An Opened Heart and an Open Home

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