How to be saved
A TERRORIST IS TERRORIZED!
Paul and Silas felt obligated by God to go and preach the Gospel to the people of Macedonia. Armed with so great a conviction, they went ahead excitedly to Philippi, a Macedonian city to go and rescue the Macedonians (Acts 16:9-10). Macedonian call is always a call to help. Obviously, at least somebody or some people need God and His love in Macedonia. This is the only reason why an evangelist goes out to preach onto others (John 3:16).
As you are reading this piece, you may not know how urgently or desperately you need God. But in His infinite mercy, God has sent His Word to you once again. God sends His Word to men because they need to be healed and delivered (Psalm 107:20). Jesus is able to heal your soul, spirit and body by His Word.
OUCH, HOLD ON A BIT!
The two evangelists, Paul and Silas have been going about preaching to the people. To them it is fun showing people how much they are loved by God; to tell them that their sins can be forgiven, if they come to Jesus by faith.
All of sudden they were in trouble! They were arrested and harassed because a servant-girl was delivered of an evil spirit. Her masters felt frustrated and hindered, because they were making a lot of money through the patronage of this maid with an evil spirit.
Paul and Silas were arrested by the police and beaten in the marketplace. Forthwith, they were unjustly thrown into jail.
…AND GOD MOVED!
Bruised and bound with fetters, Paul and Silas began to sing and pray to God in their prison cell. Unknown to many, God was touched in heaven by the praise and prayers of His servants. He was touched by their joy in the midst of pain, so God caused an earthquake! The prison doors were opened and the chains were broken — all prisoners were loosed! (Acts 16:25-26).
MR JAILER, THE TERRORIST
Petrified and alarmed, Mr Jailer cried and was ready to kill himself, believing that all the prisoners in his custody were escaped. “But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying ‘Do yourself no harm, for we are all here'” (Acts 16:28).
Stunned by the sudden turn of events, Mr Jailer an erstwhile terrorist, tormentor-in-chief and torturer of prisoners could only weep and cry “Sirs, what must I do to be saved” (Acts 16:30).
No matter who you are, you’ve got to come to yourself and ask “What must I do to be saved?” So, when will you too ask such a pertinent question?
Albeit, Mr Jailer saw the terrific power of God in action and knew at once that he needed God’s mercy and salvation. He cried for help.
Paul and Silas answered him “…’Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.’ Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house.” (Acts 16: 31,32).
TIME UP!
Has it occurred to you that your time is up outside the camp and shelter of God? Have you realised that tomorrow may just be too late for you? “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2b).
Come to Jesus now and receive the love of the One who came to save you and your household.
You may simply pray this prayer out and loud with all your heart:
“Father God, I have come to the end of myself. I now open up my heart to receive Your help and mercy. I know that I am a sinner. I believe in the death of Your Son, Jesus Christ for my salvation. I confess Jesus as my LORD and Saviour today. Henceforth, I receive Your forgiveness and cleansing by Jesus’ Blood. I am saved, I am born again in Jesus’ mighty name! Amen.”
Having made this decision, be assured of God’s unfailing love and mercy over you. You also need to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Son of God. Let us know you’ve made this decision.
For further help contact us:evangelist@livingsword.org