A Spirit-led Attentiveness to the Needs of Others // Acts 16:16-40 // Watermark Community Church

Well, good morning Watermark family. How Well, good morning Watermark family. How are we doing? are we doing? are we doing? >> Amazing. My name is Germaine Harrison >> Amazing. My name is Germaine Harrison >> Amazing. My name is Germaine Harrison and I'm the students director here at and I'm the students director here at and I'm the students director here at Watermark. And I'm so excited for us to Watermark. And I'm so excited for us to Watermark. And I'm so excited for us to continue our journey going through the continue our journey going through the continue our journey going through the book of Acts. And so I want to invite book of Acts. And so I want to invite book of Acts. And so I want to invite you to grab your Bible and turn to Acts you to grab your Bible and turn to Acts you to grab your Bible and turn to Acts chapter 16 with me. And if you've been chapter 16 with me. And if you've been chapter 16 with me. And if you've been on the journey with us and you've fallen on the journey with us and you've fallen on the journey with us and you've fallen off for whatever the reason, it's time off for whatever the reason, it's time off for whatever the reason, it's time to jump back in because the story only to jump back in because the story only to jump back in because the story only gets better. And so we'll be in Acts gets better. And so we'll be in Acts gets better. And so we'll be in Acts chapter 16 focusing on verses 16- 40 um chapter 16 focusing on verses 16- 40 um chapter 16 focusing on verses 16- 40 um this morning. And before we spend time this morning. And before we spend time this morning. And before we spend time in God's word, let's do what we do every in God's word, let's do what we do every in God's word, let's do what we do every single week, which is to invite the God single week, which is to invite the God single week, which is to invite the God of the universe to speak to us. And so of the universe to speak to us. And so of the universe to speak to us. And so let's still still our hearts for just a let's still still our hearts for just a let's still still our hearts for just a moment. And I want to invite you to pray moment. And I want to invite you to pray moment. And I want to invite you to pray for yourself that God would make himself for yourself that God would make himself for yourself that God would make himself known to you in a fresh and enjoyable known to you in a fresh and enjoyable known to you in a fresh and enjoyable way today.

Then I'd love to invite you to pray for Then I'd love to invite you to pray for those around you um that the Holy Spirit those around you um that the Holy Spirit those around you um that the Holy Spirit would reveal himself um to them at their would reveal himself um to them at their would reveal himself um to them at their greatest point of need. And then would you pray for me that I And then would you pray for me that I would be yielded to the spirit and would be yielded to the spirit and would be yielded to the spirit and faithful to the text and helpful to you? Well Lord, we love you and we thank you Well Lord, we love you and we thank you for the opportunity to gather, to for the opportunity to gather, to for the opportunity to gather, to worship you, to learn more about you, to worship you, to learn more about you, to worship you, to learn more about you, to enjoy you, to seek you, and to to follow enjoy you, to seek you, and to to follow enjoy you, to seek you, and to to follow you. May you meet us here today in Jesus you. May you meet us here today in Jesus you. May you meet us here today in Jesus name. Amen. name. Amen. name. Amen. >> All right. I'd love to start out by >> All right. I'd love to start out by >> All right. I'd love to start out by showing you a photo of my family. We showing you a photo of my family. We showing you a photo of my family. We took this in our front yard just the the took this in our front yard just the the took this in our front yard just the the other day. There's my wife Hannah in the other day. There's my wife Hannah in the other day. There's my wife Hannah in the back um with our daughter Florence who's back um with our daughter Florence who's back um with our daughter Florence who's about to turn one on Tuesday. And then about to turn one on Tuesday. And then about to turn one on Tuesday. And then down front is my son Winslow. He's five. down front is my son Winslow. He's five. down front is my son Winslow. He's five. And my daughter Darcy, she is three. And And my daughter Darcy, she is three. And And my daughter Darcy, she is three. And I show you that picture one so you can I show you that picture one so you can I show you that picture one so you can get to know me, but also because I get to know me, but also because I get to know me, but also because I wanted to share something about our wanted to share something about our wanted to share something about our family. We enjoy going to this place in family. We enjoy going to this place in family. We enjoy going to this place in town called Juiceland. How many Juiceand town called Juiceland. How many Juiceand town called Juiceland. How many Juiceand fans do we have out there? Yeah. Yep. If fans do we have out there? Yeah. Yep. If fans do we have out there? Yeah. Yep. If you've never heard of it, maybe I'm you've never heard of it, maybe I'm you've never heard of it, maybe I'm putting you on to it. Juiceland. You can putting you on to it. Juiceland. You can putting you on to it. Juiceland. You can get um acai bowls. You can get all sorts get um acai bowls. You can get all sorts get um acai bowls. You can get all sorts of different smoothies or protein of different smoothies or protein of different smoothies or protein shakes. Um and it is a staple in the shakes. Um and it is a staple in the shakes. Um and it is a staple in the Harrison family. So much so that back in Harrison family. So much so that back in Harrison family. So much so that back in February, there was a new location

February, there was a new location February, there was a new location opening in the Dallas area on and of opening in the Dallas area on and of opening in the Dallas area on and of course we were like, we got to go. And course we were like, we got to go. And course we were like, we got to go. And so we went to this grand opening on a so we went to this grand opening on a so we went to this grand opening on a Saturday morning and we were enjoying Saturday morning and we were enjoying Saturday morning and we were enjoying our meal and my son was playing uh the our meal and my son was playing uh the our meal and my son was playing uh the arcade games over in the corner. And it arcade games over in the corner. And it arcade games over in the corner. And it just so happened that the the owner of just so happened that the the owner of just so happened that the the owner of Juice Land was there for this grand Juice Land was there for this grand Juice Land was there for this grand opening. And so he came over and he opening. And so he came over and he opening. And so he came over and he started talking with us for just a few started talking with us for just a few started talking with us for just a few moments. And at the end of our time, he moments. And at the end of our time, he moments. And at the end of our time, he reached into his back pocket and he reached into his back pocket and he reached into his back pocket and he pulled this out. Now, you might be pulled this out. Now, you might be pulled this out. Now, you might be wondering, what is this? This is a wondering, what is this? This is a wondering, what is this? This is a Juiceand keychain. And this keychain is Juiceand keychain. And this keychain is Juiceand keychain. And this keychain is very valuable because anytime you go to very valuable because anytime you go to very valuable because anytime you go to Juiceeland for all of 2026, you could go Juiceeland for all of 2026, you could go Juiceeland for all of 2026, you could go every single day if you want to. Anytime every single day if you want to. Anytime every single day if you want to. Anytime I go, I can get half off a a bowl or I go, I can get half off a a bowl or I go, I can get half off a a bowl or half off a a protein smoothie or shake half off a a protein smoothie or shake half off a a protein smoothie or shake every single time. And so when he gave every single time. And so when he gave every single time. And so when he gave this to us, I was like, "This is this to us, I was like, "This is this to us, I was like, "This is amazing." So now I can go to juice not amazing." So now I can go to juice not amazing." So now I can go to juice not once but twice in a week because it's once but twice in a week because it's once but twice in a week because it's the same as going once cuz it's it's now the same as going once cuz it's it's now the same as going once cuz it's it's now half off. I shared it I shared this half off. I shared it I shared this half off. I shared it I shared this story with my team uh here and they were story with my team uh here and they were story with my team uh here and they were like you should leave it in the office like you should leave it in the office like you should leave it in the office so that we can all share it. And I was so that we can all share it. And I was so that we can all share it. And I was like no not doing that.

like no not doing that. like no not doing that. And then the following Monday I was And then the following Monday I was And then the following Monday I was getting ready for work. I was putting getting ready for work. I was putting getting ready for work. I was putting the keychain onto my keys excited to to the keychain onto my keys excited to to the keychain onto my keys excited to to enjoy and experience Juice Land. And my enjoy and experience Juice Land. And my enjoy and experience Juice Land. And my wife looks at me and she goes, "You wife looks at me and she goes, "You wife looks at me and she goes, "You know, we're sharing that, right? know, we're sharing that, right? know, we're sharing that, right? You know, we have to like figure out You know, we have to like figure out You know, we have to like figure out who's going to take it on what day." And who's going to take it on what day." And who's going to take it on what day." And I was like, "Yeah, sure. Sure. I was I was like, "Yeah, sure. Sure. I was I was like, "Yeah, sure. Sure. I was definitely thinking about how I could definitely thinking about how I could definitely thinking about how I could share this with you and and put your share this with you and and put your share this with you and and put your interests above mine, my wonderful wife. interests above mine, my wonderful wife. interests above mine, my wonderful wife. Of course, I was Of course, I was Of course, I was I share that that silly illustration to I share that that silly illustration to I share that that silly illustration to to make a point that we all know and to make a point that we all know and to make a point that we all know and have experienced to be true. is that have experienced to be true. is that have experienced to be true. is that looking out for me is natural. Looking looking out for me is natural. Looking looking out for me is natural. Looking out for me is so easy. But looking out out for me is so easy. But looking out out for me is so easy. But looking out for others, paying attention to their for others, paying attention to their for others, paying attention to their needs is possible through the Holy needs is possible through the Holy needs is possible through the Holy Spirit. Looking out for me is natural, Spirit. Looking out for me is natural, Spirit. Looking out for me is natural, but looking out for the needs of others but looking out for the needs of others but looking out for the needs of others takes a work of the spirit. You see, takes a work of the spirit. You see, takes a work of the spirit. You see, many times throughout our days, we're many times throughout our days, we're many times throughout our days, we're faced with the decision. Am I going to faced with the decision. Am I going to faced with the decision. Am I going to only care about my needs or will I allow only care about my needs or will I allow only care about my needs or will I allow the spirit to lead me to be attentive to the spirit to lead me to be attentive to the spirit to lead me to be attentive to the needs of those around me? An example the needs of those around me? An example the needs of those around me? An example could be, will I check out mentally when could be, will I check out mentally when could be, will I check out mentally when I get home from work because I'm so I get home from work because I'm so I get home from work because I'm so tired or will I engage with my family?

tired or will I engage with my family? tired or will I engage with my family? Will I let the dishes pile up because my Will I let the dishes pile up because my Will I let the dishes pile up because my roommates have been so lazy and it's roommates have been so lazy and it's roommates have been so lazy and it's their turn their turn their turn to clean up? to clean up? to clean up? Will I take the work project that will Will I take the work project that will Will I take the work project that will make me look good or will I take the make me look good or will I take the make me look good or will I take the role that will benefit the team and will role that will benefit the team and will role that will benefit the team and will offer me no recognition? offer me no recognition? offer me no recognition? You see, all throughout our day, we are You see, all throughout our day, we are You see, all throughout our day, we are faced with this decision. Will I only faced with this decision. Will I only faced with this decision. Will I only care about my own needs or will I also care about my own needs or will I also care about my own needs or will I also consider the needs of others? consider the needs of others? consider the needs of others? And our text today, we're going to look And our text today, we're going to look And our text today, we're going to look at that idea at that idea at that idea that a spiritled that a spiritled that a spiritled attentiveness to the needs of others attentiveness to the needs of others attentiveness to the needs of others is what we are invited to and called to is what we are invited to and called to is what we are invited to and called to by the God of the universe. So, we're by the God of the universe. So, we're by the God of the universe. So, we're going to look at a spirit-led going to look at a spirit-led going to look at a spirit-led attentiveness to the needs of others. In attentiveness to the needs of others. In attentiveness to the needs of others. In Acts chapter 16, we'll focus on verses Acts chapter 16, we'll focus on verses Acts chapter 16, we'll focus on verses 16-34 16-34 16-34 in our time. And as we move through the in our time. And as we move through the in our time. And as we move through the text, we're going to see three examples text, we're going to see three examples text, we're going to see three examples of spirit-led attentiveness to the needs of spirit-led attentiveness to the needs of spirit-led attentiveness to the needs of others. And we'll come to this of others. And we'll come to this of others. And we'll come to this conclusion that I'll tell you up front.

conclusion that I'll tell you up front. conclusion that I'll tell you up front. The conclusion is that the gospel The conclusion is that the gospel The conclusion is that the gospel advances when the spirit leads us to be advances when the spirit leads us to be advances when the spirit leads us to be attentive to the needs of others. The attentive to the needs of others. The attentive to the needs of others. The gospel advances when the spirit leads us gospel advances when the spirit leads us gospel advances when the spirit leads us to be attentive to the needs of others. to be attentive to the needs of others. to be attentive to the needs of others. So in Acts 16, we'll notice verses So in Acts 16, we'll notice verses So in Acts 16, we'll notice verses 16-18. But just by way of giving you a 16-18. But just by way of giving you a 16-18. But just by way of giving you a quick context, remember [snorts] Paul is quick context, remember [snorts] Paul is quick context, remember [snorts] Paul is in the middle of his second of his three in the middle of his second of his three in the middle of his second of his three missionary journeys in the book of Acts. missionary journeys in the book of Acts. missionary journeys in the book of Acts. And they've just entered Philippi, which And they've just entered Philippi, which And they've just entered Philippi, which is modern-day northern Greece. And we're is modern-day northern Greece. And we're is modern-day northern Greece. And we're told, and it's believed that this is the told, and it's believed that this is the told, and it's believed that this is the first instance of the gospel making its first instance of the gospel making its first instance of the gospel making its way into continental Europe. And so way into continental Europe. And so way into continental Europe. And so they're in the city of Philippi. And as they're in the city of Philippi. And as they're in the city of Philippi. And as we heard last week, the first person we heard last week, the first person we heard last week, the first person that came to an understanding of who that came to an understanding of who that came to an understanding of who Jesus was in Philippi was this upper Jesus was in Philippi was this upper Jesus was in Philippi was this upper class businesswoman named Lydia. And so class businesswoman named Lydia. And so class businesswoman named Lydia. And so she trusts Christ. And then what we're she trusts Christ. And then what we're she trusts Christ. And then what we're going to read is a continuation of the going to read is a continuation of the going to read is a continuation of the growth of this um young Philippian growth of this um young Philippian growth of this um young Philippian church. And we're [snorts] going to see church. And we're [snorts] going to see church. And we're [snorts] going to see along the way the three examples of along the way the three examples of along the way the three examples of spirit-led attentiveness to the needs of spirit-led attentiveness to the needs of spirit-led attentiveness to the needs of others. So let's look at verses 16- 18 others. So let's look at verses 16- 18 others. So let's look at verses 16- 18 to take note of the first instance.

to take note of the first instance. to take note of the first instance. And as we were going to the place of And as we were going to the place of And as we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who prayer, we were met by a slave girl who prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought had a spirit of divination and brought had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortuneelling. her owners much gain by fortuneelling. her owners much gain by fortuneelling. She followed Paul and Silas and us She followed Paul and Silas and us She followed Paul and Silas and us crying out, "These men are servants of crying out, "These men are servants of crying out, "These men are servants of the most high God who proclaimed to you the most high God who proclaimed to you the most high God who proclaimed to you the way of salvation." And this she kept the way of salvation." And this she kept the way of salvation." And this she kept doing for many days. And Paul having doing for many days. And Paul having doing for many days. And Paul having become greatly annoyed, turned and said become greatly annoyed, turned and said become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the to the spirit, "I command you in the to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of name of Jesus Christ to come out of name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." and it came out in that very hour. her." and it came out in that very hour. her." and it came out in that very hour. And so the first um instance of a And so the first um instance of a And so the first um instance of a spirit-led attentiveness to the needs of spirit-led attentiveness to the needs of spirit-led attentiveness to the needs of others is the needs of the slave girl in others is the needs of the slave girl in others is the needs of the slave girl in verses 16- 18. verses 16- 18. verses 16- 18. The needs of the slave girl. So this The needs of the slave girl. So this The needs of the slave girl. So this slave girl, she could have come from slave girl, she could have come from slave girl, she could have come from anywhere. She could have been a anywhere. She could have been a anywhere. She could have been a prisoner. She could have been kidnapped.

prisoner. She could have been kidnapped. prisoner. She could have been kidnapped. um she could have had a significantly um she could have had a significantly um she could have had a significantly difficult um prior life. And we find out difficult um prior life. And we find out difficult um prior life. And we find out some more things about her that she's some more things about her that she's some more things about her that she's possessed by this demonic influence possessed by this demonic influence possessed by this demonic influence that's allowing her to um tell the that's allowing her to um tell the that's allowing her to um tell the future and that these owners of her are future and that these owners of her are future and that these owners of her are exploiting her disadvantage exploiting her disadvantage exploiting her disadvantage to their advantage. Right? to they're to their advantage. Right? to they're to their advantage. Right? to they're making a ton of money because this this making a ton of money because this this making a ton of money because this this girl who is at the lowest class in girl who is at the lowest class in girl who is at the lowest class in society is being influenced by the enemy society is being influenced by the enemy society is being influenced by the enemy and they're taking advantage of the and they're taking advantage of the and they're taking advantage of the situation. And not only that, we see situation. And not only that, we see situation. And not only that, we see that she comes to Paul and Silas and the that she comes to Paul and Silas and the that she comes to Paul and Silas and the other missionaries and she's proclaiming other missionaries and she's proclaiming other missionaries and she's proclaiming what seems to be a a message that makes what seems to be a a message that makes what seems to be a a message that makes sense that these are servants of the sense that these are servants of the sense that these are servants of the most high God. most high God. most high God. And on the surface, it sounds like she's And on the surface, it sounds like she's And on the surface, it sounds like she's giving a good message, but when you look giving a good message, but when you look giving a good message, but when you look a little bit deeper and understand the a little bit deeper and understand the a little bit deeper and understand the messenger uh the influence within her, messenger uh the influence within her, messenger uh the influence within her, you understand that this message is at you understand that this message is at you understand that this message is at least confusing and definitely least confusing and definitely least confusing and definitely distracting. In the city of Philippi, distracting. In the city of Philippi, distracting. In the city of Philippi, where there were so many gods, the most where there were so many gods, the most where there were so many gods, the most high God could refer to Zeus. It could high God could refer to Zeus. It could high God could refer to Zeus. It could refer to the God of Israel or it could refer to the God of Israel or it could refer to the God of Israel or it could refer to any number of the hundreds of refer to any number of the hundreds of refer to any number of the hundreds of gods that they believed in. And so gods that they believed in. And so gods that they believed in. And so really her proclamation may not have really her proclamation may not have really her proclamation may not have been as clear as we once thought.

been as clear as we once thought. been as clear as we once thought. And in any case, it was probably really And in any case, it was probably really And in any case, it was probably really distracting. Imagine you're trying to distracting. Imagine you're trying to distracting. Imagine you're trying to preach the gospel and invite people to preach the gospel and invite people to preach the gospel and invite people to come to a fa saving faith in Jesus and come to a fa saving faith in Jesus and come to a fa saving faith in Jesus and there's someone yelling incessantly off there's someone yelling incessantly off there's someone yelling incessantly off to the side. And so that's the scenario to the side. And so that's the scenario to the side. And so that's the scenario in which we find ourselves. This in which we find ourselves. This in which we find ourselves. This disadvantaged, demon-possessed young disadvantaged, demon-possessed young disadvantaged, demon-possessed young girl girl girl is at least presenting a confusing or is at least presenting a confusing or is at least presenting a confusing or distracting message while the gospel is distracting message while the gospel is distracting message while the gospel is seeking to advance. And before we even seeking to advance. And before we even seeking to advance. And before we even get to her um needs being met, I want to get to her um needs being met, I want to get to her um needs being met, I want to share with you the perspective I had as share with you the perspective I had as share with you the perspective I had as I reflected on those those men that I reflected on those those men that I reflected on those those men that owned her, the owners, that they were so owned her, the owners, that they were so owned her, the owners, that they were so focused on their own needs. They were so focused on their own needs. They were so focused on their own needs. They were so focused on their own gain that they had focused on their own gain that they had focused on their own gain that they had lost sight of the pain in this young lost sight of the pain in this young lost sight of the pain in this young girl's life. girl's life. girl's life. >> And I I just wrote this down because I >> And I I just wrote this down because I >> And I I just wrote this down because I thought it was helpful for me and thought it was helpful for me and thought it was helpful for me and hopefully it's helpful to you. Here it hopefully it's helpful to you. Here it hopefully it's helpful to you. Here it is. Evaluate if you are too focused on is. Evaluate if you are too focused on is. Evaluate if you are too focused on your own gain to see the pain of others.

your own gain to see the pain of others. your own gain to see the pain of others. Very regularly and consistently, we Very regularly and consistently, we Very regularly and consistently, we should evaluate, should evaluate, should evaluate, am I too focused on my own gain, whether am I too focused on my own gain, whether am I too focused on my own gain, whether that be in in your career or in your that be in in your career or in your that be in in your career or in your family or socially or with comfort or family or socially or with comfort or family or socially or with comfort or financially. financially. financially. Am I so focused on my own gain that I am Am I so focused on my own gain that I am Am I so focused on my own gain that I am failing to see the pain that others failing to see the pain that others failing to see the pain that others might be experiencing? might be experiencing? might be experiencing? Like, are you just as focused on the Like, are you just as focused on the Like, are you just as focused on the unreached people all across the globe as unreached people all across the globe as unreached people all across the globe as you are your own gain? Are you just as you are your own gain? Are you just as you are your own gain? Are you just as focused on the pain of your your focused on the pain of your your focused on the pain of your your neighbors or your your co-workers, your neighbors or your your co-workers, your neighbors or your your co-workers, your family members as you are with your own family members as you are with your own family members as you are with your own gain in life? And thankfully after a few days, Paul And thankfully after a few days, Paul casts the demon uh out of this young casts the demon uh out of this young casts the demon uh out of this young slave girl and frees her from this slave girl and frees her from this slave girl and frees her from this bondage that she had been experiencing. bondage that she had been experiencing. bondage that she had been experiencing. And I just love how matterof fact it is.

And I just love how matterof fact it is. And I just love how matterof fact it is. Like he got so annoyed and he was like, Like he got so annoyed and he was like, Like he got so annoyed and he was like, "All right, in the name of Jesus, come "All right, in the name of Jesus, come "All right, in the name of Jesus, come out of her." And in that very hour, the out of her." And in that very hour, the out of her." And in that very hour, the demon left her. That's crazy. It it's demon left her. That's crazy. It it's demon left her. That's crazy. It it's it's just such a clear picture of the it's just such a clear picture of the it's just such a clear picture of the battle between good and evil that it's battle between good and evil that it's battle between good and evil that it's not that much of a battle, right? He not that much of a battle, right? He not that much of a battle, right? He just says it in the name of Jesus. And just says it in the name of Jesus. And just says it in the name of Jesus. And it happens. You see, it's not like it happens. You see, it's not like it happens. You see, it's not like England playing Argentina in the England playing Argentina in the England playing Argentina in the semi-finals and we're like, "Oh man, semi-finals and we're like, "Oh man, semi-finals and we're like, "Oh man, who's going to win? Maybe it's going to who's going to win? Maybe it's going to who's going to win? Maybe it's going to be Argentina. Maybe it's going to be be Argentina. Maybe it's going to be be Argentina. Maybe it's going to be England." No, the battle between good England." No, the battle between good England." No, the battle between good and evil is much more like the battle and evil is much more like the battle and evil is much more like the battle between Belgium and the USA. And I say that illustration with much And I say that illustration with much sorrow in my heart. But it's commonly believed that this But it's commonly believed that this young girl ended up joining the young girl ended up joining the young girl ended up joining the Philippian church. Isn't that amazing to Philippian church. Isn't that amazing to Philippian church. Isn't that amazing to think about that the two people that we think about that the two people that we think about that the two people that we meet initially that begin this young meet initially that begin this young meet initially that begin this young church, the first instance of the gospel church, the first instance of the gospel church, the first instance of the gospel uh heading to the continent of Europe is uh heading to the continent of Europe is uh heading to the continent of Europe is an upper class businesswoman an upper class businesswoman an upper class businesswoman and a slave girl from the lowest of the and a slave girl from the lowest of the and a slave girl from the lowest of the low. What a reminder it is that the low. What a reminder it is that the low. What a reminder it is that the gospel is for anyone, anywhere, and at gospel is for anyone, anywhere, and at gospel is for anyone, anywhere, and at all times.

all times. all times. And so we see Paul and Silas meet the And so we see Paul and Silas meet the And so we see Paul and Silas meet the needs of the slave girl because they're needs of the slave girl because they're needs of the slave girl because they're attentive to her needs. Let's keep going attentive to her needs. Let's keep going attentive to her needs. Let's keep going in the story. Verses 19 through 25. Verse 19 says, "But when her owners saw Verse 19 says, "But when her owners saw that their hope of gain was gone, they that their hope of gain was gone, they that their hope of gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them seized Paul and Silas and dragged them seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. into the marketplace before the rulers. into the marketplace before the rulers. And when they had brought them to the And when they had brought them to the And when they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, "These men are magistrates, they said, "These men are magistrates, they said, "These men are Jews and they are disturbing our city. Jews and they are disturbing our city. Jews and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs that are not They advocate customs that are not They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or lawful for us as Romans to accept or lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice." The crowd joined in in practice." The crowd joined in in practice." The crowd joined in in attacking them, and the magistrates tore attacking them, and the magistrates tore attacking them, and the magistrates tore the garments off them and gave orders to the garments off them and gave orders to the garments off them and gave orders to beat them with rods. beat them with rods. beat them with rods. And when they had inflicted many blows And when they had inflicted many blows And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, upon them, they threw them into prison, upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them safely. ordering the jailer to keep them safely. ordering the jailer to keep them safely. And having received this order, he put And having received this order, he put And having received this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened them into the inner prison and fastened them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. And notice their feet in the stocks. And notice their feet in the stocks. And notice verse 25. About midnight, verse 25. About midnight, verse 25. About midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing Paul and Silas were praying and singing Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were hymns to God, and the prisoners were hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. And so we see the listening to them. And so we see the listening to them. And so we see the second instance of spirit-led second instance of spirit-led second instance of spirit-led attentiveness to the needs of others attentiveness to the needs of others attentiveness to the needs of others with these two brothers looking out for with these two brothers looking out for with these two brothers looking out for the needs of a fellow sufferer. The the needs of a fellow sufferer. The the needs of a fellow sufferer. The needs of a fellow sufferer. So come with

needs of a fellow sufferer. So come with needs of a fellow sufferer. So come with me in your mind, right? They had just me in your mind, right? They had just me in your mind, right? They had just been, you know, a a riot had happened been, you know, a a riot had happened been, you know, a a riot had happened and they were captured and they were and they were captured and they were and they were captured and they were beaten and they were thrown into prison beaten and they were thrown into prison beaten and they were thrown into prison and they were put into the the innermost and they were put into the the innermost and they were put into the the innermost prison. It's dark and it's midnight prison. It's dark and it's midnight prison. It's dark and it's midnight and it's a horrible circumstance. And so and it's a horrible circumstance. And so and it's a horrible circumstance. And so Paul and Silas, they have every reason Paul and Silas, they have every reason Paul and Silas, they have every reason to be discouraged. They have every to be discouraged. They have every to be discouraged. They have every reason to be frustrated. God, like we reason to be frustrated. God, like we reason to be frustrated. God, like we are on mission for you. were literally are on mission for you. were literally are on mission for you. were literally preaching the gospel and as a result of preaching the gospel and as a result of preaching the gospel and as a result of that were here in prison. that were here in prison. that were here in prison. And so you would have understood if they And so you would have understood if they And so you would have understood if they were complaining. You would have were complaining. You would have were complaining. You would have understood if they were discouraged. understood if they were discouraged. understood if they were discouraged. You'd have understood if they were You'd have understood if they were You'd have understood if they were frustrated. But we find them singing and frustrated. But we find them singing and frustrated. But we find them singing and praying. Can you imagine that? Like come praying. Can you imagine that? Like come praying. Can you imagine that? Like come with me in your mind there. It's it's with me in your mind there. It's it's with me in your mind there. It's it's midnight. It's dark. You can't see. midnight. It's dark. You can't see. midnight. It's dark. You can't see. They're in so much pain from the beating They're in so much pain from the beating They're in so much pain from the beating they had just experienced. And and maybe they had just experienced. And and maybe they had just experienced. And and maybe Silas goes at midnight, Paul, bro, are Silas goes at midnight, Paul, bro, are Silas goes at midnight, Paul, bro, are you awake? He's like, yeah, you awake? He's like, yeah, you awake? He's like, yeah, do you want to sing? It's like, sure.

do you want to sing? It's like, sure. do you want to sing? It's like, sure. What should we sing? Let's sing oceans. What should we sing? Let's sing oceans. What should we sing? Let's sing oceans. Nah, we sing that one too much. Nah, we sing that one too much. Nah, we sing that one too much. And they and then they they start And they and then they they start And they and then they they start singing songs of praise to God in a singing songs of praise to God in a singing songs of praise to God in a circumstance where they should not be circumstance where they should not be circumstance where they should not be singing. singing. singing. They start singing and they start They start singing and they start They start singing and they start praying. Why could Paul and Silas sing praying. Why could Paul and Silas sing praying. Why could Paul and Silas sing and pray at a time like this? It's and pray at a time like this? It's and pray at a time like this? It's because they knew their identity was in because they knew their identity was in because they knew their identity was in Christ. That they're in Christ. Christ Christ. That they're in Christ. Christ Christ. That they're in Christ. Christ is in them and they are hidden in Christ is in them and they are hidden in Christ is in them and they are hidden in Christ in God. That is the truest thing about in God. That is the truest thing about in God. That is the truest thing about them. And so any experience that they them. And so any experience that they them. And so any experience that they had in life, no matter good or bad, was had in life, no matter good or bad, was had in life, no matter good or bad, was under the sovereign control of the God under the sovereign control of the God under the sovereign control of the God of the universe. They could sing and of the universe. They could sing and of the universe. They could sing and they could pray because their identity they could pray because their identity they could pray because their identity was secure and they knew who was was secure and they knew who was was secure and they knew who was actually in charge. actually in charge. actually in charge. And can you imagine how their praying And can you imagine how their praying And can you imagine how their praying and singing encourage the other person and singing encourage the other person and singing encourage the other person in the darkest of moments listening to in the darkest of moments listening to in the darkest of moments listening to someone else pray to God listening to someone else pray to God listening to someone else pray to God listening to someone else sing out the things that someone else sing out the things that someone else sing out the things that are true about our God. Imagine how that are true about our God. Imagine how that are true about our God. Imagine how that encouraged the other person's heart.

encouraged the other person's heart. encouraged the other person's heart. As I was reflecting on this, I thought As I was reflecting on this, I thought As I was reflecting on this, I thought of a time in my own life. Uh back in of a time in my own life. Uh back in of a time in my own life. Uh back in 2018, I had just gotten engaged earlier 2018, I had just gotten engaged earlier 2018, I had just gotten engaged earlier in the summer and this was September of in the summer and this was September of in the summer and this was September of 2018. And there was so much uncertainty 2018. And there was so much uncertainty 2018. And there was so much uncertainty that I was experiencing. I didn't know that I was experiencing. I didn't know that I was experiencing. I didn't know whether I'd be able to um stay in the whether I'd be able to um stay in the whether I'd be able to um stay in the country or if I would need to leave for country or if I would need to leave for country or if I would need to leave for a certain amount of time. I didn't know a certain amount of time. I didn't know a certain amount of time. I didn't know if that would mess up our our wedding if that would mess up our our wedding if that would mess up our our wedding plans. I didn't know what would happen plans. I didn't know what would happen plans. I didn't know what would happen next. There was so much that was unknown next. There was so much that was unknown next. There was so much that was unknown and uncertain. And I found myself at our and uncertain. And I found myself at our and uncertain. And I found myself at our high school retreat standing at the back high school retreat standing at the back high school retreat standing at the back of the room because I was about to go of the room because I was about to go of the room because I was about to go speak and hundreds of teenagers were speak and hundreds of teenagers were speak and hundreds of teenagers were singing a song that was popular at the singing a song that was popular at the singing a song that was popular at the time called Yes, I will. Yes, I will time called Yes, I will. Yes, I will time called Yes, I will. Yes, I will lift you higher in the lowest valley. lift you higher in the lowest valley. lift you higher in the lowest valley. Yes, I will bless your name. And I Yes, I will bless your name. And I Yes, I will bless your name. And I remember feeling so encouraged and remember feeling so encouraged and remember feeling so encouraged and strengthened listening to teenagers sing strengthened listening to teenagers sing strengthened listening to teenagers sing truth about God. You know that that is truth about God. You know that that is truth about God. You know that that is the exact same opportunity you have the exact same opportunity you have the exact same opportunity you have every single Sunday when we sing. Yes, every single Sunday when we sing. Yes, every single Sunday when we sing. Yes, we are singing to God. We are worshiping we are singing to God. We are worshiping we are singing to God. We are worshiping God. But in those very moments, the God. But in those very moments, the God. But in those very moments, the spirit is using your singing to spirit is using your singing to spirit is using your singing to encourage and strengthen the people encourage and strengthen the people encourage and strengthen the people around you.

around you. around you. In fact, I was reading an article this In fact, I was reading an article this In fact, I was reading an article this week and the article was titled, week and the article was titled, week and the article was titled, "Someone is listening to your suffering. "Someone is listening to your suffering. "Someone is listening to your suffering. And it just made me ask the question for And it just made me ask the question for And it just made me ask the question for myself. What song do people hear when myself. What song do people hear when myself. What song do people hear when you suffer? What song do people hear you suffer? What song do people hear you suffer? What song do people hear when you suffer? You see, every single when you suffer? You see, every single when you suffer? You see, every single one of us suffers. None of us is immune one of us suffers. None of us is immune one of us suffers. None of us is immune from the painful hand of suffering. And from the painful hand of suffering. And from the painful hand of suffering. And every one of us sings a song every one of us sings a song every one of us sings a song with how we respond in the middle of our with how we respond in the middle of our with how we respond in the middle of our pain. pain. pain. But the question is, what song do people But the question is, what song do people But the question is, what song do people hear when you suffer? No, that's not hear when you suffer? No, that's not hear when you suffer? No, that's not pretending everything's awesome and and pretending everything's awesome and and pretending everything's awesome and and acting like it's not painful. No, there acting like it's not painful. No, there acting like it's not painful. No, there is a deeprooted conviction in your is a deeprooted conviction in your is a deeprooted conviction in your identity in Christ if you're a follower identity in Christ if you're a follower identity in Christ if you're a follower of Jesus and an unwavering trust in his of Jesus and an unwavering trust in his of Jesus and an unwavering trust in his sovereign plan at work in the midst of sovereign plan at work in the midst of sovereign plan at work in the midst of your pain. What song do people hear when your pain. What song do people hear when your pain. What song do people hear when you suffer? I love this quote from Tyler you suffer? I love this quote from Tyler you suffer? I love this quote from Tyler Stton in the familiar stranger talking Stton in the familiar stranger talking Stton in the familiar stranger talking about suffering. He says this, "This about suffering. He says this, "This about suffering. He says this, "This side of the resurrection, suffering is a side of the resurrection, suffering is a side of the resurrection, suffering is a part of our inheritance as spiritfilled part of our inheritance as spiritfilled part of our inheritance as spiritfilled people. The Holy Spirit empowers us not people. The Holy Spirit empowers us not people. The Holy Spirit empowers us not to escape suffering, but to endure it to escape suffering, but to endure it to escape suffering, but to endure it and even to repurpose it into a key and even to repurpose it into a key and even to repurpose it into a key ingredient in the recipe of redemption."

ingredient in the recipe of redemption." ingredient in the recipe of redemption." The spirit of the living God within you The spirit of the living God within you The spirit of the living God within you and me makes suffering sufferable. and me makes suffering sufferable. and me makes suffering sufferable. So, what song do people hear when you So, what song do people hear when you So, what song do people hear when you suffer? I also love that they weren't suffer? I also love that they weren't suffer? I also love that they weren't just encouraging to each other, Paul and just encouraging to each other, Paul and just encouraging to each other, Paul and Silas. But if you read verse 25 again, Silas. But if you read verse 25 again, Silas. But if you read verse 25 again, it says the other prisoners were it says the other prisoners were it says the other prisoners were listening to them. And this wasn't just listening to them. And this wasn't just listening to them. And this wasn't just a circumstantial happen sense like, oh, a circumstantial happen sense like, oh, a circumstantial happen sense like, oh, they overheard them. When you read the they overheard them. When you read the they overheard them. When you read the Greek, the Greek actually says that they Greek, the Greek actually says that they Greek, the Greek actually says that they were bending their ear. They wanted to were bending their ear. They wanted to were bending their ear. They wanted to hear who are these people that sing and hear who are these people that sing and hear who are these people that sing and pray in the darkest of moments is people pray in the darkest of moments is people pray in the darkest of moments is people whose identity is secure and whose trust whose identity is secure and whose trust whose identity is secure and whose trust is unwaveringly in the God of the is unwaveringly in the God of the is unwaveringly in the God of the universe. Those of the kind of people universe. Those of the kind of people universe. Those of the kind of people who sing and pray in the middle of who sing and pray in the middle of who sing and pray in the middle of suffering. suffering. suffering. And so we see them meet the needs of And so we see them meet the needs of And so we see them meet the needs of each other of fellow sufferers in this each other of fellow sufferers in this each other of fellow sufferers in this darkest of times. And then let's look darkest of times. And then let's look darkest of times. And then let's look finally at the last example of finally at the last example of finally at the last example of spirit-led attentiveness in verse 26.

spirit-led attentiveness in verse 26. spirit-led attentiveness in verse 26. So remember it's midnight. They're So remember it's midnight. They're So remember it's midnight. They're praying. They're singing. The prisoners praying. They're singing. The prisoners praying. They're singing. The prisoners are listening. Verse 26. And suddenly are listening. Verse 26. And suddenly are listening. Verse 26. And suddenly there was a great earthquake so that the there was a great earthquake so that the there was a great earthquake so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. foundations of the prison were shaken. foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were And immediately all the doors were And immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's bonds were opened and everyone's bonds were opened and everyone's bonds were unfastened. So they're all free. And unfastened. So they're all free. And unfastened. So they're all free. And when the jailer woke and saw that the when the jailer woke and saw that the when the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were opened, he drew his prison doors were opened, he drew his prison doors were opened, he drew his sword. We'll jump over a few of those sword. We'll jump over a few of those sword. We'll jump over a few of those words, supposing that the prisoners had words, supposing that the prisoners had words, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. escaped. escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, "Do But Paul cried with a loud voice, "Do But Paul cried with a loud voice, "Do not harm yourself, for we are all here." not harm yourself, for we are all here." not harm yourself, for we are all here." And the jailer called for the lights and And the jailer called for the lights and And the jailer called for the lights and rushed in. And trembling with fear, he rushed in. And trembling with fear, he rushed in. And trembling with fear, he fell down before Paul and Silas. And he fell down before Paul and Silas. And he fell down before Paul and Silas. And he brought them out and said, "Sers, what brought them out and said, "Sers, what brought them out and said, "Sers, what must I do to be saved?" And they said, must I do to be saved?" And they said, must I do to be saved?" And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, you and your household." And be saved, you and your household." And be saved, you and your household." And then it goes on in verse 32, "And they then it goes on in verse 32, "And they then it goes on in verse 32, "And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to spoke the word of the Lord to him and to spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took all who were in his house. And he took all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and them the same hour of the night and them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds. And he was baptized washed their wounds. And he was baptized washed their wounds. And he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he at once, he and all his family. Then he at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set brought them up into his house and set brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along food before them. And he rejoiced along food before them. And he rejoiced along with the entire household that he had with the entire household that he had with the entire household that he had believed in God. Guys, there's so much believed in God. Guys, there's so much believed in God. Guys, there's so much going on here, and we don't have time to going on here, and we don't have time to going on here, and we don't have time to go into all of the details, but it is so go into all of the details, but it is so go into all of the details, but it is so powerful for us to pay attention to powerful for us to pay attention to powerful for us to pay attention to what's happening. So the jailer knows

what's happening. So the jailer knows what's happening. So the jailer knows this earthquake has happened and this earthquake has happened and this earthquake has happened and everyone is free and the jailer knows if everyone is free and the jailer knows if everyone is free and the jailer knows if these guys leave he is in serious these guys leave he is in serious these guys leave he is in serious trouble. But something strange happens trouble. But something strange happens trouble. But something strange happens in a moment where they had every in a moment where they had every in a moment where they had every opportunity to run. They were now free. opportunity to run. They were now free. opportunity to run. They were now free. Paul and Silas could escape and they Paul and Silas could escape and they Paul and Silas could escape and they could go on and continue to preach the could go on and continue to preach the could go on and continue to preach the gospel to do what they had come to do gospel to do what they had come to do gospel to do what they had come to do but instead they stay. but instead they stay. but instead they stay. And the question for us to consider And the question for us to consider And the question for us to consider is, are you trying to escape your is, are you trying to escape your is, are you trying to escape your suffering suffering suffering >> or endure it? Are you trying to escape >> or endure it? Are you trying to escape >> or endure it? Are you trying to escape suffering or are you seeking to endure suffering or are you seeking to endure suffering or are you seeking to endure it? You see, for me, it's so easy for me it? You see, for me, it's so easy for me it? You see, for me, it's so easy for me to pray, "God, can you fix this? Can you to pray, "God, can you fix this? Can you to pray, "God, can you fix this? Can you resolve this painful circumstance or or resolve this painful circumstance or or resolve this painful circumstance or or season?" season?" season?" And don't get me wrong, it's it's okay And don't get me wrong, it's it's okay And don't get me wrong, it's it's okay to pray for relief in the midst of to pray for relief in the midst of to pray for relief in the midst of suffering. We are promised that in God's suffering. We are promised that in God's suffering. We are promised that in God's future kingdom, there will be no more future kingdom, there will be no more future kingdom, there will be no more suffering. And so, we should pray for suffering. And so, we should pray for suffering. And so, we should pray for relief. But how often do we pray, God, relief. But how often do we pray, God, relief. But how often do we pray, God, will you give me the strength to endure will you give me the strength to endure will you give me the strength to endure it? God, maybe you're using this it? God, maybe you're using this it? God, maybe you're using this suffering or this moment to bring suffering or this moment to bring suffering or this moment to bring someone to a greater and clearer someone to a greater and clearer someone to a greater and clearer understanding of who you are.

understanding of who you are. understanding of who you are. are you seeking to escape your suffering are you seeking to escape your suffering are you seeking to escape your suffering or endure it? or endure it? or endure it? And so they stayed. They decided to stay And so they stayed. They decided to stay And so they stayed. They decided to stay and the jailer runs up to them and he and the jailer runs up to them and he and the jailer runs up to them and he falls down and he says, "What must I do falls down and he says, "What must I do falls down and he says, "What must I do to be saved?" Now, why would he ask that to be saved?" Now, why would he ask that to be saved?" Now, why would he ask that question? Because he had seen enough. He question? Because he had seen enough. He question? Because he had seen enough. He had seen that these were the men who had seen that these were the men who had seen that these were the men who were praying and praising in the middle were praying and praising in the middle were praying and praising in the middle of their pain. Right? He had seen that of their pain. Right? He had seen that of their pain. Right? He had seen that these were the men with that had the these were the men with that had the these were the men with that had the opportunity to escape, to run, to be opportunity to escape, to run, to be opportunity to escape, to run, to be free. But still they stayed. They free. But still they stayed. They free. But still they stayed. They remained. There was something different remained. There was something different remained. There was something different about these guys. about these guys. about these guys. And he knew that he wanted what they And he knew that he wanted what they And he knew that he wanted what they had. And so he runs up to them and he had. And so he runs up to them and he had. And so he runs up to them and he says, "What must I do to be saved?" And says, "What must I do to be saved?" And says, "What must I do to be saved?" And maybe you're in this room and you're in maybe you're in this room and you're in maybe you're in this room and you're in the middle of some difficult the middle of some difficult the middle of some difficult circumstances. You may even describe it circumstances. You may even describe it circumstances. You may even describe it as an earthquake moment. And maybe God as an earthquake moment. And maybe God as an earthquake moment. And maybe God is using that very moment to bring you is using that very moment to bring you is using that very moment to bring you to your knees. And for you to ask the to your knees. And for you to ask the to your knees. And for you to ask the question, what must I do to be saved?

question, what must I do to be saved? question, what must I do to be saved? And if that's you, what you must do to And if that's you, what you must do to And if that's you, what you must do to be saved is what the Apostle Paul and be saved is what the Apostle Paul and be saved is what the Apostle Paul and Silas respond, which is to believe in Silas respond, which is to believe in Silas respond, which is to believe in the name of the son of God. to trust the name of the son of God. to trust the name of the son of God. to trust that the God of the universe loved you that the God of the universe loved you that the God of the universe loved you so much that he sent his son to become so much that he sent his son to become so much that he sent his son to become one of us, to live perfectly, to die one of us, to live perfectly, to die one of us, to live perfectly, to die sacrificially, to raise victoriously, sacrificially, to raise victoriously, sacrificially, to raise victoriously, and then to ascend to heaven, sending and then to ascend to heaven, sending and then to ascend to heaven, sending his spirit and providing a way for you his spirit and providing a way for you his spirit and providing a way for you and I to be reconciled with God. and I to be reconciled with God. and I to be reconciled with God. Friends, the way to be saved is to Friends, the way to be saved is to Friends, the way to be saved is to believe in the name and the work and the believe in the name and the work and the believe in the name and the work and the resurrection of the son of God. And I love in the story in verse 33 And I love in the story in verse 33 after he becomes a Christian, the jailer after he becomes a Christian, the jailer after he becomes a Christian, the jailer does uh he takes these guys to his house does uh he takes these guys to his house does uh he takes these guys to his house and it says, "And he was baptized at and it says, "And he was baptized at and it says, "And he was baptized at once, he and all his family." So, his once, he and all his family." So, his once, he and all his family." So, his family also hears the gospel and family also hears the gospel and family also hears the gospel and responds to the gospel. And in the responds to the gospel. And in the responds to the gospel. And in the middle of the night, so think, I mean, middle of the night, so think, I mean, middle of the night, so think, I mean, it's like probably 2 or 3:00 a.m. and it's like probably 2 or 3:00 a.m. and it's like probably 2 or 3:00 a.m. and they're getting baptized. And I want to they're getting baptized. And I want to they're getting baptized. And I want to stop here to to make this point. Baptism stop here to to make this point. Baptism stop here to to make this point. Baptism is a special uh occasion for us to is a special uh occasion for us to is a special uh occasion for us to publicly identify with Christ, being publicly identify with Christ, being publicly identify with Christ, being buried with him and risen with him to buried with him and risen with him to buried with him and risen with him to walk in newness of life. And it is also walk in newness of life. And it is also walk in newness of life. And it is also normal. It is a normal part of the

normal. It is a normal part of the normal. It is a normal part of the Christian experience. It is a normal Christian experience. It is a normal Christian experience. It is a normal step that every follower of Jesus should step that every follower of Jesus should step that every follower of Jesus should take. And so if you're a Christian in take. And so if you're a Christian in take. And so if you're a Christian in the room and you've never been baptized, the room and you've never been baptized, the room and you've never been baptized, I want to encourage you that you don't I want to encourage you that you don't I want to encourage you that you don't need to reach some level of spiritual need to reach some level of spiritual need to reach some level of spiritual maturity that you you envision to be maturity that you you envision to be maturity that you you envision to be able to be baptized. able to be baptized. able to be baptized. And in fact, right after this service, And in fact, right after this service, And in fact, right after this service, there are a few people that are going to there are a few people that are going to there are a few people that are going to publicly declare their devotion to Jesus publicly declare their devotion to Jesus publicly declare their devotion to Jesus through baptism. And so, let's celebrate through baptism. And so, let's celebrate through baptism. And so, let's celebrate Catherine and Ellie and Yi who are Catherine and Ellie and Yi who are Catherine and Ellie and Yi who are getting baptized here. [applause] And maybe one of these days, we have so And maybe one of these days, we have so many people after one of these services many people after one of these services many people after one of these services that they're like, "Guys, we got to go that they're like, "Guys, we got to go that they're like, "Guys, we got to go way quicker than we usually do because way quicker than we usually do because way quicker than we usually do because we got dozens of people to get we got dozens of people to get we got dozens of people to get baptized." I hope that that happens baptized." I hope that that happens baptized." I hope that that happens because it's a normal part of the because it's a normal part of the because it's a normal part of the Christian experience. So, you can go to Christian experience. So, you can go to Christian experience. So, you can go to watermark.org/baptism watermark.org/baptism watermark.org/baptism if that um is a step that you're ready if that um is a step that you're ready if that um is a step that you're ready to take.

to take. to take. And so, the entire family trust Christ And so, the entire family trust Christ And so, the entire family trust Christ and they and they all get baptized. And and they and they all get baptized. And and they and they all get baptized. And then it's so cool to see what happens then it's so cool to see what happens then it's so cool to see what happens next. Middle of the night, they get next. Middle of the night, they get next. Middle of the night, they get baptized at 3:00 a.m., right? And then baptized at 3:00 a.m., right? And then baptized at 3:00 a.m., right? And then look at verse uh 34. Then he brought look at verse uh 34. Then he brought look at verse uh 34. Then he brought them up into his house and set food them up into his house and set food them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with before them. And he rejoiced along with before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had his entire household that he had his entire household that he had believed in God. Guys, it's 3:00 a.m. believed in God. Guys, it's 3:00 a.m. believed in God. Guys, it's 3:00 a.m. and a lot of stuff has happened. And at and a lot of stuff has happened. And at and a lot of stuff has happened. And at the end of all of it, they're like, "You the end of all of it, they're like, "You the end of all of it, they're like, "You know what? let's cook some food. And know what? let's cook some food. And know what? let's cook some food. And they share a meal together and they they share a meal together and they they share a meal together and they celebrate God's goodness and grace. And celebrate God's goodness and grace. And celebrate God's goodness and grace. And it's interesting to notice that after it's interesting to notice that after it's interesting to notice that after the jailer's conversion, one of the the jailer's conversion, one of the the jailer's conversion, one of the clearest evidences of his new found life clearest evidences of his new found life clearest evidences of his new found life in Christ is that he begins to take an in Christ is that he begins to take an in Christ is that he begins to take an interest in the needs of others. He interest in the needs of others. He interest in the needs of others. He bandages up their wounds and he provides bandages up their wounds and he provides bandages up their wounds and he provides a meal for them in the middle of the a meal for them in the middle of the a meal for them in the middle of the night. So what's the application for you night. So what's the application for you night. So what's the application for you and me? Is that a clear way to be a and me? Is that a clear way to be a and me? Is that a clear way to be a witness for Christ this week?

witness for Christ this week? witness for Christ this week? In your home, with your kids, with your In your home, with your kids, with your In your home, with your kids, with your spouse, with your co-workers, with your spouse, with your co-workers, with your spouse, with your co-workers, with your roommates, with your neighbors, with the roommates, with your neighbors, with the roommates, with your neighbors, with the person at the grocery store, wherever person at the grocery store, wherever person at the grocery store, wherever you find yourself this week, a clear way you find yourself this week, a clear way you find yourself this week, a clear way to be a witness for Christ is by being to be a witness for Christ is by being to be a witness for Christ is by being attentive to the needs of others. attentive to the needs of others. attentive to the needs of others. Because the gospel advances when the Because the gospel advances when the Because the gospel advances when the spirit leads us to be attentive to the spirit leads us to be attentive to the spirit leads us to be attentive to the needs of others. needs of others. needs of others. I'm going to close by reading I'm going to close by reading I'm going to close by reading Philippians 2:es 3-8. And I and I I love Philippians 2:es 3-8. And I and I I love Philippians 2:es 3-8. And I and I I love this passage because you can't read it this passage because you can't read it this passage because you can't read it without imagining that Paul is writing without imagining that Paul is writing without imagining that Paul is writing to this church in Philippi that started to this church in Philippi that started to this church in Philippi that started with an upper class businesswoman, a with an upper class businesswoman, a with an upper class businesswoman, a lowerass slave girl and a jailer who lowerass slave girl and a jailer who lowerass slave girl and a jailer who became a Christian in the most became a Christian in the most became a Christian in the most miraculous of moments. miraculous of moments. miraculous of moments. And you can imagine with me Paul is And you can imagine with me Paul is And you can imagine with me Paul is years later writing these words to them years later writing these words to them years later writing these words to them and by extension to us.

and by extension to us. and by extension to us. Do nothing from selfish ambition or Do nothing from selfish ambition or Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others conceit but in humility count others conceit but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. more significant than yourselves. more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own Let each of you look not only to his own Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of interests but also to the interests of interests but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves others. Have this mind among yourselves others. Have this mind among yourselves which is yours in Christ. which is yours in Christ. which is yours in Christ. who though he was in the form of God did who though he was in the form of God did who though he was in the form of God did not count equality with God a thing to not count equality with God a thing to not count equality with God a thing to be grasped be grasped be grasped but he emptied himself by taking the but he emptied himself by taking the but he emptied himself by taking the form of a servant being born in the form of a servant being born in the form of a servant being born in the likeness of men and being found in human likeness of men and being found in human likeness of men and being found in human form he humbled himself by becoming form he humbled himself by becoming form he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death even to obedient to the point of death even to obedient to the point of death even to death on a cross guys the only way that death on a cross guys the only way that death on a cross guys the only way that you and I can have an experience a you and I can have an experience a you and I can have an experience a spirit-led led attentiveness to the spirit-led led attentiveness to the spirit-led led attentiveness to the needs of others is because of the God of needs of others is because of the God of needs of others is because of the God of the universe doing that very thing. He the universe doing that very thing. He the universe doing that very thing. He became one of us. He humbled himself. He became one of us. He humbled himself. He became one of us. He humbled himself. He condescended to us.

condescended to us. condescended to us. And so Paul says to have the same mind And so Paul says to have the same mind And so Paul says to have the same mind in you that Christ Jesus had. And so to in you that Christ Jesus had. And so to in you that Christ Jesus had. And so to be able to meet the needs of others, to be able to meet the needs of others, to be able to meet the needs of others, to be able to encourage each other and sing be able to encourage each other and sing be able to encourage each other and sing yes, I will in the midst of suffering or yes, I will in the midst of suffering or yes, I will in the midst of suffering or to be able to look at your suffering and to be able to look at your suffering and to be able to look at your suffering and use it as an opportunity to share the use it as an opportunity to share the use it as an opportunity to share the reason for the hope that you have in reason for the hope that you have in reason for the hope that you have in Jesus. It requires looking to Jesus and Jesus. It requires looking to Jesus and Jesus. It requires looking to Jesus and following his example and asking the following his example and asking the following his example and asking the spirit to lead you. And I pray that this spirit to lead you. And I pray that this spirit to lead you. And I pray that this church would be marked by an church would be marked by an church would be marked by an unmistakable unmistakable unmistakable attentiveness, attentiveness, attentiveness, spirit-led attentiveness to the needs of spirit-led attentiveness to the needs of spirit-led attentiveness to the needs of others. Let me pray that you would. others. Let me pray that you would. others. Let me pray that you would. God, we love you God, we love you God, we love you and we're so grateful for your word and and we're so grateful for your word and and we're so grateful for your word and the reminders from it. Thank you for the reminders from it. Thank you for the reminders from it. Thank you for your son Jesus and how he demonstrated your son Jesus and how he demonstrated your son Jesus and how he demonstrated his love for us and that while we were his love for us and that while we were his love for us and that while we were still [music] sinners, Christ died for still [music] sinners, Christ died for still [music] sinners, Christ died for us. Thank you for his humility and his us. Thank you for his humility and his us. Thank you for his humility and his service service service and his attentiveness to our needs. And and his attentiveness to our needs. And and his attentiveness to our needs. And God, may we empowered by your spirit God, may we empowered by your spirit God, may we empowered by your spirit live that way every single day. We live that way every single day. We live that way every single day. We worship you now in [music] Jesus name.

worship you now in [music] Jesus name. worship you now in [music] Jesus name. Amen.