Lydia's Conversion Series

a. We can re-engineer James 1:13-15 by applying the words of Jesus regarding how we are drawn by the Father to come to Him. How is this done?

b. Jesus said: “No man can come to me, except the Father who sent me draw him,” John 6:44; John 14:6; John 12:32-33. How does the Father draw us? Observe John 6:45.

1) It is written in the prophets, and they all shall be taught of God.

2) Every man, therefore, that hath heard.

3) And hath learned of the Father.

4) Cometh unto me (Christ).

3. Finally, the process of Lydia’s drawing by the Father. How did the Lord open Lydia’s heart? How did the Father draw her? Consider,

1) She was drawn unto the Father by hearing the word of the Lord.

2) When she heard the word, it brought forth faith.

3) When faith was conceived, it brought forth obedience.

4) When her obedience was finished, it brought forth salvation, Romans 6:17-18.

Note: You may listen to our sermon: Is There Water in the Plan? You can find it at www.Archive.org, Ron Freeman, Evangelist. This lesson discusses the entire process of conversion, or the: “New Birth,” John 3:1-8. Send this lesson and link to all those you love. You and them will be blessed!

E. The second step. Faith is the second step in the “pattern of conversion,” as outlined in the Book of Acts. After the word of God or the gospel of Christ is preached, the hearer believes it and responds in obedience to the truth of Christ, Romans 6:17-18; Romans 6:22. Consider,

1. First, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory,” Ephesians 1:13-14.

2. Further, “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe,” 1 Thessalonians 2:13.

3. Finally, “But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ,” 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14.

4. Conclusion: Lydia, after hearing the word of truth, the gospel of her salvation, believed in the Lord Jesus and completed her obedience to the gospel by being baptized, as well as her entire household. This takes us now to the last point.

III LYDIA’S BAPTISM INTO CHRIST

A. And when she was baptized, and her household. Now, we come to the culmination of Paul's teaching and preaching unto these worshippers of God at the riverside. Lydia and her entire house responded to the gospel's call by desiring to be baptized “to wash away her sins,” Acts 22:16.

1. How do you know this preacher? For the causal bible reader or a devout student of the text, it is understood that the hearer of the gospel, once believing it, is commanded or asks themselves to be baptized. Baptism “puts one in Christ,” Galatians 3:26-27.