From the worship, to the market, to the jail cell, wherever they were Paul and Silas witnessed to their faith. Their actions were not restrained by their situation, and God’s message of love could not be contained. What do we allow to restrain us in our worship, service and showing our love for others?
Worship with Holy Communion this week: Saturday at 5:00 p.m. in the chapel
Sunday at 8:30 a.m. – Traditional Worship
10:30 a.m. – Contemporary Worship
May 10-11, 2014
Acts 16:16-34
Key Verses: “The jailer called for lights, and rushing in, he fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.Then he brought them outside and said, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They answered, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.’” Acts 16:29-31
Time: 49-52 CE
Background: Paul and Silas traveled, bringing the word of God wherever God sent them. They had spent some time in Philippi, and had converted a business woman named Lydia, who would become one of their financial supporters there. Shortly after her conversion, they encountered the girl with a spirit of divination, which allowed her to see and tell fortunes, for the welfare of her owners.
When Paul cast the spirit out of her, he did so in Jesus’ name. Only Roman-approved religions were allowed. Judaism was allowed there, but Christianity was not. Paul and Silas were sentenced to prison. While they were in prison they had the opportunity to convert the jailer and his family, which helped them secure a faithful foundation in Philippi.
Community: How do the economics in your area help or hinder the mission of your faith community? How could it be positioned to help?
At Home: How do your faith and your vocation intersect? Where do they work together, and where do they work against each other? What might you do to allow your faith life to have a greater influence on your vocation, and your vocation a greater impact on your faith life?
Read This Week:
Monday, May 12, Paul and Silas, Acts 16:35-40
Tuesday, May 13, The Council at Jerusalem, Acts 15:1-11
Wednesday, May 14, The Council at Jerusalem, Acts 15:12-21
Thursday, May 15, Timothy Joins Paul and Silas, Acts 16:1-5
Friday, May 16, Paul’s Vision of the Man of Macedonia, Acts 16:6-10
Saturday, May 17, The Conversion of Lydia, Acts 16:11-15
Next Week: Sunday, May 18, Sermon at Athens, Acts 17:16-31
