3/4/22

[Acts 16, Proverbs 4]

H – Acts 16:30b, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

E – Salvation!

Acts 16 is a roller coaster ride for Paul, Silas, and Timothy. As they traveled, God closed doors and He opened doors for them to carry the Gospel. God opened hearts for the Gospel to be heard and many believed in faith. 

There was also moments where Paul, Silas, and Timothy were ridiculed, faced accusations, beaten, and shackled as prisoners. 

Yet, right in the middle of this roller coaster ride was God. From the mountain tops of witnessing salvation and the valley lows of being beaten and put in prison, they continued to pray and sing praises to the Lord. And, it appears to be evident that in their lowest moments that God moved the most. People witnessed persecution against them, and to hear them pray and praise could only mean one thing; they legitimately believed in who they were worshipping. So, people began to listen to them (16:25). 

One who listened was the jailer placed over them. When God moved He not only shook the foundations of the prison, but He began to shake the foundation of the jailers life. To the point the jailer asked the question, “what must I do to be saved?” The answer given = BELIEVE!

But, notice the evidence of belief from the jailer. 1) The jailer became compassionate. Taking care of the wounds that were inflicted to these men (16:33). 2) The jailer desired to hear and know of God. He wanted to be taught about Christ and the ways of Christ (16:32). 3) The jailer wanted others to hear about Christ. He brought his whole household forward to hear. He was not embarrassed  (16:32). 4) The jailer desired obedience from the beginning. He wanted to be identified as a Christ follower through baptism (16:33). 5) The jailer lovingly met the needs of these men (16:34). 6) The jailer rejoiced in what God had done for him and those in his household that believed. He worshipped before the Lord and others unashamedly. He knew he had a reason to (16:34). 

Think about what a Roman jailer must have been like. They were tough, blunt, unconcerned with the welfare of a prisoner, and certainly lacked compassion. And then, The Lord opened his heart. He believed and was changed. 

Real Genuine Salvation places a new desire within you. It changes you. You cannot stay the same. No matter the roller coaster, you know God is with you and you can’t help but pray and praise Him.

A – Continue to believe upon the Lord Jesus. Let my faith be evident through my actions. Let my praise be louder than my struggles. Tell others of Jesus. 

R – Lord God, thank you for my salvation. Thank you for rescuing me. Lord, I have reason to praise. Lord, continue to give me a desire to seek after you. Lord, help me to know that no matter where I am at in life that you are with me. Shake foundations. I pray we would witness others call out to you for salvation. I pray households would be changed, forever.

In Jesus Name!