Current Sunday Messages
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Message: “Learn to Sing”
Scripture Reading: Acts 16:16-26
The passage of Scripture reveals that Paul and Silas had cast a demon out of a fortune-telling woman, to the distress of the men who profited from her ability. They seized Paul and Silas, took them before the magistrate and had them beaten and thrown into jail. Placed in the inner cell in shackles and under heavy guard, it was expected they would be forgotten and disappear. However, late that night they began to sing and praise God. In spite of their suffering and imprisonment, they sang songs of praise to God.
Paul and Silas were able to do this because they knew and experienced God’s love. The power of Christ’s word reassured them of God’s concern for them. For believers today, when life throws its challenges our way, do we remember that God loves us? John 3:16 and I John 3:1-2 are not empty words, but powerful truths that enable you to sing praises.
Paul and Silas knew and experienced God’s forgiveness. Although they were judged and condemned by Philippian authorities, they were forgiven by God, through Jesus Christ, the son of God. Romans 5:1; 8:1 For believers today, knowing the truth and power of God’s forgiveness enables us to sing praises.
Paul and Silas knew and experienced the assurance of eternal life. They knew that what Jesus promised concerning a new life in Heaven was no myth or lie. Paul declares in Philippians 1:21, “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.” For believers today, knowing the truth of eternity in Heaven enables us to sing praises.
Paul and Silas knew and experienced the living presence of God. Jesus promised to be with all believers, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the ends of the earth.”Matthew 28:20 and Philippians 4;19, “My God shall supply my every need through His glorioius riches in Christ Jesus.” For believers today, knowing the promises and presence of Jesus enables us to sing praises.
Are you facing a challenging time right now? Life’s stuggles get you down? Remember God loves you, forgives you, assures you of an eternal in Heaven, and walks with you everyday.
—Rev. Reginald Thomas