I had the opportunity to go to Tulsa this past weekend with our good friends, Jeff, Ted and Barbara Hoover, to listen to Dr. Earl Palmer. Dr. Palmer was the key-note speaker at the Celebration of Faith conference at the First Presbyterian church in downtown Tulsa.

In addition to speaking around the country, Dr. Palmer serves as the interim pastor of National Presbyterian Church in Washington D.C., and also serves on the Board of Trustees at Princeton Theological Seminary. He's an outstanding teacher. You can learn more about him (and listen to some of his sermons on-line) by visiting his website www.earlpalmer.org.

Dr. Palmer preached from Acts 9, on the life of Paul and how his ministry began. It was a fascinating sermon. He gave a history on the Apostle Paul that I had never considered. It was a wonderful look into this man's life.

One of the most interesting points of the night was Dr. Palmer's thoughts about what Jesus did when he confronted Paul on the road to Damascus.

Dr. Palmer told how Paul was blinded by the glory of the LORD on the road to Damascus. Afterwards, Jesus sent him to a home where the LORD would send a man named Ananias to pray with him. The Bible says when this happened, Paul's sight was immediately restored, he got up and was baptized and began his Christian ministry.

Dr. Palmer talked a lot about why Jesus sent Paul to Damascus instead of restoring his sight Himself and having Paul baptized right there on the road. Dr. Palmer talked about the "inefficiency" of doing this. Why would Jesus send Paul to someone else to be prayed for, to have his sight restored, and to be encouraged? Why the "inefficiency"? Why would Jesus just not restore him right there and right then?

After developing this point for ten minutes, he concluded with a thought for us to consider. Perhaps, Jesus wanted to give Paul something that HE was unable to give - perhaps the only thing HE is unable to give. And that is the ability to be ministered to by another person who has experienced forgiveness.

Dr. Palmer concluded the night by getting us all to consider that this is what we as sinners, have to offer each other - the ability as forgiven persons to minister to another.

It was a great night and well worth the drive to Tulsa. If you enjoy good teaching, take a click over to Dr. Palmer's website and give him a listen. It's well worth the time.