our last two programs 00:00:53.58\00:00:56.22 broadening our understanding of faith's definition. 00:00:56.22\00:00:59.89 Today, we will consider 00:00:59.89\00:01:02.06 two great faith stories from the New Testament. 00:01:02.06\00:01:05.19 One that even surprised the Lord Jesus Christ 00:01:05.19\00:01:08.70 and another who made the right turn 00:01:08.70\00:01:11.50 when he reached the turning point of faith. 00:01:11.50\00:01:14.47 If you're following along in the series companion book 00:01:14.47\00:01:17.27 also titled 'The Grace Pipeline' 00:01:17.27\00:01:19.57 we're beginning from chapter 10. 00:01:19.57\00:01:21.48 As I share the Bible account 00:01:21.48\00:01:23.55 that has amazed me since I was a young girl 00:01:23.55\00:01:27.08 about the one incident of faith 00:01:27.08\00:01:29.55 that caused the Lord of glory to marvel. 00:01:29.55\00:01:32.99 Reviewing this event will enrich our understanding of faith. 00:01:32.99\00:01:37.73 Matthew and Luke both recorded this story 00:01:37.73\00:01:40.70 with emphasis on different aspects. 00:01:40.70\00:01:43.26 Matthew summarizes omitting the mention of people 00:01:43.26\00:01:46.84 who are speaking on behalf of another. 00:01:46.84\00:01:49.40 But he includes Christ's warning to the Jewish nation. 00:01:49.40\00:01:52.67 Luke on the other hand, addresses a different audience 00:01:52.67\00:01:55.91 and provides a more detailed report 00:01:55.91\00:01:58.81 but omits the concluding warning. 00:01:58.81\00:02:01.08 I will borrow from the parallel accounts 00:02:01.08\00:02:04.39 found in Mathew 8 and Luke 7 00:02:04.39\00:02:07.39 to tell my amplified version of the story, drawing on scripture 00:02:07.39\00:02:11.96 and personal interpretation of historical implications. 00:02:11.96\00:02:16.60 My account of the story of the centurion 00:02:16.60\00:02:19.37 and his slave goes like this. 00:02:19.37\00:02:22.77 Drenched with sweat and growing weaker by the moment 00:02:22.77\00:02:26.24 a centurion's servant lie paralyzed on his pallet. 00:02:26.24\00:02:30.28 He writhed in torment for days. 00:02:30.28\00:02:32.81 He could not lift his limbs. 00:02:32.81\00:02:35.22 His life energy was slowly draining. 00:02:35.22\00:02:38.02 So returning home, his master learned of his condition 00:02:38.02\00:02:42.29 and entered into the room to survey the situation. 00:02:42.29\00:02:45.89 Without doubt death was hovering over his dear servant, 00:02:45.89\00:02:49.93 silently waiting to steal him away. 00:02:49.93\00:02:52.73 There was only one hope. 00:02:52.73\00:02:54.44 The Roman centurion had heard reports of Christ miracles 00:02:54.44\00:02:59.44 and he was convinced 00:02:59.44\00:03:01.08 that Christ was God's representative on earth. 00:03:01.08\00:03:04.21 Immediately, he sent word 00:03:04.21\00:03:05.95 to the elders of the local synagogue 00:03:05.95\00:03:08.08 and requested they act as his ambassadors 00:03:08.08\00:03:11.59 to ask Christ to come and heal the servant. 00:03:11.59\00:03:14.79 The elders received the request, 00:03:14.79\00:03:17.19 instantly dropped what they were doing 00:03:17.19\00:03:19.06 and they set out to find Jesus. 00:03:19.06\00:03:21.50 The centurion was a gentlemen Gentile. 00:03:21.50\00:03:25.17 He loved the Jewish nation. 00:03:25.17\00:03:27.17 And he had proven to be their friend. 00:03:27.17\00:03:29.80 They had hoped to make him a proselyte. 00:03:29.80\00:03:31.91 Although, he had yet to be circumcised, 00:03:31.91\00:03:34.71 he had accepted the tenets of their religion. 00:03:34.71\00:03:37.58 And he generously provided the funds 00:03:37.58\00:03:40.02 to build the local synagogue. 00:03:40.02\00:03:41.88 He deserved their help. 00:03:41.88\00:03:44.25 His favorite servant was dreadfully ill and ready to die. 00:03:44.25\00:03:50.16 Time was short. They hurried. 00:03:50.16\00:03:53.09 Walking in swift strides the elders spotted Jesus 00:03:53.09\00:03:56.23 coming down the road with His disciples. 00:03:56.23\00:03:58.40 And a throng of people were accompanying Him. 00:03:58.40\00:04:01.27 Christ had just concluded His sermon on the mount 00:04:01.27\00:04:04.07 and he was returning to Capernaum. 00:04:04.07\00:04:06.21 The people who followed had been amazed 00:04:06.21\00:04:09.11 by the authority with which He spoke. 00:04:09.11\00:04:11.51 He set a higher standard of righteousness 00:04:11.51\00:04:13.85 than the scribes and the Pharisees taught or practiced. 00:04:13.85\00:04:17.19 And He stirred an emotion in their hearts 00:04:17.19\00:04:19.72 to hear more of His sayings. 00:04:19.72\00:04:21.82 The delegation of elders 00:04:21.82\00:04:23.56 sprinted toward Christ and His entourage. 00:04:23.56\00:04:26.56 Breathlessly but zealously 00:04:26.56\00:04:28.46 they spoke on behalf of the centurion. 00:04:28.46\00:04:31.10 Sharing His message they urged Jesus 00:04:31.10\00:04:34.04 to go to this Gentile's home. 00:04:34.04\00:04:37.17 I can only imagine how the disciple's eyes 00:04:37.17\00:04:40.44 darted from one to another wondering what Jesus would do. 00:04:40.44\00:04:44.58 In their culture it was socially unacceptable 00:04:44.58\00:04:47.55 for a Jew to enter the home of a Gentile. 00:04:47.55\00:04:50.55 Now although held no such prejudice, He was sensitive 00:04:50.55\00:04:55.26 to avoid offending His nation when possible. 00:04:55.26\00:04:58.43 On the other hand, 00:04:58.43\00:04:59.86 Jews where under the authority of the Roman government 00:04:59.86\00:05:02.26 and required to submit to their officer's commands. 00:05:02.26\00:05:06.17 So this message from the dear centurion 00:05:06.17\00:05:09.64 was worded more as a heartfelt request, 00:05:09.64\00:05:14.21 one that the compassionate Christ could not refuse. 00:05:14.21\00:05:18.61 Jesus said, "I will come and heal him." 00:05:18.61\00:05:22.75 Christ went with them 00:05:22.75\00:05:24.32 and the crowd of Jewish believers followed in curiosity. 00:05:24.32\00:05:28.42 As they neared the house, 00:05:28.42\00:05:30.03 the centurion glanced out the window 00:05:30.03\00:05:32.53 and he saw the group approaching. 00:05:32.53\00:05:34.36 And he realized that he was placing the Lord 00:05:34.36\00:05:37.00 in a position that could bring contempt upon Him 00:05:37.00\00:05:40.57 for entering a Gentile's home. 00:05:40.57\00:05:43.30 Because he was uncircumcised 00:05:43.30\00:05:45.81 the centurion was not even permitted to participate 00:05:45.81\00:05:48.88 in the synagogue services. 00:05:48.88\00:05:51.01 How he thought could he consider himself 00:05:51.01\00:05:54.02 worthy to have this great man under his roof. 00:05:54.02\00:05:58.25 He hastened his friends 00:05:58.25\00:06:00.66 and he sent them out the door 00:06:00.66\00:06:02.26 to deliver a message to Jesus to turn back. 00:06:02.26\00:06:06.19 Recognizing though the humble heart of the Roman centurion 00:06:06.19\00:06:10.37 Jesus continued to walk. 00:06:10.37\00:06:12.43 And as He advanced the centurion rushed out meet Him. 00:06:12.43\00:06:17.07 And according, to Luke 7:6-8, this is what he said to Jesus. 00:06:17.07\00:06:23.38 "Lord, do not trouble Yourself, 00:06:23.38\00:06:26.08 for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. 00:06:26.08\00:06:29.78 Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. 00:06:29.78\00:06:33.39 But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 00:06:33.39\00:06:38.69 For I also am a man placed under authority, 00:06:38.69\00:06:41.96 having soldiers under me. 00:06:41.96\00:06:44.10 And I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, 00:06:44.10\00:06:47.27 and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, 00:06:47.27\00:06:50.14 and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." 00:06:50.14\00:06:54.08 This military man understood the authority of a command. 00:06:55.84\00:07:00.78 He carried out the orders of his superiors 00:07:00.78\00:07:03.59 and he expected those under his charge 00:07:03.59\00:07:05.79 to execute the word of his instructions instantly. 00:07:05.79\00:07:09.82 Believing that Christ was the commander of the universe 00:07:09.82\00:07:14.10 and carried heaven's authority over illness, 00:07:14.10\00:07:17.37 he made a comparison between Christ's position and his own. 00:07:17.37\00:07:22.27 The centurion was convinced, 00:07:22.27\00:07:24.27 Christ could just speak the word and it would be done. 00:07:24.27\00:07:29.51 Hearing these things, 00:07:29.51\00:07:31.21 Jesus marveled at the magnitude of his faith. 00:07:31.21\00:07:35.65 The Lord's heart overflowed with the joy of acceptance 00:07:35.65\00:07:39.52 and genuine astonishment. 00:07:39.52\00:07:41.82 This man had not heard Him teach personally. 00:07:41.82\00:07:45.73 He had not witnessed any of the miracles He had performed. 00:07:45.73\00:07:49.60 The Roman soldier had only received 00:07:49.60\00:07:52.63 secondhand reports of His teachings and His works. 00:07:52.63\00:07:56.97 Still the centurion believed 00:07:56.97\00:07:59.04 what most of the Jews who'd been privileged 00:07:59.04\00:08:01.48 by personal contact with Christ had not believed. 00:08:01.48\00:08:06.05 And the Lord who measures a man's greatness 00:08:06.05\00:08:09.35 by the measure of His faith turned around to the crowd 00:08:09.35\00:08:12.89 that followed Him and He spoke these words 00:08:12.89\00:08:16.32 from Mathew 8:10-13, saying, 00:08:16.32\00:08:21.10 "Assuredly, I say to you, 00:08:21.10\00:08:23.33 I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel. 00:08:23.33\00:08:28.17 And I say to you that many will come from east and west, 00:08:28.17\00:08:32.31 and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob 00:08:32.31\00:08:34.81 in the kingdom of heaven. 00:08:34.81\00:08:36.61 But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. 00:08:36.61\00:08:41.45 There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 00:08:41.45\00:08:44.29 Then Jesus said to the centurion, 00:08:44.29\00:08:46.86 'Go your way and as you have believed, 00:08:46.86\00:08:51.36 so let it be done for you.' 00:08:51.36\00:08:53.80 And his servant was healed that same hour." 00:08:53.80\00:09:00.54 Christ rewarded the Roman soldier with His approval. 00:09:00.54\00:09:05.17 And the centurion's faith released the grace of a miracle. 00:09:05.17\00:09:10.11 His servant was healed. 00:09:10.11\00:09:11.88 This he was assured without even seeing the evidence for himself. 00:09:11.88\00:09:16.89 His heart welled with gratitude for the Lord. 00:09:16.89\00:09:20.02 And at the nearby home 00:09:20.02\00:09:21.72 the servant felt a stream of energy flood his body 00:09:21.72\00:09:24.96 and he opened his eyes. 00:09:24.96\00:09:26.70 He stood to his feet with restored strength 00:09:26.70\00:09:30.17 but could not comprehend 00:09:30.17\00:09:32.03 the amazing reversal of his condition. 00:09:32.03\00:09:35.17 So the committee that the centurion had sent his friends, 00:09:35.17\00:09:39.17 who'd gone to Jesus, 00:09:39.17\00:09:40.58 they hurried back to verify the healing. 00:09:40.58\00:09:43.31 And entering the room 00:09:43.31\00:09:44.71 they discovered the man looking vibrant and feeling hungry. 00:09:44.71\00:09:49.08 The miracle had occurred 00:09:49.08\00:09:51.45 without Christ being present at the moment of healing. 00:09:51.45\00:09:56.32 Now, in the meantime, 00:09:56.32\00:09:58.49 I wonder what the Jews who were pressed in around 00:09:58.49\00:10:01.83 Jesus where thinking of the precept 00:10:01.83\00:10:03.70 that He had just revealed. 00:10:03.70\00:10:05.60 Surely, their minds were spinning. 00:10:05.60\00:10:07.70 They commonly referred to themselves as kings 00:10:07.70\00:10:10.54 or sons--excuse me, sons of the kingdom, 00:10:10.54\00:10:14.01 believing that their heritage gave them 00:10:14.01\00:10:16.01 a natural right to all of God's privileges. 00:10:16.01\00:10:19.85 Why would Christ suggest 00:10:19.85\00:10:22.08 that they would be cast out into outer darkness 00:10:22.08\00:10:26.12 These Jews recognized 00:10:26.12\00:10:27.52 Jesus obvious approval of the centurion. 00:10:27.52\00:10:31.26 They surely wondered if he referred to the Gentiles 00:10:31.26\00:10:33.90 when He said, "many will come from east and west 00:10:33.90\00:10:37.37 to sit with patriarchs in God's kingdom." 00:10:37.37\00:10:40.57 Did they realize he meant only 00:10:40.57\00:10:42.64 the spiritual children of God will be in heaven, 00:10:42.64\00:10:45.54 whereas the natural children of Jewish linage 00:10:45.54\00:10:48.58 would be excluded unless they were born again? 00:10:48.58\00:10:52.91 Christ words condemned those 00:10:52.91\00:10:56.28 who did not have personal and active faith in Him. 00:10:56.28\00:11:00.99 And He repeated the same symbolic language of destruction 00:11:00.99\00:11:04.93 in a parable recorded in Mathew 22. 00:11:04.93\00:11:08.76 There we find Him sharing the illustration of a king 00:11:08.76\00:11:13.74 who had arranged a marriage for his son. 00:11:13.74\00:11:17.31 Many of the privileged 00:11:17.31\00:11:18.71 on the king's guest list refused the invitation. 00:11:18.71\00:11:22.18 But the monarch found others to come to the marriage feast. 00:11:22.18\00:11:26.25 And at the wedding supper, 00:11:26.25\00:11:28.22 the king noticed a man seated at the table 00:11:28.22\00:11:31.09 who was not wearing the appropriate wedding garment 00:11:31.09\00:11:34.92 which is symbolic of Christ's robe of righteousness. 00:11:34.92\00:11:39.09 Christ said in the parable, 00:11:39.09\00:11:40.83 the man was seized and cast into outer darkness 00:11:40.83\00:11:44.83 where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 00:11:44.83\00:11:48.64 This symbolism represented the final destruction of those 00:11:48.64\00:11:53.68 who would not repent and receive His righteousness. 00:11:53.68\00:11:58.11 The Lord concluded the parable with this word to the wise 00:11:58.11\00:12:02.18 that's found in Mathew 22:14. 00:12:02.18\00:12:05.05 He said, "Many are called but few are chosen." 00:12:05.05\00:12:10.56 In the centurion's account and the wedding parable, as now, 00:12:10.56\00:12:14.86 Christ cautions all who think they've gained entrance 00:12:14.86\00:12:18.47 into the kingdom of heaven to examine their lives 00:12:18.47\00:12:22.44 and see if they are in the faith. 00:12:22.44\00:12:25.61 Inspired by God, Paul repeats the warning. 00:12:25.61\00:12:30.31 In 2 Corinthians 13:5 saying, 00:12:30.31\00:12:35.98 "Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. 00:12:35.98\00:12:40.36 Test yourselves. 00:12:40.36\00:12:41.92 Do you not know yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you 00:12:41.92\00:12:45.89 unless indeed you are disqualified?" 00:12:45.89\00:12:48.86 Likewise, we all need to test ourselves, 00:12:50.93\00:12:54.97 to examine our lives and see if Christ is in us 00:12:54.97\00:12:58.51 and to see that we're in Him 00:12:58.51\00:13:00.48 so that we will not be disqualified. 00:13:00.48\00:13:03.75 Traumatic events lead the way to turning points in our life. 00:13:03.75\00:13:08.95 When an emergency, a tragedy or catastrophe strikes 00:13:08.95\00:13:13.05 we commonly experience a personal identity crisis. 00:13:13.05\00:13:17.29 The root of the problem can be physical, 00:13:17.29\00:13:19.93 financial, relational or spiritual. 00:13:19.93\00:13:23.40 But whatever the cause are circumstances 00:13:23.40\00:13:26.23 can create emotional and mental turmoil. 00:13:26.23\00:13:30.21 How humans handle our crisis depends largely 00:13:30.21\00:13:33.71 on our degree of faith in God. 00:13:33.71\00:13:36.14 In many instances unbelievers are brought to their knees 00:13:36.14\00:13:40.38 by fiery trials and they look up for the first time 00:13:40.38\00:13:44.35 turning their eyes to the living God. 00:13:44.35\00:13:47.22 And as He reaches down with a soothing touch 00:13:47.22\00:13:50.26 to relieve their blazing anguish, 00:13:50.26\00:13:53.03 a trust is born within their hearts 00:13:53.03\00:13:55.96 that generates the development of active faith. 00:13:55.96\00:14:00.04 So drawing on God's power of grace 00:14:00.04\00:14:02.50 they climb out of the fiery pit. 00:14:02.50\00:14:05.71 But in sharp contrast are the instances of believers 00:14:05.71\00:14:09.98 whose experience of faith could be compared 00:14:09.98\00:14:12.55 to the balancing act of sitting on a two legged stool. 00:14:12.55\00:14:17.49 Their faith constantly wavers 00:14:17.49\00:14:20.02 and it requires propping up by positive circumstances. 00:14:20.02\00:14:24.49 So when the scorching trial comes, 00:14:24.49\00:14:27.23 weakening one of the wobbly legs that supports our faith, 00:14:27.23\00:14:30.87 they turn away from God and turn 00:14:30.87\00:14:35.04 and fall and stumble into the smoldering ashes. 00:14:35.04\00:14:39.27 Now finally, there are those devout believers 00:14:39.27\00:14:42.98 who endure the testing of their genuine faith amidst 00:14:42.98\00:14:46.25 the fiery trial and such testing produces patience 00:14:46.25\00:14:51.69 that perfects their character. 00:14:51.69\00:14:54.12 Grieved by their circumstances they turn to God 00:14:54.12\00:14:57.79 in total trust with minds focused on Him 00:14:57.79\00:15:01.76 rather than their problem 00:15:01.76\00:15:03.53 and they walk in His promised perfect peace. 00:15:03.53\00:15:09.24 Christ serves as their heat resistant crucible 00:15:09.24\00:15:13.91 and they emerge from the fire with faith as pure as gold. 00:15:13.91\00:15:19.01 The very religious Saul of Tarsus, 00:15:19.01\00:15:22.18 who became the apostle Paul, 00:15:22.18\00:15:24.59 experienced the turning point of faith 00:15:24.59\00:15:28.09 in his life and his career 00:15:28.09\00:15:30.26 when he had an encounter with Christ 00:15:30.26\00:15:32.96 that produced genuine faith and it reversed his direction. 00:15:32.96\00:15:37.70 He vividly describes his conversion 00:15:37.70\00:15:40.84 to King Agrippa in Acts 26:9-23. 00:15:40.84\00:15:47.11 Paul shares how his former great ego 00:15:47.11\00:15:51.55 and his devout sense of duty caused him to be hostile 00:15:51.55\00:15:55.32 toward the name of Jesus of Nazareth and His followers. 00:15:55.32\00:15:58.95 This Pharisee of Pharisees served 00:15:58.95\00:16:01.96 as the official persecutor of the saints 00:16:01.96\00:16:04.76 under the authority and the commission of the Sanhedrin. 00:16:04.76\00:16:09.30 His religious ambitions caused him to carry out 00:16:09.30\00:16:12.60 a ruthless campaign to rid the world 00:16:12.60\00:16:15.64 of what he considered heresy. 00:16:15.64\00:16:18.01 One day, traveling at high noon on the road to Damascus, 00:16:18.01\00:16:21.71 he was confronted by Christ. 00:16:21.71\00:16:24.28 A supernatural blinding light, 00:16:24.28\00:16:26.85 brighter than the sun shined around him. 00:16:26.85\00:16:29.95 And he fell to the ground and he heard a voice 00:16:29.95\00:16:33.56 that said as recorded in Acts 26:14-16, 00:16:33.56\00:16:39.79 "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? 00:16:39.79\00:16:43.83 It is hard for you to kick against the goads. 00:16:43.83\00:16:45.97 I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 00:16:45.97\00:16:48.90 But rise and stand on your feet 00:16:48.90\00:16:51.44 for I have appeared to you for this purpose 00:16:51.44\00:16:54.44 to make you a minister and a witness both of the things 00:16:54.44\00:16:58.71 which you have seen and of the things 00:16:58.71\00:17:01.42 which I will yet reveal to you." 00:17:01.42\00:17:05.32 In His message to the misguided Saul, 00:17:05.32\00:17:09.29 Christ used a proverb common to the culture of the day. 00:17:09.29\00:17:12.99 To kick against the goads. 00:17:12.99\00:17:15.66 The goads, pictured an ox's leg 00:17:15.66\00:17:18.63 being pricked by a sharp iron goad 00:17:18.63\00:17:21.27 that was carried in the hand of the ploughman 00:17:21.27\00:17:23.81 and it was used to gain the attention 00:17:23.81\00:17:25.94 of the slow moving creature to quicken his pace. 00:17:25.94\00:17:29.84 But when the ox kicked against it, 00:17:29.84\00:17:31.91 the wound would become more severe. 00:17:31.91\00:17:34.28 Christ words suggest the Holy Spirit had been 00:17:34.28\00:17:37.39 trying to reach the heart of Saul 00:17:37.39\00:17:40.09 but the religious zealot had repeatedly resisted Him. 00:17:40.09\00:17:44.46 Let you and I also be mindful 00:17:44.46\00:17:47.56 not to sin against the Spirit by resisting Him. 00:17:47.56\00:17:51.57 Anyway, as the Lord continued to speak, 00:17:51.57\00:17:54.14 He let the legalistic Saul know 00:17:54.14\00:17:56.71 he was sending him to minister to, 00:17:56.71\00:17:59.04 of all people, the Gentiles. 00:17:59.04\00:18:02.01 What was His purpose for sending him? 00:18:02.01\00:18:04.68 Christ reveals that in Acts 26:18. 00:18:04.68\00:18:07.62 He says, I am sending you 00:18:07.62\00:18:09.02 "to open their eyes to turn them from darkness to light, 00:18:09.02\00:18:12.12 from the power of Satan to God, 00:18:12.12\00:18:15.09 that they may receive forgiveness of sins 00:18:15.09\00:18:18.66 and an inheritance among those 00:18:18.66\00:18:21.03 who are sanctified by faith in me." 00:18:21.03\00:18:26.37 Faith has sanctifying power. 00:18:26.37\00:18:30.01 The power to set us apart for God's purposes, 00:18:30.01\00:18:33.58 turning us away from sin and making us holy. 00:18:33.58\00:18:38.15 Saul had reached the point of a spiritual identity crisis. 00:18:38.15\00:18:43.69 With his massive ego, 00:18:43.69\00:18:45.82 he could have turned to God 00:18:45.82\00:18:47.22 becoming only devoted to the cause of Christ. 00:18:47.22\00:18:50.99 But Saul's turn-around changed him to Paul 00:18:50.99\00:18:54.20 who was devoted to the person of Christ. 00:18:54.20\00:18:58.03 Responding to his Savior, 00:18:58.03\00:19:00.04 he was separated that day to the living God. 00:19:00.04\00:19:03.71 The profound relationship that he developed with the Lord 00:19:03.71\00:19:08.24 was like that of a child to a father, 00:19:08.24\00:19:11.21 one of absolute dependence upon God and His grace. 00:19:11.21\00:19:15.95 So as Paul's beliefs changed, Paul's faith was purified 00:19:15.95\00:19:21.56 and his character was miraculously morphed 00:19:21.56\00:19:25.86 producing a total transformation. 00:19:25.86\00:19:29.40 Paul was obedient to the heavenly vision 00:19:31.03\00:19:35.37 and putting faith into action. 00:19:35.37\00:19:37.67 Acts 26:20 says 00:19:37.67\00:19:39.34 that he went about teaching all who would listen, 00:19:39.34\00:19:42.71 to repent and turn to God 00:19:42.71\00:19:44.85 and to do works befitting repentance. 00:19:44.85\00:19:48.72 Now this message did not refer to works 00:19:48.72\00:19:51.49 that attain righteousness. 00:19:51.49\00:19:53.36 For Paul taught that result was impossible. 00:19:53.36\00:19:56.52 He referred to the righteousness of Christ 00:19:56.52\00:19:59.79 which results in putting faith into action. 00:19:59.79\00:20:03.47 Paul suffered greatly for the cause of Christ. 00:20:03.47\00:20:07.14 And he said in Acts 20:24, 00:20:07.14\00:20:11.14 "But none of these things move me, 00:20:11.14\00:20:14.14 nor do I count my life dear to myself 00:20:14.14\00:20:16.98 so that I may finish my race with joy 00:20:16.98\00:20:21.12 and the ministry which I received from the Lord, 00:20:21.12\00:20:23.28 to testify to the gospel of the grace of God." 00:20:23.28\00:20:27.49 Christ's most enthusiastic evangelism of grace, 00:20:27.49\00:20:31.59 His most ordained ambassador for righteousness by faith 00:20:31.59\00:20:36.00 was also his greatest preacher on sanctification. 00:20:36.00\00:20:39.80 The character transformation that all of us need. 00:20:39.80\00:20:44.54 Paul experienced God's supernatural work 00:20:44.54\00:20:48.04 in his own life attributing 00:20:48.04\00:20:50.45 his sanctification to grace and active faith. 00:20:50.45\00:20:55.72 And Paul's great boast of grace is written 00:20:55.72\00:20:59.69 in 1 Corinthians 15:10 where he says, 00:20:59.69\00:21:03.19 "But by the grace of God I am what I am, 00:21:03.19\00:21:07.30 and His grace toward me was not in vain, 00:21:07.30\00:21:11.17 but I labored more abundantly than they all, 00:21:11.17\00:21:14.37 yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me." 00:21:14.37\00:21:20.94 Paul listed the armor of God that Christians should put on 00:21:20.94\00:21:25.25 to fight against evil forces in this dark world. 00:21:25.25\00:21:29.45 And he presented truth, righteousness and faith 00:21:29.45\00:21:33.36 as three powerfully protective pieces. 00:21:33.36\00:21:36.86 Saying in Ephesians 6:14 and 16, 00:21:36.86\00:21:41.00 "Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, 00:21:41.00\00:21:45.83 having put on the breastplate of righteousness, above all, 00:21:45.83\00:21:49.67 taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench 00:21:49.67\00:21:54.24 all the fiery darts of the wicked one." 00:21:54.24\00:21:58.41 Now in another letter to the churches 00:21:58.41\00:22:01.02 he depicts the armor of faith differently. 00:22:01.02\00:22:03.62 He writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:8 00:22:03.62\00:22:06.92 "Let us who are of the day be sober, 00:22:06.92\00:22:10.19 putting on the breastplate of faith and love 00:22:10.19\00:22:14.00 and as a helmet the hope of salvation." 00:22:14.00\00:22:18.40 Paul's first message describes how faith in God's character, 00:22:18.40\00:22:23.97 His word and His ability to perform His promises 00:22:23.97\00:22:28.31 shields us against the attacks of the wicked one. 00:22:28.31\00:22:32.21 But how do we understand his dual illustration 00:22:32.21\00:22:36.82 of the breastplate of righteousness 00:22:36.82\00:22:38.92 as being interchangeable 00:22:38.92\00:22:41.06 with the breastplate of faith and love? 00:22:41.06\00:22:44.66 Actually, it is easily explained. 00:22:44.66\00:22:48.33 Faith is the instrument by which 00:22:48.33\00:22:51.53 we attained Christ righteousness, 00:22:51.53\00:22:54.07 resulting in our reception by faith 00:22:54.07\00:22:57.37 of the indwelling Holy Spirit 00:22:57.37\00:22:59.74 who pours out God's love into our hearts. 00:22:59.74\00:23:04.38 The attributes of righteousness, faith, and love are inseparable 00:23:04.38\00:23:10.39 and they are God's armor to protect our hearts. 00:23:10.39\00:23:14.36 By faith we're flooded with grace, 00:23:14.36\00:23:16.89 purifying and cleansing us of sin. 00:23:16.89\00:23:20.10 Paul writes in Romans 1:16-17 00:23:20.10\00:23:25.17 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, 00:23:25.17\00:23:29.60 for it is the power of God unto salvation 00:23:29.60\00:23:33.31 for everyone who believes, 00:23:33.31\00:23:35.58 for in it the righteousness of God is revealed 00:23:35.58\00:23:39.31 from faith to faith. 00:23:39.31\00:23:41.18 As it is written, 'the just shall live by faith.'" 00:23:41.18\00:23:46.25 You know, when Paul learnt 00:23:46.25\00:23:48.36 the truth of Christ death and resurrection 00:23:48.36\00:23:51.16 and he experienced the power of the Holy Spirit 00:23:51.16\00:23:55.13 then he gave his life to God 00:23:55.13\00:23:58.23 and became God's evangelist of grace. 00:23:58.23\00:24:01.84 The good news of salvation, 00:24:01.84\00:24:04.14 Paul explains in Romans 4:16, is that, 00:24:04.14\00:24:08.01 "It is of faith that it might be according to grace." 00:24:08.01\00:24:13.31 The cause of salvation is God's grace 00:24:13.31\00:24:17.65 and it becomes ours 00:24:17.65\00:24:19.39 when we tap into His grace pipeline by faith 00:24:19.39\00:24:22.69 and accept God's three greatest gifts of grace. 00:24:22.69\00:24:26.73 Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the scriptures. 00:24:26.73\00:24:31.60 The righteousness of God is from faith to faith. 00:24:31.60\00:24:36.04 Righteousness is a gift of God accessed by faith. 00:24:36.04\00:24:41.21 It begins and ends with faith. 00:24:41.21\00:24:46.35 Our relationship with Christ gains us access by grace 00:24:46.35\00:24:53.09 or access to grace by faith. 00:24:53.09\00:24:55.96 Paul assures us of this in Romans 5:1 and 2 00:24:55.96\00:25:01.06 where he says, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, 00:25:01.06\00:25:06.10 we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:25:06.10\00:25:11.24 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace 00:25:11.24\00:25:16.54 in which we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." 00:25:16.54\00:25:23.18 Faith is the faucet. 00:25:23.18\00:25:25.22 This is how we tap into grace 00:25:25.22\00:25:28.09 and we desperately need to develop our faith. 00:25:28.09\00:25:31.63 The afflictions and the tribulations of life on earth 00:25:31.63\00:25:35.16 caused by the controversy between good and evil 00:25:35.16\00:25:38.50 will increase dramatically 00:25:38.50\00:25:40.44 as the time of Christ's second coming draws near 00:25:40.44\00:25:43.97 and we already see it. To face these situations, 00:25:43.97\00:25:48.38 we are going to need a flourishing faith, 00:25:48.38\00:25:51.38 a faith that will gain us the victory won in Jesus. 00:25:51.38\00:25:55.98 We have reached a turning point. Which way will we go? 00:25:55.98\00:26:00.56 I want to say a quick prayer with you. 00:26:00.56\00:26:03.12 And I want you please to join us next time 00:26:03.12\00:26:06.49 because we're going to discuss 00:26:06.49\00:26:08.80 how you can take seven steps to develop victorious faith. 00:26:08.80\00:26:14.47 But right now let's go to the Lord in prayer 00:26:14.47\00:26:18.01 and ask him to help us grow in grace, to grow in faith. 00:26:18.01\00:26:24.58 Father, we come in the name of Jesus 00:26:24.58\00:26:26.85 approaching you boldly as Your children, 00:26:26.85\00:26:29.72 coming before Your throne of grace. 00:26:29.72\00:26:32.39 And, Father, I lift my brothers and my sisters 00:26:32.39\00:26:34.69 before You and myself as well. 00:26:34.69\00:26:37.19 We have come, Lord, to ask us-- to ask You to help us, Lord, 00:26:37.19\00:26:44.40 increase our faith. 00:26:44.40\00:26:45.80 We believe, help Thou our unbelief. 00:26:45.80\00:26:48.90 I pray in Jesus' name, Father, 00:26:48.90\00:26:51.34 that you will give us an unquenchable desire 00:26:51.34\00:26:54.58 for Your inexhaustible word. 00:26:54.58\00:26:56.88 And I pray the word will be planted in our heart 00:26:56.88\00:26:59.18 and by the power of the Holy Spirit, 00:26:59.18\00:27:01.45 faith will spring into action. 00:27:01.45\00:27:04.59 Lord, I ask this in Christ's name 00:27:04.59\00:27:08.46 and we receive it in Christ's name. Amen. 00:27:08.46\00:27:12.93 Join us next time on "The Grace Pipeline," 00:27:12.93\00:27:17.57 as we see the different-- seven different steps 00:27:17.57\00:27:22.27 that can help us gain victorious faith, 00:27:22.27\00:27:26.91 faith that will flourish in any circumstance 00:27:26.91\00:27:31.48 and faith that will change your life. 00:27:31.48\00:27:34.78 We want to be like the centurion. 00:27:34.78\00:27:36.99 We want to be like Paul. 00:27:36.99\00:27:39.39 We want to be able to say 00:27:39.39\00:27:41.36 "Lord, You have spoken the word 00:27:41.36\00:27:44.59 and we know it's going to be done. 00:27:44.59\00:27:46.96 Lord, You've called to me and I will turn to You 00:27:46.96\00:27:51.90 and be devoted to Your purposes." 00:27:51.90\00:27:54.80 Until then, we pray that you grow in grace 00:27:54.80\00:27:58.14 and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 00:27:58.14\00:28:00.88