DECEMBER 17, Acts 16:11-15, 25-31

For the 2nd journey, Paul and Silas first went to the Lycaonian churches and it was there they recruited Timothy to join their mission team. In Philippi, Paul, Silas and Timothy found a spot by the river where some Jewish women met for prayers. They spoke with the women. Lydia, whose heart God opened, received the Gospel. She was saved and baptised together with her family!

While God saved a woman, Satan used a damsel—a young woman—who was demon-possessed to oppose the missionaries. After Paul removed her demonic power, her masters became very angry. Why? Because this poor damsel was used by the masters to earn money! So the masters put Paul and Silas into prison. They were also beaten! Despite being in jail, the servants of God neither complained nor murmured but sang praises. They had joy despite their circumstances. In a miraculous way, Paul and Silas were freed and in a dramatic way the jailor was saved and baptised together with his family. Lydia and the jailor’s family formed the first church in Philippi.

How can we be saved? Today’s text gives the answer. We are all born sinners and deserve punishment from God. But God loves us and has sent His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus to live a perfect life on this earth and to die on the Cross for our sins. All we have to do to be saved is to acknowledge that we are sinners, ask God for forgiveness of our sins, and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thought: How can you be saved? Believe in Jesus as Lord and Saviour!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending the Lord Jesus to die on the Cross for my sins. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.