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Welcome:

We can get so caught up in the daily details of living that we begin to wonder sometimes if God is working at all. In today’s episode, we really see God working in some interesting ways that might just serve as a reminder to us of what God is doing and how He's doing it in all sorts of situations.

Introduction:

The story involves three different encounters they had with three different groups of people. First, there is Lydia, a seller of purple. Then, there is this interesting young slave girl who is demon-possessed and follows Paul around. Finally, there is the most famous story, one of those classic Bible stories—the Philippian jailer.

Episode Outline:

1. Lydia’s Conversion:
   • Scripture Reading: Acts 16:11-15
   • Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke travel from Troas to Philippi, a leading Roman colony.
   • They find a group of women praying by the river, including Lydia, a worshiper of God and a seller of purple cloth.
   • God opens Lydia’s heart to respond to Paul’s message. She and her household are baptized, and she offers her home to Paul and his companions.
2. The Slave Girl and Paul’s Annoyance:
   • Scripture Reading: Acts 16:16-24
   • A slave girl with a spirit of divination follows Paul and his companions, proclaiming their mission.
   • Paul, annoyed, commands the spirit to leave her, and she is delivered.
   • Her owners, angered by the loss of their income, drag Paul and Silas before the magistrates, who have them beaten and imprisoned.
3. The Philippian Jailer’s Conversion:
   • Scripture Reading: Acts 16:25-40
   • At midnight, Paul and Silas pray and sing hymns in prison, despite their suffering.
   • A violent earthquake opens the prison doors and loosens their chains.
   • The jailer, fearing the prisoners have escaped, prepares to kill himself. Paul reassures him that all prisoners are still there.
   • The jailer asks, "What must I do to be saved?" Paul responds, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household."
   • The jailer and his household believe, are baptized, and rejoice in their newfound faith.
   • The magistrates order Paul and Silas to be released, but Paul insists they be escorted out publicly to acknowledge their wrongful treatment as Roman citizens.

Key Points:

• The conversion of Lydia highlights God’s work in opening hearts to the gospel and the resulting generosity that comes from faith.
• The deliverance of the slave girl shows God’s power over spiritual oppression and the liberation it brings.
• The dramatic events in the prison emphasize the importance of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation and the profound impact it has on entire households.

Conclusion:

In each of these encounters, we see God actively working through Paul and his companions to bring about His will. Whether it’s through opening hearts, delivering from demonic oppression, or dramatically saving a jailer and his household, God’s hand is evident. As we reflect on these stories, let’s be encouraged to look for God’s work

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