Hello and goodmorning, December 20, 2005 A Tale Of Two Slaves Read: Acts 9:1-9,17-18 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle. —Romans 1:1 Spartacus is not just a film legend but a historical figure. Historians say that he was likely a Roman soldier who deserted, was recaptured, and then sold into slavery as a gladiator. While at the gladiatorial school at Capua, Spartacus led a rebellion. This act of defiance attracted massive numbers of slaves, growing to an estimated 70,000. Initially, Spartacus' slave army enjoyed spectacular victories. But they were eventually defeated, and the captured rebels were crucified along the road to Rome. What a contrast to Spartacus is the apostle Paul. Saul of Tarsus (as Paul was also known) was born a free man and yet was destined to become a slave. Acts 9 records the fateful day when Saul came face to face with the Savior he sought to oppose. From that time on, he served Jesus wholeheartedly. Spartacus was forced to serve a Roman taskmaster. But Paul, in response to God's grace, voluntarily became a slave to Jesus Christ. In the believer's heart rages a spiritual war between sin and righteousness. We can obey the slave-master of sin, or we can say yes to the God of grace who has made us free (Romans 6:16; John 8:34). Our greatest liberty lies in serving the One who created and redeemed us. —Dennis Fisher Christ broke the bonds of sin, that I Might know His strong eternal tie; This blood-bought liberty I bring To be Your bond-slave, Master-King. —F. Hess True freedom is found in serving Christ Many Blessings,Kathy Martin