Monday, 15 September 2008 00:00  |  Written by Kathryn Kerridge [a] and posted in Paul

Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath. He was eager to destroy the Lord’s followers….He wanted to bring them – both men and women – back to Jerusalem in chains. Acts 9:1-2

What was Saul like? Words that come to my mind include cruel, mean, vindictive, even evil. He’s not the kind of guy I’d have chosen to spearhead the spread of the gospel and write nearly a third of the New Testament!

However, God thought differently. Saul was to become Paul; a walking witness that no one was beyond God’s power to save and transform.

Tuesday, 16 September 2008 00:00  |  Written by Kathryn Kerridge [a] and posted in Paul

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God…1 Corinthians 1:1

Paul’s authority was not based upon opinion polls or upon the decision of the church’s leadership team. His authority came directly from God who called him to be an apostle of Jesus. In circumstances when he needed to remind a church of this, Paul would begin his letter to them in a similar way to the salutation above.

Do you recognize the authority of Paul’s teaching and seek to live by it?

Wednesday, 17 September 2008 00:00  |  Written by Kathryn Kerridge [a] and posted in Paul

'With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on everything we taught you both in person and by letter.' 2 Thessalonians 2:15

You don't need to be in physical proximity with people to influence, witness to or disciple. Paul couldn't always be near people. He spent a lot of time travelling, not to mention imprisoned, so he used letters to teach and encourage. Letter was the only option available for Paul, but we have loads - telephone/mobile, texting, email and social networking, etc. How could you use these for the glory of God today?

Thursday, 18 September 2008 00:00  |  Written by Kathryn Kerridge [a] and posted in Paul

How thankful I am to Jesus Christ our Lord for considering me trustworthy and appointing me to serve Him, even though I used to scoff at the name of Christ. I hunted down His people, harming them in every way I could. 1 Timothy 1:12-13

Paul never forgot his past; however, he didn’t constantly beat himself up with condemnation and guilt over his mistakes, but instead lived in God’s forgiveness and grace. He remembered his past to remind himself and others of the gracious love and mercy of the God he now served.

Your past doesn’t have to bind you; instead it can be a powerful testimony that points others to God.

Friday, 19 September 2008 00:00  |  Written by Kathryn Kerridge [a] and posted in Paul

Please come as soon as you can. Demas has deserted me… Crescens has gone… Alexander the coppersmith has done me much harm… The first time I was brought before the judge… everyone had abandoned me. 1 Timothy 4:9-10 & 16

Yes, Paul was an incredibly strong and resilient man, but lest we think of him as super-human, there are snippets of Scripture that remind us that he was an ordinary man and subject to all human emotions. He needed friends and encouragement as much as any of us.

Is there someone who always seems strong and “together” who could use your encouragement this week?

Saturday, 20 September 2008 00:00  |  Written by Kathryn Kerridge [a] and posted in Paul

This letter is from Paul….It is written to Timothy, my dear son. 2 Timothy 1:1-2

You get a sense from the beginning of this letter how deep Paul’s affection was for Timothy. Timothy was someone whom Paul mentored – yet that discipleship was not just based upon passing knowledge, information or experience on, though these are important. The key aspect of mentoring anyone is loving them well. This is Paul’s example to us as we disciple others.

Sunday, 21 September 2008 00:00  |  Written by Kathryn Kerridge [a] and posted in Paul

The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 2 Timothy 4:6-7

It wasn’t always easy for Paul to remain faithful (he likens it to fighting or running a race), but even in circumstances of persecution and sacrifice where many of us would have fallen away, he steadfastly held on to his God and to his calling.

This faithfulness characterised Paul’s Christian life. I want that to be my legacy too. How about you?