Hope Covenant Church | Saul's Conversion Acts 9:1-18

 The conversion of Saul is one of the more popular stories in the bible. People are drawn to the Hollywood ending. The flash of light, the blindness, the restoration of sight all are exciting to people. Not so different from the summer blockbuster. I could see the preview now. (Cue the deep raspy movie preview guy voice) "In a land where ritual rules, one Pharisee had a miraculous experience. Paul, an everyday worker had his life turned inside out and upside down. While on main street, a miracle happened. With flash of light, his world changed forever. Come see how one man changed the course of history. A Luke Studios production. In theaters on A.D. 63"

 It would not be too hard to imagine the movie trailer. You probably even had the preview guys voice in your head. What the real miracle was though, was Saul's direction. It was two simple orders. 1.) Get Up, 2.) Go. That was all there was to the direction. When someone tells you to Go, what is your first response. I know mine is Why, What for, Why can't you?Who has blind obedience to simply act. Which ironically is the title of the book this story is in, "Acts". To simply act is a blind faith of trust in the one ordering you. The American way of questioning everything is, in my opinion, a great way to live. I, as an attorney, question everything that is said or written. It is not only my job, but it is my passion. I like to find fault in things. It is rewarding to find room for improvement. It is even tempting question everyone's motives because there may be "a better way". When it comes to the Lord though, do you think you can come up with a better way? Do you, John Q. Averageguy, think you can find a better way than the Lord. Of course your answer is no, but I would bet you would question the order. It is simply the nature of an independent society. Much like Ananias does later in this chapter, you would probably ask the Lord, "Are you sure?"  "Do you know what you are asking me?" You are not alone, I am confident that my response would be one of question.

 My plea, for both you and me, is this; Don't waste time looking for the right moment to act. Don't wait for others to open the door for you. Don't let a lack of motivation slow you down. Just Go. I will repeat that...Just Go. The only person who can stop you from following the order...is You.

 If you are in the Orland Park Area and are looking for a church to attend, I would encourage you to visit:

Hope Covenant Church
14401 West Avenue
Orland Park, IL 60462-3112
(708) 873-3640

I am a newer congregate at the church and can attest to the warm and welcoming feeling you get from the members at the church. God Bless you and keep you. Good luck on your journey with Christ.

 Jonathan W. Cole

P.S. I know this is unusual, but the church is going to be losing a driving force in the near future. I would like to personally wish Pastor Ryan Cooper the best in his future endeavors and I hope the we keep in touch. The church will be losing a major asset, and the church family will miss him. Thank you for your service to the church, God Bless your family.