Three things needed for reaching the lost.

·        ACTS 16:5-40

1.      Sensitive to the leading of The Spirit.

2.      Prayer

3.      Preaching

Ø      The steps of a righteous man are guided by the Lord, but also, the stops of a righteous man are guided by the Lord. Sometimes God closes doors, when we are going the wrong way.

Ø      We need to have Gods wisdom to know the difference between Satan’s hindrances and the Lords blocks.

Ø      Paul heard in vision, he obeyed.

Ø      When He obeyed, course of history changed, many saved (Rich People, Poor People, and Keeper of the prison with his entire family).

·        The 1st church they established in Europe was in Philippi.

Ø      Her heart was ready to be saved.

Ø      She was a business woman, she would have had prestige and influence, and yet she still had a hungry heart.

Ø      Money can buy a house, but not a home.
Money can buy a bed, but not sleep.
Money can buy a clock, but not time.
Money can buy a book, but not brains.
Money can buy food, but not an appetite.
Money can buy position, but not respect.
Money can buy medicine but not health.
Money can buy people, but not friends.
Money can buy insurance, but not safety.
Money can buy amusements, but not happiness.
Money can buy religion, but not salvation.
Money can buy a good life, but not eternal life.
Money can buy a crucifix, but not a Savior.
Money can buy a passport to anywhere but to heaven.

Ø      We can open the scriptures but only God can open the heart!

Ø      Lydia had a tender heart. She had an overflowing heart.

Ø      Paul opened the scriptures, God opened her heart, and then she opened her home! The home should be a salvation sanctuary.

Ø      Now Lydia is wearing a robe made white by the blood of the Lamb!

·        Jesus CAN save the hard cases.

Ø      The slave girl delivered from demonic possession.

·        The Praise.

Ø      The Persecution > they beat them > Cast into prison > Put in bonds, undergoing painful punishment. When was the last time that you actually suffered for your faith?

Ø      In this condition, what would the ordinary Christian be doing right now, deep in that prison in pain, after trying to serve God? Complaining!

Ø      They’re not complaining, they’re singing and praising God…it was a gospel music fest and look WHEN it took place: at midnight…” That represents the darkest part of the night. Do you have a song in that hour?

Ø      “And the prisoners heard them” The word “heard” means they listened attentively, they gave ear to it. These prisoners are cursing God and each other, and then they hear this singing…and later they all have a chance to escape but they don’t do it!

·        The Power.

Ø      The jailer got baptized; started doing good works and his household got saved!

Ø      He put those stripes on their backs, and now is washing them; He deprived them of food, and is now feeding them.

Ø      When you really get saved you really get changed!

Ø      Nobody’s so hard that God can’t soften them and save them!

·         The Holy Spirit. . Draws People to Jesus.

·         The Holy Spirit. . Dwells In Believers?

·         The Holy Spirit. . Directs Believers?

Open the cage & let the Christ work. Leave the showmanship & show the word of God.

 Sermon notes from 4/29/2012 Sunday service @ C.N.I. Christ Church, Chawk Bazar. Surat.