Storyteller - week 4

Have you noticed that when the storms of life come, some people are able to stand firm, while other people are blown off course in a big way?

So they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them before the authorities at the marketplace. Acts 16:19b

The whole city is in an uproar because of these Jews, they shouted. They are teaching the people to do things that are against Roman customs. Acts 16:20 - 21


A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. Acts 16:22

They were severely beaten and when they were thrown into prison, the jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. They took no chances. They put them in the inner dungeon and clamped their feet into stocks. Acts 16:23 - 24

Around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. Acts 16:25a

Suddenly there was a great earthquake and the prison was shaken to its foundation. All the doors were open and the chains of every prisoner fell off. The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped. So he drew his sword to kill himself. But Paul shouted to him, ‘Don’t do it. We are all here.’ Trembling with fear, the jailer called for the lights and the jailer ran into the dungeon and fell down before Paul and Silas. He brought them out and he asked, ‘What must I do to be saved?’ The jailer asked his question upon seeing what had just happened. And they replied, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, along with your entire household.’ Then they shared the word of the Lord with him and all who lived in his household. That same hour, the jailer washed their wounds and he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. Then he brought them into his house and set a meal before them. He and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God. Acts 16:26 - 34


MY RESPONSE TO PRESSURE OPENS UP DOORS TO SHARE MY FAITH

How we act is not determined in the moment

Five habits that will produce a full life:

REGULAR DAILY DEVOTIONS

FAITHFUL SUNDAY WORSHIP ATTENDANCE.

You should not stay away from the church meetings as some are doing. You should meet together and encourage each other. Hebrews 10:25

ACTIVE GROUP PARTICIPATION

Day after day in the Temple courts, and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. Acts 5:42

CONSISTENT SACRIFICIAL GIVING

PRAYERFUL AND SINCERE WITNESSING

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give a reason for the hope that you have. But do this in gentleness and respect. I Peter 3:15