An Opened Heart and an Open Home
Minister: |
Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: |
12/21/2014 PM
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Text:
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Acts 16:14,15
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Psalters: |
134, 245, 191, 213 |
Sacrament of Baptism |
- An opened heart.
- Lydia was a resident of Philippi who was a “seller of purple.”
- She “worshiped God.”
- This is the one true God, the God declared in the Old Testament Scriptures, over against an idol god which surrounded her.
- Paul found her gathered “on the Sabbath” with others for prayer (13).
- She “heard us” when Pal and Silas went to meeting place and “spake unto the women which resorted thither” (13).
- Lydia’s “heart the Lord opened.”
- God, Who calls the light out of darkness does this work, not Lydia, nor Paul, nor parental instruction.
- God opened her heart and not that of others (at this time).
- Grace drew out positive responses out of Lydia.
- She “attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.”
- “She was baptized and her household.”
- First, Paul instructed her in the nature and use of this sacrament.
- She was soon baptized with water in the name the Father, Son and Holy Spirit according to Jesus’ commission (Mt. 28:19).
- Her household (children and servants) were baptized also.
- This grace of God is glorified for it opened her heart to His people: “come into my house and abide there.”
- Her heart opened to give assistance to the Lord’s servants.
- Hospitality is a calling given to all who have faith: Lev.19:34; Rom. 12:13; Heb. 13:2; I Peter 4:9.