Returning to the book of Acts, we recall that Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to his church so that they would be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. In chapter 16 Paul saw a vision of a man from Macedonia calling him to "come over and help." That's where we pick up.
THE SPIRIT'S POWER IN OPENING LYDIA'S HEART (VV. 13–15) o Paul has to adapt his normal strategy (v. 13) o Lydia...from Thyatira...a seller of purple...a worshipper of God (v. 14) o The Lord opened her heart (v. 14) o She was baptized and her household as well (v. 15)
THE SPIRIT'S POWER IN EXORCISING ANOTHER SPIRIT (VV. 16–18) o A spirit of divination (v. 16) o "These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation" (v. 17) o "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out..." (v. 18)
THE SPIRIT'S POWER IN TURNING PERSECUTION FOR GOOD (VV. 19–40) o Seized...accused...afflicted...jailed (vv. 19–24) o Paul & Silas were praying & singing hymns to God (v. 25) o A great earthquake...the doors were opened...bonds were unfastened (v. 26) o The jailer was about to kill himself..."do not harm yourself" (vv. 27–28) o "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (v. 30) o "Believe in the Lord Jesus" (v. 31) o They spoke the word...he was baptized, he and all his family" (v. 33) o He rejoiced along with his entire household that he has believed in God (v. 34)
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Rev. Daniel R. Hyde (B.A., M.Div., Th.M.) is the church planter and pastor of the Oceanside United Reformed Church in Carlsbad/Oceanside, CA. Rev. Hyde is the author of over 100 articles as well as 8 books: Jesus Loves the Little Children (Reformed Fellowship, 2006), The Good...
