BUT HE CHANGED BECAUSE HE WAS TRANSFORMED BY EXPERIENCING CHRIST IN HIMSELF

Galatians 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me...(16) To reveal his Son in me...

Because of ONE MAN who had been "caught up" into the heavenlies; the light of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God transformed an entire region.

II Corinthians 12:2 I knew a man in Christ...such an one caught up to the third heaven.

II Corinthians 12:4 How that he was caught up into paradise,

Paul had been brought to the spiritual realm promised to the overcomer. Being caught up represents a dimension far beyond the daily spiritual life that we have known. This experience represents a complete change of nature and character, a metamorphosis. The inner spiritual image emerges to cover over flesh and bring life and immortality to light.

Revelation 2:7...To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Paul was eating and teaching the knowledge of life over death. That is why he could describe the heavenly state as being "places" in Christ. Each place or chamber of God's person was filled with specific knowledge, understanding, special joy, and the deep personal sense of well being in Christ. It is significant that Paul's Hebrew name was Saul. But later on after his transformation, he chose to be called by his Roman name or perhaps it was a nickname, Paul. The name Saul means "asked for.” It's an indication that perhaps his birth had been the answered prayer of his parents. His strict Pharisaical orthodox upbringing would be something abnormally hard to overcome, but the time came when Saul began to be called PAUL. He chose a Roman name over his Hebrew original. I believe he did this for spiritual reasons.

Names were and are very meaningful. Names denote nature and character. The change of names symbolized in Paul the great change of character, nature and understanding of himself. Paul used to think a lot of himself, being able to obtain authoritative power from the High Priest along with the other relationships among the Sanhedrin council. He was very proud of his heritage, being circumcised the eighth day, stock of Israel, tribe of Benjamin, a "Hebrew of Hebrews" in his own words, counting himself blameless according to the law. But the day came when reality broke through beyond race, religion, creed, or nationality. Christ the Lord now and forever. He counted all this as loss and took the name of Paul because he found the wisdom and power of weakness. Paul means "Little one.” In fact it also carries the meaning to be "restrained, reduced, made small.”

Paul no longer viewed himself as before. He saw his life with respect to the magnificent glory that had been revealed. Once you have truly touched the Holy Spirit, or should I say once the Holy Spirit has touched you, the Almighty nature of God will make everything else appear as nothing. There is no power created by man, nuclear or otherwise that is like the Power of God's revealing Himself within you -- weakness in the light of God's strength. Weakness, then, is a revelation of man's nature itself. This can only be seen by enlightenment. Until then, Adam-man is a God to himself with no real way of measuring how mortal and fragile his dying nature is. I see out into the Christian world and I do not mean any disrespect, however, so many are desperately trying to be bigger and better then the world. This is nothing but the Tower of Babel all over again. It is this Little One that conquered the world. In the space of two years all of Asia had heard the Word of the Lord, without the aid of modern equipment, satellites, T.V. shows or political campaigns. Having none of the conveniences of modern transportation, printing presses, or electricity. Paul had God's anointing; His special power and knowledge to express the purpose of God.

Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given...

This is how Paul saw his life in relationship to God. He was less than the least. When most people read these words...they immediately feel this is the way a spiritual person should speak. That may be also true but what is often overlooked is the spiritual revelation that is being declared. I do not believe that Paul was flogging himself (figuratively speaking) or trying to be humble. He was not experiencing low self-esteem. He was seeing the nature of creation itself as weakness. This is great wisdom.

Ephesians 3:8 Unto me, who is less than the least of all saints, is this grace given...

Paul was not experiencing low self-esteem, he was seeing the nature of creation itself as weakness. This is a great wisdom. Jesus Himself taught this among the disciples...

Luke 9:46-48 Then there arose a reasoning among them...which of them should be greatest? 47. And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him, 48. And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me; and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

This is not really something that can be measured. We cannot go around measuring whether someone is acting great or least. Jesus was teaching them that each of them must watch their own state of mind. The revelation necessary to see the weakness and smallness of Adam can only be upheld when the Light of Spirit is expressing itself in us.

I Corinthians 15:9 For I am the least of the apostles... Even though Paul saw his human side as being limited, or weak it did not limit the power of God from flowing through him mightily. He found out that: when he is weak, he is strong. St. Paul had uncommon power. There is a record in Acts 14:10-15 that tells the story of a miracle of healing. It took place in the town of Lystra and the miracle was done to a boy who had never been able to walk. St. Paul said with a loud voice for him to stand upon his feet.

This young man had NEVER WALKED FROM HIS MOTHER'S WOMB. He leaped up and walked! Can you imagine the awesome presence of God that brought about this miracle? The people believed that the gods had come down to them in the person of Paul and Barnabas. When Paul states that he would rather glory in his infirmities or weaknesses, he is not: waxing poetic or being warm, and humble. He is stating the revelation deep from his soul. When I am weak...then I am strong. When is he weak? When realizing the true nature of things, creation is the weaker vessel: which is why God tells husbands to love their wives and care for them as the weaker vessel. It is the same way in the created sphere...wife and weaker vessel (fragile), through whom God shares his inheritance of life.

Notice that the verse in I Peter 3:7 teaches the husbands to dwell with their wives according to knowledge, (knowledge of truth) GIVING HONOR unto the wife as unto the weaker but perhaps more valuable vessel.

Crucified through weakness. Jesus took upon Himself the likeness of sinful flesh. The human form and life, now weakened, becomes His weakness.

Hebrews 2:14 For as much as, the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same;

Ephesians 4:9 (Now that ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth. Checking in the Strong's Concordance--#2597, katabaino, kat-ab-ah'ee-no, (descended) from G2596 and the base of G939, to descend (lit. or fig.): come (get, go, step) down, descend, fall (down). Jesus stepped down from His high estate of glorious radiance in the Father's bosom, becoming weak and vulnerable to life's elements as we are, and set forth this example of humility born of the truth. Weakness is not an act of our attitude, but an understanding of the real nature of things. In Hebrews, chapter eleven is a listing of the ones whose faith is an example of Christ. Of them it is written:

Hebrews 11:34 ...out of weakness were made strong.

Each of these men of faith show the revelation of creation in themselves, glorying in their weakness. Why? because it is better to be weak than strong. Strength by itself is too strong. God resisteth the proud, he giveth grace to the humble. He gives himself to those who see their true relationship to Him. This is the impression Paul, this little one, gave. He was so powerful, anointed and caught up that his words were with power to persuade.

II Corinthians 12:7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. (8) For this thing I besought the Lord thrice that it might depart from me. (9) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then am I strong.

While Paul was enjoying the rich benefits of spiritual wisdom and power, he was also suffering some personal annoyance in his life. Having asked God for a release from this, significantly THREE times, it was revealed that God's strength was made perfect in weakness. Then it hit me like a water balloon. STRENGTH by itself is TOO strong. There is no virtue in displaying strength for its sake alone. It is too strong. But strength is made perfect when placed into weakness, providing that extra substance lacking and bringing wholeness. God's power is beyond comprehension. There would be no virtue in His dominating the creation by a show of His strength. God, Himself, is ALL Mighty. He is described as OMNIPOTENT...meaning His power is everywhere and in everything at all times. Capable of doing all, He shows His power to us through His weakness.

Consider how weak He is towards us on earth. The very solar system is made up of organizations of multiple kind. Expressing powers that the every day person cannot connect with on its real terms. The sun is an amazing nuclear explosion happening every moment 92,000,000 miles away. Anything remotely near would instantly burn up. Yet the fluid motion of our earth in relation to gravitational pull circles the sun fast enough to maintain orbit at this distance, which allows the rays of that nuclear ball of fire to GENTLY and weakly dust the planet with its light, carrying nourishment and power for our entire planet.

The weather conditions around the world occasionally get out of hand with earthquakes and hurricanes that destroy whole communities. But for thousands and thousands of years, this created planet, called Earth, has allowed the generation and survival of thousands of species of creatures, including man granting the necessary soil to plant food, rain to water and sun to cause all things to grow well. God's strength is made perfect in weakness. Jesus was teaching in Matthew, chapter five, and it states that He went up into a mountain. This means He was teaching from a high-elevated realm of Spirit. He began to say, "Blessed", meaning happy and full of grace, is the state of being of one who is POOR in Spirit. Being poor is blessed. But please do not interpret this in the natural.

Blessed are those who mourn and those who hunger and thirst. All these characteristics have spiritual application. They see the weakness of man. Like Daniel the prophet, the sons of God do not want the value or prize of a system that is coming down. Blessed are they that mourn because they see that Adam is dead in trespasses and sins. These do not allow the joy of the world to be the joy of their hearts. The joy of the Lord is our strength. But we mourn for the world, which is already passing away. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst for right-ness. If we are full, we can't receive more. Those that hunger have emptied themselves and are dry, needing the water of the Word. They are unfulfilled by the food of the world. The industries of man are takers, not givers. They are unsatisfied with their human experience because they thirst after righteousness.

Weakness means that you derive no strength from the world. His strength is made perfect in my weakness. This is completely opposite to the way society thinks in general -- be strong! But once your eyes are made to behold the lovely light of truth, you will forever be made weak. Paul saw himself as a weak little one. But the power of this ONE MAN changed the world forever. Adam's world is always striving to be the best and stand on top and have more and build bigger. This is because he lacks the vision of truth. There will be no end to the inventions and creations of scientific minds in the future that will amaze and dazzle all. The best defense that God has against the tide of darkness is you. The little one that you are is what I need, saith the Lord. It does not take more--it takes less. Less is MORE: WISE LITTLE THINGS.

Proverbs 30:24 There be four things, which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: "Four" is a number of creation. The main elements of creation are seen in four-- examples: North, South, East, West and the four elements of air, water, fire, earth, etc. Therefore, this wisdom is in creation.

It is the little and weak things that show wisdom in the earth. Let the WEAK say I AM STRONG because the Lord is my helper.

Proverbs 30:25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

Amazing, the scriptures call the ants a people. That is a mystery. Little they are but God is recognizing their habits and life. So they have a sacred record of their wisdom. See how God is very aware of little things. When you consider their nature in relation to ours there is nothing smaller or weaker than an ant. But this doesn't stop them from harvesting their food. It has been said that the ant can carry over 150X its own weight; this little creation in creature lives unaware of the sudden and immediate danger that surrounds it. Nevertheless, you see ants all the time working, building, pulling, lifting, etc. I hear so many people complain all the time, "I can't do it, I'm too weak, I just don't like it, I don't have enough help, I need more money."

Proverbs 30:26 The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks. The conies are mentioned THREE times in scripture, so they have a strong witness. God calls the conies (rabbit) feeble folk (weak, without strength). But they are able to live in mountain palaces and bore into the hard rock and create protected places of habitation. Can you get into the ROCK of our salvation? Can you make the ROCK your habitation and high place.

Proverbs 30:27 The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;

The locusts are a type of grasshopper that migrates in vast swarms. Their ability to devastate the fields they pass through is phenomenal. Often the scriptures liken the judgment of God to the consequences of locust destruction. They are completely linked in purpose and goal with no leader. This is a symbol of the divine government of God functioning within. What would happen today if there were no leaders to guide people? If you think about this you will see this could be a problem. Chaos would reign. Even with structured longstanding laws and a justice system as well as a government of the people and by the people, if there were no leaders authorizing and working in this capacity, I don't believe much would get done at all. The locusts prophesy of the manifestation of the Sons of God. These shall have the laws written upon their hearts and minds. The unity of their walk is realized through the nature of Christ within each one.

Hebrews 8:8 Behold, the days come saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:

Hebrews 8:10 ...saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts; and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people;

Hebrews 8:11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

Joel 2:7-8 They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks: 8 Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path; and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded. Proverbs 30:28 The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in king's palaces. None of us could get into the Whitehouse, but a SPIDER could. The power of little things! The traditional church is always looking for bigness and strength and political power. But God says, "...not by might, nor by power but by my Spirit saith the Lord.”

God only needs one, something small, weak and foolish.

I Corinthians 1:26-28 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: (27) But God hath...chosen the foolish things of the world...to confound the wise: and God hath...chosen the weak things of the world...to confound the things which are mighty; (28) And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

I Corinthians 1:25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

LEFT, RIGHT, LEFT, RIGHT

A balanced witness, equal amounts of oil and myrrh, band sufferings, strength and weakness.

Each of our bodies is made up of two halves -- left and right. We have two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, two arms and two legs, each one either left or right. I am right-handed so that my left side is a bit weaker than my right side. I cannot do anything from my left side that I can do from my right. Yet without that weaker side, I would not be able to walk or do any number of things with balance and poise. My right side counts on my left side. So is the Kingdom of God made of two -- Heaven and Earth. Male and female God and Man. The one depends upon the other for its complete sense to itself. Heaven needs the earth as much as earth needs the heavens. The walk, or path of spiritual life, is comprised of right and left, strength and weakness. Strength is made perfect in weakness. Heaven is made perfect in the earth. God is made perfect in man. Man is made perfect in woman. Christ is made perfect in the Church.

*For more information on this topic simply E-mail Peter Demetris at: pastorpeterd@comcast.net