A Compelling Inquiry At Midnight (Sermonette) Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. The Question is Personal

2. The Question is Participative

3. The Question is Profitable

Introductory Remarks.

1. In today's lesson, we will discuss a man who asked the most compelling inquiry of his lifetime. A question having eternal implications! This is a question all men will ask if they are unaware of God’s terms of salvation. Not everyone has or will receive the same answer as this man and his entire family. Many are looking for an answer in all the wrong places. It’s not found in the Old Testament; it foretells a Messiah. Nor in the Four Gospels; they reveal unto us the Lamb of God, who came to take away the world's sins. The answer we seek must be found in the Book of Conversions, The Acts of the Apostles, as revealed by the Holy Spirit. I know this introduction requires further explanation. But as we proceed, let's consider...

2. First of all, this question is personal. The jailer asked only for himself: "What must I?" - making this question personal. We can only save ourselves. We can teach and encourage others, but they, like this man, must save themselves.

3. Secondly, this question is participative. "What must I do?" It implies participation on the part of the jailer. It is active in response and not passive. One must do something to be saved. Everywhere we read in the Acts of the Apostles, they were asked what “must I do?” or “what shall we do?”

4. Lastly, this question is profitable. Salvation was the desired end of his question. Jesus asked: “For what is a man's profit if he shall gain the whole world and lose his soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” See Matthew 16:26. If one would ask this same question today, would the answer be the same? I think not. However, God's terms of pardon and salvation have not changed since this man's conversion experience! He is the "same yesterday, today, and forever." In the same hour of the night - this man's life was saved both from suicide and sin by these men of God. He and his entire household heard, believed, and obeyed the Gospel! I want everyone here today to do the same! Let’s consider our first point: the question is personal.

BODY OF LESSON

I THE QUESTION IS PERSONAL

A. A short history of Paul and Silas called into Macedonia. They made their way to Philippi, a Roman city and colony. The gospel was now being preached in Europe about A.D. 50.

1. God had sent them to Macedonian through a vision of a man beckoning them to “Come over into Macedonia and help us,” Acts 16:9-17. Perhaps that’s why you are with us today in this assembly or on the air. You may have asked God for “spiritual help” to understand what he desires for your life.

a. Paul and his companion perceived that God had called them to preach in Macedonia.

b. I believe God has called me to Selma to stand before you now and give you some answers to the questions that may be troubling you regarding your salvation.

c. The “fear of God is the beginning of knowledge,” Proverbs 1:7. The word “fear” means reverence and respect for God.

d. God places us where He wants us to help those “seeking to do His will.”

2. Paul’s first family in Philippi to answer the “call for help” was Lydia and her house. They were present, joining some ladies for their customary prayer on the sabbath day.

a. They were gathered at the river, where he spake unto them about the Lord. "The Lord opened her heart...as she attended unto the things spoken of Paul. And she was baptized, and her household," Acts 16:13-15.

b. How was her heart opened? Through Paul's preaching and teaching! The tender words of Jesus’ love and grace touched her heart. When believers have a “good and honest heart,” they hear the word of God, believe, and obey it.

c. Lydia and her house obeyed the gospel of Christ on Saturday, down in the river at Philippi.

B. Paul and Silas’ next work in Philippi. Was to cast out of an evil spirit from a damsel who brought her master much gain from “soothsaying.” She followed them and proclaimed: "These men are the servants of the (Most High God), which show unto us the way of salvation," Acts 16:16-24.

1. For this act of mercy, they were beaten and imprisoned for doing well.

2. For their healing of this maiden, Paul and Silas were beaten and cast into the “inner prison, with the feet fast in the stocks," Acts 16:23-24.

C. Paul and Silas in prison. They had church in prison. They sang praises unto God and prayed. They found this beating and suffering a time of rejoicing. Like Peter and John: “They departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name,” Acts 5:41-42.