Precious time by the riverside

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Paul and Silas arrived in the city of Philippi on their missionary journey. Philippi was one of the most important cities. In addition to the Roman and Greek population, there were a number of Jews who did not have a synagogue but only a place for prayer.

On the Sabbath, we went out of the city and came to the riverbank. There we met a small congregation for prayer. Here Paul proclaimed the gospel. The Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between God and humans. It is a wonderful gift from God. A day of physical rest and reflection. Today we celebrate the seventh day, Sunday.

1. The riverbank, a place outside the city of Philippi

There Lydia found the Lord. Lydia came from Thyatira, a city in Asia Minor. She dealt in purple cloths that only the rich could wear.

For example, the rich man dressed himself with it. Herod put a purple robe on Jesus during the interrogation before the Sanhedrin. But that was not an honor, rather mockery, a humiliation.


2. The special experience

While Paul was preaching that Jesus is the crucified and risen Lord, Lydia listened attentively. God revealed to her that Paul was proclaiming the truth.

Paul said:

But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14 (ESV)

Conversion is a turning to God, a divine work. The Holy Spirit convicts people of guilt and sin.

And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment. John 16:8 (ESV)

Conversion is a mysterious process. Jesus compares conversion to the wind. No one saw the process in Lydia's heart except the Lord alone. True godliness arises in the heart. Earthly things are perceived with the eyes and ears. Recognition of sin and faith in the Lord arise in the heart. Lydia's heart opened to the Lord like a flower to the sun.

3. Lydia's Reaction and Action

• She had herself baptized along with everyone who lived in her house
• She longed for further instruction, welcoming the apostles into her home
• She immediately served with hospitality.

So they went out of the prison and visited Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.

Acts 16:40(ESV)


4. The Word of God is precious words

Holy Scripture is revelation in human language, adapted to humanity and related to human need, and speaks of Jesus, who appeared in human form to redeem people. Heaven and earth will pass away, but the word of God will not pass away.

It is God's Word that

• creates
• sustains
• enlivens
• illuminates
• comforts

5. God's Offer

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Romans 10:17 (ESV)

 As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” Hebrew 3:15 (ESV)

Autor: Edith Waechter
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