Don’t Take The Bait

33 Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. 34 He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God. Acts 16:31-34 (NLT) Notice the unexpected turn of events of this dreadful night.  From being responsible for harm to Paul and Silas to nursing their wounds and restoring health and strength to…

29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” 32 And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. Acts 16:29-32 (NLT) What an incredible opportunity would have been missed if only things went according…

26 Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! 27 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.  28 But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!” Acts 16:26-28 (NLT) The first mission trip of Paul and Silas was a life-changing event for more than just…

25 Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Acts 16:25 (NLT) Imagine the hopeless situation Paul and Silas found themselves in.  The two men do what brings them most comfort and remind themselves who is for them.  They begin to sing words of comfort to their souls and confidence in their heavenly Father.  God hears the songs of His children.  That night in prison, God was listening and so were the jailer and…

22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. 24 So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. Acts 16:22-24 (NLT) Have you ever found yourself preparing for a new chapter in life?  Did you expect that it would be great?  For the Believer, it may have been…

1. THERE IS NO MISTAKE TOO BIG FOR GOD TO FORGIVE.Matthew was known as a dishonest tax collector that was very greedy. Jesus still choose him and used him to further His kingdom. God can not only forgive your mistakes, but He can still use you. 2. THERE IS NO LIFE TOO FAR GONE FOR GOD TO REDEEM.After Matthew decided to follow Jesus he instantly introduced him to other tax collectors. Matthew not only became one of Jesus’ disciples but…

45 “…the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Matthew 13:45-46 (NIV) Jesus is worth the price. No matter how high it is. Once you see Jesus and he comes in to change your life, there is nothing worth more. Jesus sacrificed everything for us. He thinks we are worth the cost too. Jesus is worth great value and offers…

 30 But the Pharisees and their teachers of religious law complained bitterly to Jesus’ disciples, “Why do you eat and drink with such scum? [tax collectors and sinners]” 31 Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. 32 I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” Luke 5:30-32 (NLT) Jesus came to save everyone, not just the ones who considered themselves holy. The religious elite…

28 So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him. 29 Later, Levi [Matthew] held a banquet in his home with Jesus as the guest of honor. Many of Levi’s fellow tax collectors and other guests also ate with them.Luke 5:28-29 (NLT) Levi (Matthew) left everything to follow Jesus. That is how strongly he felt about Jesus. We know Tax collectors were known as traitors and sinners. The worst of the worst. When Jesus came, He saw Matthew and all He had…

27 Later ,as Jesus left the town, he saw a tax collector named Levi [Matthew] sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. Luke 5:27 (NLT) Tax collectors at the time period were not liked. They were known to be sinners. Nobody wanted to be around them. Jesus saw past that. He saw people who needed His help and He didn’t hold their mistakes against them, he sought them out to help them. NO matter what…