Today’s article is a repeat from one I posted in the paper in 2004, but I believe it is worth another look. May God use it for his glory.
Acts 16:30 “And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Of all the questions that have ever been asked by men, this is the most important. The answer to this question, and the acceptance or rejection by the one asking, will determine his eternal destiny. This Philippian jailor has just witnessed something he had never witnessed before. He has just encountered two men, who are like he has never encountered. Here are two men, who, seemingly, have a right to complain and murmur, but instead they pray and sing praises to God that they have been counted worthy to suffer for his name. Paul and Silas are in jail, not for any misdeeds, but for preaching the glorious gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and for delivering a demon possessed woman from the power of the devil. Probably this jailor had seen many who claimed Christianity, but whose walk did not line up with their talk. That seems how it is with many today, they spout Scripture, tote a Bible and act pious in Church, but their personal lives are a disgrace to the Lord Jesus. They are living a lie and destroying the hope of many who are seeking for something that is real. The Christian life cannot be lived without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, but when we accept him as our savior, it becomes much easier to live, because he then lives through us. We don’t have to struggle and try to live it. Jesus said in Matthew 11:30 “For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
When I was growing up, I saw many who claimed to be Christian, but their lives were no different than anyone else’s. I thought that I too was a Christian because I grew up in a Christian home and had been taught right values. I was like much of professing Christianity; I wanted the best of both worlds, to go to heaven when I died, but also wanted to enjoy the pleasures of my sin. Finally, one day, I was confronted with some real Christians who exhibited the joy of the Lord in their daily lives, and demonstrated the power of the Lord to overcome the temptations of sin. They were not perfect, but I could recognize the strength of character that I lacked. On March 14, 1980, I gave my life and all my being to Jesus Christ, and for the first time in my life, I felt and knew that I was clean and forgiven. Only Jesus Christ can take a filthy, no account sinner like me, and make him over again. Only he can give a new lease on life. He changed my direction, and my occupation, and I immediately began to preach the gospel message of salvation that had changed my life. I don’t regret a mile I’ve travelled for the Lord.
When the jailor asked the above question, they gave a clear, simple answer. In verse 31, Acts 16, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”
This has become my favorite verse of scripture, because when I was saved, my wife saw the change and was saved, then both of our daughters were saved, and since that time many of my brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins and acquaintances have all been saved. Jesus is real: He does save. Try him and see for yourself.