The Get Out of Jail Card

~~~ Acts of the Apostles 16:22-34 ~~~ Psalm 138 ~~~ 

~~~ John 16:5-11 ~~~

On the third day Jesus was raised from the dead...
he broke the chains of darkness and death.
We believe this to be true even though we have
no personal experience.

...the foundations of the jail shook;
all the doors flew open, and the chains of all were pulled loose.

Paul and his companions, while wrongfully imprisoned,
had the experience of their physical chains being broken open.

Jesus freed us from the evils of sin.
Jesus gave us our salvation by his death.
Paul and Silas were freed from the confines of their prison cell.
They did not flee; instead they remained.
Because they remained the Holy spirit used them
 to save the guard and his entire family.

The Holy Spirit led his early Christians to every kind of peoples.
Building up Jesus' church was all inclusive.
He welcomed everyone...Jew Gentile...
man woman...rich poor...young old.
There was no discrimination.

So many came to believe after the Resurrection
 that we share in his church today.

We are the believers of this time in history,
just as those who have gone before us
were the believers of their time.

 ...they spoke the word of the Lord to him...

The Holy Spirit is coming to each of us,
just as he came to the early believers.
Our challenge is to courageously speak the words of the Lord.

If the church is to continue to grow in numbers
we must do our part.
It is not up to our clergy or consecrated religious,
it is up to each one of us.

If you cannot find the words to speak
 then at least let your intentions come forth from his words.

Paul and Silas did not use scare tactics or coerce anyone
 to believe in what they were saying.

They simply followed the lead of the Spirit.

Are you prepared to live a Spirit led life?
Even if you are somewhat hesitant
take the plunge.
The Spirit does not lead you where
you do not belong.

Whatever shackles are holding you back
the Spirit can release them.
Trust in the Spirit.
He holds the get out of jail card.
Keep your eyes focused on God.

Blessing in being released.
~~~Peace~~~