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Brother Saul

A few weeks ago my wife told me that she and her team were getting prepared to teach their Sunday school class about Saul and his conversion on the road to Damascus.  This is one of my favorite passages of Acts, so I immediately pulled it up on my phone and read the story again.  I have read this passage no less than 100 times, maybe even more than that, for as a bible quizzer I committed the entire book of Acts to memory and that takes a lot of reading.  Yet, as I read it again, I was overwhelmed by something that I had never considered or realized.

Saul was a serious problem for the early church.  Acts chapters 8-9 states he was “breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord” and that he made “havoc of the church.”  He persecuted them, raided their homes, arrested men and women and put them in prison.  Remember the church that began so powerful and glorious in Acts chapter 2? A few chapters later Saul has scattered that church throughout all Judaea and Samaria.  Only the apostles and a few others remained strong and in Jerusalem,  and many paid a serious price for doing so--the ultimate case being found in Acts chapter 8 where Saul facilitates the stoning of Stephen.  Most of us forget or have never realized that Saul was responsible for Christianity’s first martyr.  Stephen, full of faith and hope, was killed just as his ministry began with Saul looking on.  This seems to add more insult, as Saul never stooped to get his hands dirty, never threw a stone, but was forever behind the scenes igniting the elders, high priests and people to carry out his desires to crush the church.  Where I come from we call this person a snake!   Saul hated the church, what it stood for, and was determined to destroy it.  Soon after Stephen’s death, he travels to Damascus to continue his work against the church where he is struck down by the Lord and chastised for persecuting the church.  Immediately Saul realizes that he is in the presence of God and has committed grievous crimes.  He asks, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”  This fierce and determined man, now physically blinded from his encounter with Jesus, is led by his hand into the city where the Lord has told him he will be instructed further.   

Up to this point, as I read on my phone, this was an all too familiar passage.  However, in the next few scriptures God really talked to my heart.  For three days Saul is in the city; he is blind, neither eating or drinking, and awaiting instruction.   The Lord appears to Ananias, a disciple in that same city, and tells him, “Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Taursus: for, behold he prayeth, and hath seen in a vision a man names Ananias coming in, and putting his hands on him, that he might receive his sight.”  Ananias immediately objected: “I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem,” or as we might say today, “Do you know realize who this is? Do you know what he has done” or “Do you know this guy’s reputation?”  Ananias wanted no part of it. However, the Lord makes it clear that Paul is chosen “to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings and the children of Israel.”  Before Kings?  It is clear that Saul is not just chosen but special.

Ananias leaves and goes straight to where Saul is, puts his hands on him, and says two words that literally jumped off the page and punched me in the heart…..”Brother Saul.”  I could continue on and tell you of how Saul received his sight, was filled with the Holy Ghost, baptized and immediately began to preach Christ in Damascus, but I realized that all of that began with two words.  “Brother Saul.”

It’s important that we consider that Saul had been three days blind, not eating or drinking.  Three days realizing that he was responsible for persecuting not just the church, but God himself.  How many times did he replay in his mind the scene where he held the coats of the men that threw stones at Stephen until he was dead?  How many times did the faces of men and women that he put in prison play before him?  In those three days he had come to the stark realization that he was an instigator, a punisher of the innocent and a murderer.  Yet in those three days, God also showed him a vision of a man coming in and laying hands on him, a vision of his sight being restored.  While Saul was reliving his terrible past, God was simultaneously giving him vision for his future.  And it began with a man.  A little known disciple named Ananias who called him brother.  It stands to reason that Saul may have even been on his way to arrest Ananias himself.  He had in his possession letters from the high priest to arrest Christians in Damascus.  Ananias, fearful and wary of Saul because of his reputation, walked in and called him brother.  Had he just said Saul, it would have announced “I know who you are and what you have done.”  However, he added one word… “Brother,” and made it perfectly clear that it didn’t matter who Saul was or what he had done.  Ananias immediately created a bridge for Saul to pass over from the place of his mistakes and regret into the purpose that God had chosen him for.  “Brother” did not just state that how Ananias felt about Saul but how Saul could feel about Ananias.  “Brother” said that his mistakes, his past did not matter to Ananias, only Saul’s future.  Thus, Ananias offers a powerful lesson for you and I.  Our past failures do not separate us--they join us together. We are brothers; I am yours and you are mine.  You can trust in me. My hands will heal you. My hands will help you regain your sight. My hands will help you discover your purpose.

As I reflected on this encounter between Saul and Ananias, my mind was flooded with the names and faces of many people--brothers, sisters, friends, and family.  All of them had made mistakes, failed and stumbled...as we all do.  God has long since forgiven them.  Yet, the nature, severity and sometimes broad publication of their failures have exiled them from our forgiveness.   I wonder if they are feeling blind, alone, and guilty.  Are they trapped in an irrevocable existence of reliving their mistakes and failures while hungrily nurturing a tiny dream of restoration?  Is God whispering to them that He still has a purpose for them?  Are they waiting on the hands of a brother? 

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted.  (Galatians 6:1)

                                                                                                 

www.royalwood.cc 

PJ Dial is a husband, father and servant of Christ. He grew up in Royalwood and is involved in several aspects of ministry including Praise & Worship, Anthem Student Ministries and currently serves on Royalwood's Board.

Register Now For Kidz Music Camp

All hands on deck for an unforgettable journey full of adventure, humor, and inspiration at Royalwood Church's Kidz Music Camp as we perform "Captain Noah & The One & Only Zoo Cruise For Twos!"

This children's musical retells the Biblical story of Noah and, with heartwarming emotion, appeals to everyone! You won't want to miss this exciting event!

Kidz Music Camp Details:

When: 

Monday, July 29th  - Sunday, August 4: 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Who:

For children ages: 5 years - 12 years

Cost: 

Early Registration (June 2 - July 21)

$30.00  for 1 child
$20.00 for each additional child (not to exceed $70.00 / family)

Regular Registration (July 22 - July 29)

$35.00 per child

Snacks and t-shirts are provided with registration.  For more information, contact Tanna Dial or Click Here to register!

Trust Your Instruments

One common definition of spatial disorientation is “the inability of a pilot or other air crew member to determine spatial attitude in relation to the surface of the earth; it occurs in conditions of restricted vision, and results from vestibular illusions.” The Federal Aviation Administration uses a slightly different and more simplistic definition. It states, “When a pilot does not know in-flight where his or her body is in relation to the surface of the Earth, the pilot has spatial disorientation.”

There are several types of spatial disorientation. The basic three types are recognized, unrecognized, and incapacitating. Without going into too much detail, one you know you have and are trying to fix it, one you don’t know you have, and the last is one that you know you have but feel completely helpless or don’t even know where to start fixing it.

Regardless of which definition is used or which type of spatial disorientation a pilot has, they all have two major attributes:

1. Inability to distinguish what is true versus what is false (i.e. confusion).
2. The relationship to a common reference point (i.e. the Earth) is in question.

I have personally experienced spatial disorientation numerous times. It is not fun. Take a little bad weather and mix in a glance down at a checklist or an instrument approach procedure and you have the recipe for an interesting day. If there is a latent sinus issue, cold, or seasonal allergy, you could really be in for a serious case of vertigo as well. Thankfully for passengers and those on the ground as well, pilots are trained for these situations and instruction usually kicks in. When it does, disaster is averted. When it doesn’t...lives are usually lost.

In combating spatial disorientation, a “seat of the pants” feeling combined with flight control inputs can sometimes alleviate or assuage the symptoms. This is only marginally effective. Some folks try to shake their head rapidly to “reset the gyros” in their skull! This, however, can often make matters worse. Bottom line, there are a lot of techniques out there. Some may help. Others may hurt. The most effective way to combat spatial disorientation, however, is accomplished by simply “trusting your instruments.”

While going through pilot training at any level, but especially instrument and bad weather flying, the instructors constantly emphasize (practically brainwash) you with the phrase “trust your instruments.” Although instruments and gauges fail, it is rare for several of them to fail at the same time. Therefore, developing a good crosscheck of all available sensors and gadgets alleviates most cases of spatial disorientation fairly quickly. This includes, but is not limited to looking at and comparing the all control and performance instruments and ensuring that they are all in concert. Only then can the pilot begin to redevelop “truth” in his mind and save himself and his aircraft.

To some, I am sure that the plethora of spiritual parallels evident here are fairly obvious. Take a glance around and you can see all three types of spatial disorientation. Some folks are confused and know it and are trying to make their way back home. Others don’t realize that they are confused. Finally, some folks know that they are being drug away from truth but cannot find a way to escape and return to truth. Regardless of the type of disorientation, the two major attributes remain.

We live in a world where it is becoming increasingly more difficult to distinguish what is true versus what is false. Disorientation abounds. Matthew 24:24 states, “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” The church is not immune to the deceptive forces in the world. In fact, the church is the prime target. If the enemy is able to shake the faith and the foundation of the church, to whom will the wanderers of this world look to for an example of the righteousness, hope, and blessings of an Almighty God?

That takes us to the second attribute. The church’s common reference point is the Word of God! There are no substitutes. Isaiah 40:8 states that, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the Word of our God shall stand for ever.” The traditions of man are always temporary, but the Word of God is eternal. The faith that is developed over time by getting rooted and grounded on the principles of God’s Word is essential to overcoming disorientation. This faith is quite simply built over time in prayer, regular church attendance, and reading the Bible. Eventually, it will create in the heart of a Christian, a “common reference point” that is dependable and immovable.

If you know someone that seems to be a little disoriented in life, share with them this thought…Proverbs 3:5-6…”Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”

We serve a God that is ready, willing, and able to come to our rescue in times of disorientation. He can clear up our confusion and help us find the straight and narrow way. All we really need to do is “trust our instruments.”

Rev Lance Wilkins grew up in Royalwood Church under Pastor Macey. He is currently a member of First Pentecostal Church of Panama City pastored by Rev Allen Crabtree. Lt Col Wilkins is a Squadron Commander and USAF combat veteran with over 300 combat hours. He has flown over 20 different types of aircraft including almost 2000 hours in the F-15 Eagle. His wife Cinnamon and children Rhett and Hannah are involved in several areas of ministry.

Collaborating for the Kingdom

...most of us grew up in a culture that applauded only individual achievement. We are, generals in an ego-driven “army of one,” each the center of an absurd cosmos, taking such happiness as we can find...but our new heroes are men and women who know how to gather allies, build teams, and work together toward shared goals.

 The Collaborative Habit // Twyla Tharp

There are no superstars in the Kingdom of God.  If Jesus is the center there is no room for you or I to be.  Our goal as believers is to individually and collectively glorify Jesus through our lives.  Whether collaborating on a new idea, writing a song, launching a community initiative, developing a sermon, creating a new fashion trend, _____________________(Fill in the blank), there is power in collaboration.  You can do exponentially more collectively than you can do individually.  

I’m encouraging you to find someone and share your dream with them.  Allow someone else to speak new life into it!  Find someone else that you can invest in and push for and set up for a win.  When I look back on some of the greatest moments/accomplishments in my life I notice VERY few were conquered alone.  As the great philosopher Vanilla Ice so brilliantly stated, “Stop. Collaborate and listen.”



Tauren Wells is the lead singer of the band, Royal Tailor. He serves as the Creative Director for Royalwood and is also on the youth staff. He loves interacting with students and building relationships. Follow Tauren on Twitter.

City Kids "Be at B-TOWN" Contest

City Kids is having a Be at B-TOWN Contest to launch an exciting new phase of ministry for children at Royalwood Church! Be at B-Town is an attendance contest. When your child checks in at City Kids for The Factory their name will be entered into the contest. Each week they check in, their name will be entered again. Now, your kids can score big by bringing friends with them each week as well. When they bring a friend their name gets entered AGAIN and their friends name as well. 

The contest will run on Wednesday nights for 4 weeks beginning April 17th. We will draw the winners on May 15th and the kids will have to be present to win!

Spread the word, City Kids is the place to BE!

www.royalwood.cc

It's Monday!

As I reflect in the celebration of the risen King on Easter, I am so very thankful for what Jesus did for me on Calvary. He took my place! He took the nails for me, He took the beating for me, and He carried my sin and shame… ALL for me!!!!  Why me… Who am I? I don’t deserve it! He did it all so I could be FREE! Yes free! Free from all sin and shame, free from all bondage, free…free…free….  

Why is freedom celebration displayed on life’s stage on that faithful Sunday, yet people go home from a resurrection Sunday and are still bound on the Monday?

This question has many answers, but there are two I want to address. Indeed the scripture is clear about the Delivering Power of Jesus.

John 8:36 - If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

Let’s be clear about this.. Jesus wants you to be free. The reason we celebrate Easter is that Jesus conquered the death and the grave so that we could be free!

I go back to the age old question. Why are Christ’s children sitting on the powerless pews still bound with the same old problems? Has the church lost its power? NO! Has the Pulpit waivered in power? NO!  Has the Word of God diminished in power? NO! So what has?

The simple answer is humanity… Let me explain the complicated answer to a simple question.

The moment Jesus rose from the grave, there was an echo of deliverance that resounded throughout the ages to come! I am free, so therefore you can be free! In you is the power to overcome the first day of bondage and stay victorious.

Your enemy has it right. He knows exactly what to use to bring you back into captivity. There are two weapons he uses. The first deals with yourself and the second deals with others.

The first is self-condemnation!  This is a very important and vital tool for the enemy! Once you begin to condemn yourself and think you can’t make the mark because of your failure. Guess what? You drift like a ship without a sail back into the former life. A life of bondage.  This time you are captive to condemnation! You can never get away from the past; you dwell on it, live in it until it consumes you! The enemy’s drug is a steady and increasing dose of subtle deception! Don’t be free from sin to be bound again.

Romans 8:1 - There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Replace self-condemnation with self-discernment!

You are Christ’s child. You sought forgiveness, and he adequately responded with deliverance. Speak to your enemy with those triumphant words!

Luke 4:8 - And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.

You are free because Christ says you are free! It’s Monday, and yes you are still free even when the temper comes with self-condemnation and his only purpose is for you to be bound!  

The second is others! It is no coincidence that Jesus points out the church in scripture. You say, “can the church stand in the way?” Unfortunately, yes! The enemy can use the very elect to derail the brokenhearted? Again, others are the very commodity the enemy uses that delivers rich returns.

You see scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in a fault and displayed it for everyone to see. Let’s stone the guilty! Let’s parade her faults for everyone to see! Let’s cast her out by stoning her and use the law to accomplish it! We don’t want her, we don’t need her, and we can do without her! That was the mentality of the church at that time!

Child of God, at times you will need to do what Jesus did and shake the dust from off your sandals… in other words, your enemy who comes to kill, steal, and destroy will at times use others to ridicule, accuse, tear down and try to destroy your progress in Jesus!

Again, let’s use the One whose motives and agenda can’t be questioned! 

John 8:11 - And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. The scripture reveals that her failure didn't define her, but rather revealed Jesus by way of her enemy! You see, your failure isn't a destination, but an event. It’s not your identity, because the Potter hath power over the clay.

It’s the day after Easter and you are blazing toward Pentecost! It’s Monday! You are still FREE! Even when self-condemnation screams in your ears, in your dreams, at work, in a group or all alone, Its Monday! You still have Resurrection power available to you!

It’s the day after Easter and you are heading to the miraculous outpouring of His Holy Spirit! It’s Monday! You are still FREE! Even when your enemy uses his prized commodity to be a stumbling block, even when those who proclaim to be in the church judge you and try to stone you with rocks of condemnation;

REMEMBER, Jesus doesn’t condemn you! He used a lying, cursing Peter and made him the “rock”.  He used a murderous Saul to be the messenger to the Gentile nation!

All it takes to be truly changed is one interaction with Jesus! All else is just noise!

It’s Monday and you are still FREE! You don’t have to be the statistic that says people will fall back into previous bad habits and live a defeated life. It’s Monday!

Child of God, It's Monday! Church it's Monday!

Instead of casting stones, let’s be the ROCK they can stand upon! 

www.royalwood.cc

Dan Castleberry serves on the Pastoral ministry team and leads various ministries at Royalwood. He is married to Robyn and has three beautiful daughters.  You can follow Dan on Twitter