In Acts 16, Paul has come to a very unique city, a Roman colony, Philippi. It is located in present day Greece. There are very few Jews there, but there are some God-fearing women.
One of them, Lydia of Thyatira, becomes the first believer in Europe.
A little later, Paul is having a successful preaching ministry but is followed around by a very annoying young woman who is being exploited by her masters. Paul speaks a word of liberation to her, and she is set free to believe.
Something inevitable happens when the good news liberates people from their bondage
The profits of their masters dry up and the masters cry out.
If God’s people are bringing liberation to the lives of people, powers that be and industries of oppressive commerce will declare, “These men … are disturbing our city.”
They will hurl insults and ethnic slurs.
They will call the prophetic word and its demonstration unlawful.
And they will be correct …. hopefully.
They may even cast the messengers of good news into prison.
“But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city.” Acts 16:19–20 ESV
God help us to disturb the city.
Paul and Silas, along with their friends are beaten and thrown into jail
Around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. . — Acts 16:25
Prior to the coming of the message, the women were believing, but unaware of the full scope of God’s love and grace. The girl believed, but it was not liberated from her spiritual and outer bonds.
An earthquake comes and the chains fall off the prisoners
Now there is a jailer who is about to fall on his sword.
Acts 16:31 — And they said, “Believe on the Lord, Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.”
Here is an acronym for what it means to have saving faith:
B- Be convinced that God loves you and that Jesus died for your sins, rising again to give you eternal life. This is the gospel
E– Examine your life honestly in the light of God’s Word and admit your need of a Savior as a result of sin. The Holy Spirit will guide you through this process of conviction if you are open.
L– Let go of your sinful resistance and self-centered control of your life. Another word for this might be repentance , a turning from sin to God.
I– Invest your life completely in God. This is basic, gut-level trust and is necessary for the new life in Christ. Express this change of heart to God in prayer.
E– Eternalize your values. Stop adding up your assets the old way. Understand that eternal reality is true reality and that only what lasts forever is worth our lives.
V– Visualize a new life of freedom, forgiveness, and fullness based upon God’s grace, mercy, and power. This is the beginning of the exercise of faith in your life.
E– Embody the life of Christ within you by receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit, His indwelling presence. This is a new birth.
Listen to the whole message:
Recap and Precap
Paul’s Imprisonment and Roman Punishment System The discussion begins with Paul’s imprisonment, highlighting that Roman incarceration was temporary, often leading to execution or release. Romans preferred fines, exile, or death over long-term imprisonment. The concept of penitentiaries for rehabilitation emerged later. Paul, likely jailed in a rented house, exemplifies Roman practices. The narrative transitions to Paul and Silas singing hymns in prison, showcasing their faith and resilience.
Faith and Belief in Adversity Paul and Silas, despite being imprisoned, prayed and sang hymns, demonstrating their unwavering faith. Their actions influenced other prisoners and the jailer, who, after an earthquake, sought salvation. Paul emphasized belief in Jesus for salvation, leading to the jailer’s conversion and baptism of his household. This narrative illustrates the power of faith in dire circumstances and its ability to inspire and transform others.
The Concept of Belief and Salvation The speaker explores the nature of belief and salvation, using an acronym for ‘believe’ to guide understanding. Key points include being convinced of God’s love, examining one’s life, letting go of resistance, investing in faith, and embodying Christ’s life. The narrative emphasizes that belief is not about perfection but starting a new path, with the jailer’s story serving as a practical example of transformation through faith.
The Role of Faith in Community and Personal Transformation The narrative highlights the communal aspect of faith, as seen in the jailer’s household conversion and the support from Lydia’s community. The speaker underscores the transformative power of faith, which leads to personal and communal liberation. The story of the jailer and his family illustrates how faith can bring about profound change, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose within a community.
The Message of Jesus and Eternal Life The speaker concludes with a message about Jesus’ promise of eternal life, emphasizing the importance of belief in Jesus for salvation. The narrative includes a call to embody the life of Christ and to live with the hope of eternal life. The speaker encourages listeners to embrace this message, highlighting the transformative power of faith and the promise of eternal life as central to Christian belief.
A New Heaven and a New Earth - The Bird's Eye ViewGod is making all things new.Revelation 21:1-6
Stay in touch https://linktr.ee/tomsims - with various ways to connect
https://linktr.ee/tomsimsSUMMARYThe messag by Tom Sims, focused on the concept of gaining a 'bird's eye view' or 'God's eye view' of reality and eternity through scripture and prayer. Sims emphasized the importance of understanding the broader perspective of life, which helps make sense of smaller details and fosters a deeper comprehension of God's creation. He discussed the biblical vision of a new Heaven and a new Earth, where divisions between God and mortals are removed, and all things are made new. This vision is linked to the idea of God's presence among people, as illustrated by the New Jerusalem coming down from Heaven. Sims highlighted the significance of love and community, urging participants to live out God's love and reflect His glory in the world. He concluded by encouraging attendees to embrace this higher reality and let it transform their lives, while acknowledging the ongoing process of God making all things new.
I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.
Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.
Sacrifice and offering you did not desire— but my ears you have opened— burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. Then I said, “Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart.”
I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, Lord, as you know. I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help. I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness from the great assembly.
Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord; may your love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. Be pleased to save me, Lord; come quickly, Lord, to help me.
May all who want to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. May those who say to me, “Aha! Aha!” be appalled at their own shame. But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who long for your saving help always say, “The Lord is great!”
But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; you are my God, do not delay.
SUMMARY The meeting, led by Tom Sims, focused on the significance of names and their spiritual implications, using biblical references to illustrate the point. The discussion began with the story of Tabitha (Dorcas) from Acts -43, emphasizing the power of being called by name and the call to rise up and live fully. The meeting then explored Psalm 23, highlighting the comfort and guidance provided by God, and the importance of resting in His promises. Revelation 7:9-17 was discussed to illustrate the unity and joy found in heaven, where all distinctions are removed, and believers rejoice in God's presence. The conversation concluded with John -30, where Jesus' identity as the Messiah was affirmed through His works, and the security of believers in God's hands was
emphasized. The meeting encouraged participants to rise up, rest in God's promises, rejoice in their faith, and respond to God's call, drawing parallels to familial bonds and the joy of being part of God's family.
DISCUSSION
The Significance of Names and Identity
The speaker discusses the importance of names in forming identity, emphasizing that the first person to call one's name is often their mother. He suggests that God knows our true name, which reflects our character. The speaker ties this to biblical stories, such as Peter calling Tabitha's name to raise her from the dead, illustrating the power and significance of being called by name.
Biblical Readings and Their Meanings
The speaker reflects on several biblical readings, including Acts -43, Psalm 23, Revelation 7:9-17, and John -30. He discusses the themes of resurrection, rest, and rejoicing in God's presence. The readings emphasize the importance of hearing one's name called by God, rising up, resting in God's promises, and rejoicing in eternal life. The speaker connects these themes to the idea of being part of God's family.
The Oneness of God and Believers
The speaker touches on the concept of oneness between God the Father and Jesus, and how believers are called to be one with them. He suggests that this oneness is about being part of God's family and understanding one's true identity in God. The speaker plans to explore this topic further in future discussions, indicating its complexity and importance in understanding Christian faith.
Responding to God's Call
The speaker encourages listeners to respond to God's call by rising up, resting in His promises, rejoicing, and saying 'yes' to God. He emphasizes the importance of hearing God's voice and responding with trust and faith. The speaker relates this to the idea of being part of a family, where one's name signifies belonging and identity. He concludes with a blessing, urging listeners to rejoice in God's presence.
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Blessed is the King who comes in the Name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest (Luke 19:38)
Today, we join the eternal chorus of welcome as the Lord Jesus Christ enters into our consciousness as the King who comes in the Name of the Lord. He is the Prince of Peace and righteousness. His Kingdom comes with glory and praise, but also with a cross of pain and disgrace. Yet, He willing enters into the sphere of time, space, and judgment to face whatever stands between Him and His mission to bring all who welcome Him into eternal fellowship with the Father. Let us lift our voices in worship as we worship Him.
I do not occupy myself with great matters, or with things that are too hard for me.
But I still my soul and make it quiet, like a child upon its mother’s breast;
my soul is quieted within me.
O Israel, wait upon the Lord, from this time forth for evermore.
It has always felt to me like this psalm would make a great country song.
Something like, "I'm just a simple man," might fit.
I heard "I'm Just a Simple Sponge" from SpongeBob SquarePants.
That worked.
Then, I thought of the old Shaker Hymn, "Simple Gifts," and even "I'm Proud to Be an Okie from Muskogee." Bert Jansch's "Just a Simple Soul" rang my bell.
"On Christmas Day I'd rather be out a-walking Walking down some quiet country lane And hear red robin sing his sweet song in the cold frosty morning"
The psalmist has one ambition here, to be quieted by and in the presence of God.
The problem with all my song nominations so far is that they are "all about me," the singer and seeker. But Psalm 131 is really about the one being sought and our quiet response to God's presence.
It is about the simple faith that does not overcomplicate things, but is content to wait on God and to let God show us God.
So, this day, I paraphrase the psalmist with the words and melody of a quiet hymn, "Be Still My Soul," by a lady with a very short and obscure biography, Kathrina von Schlegel. We know little about her life, but we have this legacy and it is enough
Be still, my soul! the Lord is on your side; Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; Leave to your God to order and provide; In ev'ry change he faithful will remain. Be still, my soul! your best, your heav’nly friend Thru' thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul! your God does undertake To guide the future as he has the past; Your hope, your confidence, let nothing shake; all now mysterious shall be bright at last. Be still, my soul! the waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while he lived below.
Be still, my soul! when dearest friends depart And all is darkened in the vale of tears, Then shall you better know his love, his heart, Who comes to soothe your sorrow and your fears. Be still, my soul! your Jesus can repay From his own fullness all he takes away.
Be still, my soul! the hour is hast'ning on When we shall be forever with the Lord, When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone, Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored. Be still my soul! when change and tears are past, All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
As faith is exercised, so does our capacity to bring about positive change in our lives and in the world. The stories of Elisha and the widow in 2 Kings 4:1-7 and of Jesus feeding the multitudes in Luke 9:10-17 both amplify this truth.
Faith involves taking what you have, giving it to God, and putting it to use with the confidence that it is enough to get started. In the process, not only does your faith grow, but also your capacity to do good with it.
There is a question followed by a directive.
The question is, "What do you already have."
The directive is, "Start using it."
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2 Kings 4:1-7
Now the wife of a member of the company of prophets cried to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord, but a creditor has come to take my two children as slaves.” Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?”
She answered, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.”
He said, “Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels—and not just a few. Then go in, shut the door behind you and your children, and start pouring into all these vessels; when each is full, set it aside.”
So she left him and shut the door behind her and her children; they kept bringing vessels to her, and she kept pouring.
When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” But he said to her, “There are no more.”
Then the oil stopped flowing. She came and told the man of God, and he said, “Go sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your children can live on the rest.”
Luke 9:10-17
On their return the apostles told Jesus all they had done. Then, taking them along, he slipped quietly into a city called Bethsaida. When the crowds found out about it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God and healed those who needed to be cured.
The day was drawing to a close, and the twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away, so that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside to lodge and get provisions, for we are here in a deserted place.”
But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.”
They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men.
And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.”
They did so and had them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and blessed and broke them and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And all ate and were filled, and what was left over was gathered up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.
