598                      A. M. E. REVIEW.

   (b) Paul's conversion and call, was a providential preparation.
  The same Saul who would consent to the death of Stephen and who
would make havoc of the church of God still breathes out threats against
the followers of Christ. One of Paul's temperament could not soon forget
these experiences. "The church owes Paul to the prayer of Stephen."--
Augustine. The conversion and call of Paul are inseparable. Suddenly as
he journeyed a light above the brightness of the sun shone round about him
from heaven; a voice from heaven speaks unto him, Saul, Saul, why perse-
cutest thou me? The voice arrested him and influenced him to make the
greatest surrender man can make, "Lord what wilt thou have me to do?"
   (1) The conversion of Saul is one of the most remarkable facts in
history.
   (2) It was the triumph of Christianity over Judaism.
   (3) It is a living evidence of what conversion does for a man. In
regeneration, the life is transformed.
  (a) Because regeneration is a spiritual resurrection. Rom. 6:4-6; Eph.
2:5; Col. 2:12; 3:1.
  (b) Regeneration is putting on the new man. Eph. 4:24.
  (c) Regeneration is partaking of divine nature. 2 Pet. 1:4.
  The regenerated man has:
  (1) A new heart. Ezek. 36:26.
  (2) A new spirit. Ezek. 11:19; Rom. 7:6.
  (3) The likeness of God. Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10.
  (4) He has the likeness of Christ.  Rom. 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18.
  We need not marvel at the radical change in a man who has had such
wonderful experience. Paul delighted to talk about it. He alludes to it
at various times in his letters and relates the whole story twice, once before
an assembly of Jews at Jerusalem (Acts 22) and in his defence before Agrippa
at Caesarea. Acts 26.
  Ananias finds Saul blind, and laying hands on him said, Brother Saul,
the Lord, even Jesus, who appeared unto thee in the way, which thou
camest, hath sent me that thou mayest receive thy sight and be filled with
the Holy Ghost. Acts 9:17. The part that Ananias is called to perform
should remind us that the church has a function to fill in the office and
ministration of the preacher. Heaven respects that right as is shown in the
case of Saul. Christ did not tell Saul all that he was to know and do, a part
was left for the church to perform. God made Saul a preacher, the church
made him a minister.  That order has not been revoked.  God alone can
make preachers. The church can and should clothe men with the power of
ministration, yet all ordinations that the church is authorized to give can-
not make one a preacher whom God has not called to the work. By divine
call is meant an unmistakable evidence revealed in consciousness that it
is one's indispensable duty to warn sinners to flee the wrath to come. It is
more than an impulse or desire to preach. One may desire to preach and
yet not be called to preach, however, there may be instances where God




			

OHS/National Afro-American Museum & Cultural Center Serial Collection

African Methodist Episcopal Church Review, Vol. 28, Num. 2

Volume:  28
Issue Number:  02
Date:  10/1911