I've had some interruptions lately and am in the midst of dealing with a big computing crisis. But I found a computer which is working so I thought I'd make a post. Still hoping to post yesterday's sermon if I can ever retrieve it from the other computer.
Today's readings are 1 Samuel 4.1-22 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=1+Sam.+4.1-22 ), Acts 16.23-40 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Acts+16.23-40 ) and Acts 17.1-34 ( http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Acts+17.1-34 ).
The Philippian jailer asks the question which we are all inclined to ask at one time or another. "What must I do to be saved?" Paul and Silas respond in a way which makes some of us uncomfortable. "Just believe." They tell the jailer what to believe, the Gospel, and apparently make an adequate explanation that he knows what they are calling him to believe. Of course, God has just secured the jailer's attention through the miraculous prison opening and keeping the prisoners in the prison despite their ability to flee. So we'd expect the jailer to be receptive to whatever Paul and Silas say.
Notice how he washes the wounds that Paul and Silas have and he and his household are then baptized? Consider the symbolism inherent in baptism as a washing. The bloodstains, the evil, the pain are being washed away from the person who is receiving baptism. He is then clean and refreshed.
What a joy when God sends His Gospel of grace to someone who is in need. Shortly before he had no hope for the future and was ready to end his life. Now he has new life. What a God we have!
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