Footsteps of Paul - Pastor Josiah Elias

We Culture Like Christ. Our Vision is Jesus!

Pastor Josiah, Ashley and others are back from a trip to 3 countries. Josiah said that the scriptures came alive before their eyes. He has a new appreciation for what Paul did—realizing all that happened because of one man’s YES! It was eye opening to see what he had done and what is still happening as a result.

Paul was passionately persecuting the church. Why? He was an educated pharisee who saw Christians as a threat to what he was defending. Paul had his own way of thinking, but new revelation through Jesus was happening and seemed to be attacking his way of life.

Everyone has their own opinions about God and how to serve Him. Different churches, different denominations, different teachers and teaching. As they walked the streets of other countries, they saw other brothers in Christ serving differently than we do. Josiah said that he appreciates the diversity. The gospel was going forth and there seemed to be a reverence for the kingdom that we don’t often see here. Yes, there are different perspectives, but there has to be ONE way. Jesus alone is the standard of truth.

Everything needs to be measured against Him—not our favorite preachers, podcast or teacher.

Josiah related an experience he had on the plane. He was seated next to an atheist young man. He was obviously a smart kid. His confusion included how different Christianity looks in different places. Pastor Josiah advised him to look at Jesus alone.

Know that He is real. Know that what He taught and modeled is what we should grasp.

It all comes down to relationship with Jesus. The challenge is this: with so many people with differing opinions, we have to be centered on the scriptures. What did Jesus teach?

What did He value? Even when you listen to preaching at Faith Chapel, go back to the scriptures. Like the Bereans, search scripture for yourself.

In Acts 9:1-3, Saul was on a rampage doing what he thought best, until he had an

encounter with God. A true encounter with God changes everything.

We can’t just observe others in the church encountering God. We need our own

personal encounter, where you realize He is real and experience His presence. For example, it’s not the same to observe a roller coaster at 6 Flags as it is to strap in and ride! Strap in and encounter God!

In Acts 3, Jesus said, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” Saul thought that he was protecting the faith. Lots of people love to be in control. They think they have it all figured out. Though it’s good to plan, we also need to be willing for God to chart the course.

A true encounter with God changes everything. Some don’t want the encounter

because they love to be in control. Their way is still their God. This is dangerous and not Christ-like. Saul isn’t sure anymore! He was on a mission, but in this one moment, he encountered Jesus, and everything changed.

In Acts 9:5, Jesus identifies Himself and tells Saul exactly what to do. “Get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” We often hear that God is polite and doesn’t force Himself on anyone. He comes where invited. But Jesus kicked Saul off his horse and sent him to the city. He didn’t give him a choice.

Jesus is well aware of what a genuine encounter with Him will do. He trusts the

encounter. He knows the encounter “works”. Encounters happen throughout scripture, and it’s all that is needed to change lives. (like the adulterous woman or demonic man)

Is this the day of your encounter to be transformed, never to be the same again?

When they traveled in Greece, there were many gorgeous churches, but many didn’t seem to have the transforming power of Jesus. Bulldoze the beautiful building if no more lives are being transformed! One encounter with God is all it takes and everything can change. God transforms the heart. If you see others transformed, let it become an agent of fuel for you.

Saul was with people when he fell to the ground. Imagine seeing Saul have the

encounter. Encounters create waves. Many God moments tend to have a hitch

attached. Others can grab onto the hitch! People walk in community together. Your breakthrough is an opportunity for others to see and change. Whatever your testimony is: release from drugs or alcohol, a past that has changed—your witness touches others.

On the trip, they saw amazing sites where Biblical events occurred. They walked where Paul and Peter and Lydia walked. But Josiah and Ashley felt the strongest presence of the Lord while sitting in a small boat watching the live stream of Faith Chapel’s service!

The presence of God can be accessed anywhere in the world, anytime. In a simple moment, you can pause to get in the presence of God. You can find peace in the midst of the craziness of life.

In Acts, Saul was blinded. His companions saw this happening. They saw his

encounter. They could just think “it’s a weird day” or hook up with that encounter. You have a choice: Be an observer, content to watch, or hook up with the encounters around you and experience your own encounter.

The travelers walked streets that Paul and John and Peter and Lydia walked, and saw amazing historical spots. But, without Saul’s one encounter, all of this would not have happened. There were waves of opportunity and people were transformed one by one, country by country, because of one genuine encounter with God.

Pastor Josiah said that this was a difficult message to write. On the trip home, he was seated near a man who was watching provocative shows right next to him. Josiah had to pull his hat down and attempt to avoid the junk. Sitting in his seat, he felt under attack as he wrote the sermon. It was like the enemy was trying to pull him back to the place he once was. But God gave him keys where he used to have shackles! After the flight, Josiah asked if he could pray with the man. It helped Josiah to “forgive the torture”.

There was freedom as the Holy Spirit interceded.

Josiah told us, “I want you to have an encounter with God”. Be open to the presence of the Lord. Don’t let go. Pursue Him until the encounter comes. Keep showing up and seeking Him wherever you are – church, home, work. He will not turn a blind eye to the seeking heart. Fight for that encounter! It will change everything!