Amazing Things

Scripture--Acts 16-Acts 18

Observation:  I suppose you aren’t surprised that this section that the stories of the women (Priscilla and Lydia)  stuck out to me.  I love the story that Paul went back to tent making to help him spread the gospel, and through that met people to accompanied him on future journeys.  But the story of Lydia always makes me so happy.  This is a wealthy, seemingly self sufficient woman who ran her household.  She dealt in purple cloth—the cloth of royalty.  So, she was probably rich!  And when she heard Paul’s message, she believed.  This is one of those passages that we use to show that there probably was in fact infant baptism in the Bible.  16:13 says, “Once she and her household were baptized”.  We take that to mean her whole household—which probably included servants, elderly, children, babies and more!  So, if you are ever looking for where infant or child baptism is in scripture, this is one of those scriptures that we as Methodists use to substantiate that.

Application:  Its amazing the things that God can do through us.  I wonder if Paul ever imagined that his life would end up this way.  That after an experience on the road, he would be so changed that he would go to places he didn’t know, preaching a gospel to people that hated him.  That he’d be thrown in jail and have to go back to tent making to support himself.  That he’d have to ask a follower to circumcise himself and preach to influential women.  What could you do if you let God guide you?  If you let go of your preconceived notions and just let God work?  God is ready to do amazing things in our lives, the question is are we ready to let go and let God work?

Prayer—God, we surrender to you.  We give it all up.  Let us be what you call for us to be.  Let us love who you call us to love.  Let us change the world by changing our own minds.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you!  Amen.

Blessings!  

Pastor Emily