Keller shows us how a variety of approaches in sharing the gospel might work with different kinds of people. We will take two weeks on his wonderful sermon: A Woman, A Slave, and a Gentile from Acts 16.
This week we’ll see how he compares Lydia, a wealthy seller of purple fabric, to a sophisticated business woman from Manhattan. Lydia was Jewish, and so I’m going to imagine the business woman as either a Jewish or a Catholic woman that who believes in God, but hasn’t grasped the gospel. How would we approach her? Keller shows us. I have the transcript from Logos, as well as the link to the sermon, so I suggest doing them together so you don’t miss Keller’s anointing.
https://gospelinlife.com/sermon/a-woman-a-slave-and-a-gentile/ \
SUNDAY
- We are half-way through the summer that always goes so fast. For what are you particularly thankful so far? Or, how has God been at work in your life this week?
MONDAY: THE TEXT (ACTS 16:13-15)
13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.
15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. 16
2. Make 5 observations.
3. What stands out to you from this text and why?
TUESDAY: PROFILING LYDIA
READ AND LISTEN TO THE SERMON THROUGH THIS TRANSCRIPT
Christianity was born into a culture that was every bit as resistant and unsympathetic to its claims as ours is. In those days, to the people in that heard about it in the original culture where it was born, Christianity sounded dangerous, sounded impossible, and sounded outrageous, just like today. The case for the truth of Christianity was made with such strength, people believed in it in such numbers that it changed that entire brutal society.
What we’ve been doing is we’ve been looking at the book of Acts. Because in the book of Acts, we see that case being made. The book of Acts was written to Theophilus. It was written to a man who was culturally and intellectually sophisticated. Each week we’ve been looking at how this message was made, how this case was made.
Today we stay in Acts, but for today and the next couple of weeks, we’re going to change our focus a bit. Instead of looking at what the message is, we’re going to look at how the message came into the lives of people and actually changed people. What we have in the book of Acts are more case studies of conversion than you really have anywhere else in the Bible.
In fact, in this particular passage, this particular chapter (chapter 16), I’ll show you in a minute it’s almost been scientifically chosen. There were probably many conversions. There had to have been many conversions in Philippi. They started a church there, and there were no Christians there to start with. Luke has chosen these three to show us both how incredibly different and yet how incredibly similar Christian conversions can be.
We’re able to address the questions … What does it mean to be a Christian? How do you become a Christian? Christian conversion. Let’s take a look at these three case studies Luke has very carefully selected to teach us something about what it means to be a Christian and how to become a Christian. We see Lydia, the slave girl, and the jailer. Lydia is a case of the gospel for the religious. The slave girl is a case of the gospel for the oppressed. The jailer is a case of the gospel for the secular.
- Lydia
Let’s first of all look at Lydia. The first of the case studies is Lydia. Who is Lydia? Let’s profile her. Okay. She was wealthy. We see she was a businesswoman. She was a dealer in purple goods, which means, since purple dye was extremely expensive, she was a retailer of fashion and luxury goods. She owned her own home. She was probably wealthy. She was the CEO of her own company. She lived on the Upper East Side. She had a house at the Hamptons. She had a house in Palm Beach.
The other thing we see about her is she was a moral and spiritual person. When it describes her as a worshiper of God, that actually was a technical term almost. It meant a Gentile who was reading the Hebrew Bible and trying to please and seek out the God of the Hebrew Bible. So when Paul went down to the waterside to find this prayer meeting, this would be something like a kind of proto-synagogue meeting. It would have been a place where the Bible was being read and prayers were being offered.
Now how does the gospel come to Lydia? The answer is through a rational discourse, because we’re told here that her heart was open to Paul’s message. It’s a word that means a discourse, a discussion. The word respond … Do you see the word? It says, “The Lord opened her heart to respond …” The word respond means to be attracted. She had an aesthetic experience on the basis of a rational discourse. She got it. She saw the beauty of … What?
Well, this is almost certainly what would have happened. Paul would have come and said, “Tell me what you’re learning about the God of the Bible.” The women would have said something along these lines: “Well, we’ve learned he made a promise to Abraham that through Abraham, he would bless all the nations of the earth. We also know he came to Moses, and through Moses, he brought the great Law of God, the Ten Commandments, a Law that is wonderful but impossible to fully fulfill it.
Then in addition to the Law, God also gave to Moses the sacrificial system. He gave him the tabernacle and the sacrifices. Though it’s very mysterious and rather confusing, the sacrificial system means there must be some way for atonement for sin to be made for the people who aren’t able to live up to this great Law.”
Paul must have said, “Let me give you the key. Let me give you the key to the whole Bible. Let me make sense of it all: Jesus. Jesus is the fulfillment of Abraham’s promise. He is the one through whom all the nations of the earth can be blessed. Jesus is the fulfillment of the Mosaic law. He is the only human being who ever lived an absolutely perfectly righteous life, loving God with all his heart, soul, strength, and mind and loving his neighbor as himself.
On top of that, he was also the Lamb of God. He was the ultimate sacrifice. In other words, he came, and he fulfilled the law perfectly. So he earned the blessing that such a life deserves, but at the end of his life, he went to the cross, and he took the curse our life deserves. So when I believe in him, my curse is transferred to him, and his blessing is transferred to me.”
In other words, Paul says, “Every prophet, every priest, every hero, every lamb, every sacrifice, every suffering servant, every majestic lord, every returning king is Jesus. They’re all pointing to Jesus!” You see, that word respond means that Lydia … We don’t know about the others, but we know when Lydia listened to that, it was beautiful. It made sense. She had an aesthetic experience. She realized, “Wait. It clicks.” The penny beings to drop.
4. Summarize the approach Paul has toward Lydia and why he approaches her as he does. 5. We know it is possible to be religious and moral and yet miss the absolute beauty of Christ that has the power to melt your heart. How did Keller imagine Paul doing that for Lydia? 6. How does the sentence I put in red show that the Bible is one story authored by God? 7. Can you remember a time, either in the past or recently, when the beauty of Christ pierced your heart? If so, share.
8. Is there someone in your life like Lydia — moral, even religious, intelligent — but may
not know the gospel? Pray for wisdom for how you might talk to them.
Wednesday: Approaching the Lydias of our World
I have seen the Lord bring many Catholics to faith in Christ, some, who, like Lydia, do have faith in God, yet the gospel penny hasn’t dropped. They see Christianity as rules in which they might please God. They’ve missed the beauty of the gospel and His Word. This certainly isn’t true of all Catholics, but of many. My dear roommate from college is a Catholic with whom I have stayed in touch, and truly knows the Lord — and there are many others. Yet there are many who don’t truly understand that we are saved through Christ alone and can have an intimate relationship with him.
One day at pickleball Frank asked me to give him two copies of The Jesus Who Surprises, a book that shows the beauty of Christ throughout the Old Testament. God opened their hearts and Frank called me and asked me to come over to see if they were ready to be baptized. They were baptized in my hot tub and began coming to our church and studying the Bible. They have have surpassed many long-term evangelicals in their knowledge of the Bible. I have no idea how many Life Application Bibles Frank has given away, but I am guessing at least fifty. He is on a mission to get Catholics into the Word. He even joined a Catholic women’s Bible study in a nearby town! 🙂 This week he gave a Bible to a Catholic at pickleball. This week I overheard him explaining the gospel to another pickleball player. He plans to give her a Bible. Our church is made up of many who were raised in the Catholic faith but the gospel penny had not dropped. Frank feels called to them — and they are responding.
9. Thoughts on the above?
Read/Listen to this:
One of the things Paul was going to show her (and this is very important for you) … Because, you see, the gospel doesn’t make people religious. The religious need the gospel. Lydia was religious, but she needed the gospel. Here’s why. Because religion is outside in. “If I really obey the law, if I live right, then God will come in and bless me.” But Christianity is inside out. God, through Christ, completely loves and blesses me, and therefore, I try to please him. Those are two completely different dynamics, as we often say here.
Because in religion, God is useful. “I obey because he is useful.” Why? “My obedience is useful. If I obey, then God will give me things. God will bless me. He’ll answer my prayers. He’ll give me good health. He’ll take me to heaven. I obey because God is useful.” In Christianity, you obey because God is beautiful. You don’t obey him to get things because in Christ you have everything. Why are you obeying him? Aesthetically. You’re praising him.
You know, the way C.S. Lewis puts it in his famous place in Reflections on the Psalms is when you hear a piece of music or you see a beautiful sight, you feel like you have to grab somebody else and praise it with them. You grab your friend, and you say, “Look at this. Isn’t this great?” Why are you praising it? Because it’s beautiful. The more you praise it, the more you enjoy it. Isn’t that right? The more you praise it, the more you enjoy it.
You say, “Look at this. Isn’t this great? Look at the lines. Look at the colors. Look at this and that.” The more you praise it, the more you’re enjoying it, the more the other person is enjoying it. Right? Why are you praising it? Does it need it? It doesn’t. It’s beautiful. It’s an end in itself. Lydia had a God who was useful, but that day, she received a God who was beautiful. Before that, she was not bearing false witness, not committing adultery, honoring her father and mother, observing the Sabbath.
After salvation, what happened? After the gospel came in, what happened? Did she start lying? Did she start committing adultery? No! “Well, there’s no difference.” All the difference in the world! It’s not a burden. It’s not crushing. She is not doing it because God is useful. Now she is doing it because God is beautiful. She obeys to enjoy him. She obeys to delight him. She obeys to praise him.
10. What stands out to you from the above and why?
11. Was there a time when you saw God more as useful than beautiful? If so, what changed it?
Rebecca Pippert sometimes says this. “I have had an experience with Jesus that changed my life. If you’d like to hear abut it, I’d love to tell you.” Then she leaves it up to them. Frank tells people His life has been changed by a great study Bible he has. If they show any interest, he gives them one!
12. What have you learned that has been helpful in initiating spiritual conversations?
Thursday: An Aesthetic Experience
One of the aspects that wooed me to the Lord as a child was creation: the stars on a midnight dark sky over our cottage; the woodlands covered with forget-me-nots. My mother sang the hymns all the time in her lilting soprano — O Holy Night on Christmas Eve. My Dad would often make the connection for me, saying “The heavens declare God’s glory,” or “Consider the lillies…”
13. What aesthetic experiences have drawn you to God, either in childhood or now? How have you helped children or grandchildren make the connection between beauty and God?
Read and Listen:
Let me tell you something. That is a dynamic that will make you grow and grow and grow. It won’t drain you, but it will fill you. A rational discourse, right, a message, and she saw the beauty. It made sense. The whole Bible now made sense. The whole thing made sense. The gospel for the religious. Religious people need the gospel more than anyone else maybe, because they think they have it. Everybody else knows they can’t because of how grumpy they are or at least how burdened they are or how guilty they are.
If they’re not grumpy, they’re guilty, you see. If they think they’re living up to their standards, they’re not guilty, but they’re grumpy, and they’re harsh on everybody else. On the other hand, if they’re not living up to their standards, they may not be grumpy, but they’re guilty. Boy, they need it. Lydia got it. Rational discourse, aesthetic experience. She saw the beauty.
14. Comments on the above?
Friday: Combining Rational with An Aesthetic Experience
I feel my friend Frank does by giving these expensive but beautiful Bibles to people.
Linda Strom’s grandmother would take her for a walk along a stream each night, they would eat an Eskimo pie, and she’d tell her how wonderful Jesus was and why.
I have given Theo of Golden to several people for it such a beautifully written book and Christ is hidden in it. I’ve found even atheists are drawn by it.
I am blessed to live on a lake. I have international students who work here down for supper and tell them my story while we watch the sun go down.
15. Has this week percolated any ideas for what you might do in reaching out to the Lydias or anyone in your life?
Saturday:
16. What is your God shot?
116 comments
SUNDAY
We are half-way through the summer that always goes so fast. For what are you particularly thankful so far? Or, how has God been at work in your life this week?
Boo-hoo, I love summer. I am so thankful for being able to slow down and rest. Despite the heavy sadness of things happening in many lives around us, we have many blessings in our family. Our son came to us Friday night with his wife to announce that they are pregnant! This son is the one who‘s baby only lived a few hours after being born prematurely a year and a half ago. We are so happy for them and excited to be welcoming 4 new grandbabies in 2027, Lord willing. There are many things to pray for, of course, but many blessings besides. Looking at the lesson this week, I am excited about it! I had a busy end to my week last week, but went back and caught up on all of your posts and added a few comments. I’m always encouraged by what each one learns here and it keeps me thinking. Dee, I’m still going to corner my husband sometime on that challenge question. If there’s anything he loves, it’s a challenge and I love to keep him thinking 😉
Chris, 2027 will be a busy year with 4 new grandbabies! So happy for your son and his wife, who lost their baby a year and a half ago.
Yes, it will! And they are all due within 2 months of one another.
Wow Chris…4 new grand babies next year…what a blessing!
Congratulations, Chris on all of the new blessings to look forward to!
I am going back to last week’s lesson to catch up on what I missed.
Chris, I am so happy for you and your family, with 4 new lovely gifts from God. So excited for the joy this will bring, especially to your son and his wife. I pray that God will have His hand on each of these babies, giving each one good health.
Thanks for the prayers!
I’m sorry to be so behind. Smoke filled our village for 4 days from the Canadian wildfires and I had to take in many who did not have AC. But I’m back!
SUNDAY
We are half-way through the summer that always goes so fast. For what are you particularly thankful so far? Or, how has God been at work in your life this week?
Wow! Halfway through the summer already? I am particularly thankful for Dee and her perseverance week after week, engaging with us, sharing excellent resources that enhance our understanding of the Word. I love the “guest/visiting” speakers, “curated” with much thought, loving intentions, and spot on with our topics. And I love all the women here, whether commenting, following quietly, or jumping in periodically.
The months of June and July have been happily spent by our church on children and community outreach. This past week, we participated in the Cruise Night in town by offering our first-ever Drive-Through Prayer. We had two “customers”; one a middle school-age boy and an elderly man who happened to be on his evening walk. Perhaps, not a “successful” evening if we were an earthly business; but the 5 of us who gathered together in our parking lot did “business” with the Father of the universe. I found a helpful prayer list for our community, and we went over those prayers as we heard the sounds of vehicles cruising the main street. Our church is a block from the hub of the activities, but what a blessed time we had. We are prayerfully considering doing it again next year.
Yesterday, we had our first church float participate in the county fair parade. A member of our church brought her vintage tractor and pulled a wagon. We hang a banner the kids made with “Jesus is our Firm Foundation” written on it, along with their hands and feet in paint as the border. The kids and a few adults rode the wagon and threw out candy to the children on the 4-block route. Several of us walked and handed out candy, children’s sunglasses (a few), and little jars of bubble blowers. I am not sure who had the most fun, the children or the adults!
Today at church, several people shared about the joy they experienced with one another as they participated in the above outreach efforts. My husband and I are blessed to see our members stepping in and taking the lead.
What great outreach ideas that your church has had. Bing.
Drive thru prayer! I love it and may steal that idea. Not successful by worldly standards, but doing the Father’s business-love it!
Great community outreach Bing, especially during the summer when churches seem to go in stealth mode. I can see God smiling from above!
What great ways your church is serving your community, Bing. I love the Drive through prayer and the float in the parade. Such a great outreach idea, including the kids too.
Bing! Drive thru prayer?! So funny and sweet at the same time. Can I steal the idea too??
I love that you also participated in the county fair. Our church is usually part of our Christmas Parade (unfortunately called a “holiday” parade now). We have a wagon that is pulled by a truck. It’s a good mile or 2 hike down our Main Street. Our family has participated once and had the kids dress up as the Nativity. It was fun!
Of course, of course, Laura! I am looking into more ideas on how to incorporate this ministry outreach in our community and not just be a “Cruise Night” thing. I can share our experiences with you and Chris later if you’d like.
Drive through prayer! Creative!
Dee, in answer to your challenge question from last week, am I right to guess that you are referring to TULIP? The five points of Calvinism? Yes, the confession, catechism and canon do agree, though they were written at different times and for different purposes; primarily to defend/teach the reformed faith.
1. We are half-way through the summer that always goes so fast. For what are you particularly thankful so far? Or, how has God been at work in your life this week? The surgery schedule at work has been pretty slow this summer and it has given me the opportunity to take more days off. I’ve been able to spend more time enjoying my grandchildren and giving their parents a break!
That sounds like a lovely way to spend your time.
Wonderful to have days off during the summer…glad you can enjoy your family.
What perfect timing for you, Dawn. So happy for you being able to spend time with your grandchildren. And what a blessing for your grandchildren to be with you!
Days off! Yay!
Giving parents a break! Now that is what I call a true servant’s heart.
Amen!
MONDAY: THE TEXT (ACTS 16:13-15)
2. Make 5 observations.
1. On the Sabbath Paul and Silas went outside the city gate where they expected to find place of prayer.
2. They sat down and spoke to the women who’d gathered there.
3. Lydia, a dealer of purple cloth, from Thyatira and worshiper of God was there listening to them.
4. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message and her and the members of her household were baptized.
5. She invited them to her home saying, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home,” to which they were persuaded to do.
3. What stands out to you from this text and why?
I like that it says, “The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.” It seems that too often people want to take the credit when someone’s heart is open to the gospel message.
I love your comment about the Lord opening the heart. I, too, have felt a burden to give the Lord credit where it is due.
Amen to Chris. I love that credit is given to God.
SUNDAY
We are half-way through the summer that always goes so fast. For what are you particularly thankful so far? Or, how has God been at work in your life this week?
—Well it is obvious I have been out of the loop for a week now. God has definitely been at work and we are thankful beyond measure.
About 5 weeks ago we sold our home in Broken Bow and then the whirlwind began. Moving 3 hours away to Lincoln involved several day trips and overnight trips working with our sweet realtor looking at homes to find a new place to live. In the mean time my daughter Laurie had begun working with me to organize, purge a lot of things and pack up our household belongings. We had lived in our home 36+ years. It was a huge undertaking.
We had decided to buy a townhome in Lincoln in an area of new builds and two weeks ago we made an offer which was accepted. But when the inspection took place there were just too many red flags for us where the builder had not finished well. Hidden things the average person would not be aware of.
So we walked away from the deal. We were on schedule to close on our Broken Bow home and move July 17th. But we had no place to go. One week ago we found and made an offer on a different townhome and it was accepted so we are in the process now with that purchase. In this past week we found a moving company to load and store our belongings, finished packing up, found a walk-in basement apartment and last Friday we closed on our home. We handed the keys over to the young couple who bought it and we came to Lincoln. There are many details to this emotional, physical and spiritual journey. It has been exhausting.
Patti, I think back to your moving from Washington to the east coast and am amazed by you in light of your being a widow. I could not have done this without Terry. But the truth is neither he or I could have done this without the Lord. God undertook and carried us through the many decisions guiding and protecting us in it all. We are thankful for numerous answers to our prayers. When we sold our home God gave me Hebrews 11:8
“It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going.” We went by faith not knowing where we would end up.
Then God added Romans 4:20-21 to encourage my heart that “God is able to do whatever he promises”
“Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises.”
We have a couple of weeks now to catch our breath in this very comfortable basement apartment in a home on 3 acres way out on the edge of the city. A quiet place to transition from. The 60 year old couple who own it are believers and attend the church where we will be going. We didn’t know that about them when we rented it.
But now I have got to stop “talking”. There are enumerable ways God has been at work in our lives and has cared for us!! There is no way we could have orchestrated any of this journey. And we are so so grateful. He is worthy of all our praise!
Whew Bev! God is so good in how He’s worked everything out in your move. We moved from Oregon to NC in 1994 and so I know it’s no easy task.
So glad to see you back and have been praying for your move…continued prayers as you settle in.
Bev, How wonderfully good the Lord has been to you! I see His hand in ALL the details and how HE prepared the way. It’s been a great encouragement to me as we are getting older and have some decisions to make. Wow, just wow. Praise the Lord!
Bev, I am crying with joy for you as I read this. The Lord has been so present with you and Terry, every step of the way. I could never have made my move when I did, without His divine help and intervention every step of the way. I thank Him daily, still. I am so excited for you both! I love that the people you rent from go to the same church you will attend. There are no coincidences with God! My prayers for you continue.
Bev, dancing a happy dance for you and Terry! The Lord is good!
Thank You Jesus, for the many blessings Bev and Terry have experienced these last few months. You are a good God.
Love hearing every bit of this, Bev. And I agree on Patti!
MONDAY: THE TEXT (ACTS 16:13-15)
13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.
15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. 16
2. Make 5 observations. 1. It was the Sabbath 2. Women were met to pray by the river 3. Paul and his companions sit down with the women and Paul preaches 4. The Lord opens the heart of Lydia to receive Paul’s message and believe 5. Lydia (and the women of her household who were with her) is baptized
3. What stands out to you from this text and why? Several things. First that this was a group of Jewish women, where were the Jewish men? Paul’s habit had been to go to the synagogues and preach, but here he goes to the riverside to WOMEN, AND the men sit down near the women. I see the leading of the Holy Spirit here. Secondly, the Lord opens Lydia’s heart to recieve/believe Paul’s message. This shows again the work of the Holy Spirit, and that it was the PREACHING through which Lydia was saved. Lastly, Lydia immediately urged Paul and his companions to come to her house to stay. Again the leading of the Spirit, otherwise a woman would never invite strange men to stay at her home.
Cheryl, so many good points about what stood out to you. The work of Holy Spirit just in these few verses…so good!
“Again the leading of the Spirit, otherwise a woman would never invite strange men to stay at her home.” Wow, Cheryl-this did not cross my mind. The Spirit’s work indeed!
I love the details you bring out, Cheryl, especially in 3.
I love that too. To WOMEN!
1. We are half-way through the summer that always goes so fast. For what are you particularly thankful so far? Or, how has God been at work in your life this week?
I agree with Bing on Dee and the blessing of this Blog. ❤️I am so thankful for all time she constantly invests in the weekly lessons, the sources and speakers, not to mention dealing with the details of the website. I feel that I know each one of you, as I have been so blessed by each of you. I love hearing about your lives, children, grandchildren and churches. It is a beautiful weaving of colorful souls. Thank you, Dee and each of you dear blog friends! You all have blessed me more than you wiol ever know. Please read what Bing wrote, it says it all.❤️.
I also had a wonderful answer to prayer with my driveway sinkhole. The young man, Ian, and his crew, did such a great job for a reasonable price. They were able to cut a tidy square, fill the hole with big rocks and small rocks, then a layer of cement with pavers for the finish. It looks so good and like it is part of the driveway, so that I don’t need to hire a company to patch any of the driveway with asphalt. Thanking God for this answered prayer. An extra blessing: Ian was a school friend of my granddaughter years ago.
We serve an amazing God Patti…great answer to prayer about your driveway!
Agreement on Dee and the blog! It’s a wonderful place online.
So thankful the driveway was repaired with less stress for you!
YAY ON GOOD HELP FOR THE WIDOW!
MONDAY: THE TEXT (ACTS 16:13-15)
13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.
15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. 16
1. Make 5 observations.
“we went outside the city gate to the river”-the work of the Lord encompasses many locations; sometimes, we have to get out of our way to reach others for Christ.
“we expected to find a place of prayer.” Is this one of the places that I look for when I venture out to see people?
“…began to speak to the women who had gathered there.” Ready for every opportunity to speak of Jesus
“One of those listening was a woman named Lydia”- watch for “listeners”
“The Lord opened Lydia’s heart to respond to Paul’s message”- The Lord works in people’s hearts. We, like Paul, are just messengers.
Lydia was quick to use her resources to serve. I wonder how many companions Paul had with him and how long they stayed at her place. I believe she played a very important role in establishing the church in Philippi.
2. What stands out to you from this text and why?
God uses whatever means and influence we have to support the work of the gospel. Who can I open my house to? Who are the listeners?
I’m actually not on break yet, I still have like forty days to spend in this school for this semester. I’ve spent five months here already, by the way.
I’m thankful for my Best friend. She came at just the right time and I know that our meeting is not even random, it was Ordained by God.
God has been giving the strength to go on even though I’m getting so overwhelmed with school work and tests and the coming exams that I’m not prepared for. And even though I’m scared that I’ll fail and I’ll have a horrible GPA He keeps reminding me that He sent me to study what I’m studying and that I’ll do well and have a beautiful testimony.
And the best, He has given me the grace to participate in this week’s Bible study. I told Him to help me participate because I miss doing it and I’ve been really mismanaging my time, and He has answered!
Eunice! So good to see you here! You are on the last “leg;” you got this!! So proud of your persistence. Here is the verse of the day:
Love and blessings to you!
“For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.””
Jeremiah 31:25 NLT
Amen to Laura’s verse!
Eunice, I love that God gave you a Best friend! Praying for God to give you endurance, concentration on your studies and peace. I pray that He will help you stay on top of things, and help you to do well on your tests.
Isaiah 26:3-4 “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock.”
SO GLAD YOU HAVE SUCH A GOOD FRIEND, EUNICE!
That Lydia was already a worshipper of God. She listened to Paul and his companion when they came to the river bank where they thought prayers would be held and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention and to respond to what Paul said.
The part that struck me the most of God opening her heart. God actually saw her among every other woman there, hearing Paul speak and He intentionally opened her heart to listen, to lay attention and to respond.
Eunice! Good to see you here. “God actually saw her among every other woman there, hearing Paul speak and He intentionally opened her heart to listen, to lay attention and to respond.” Love this!
Great to see you Eunice. I love your response on how God saw her among every other woman there.
4. Summarize the approach Paul has toward Lydia and why he approaches her as he does.
According to the illustration Tim Keller gave, Paul peaches the gospel to her in a way she could relate. As a woman who has eyes for beauty and fashion she was able to grasp the truth of God’s word and Christ by looking at it the way she’d look at something she finds beautiful.
And Paul does it that way because as humans we’re able to quickly open our hearts to things we find aesthetically pleasing.
5. We know it is possible to be religious and moral and yet miss the absolute beauty of Christ that has the power to melt your heart. How did Keller imagine Paul doing that for Lydia?
Keller illustrates it by imagining Paul takes them back to the beginning of it. The ten commandments and Moses and the sacrificial system and then connects it to Christ and the work He came to Earth for.
6. How does the sentence I put in red show that the Bible is one story authored by God?
Either we read something written by a man who led his people out of the land that held them in bondage, or the account of a man who led his people into several victories or the account a shepherd boy become king or of prophets who prophesied things shown to them in visions and dreams they all still point to Christ being the only way to salvation and atonement for sin.
7. Can you remember a time, either in the past or recently, when the beauty of Christ pierced your heart? If so, share.
I’m finding it hard to remember, but I know I have experienced it several times when a scripture describing Christ and His redemptive work jumps at me and I’m so overwhelmed that He loves me this much, even when I don’t acknowledge Him.
One that happened recently was when I listened to a song Minister EbeleLight dropped. You are Good. That’s the title. I was just in awe of how good God is. How intentional He is. That He’s good in the bad and in the good and in the ugly and in loss and in pain and that He’s always holding me because He loves me intensely and fully.
I love your thoughtful answers, Eunice. I love how the song “You are Good” touched your heart. How intentional He is! Oh, He is! Such a good thought for all of us to remember, daily. I am so thankful for Jesus.
WHAT A SWEET POST, EUNICE.
2. Make 5 observations.
– People were meeting at the river bank.
– There were women gathered there.
– One woman was Lydia who was a merchant from Thaytira. She sold purple cloth and was a believer.
– She listened to Paul and was convicted to be baptized along with her family.
– Lydia invited them to stay with her.
3. What stands out to you from this text and why?
Lydia being a merchant of purple cloth stands out. She is a merchant so she must have been wealthy; especially of purple cloth; it was dyed. That was expensive to do in those days. Most cloth would have been white or off white. She was also a believer and was baptized. She even had her entire household baptized! She must have been a strong woman.
1. We are half-way through the summer that always goes so fast. For what are you particularly thankful so far? Or, how has God been at work in your life this week?
I wasn’t going to answer this question; so hard to be thankful for the mess of my life. But, I do believe I have had a summer that is restful and I am grateful for that amongst all the chaos we endure. I have been able to catch up on sleep. That is good. Thank You Lord.
Laura, even in the hard and in our messes (yours and mine), you came here and to Him. Keep pressing in. He sees and knows. Love you, dear friend.
Dear Laura, you are in the middle of several things all at once. You are so loved and I am thankful that God is giving you good rest and time to catch up on your sleep. I pray for His peace to pour over you and give you His calming assurance that He is in charge. This world is chaotic and challenging, yet He Is God.
13 On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.
15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. 16
2. Make 5 observations.
It was the Sabbath and Paul and Silas went outside the city gates to a riverside, where they thought they thought they would find a place of prayer.
They spoke to the women who were gathered there.
Lydia, one of the women, was a wealthy business woman, from Thyatira, who dealt with purple cloth.
Lydia and her household heard Paul’s message and opened their hearts to God.
They were all baptized and then she invited Paul and his companions to stay at her home.
3. What stands out to you from this text and why?
Lydia was already a worshiper of God, but the Lord opened her heart to what Paul spoke and gave her desire to be baptized. The Holy Spirit was working. All showed humility, as Sharon made the point that “the Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message .(of salvation through Jesus.)
I love that Lydia said “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord come into my house.”She seemed to want them to know that she understood their message that Jesus is Lord.
I LIKED THAT TOO — IF YOU HAVE JUDGED ME TO BE FAITHFUL
4. Summarize the approach Paul has toward Lydia and why he approaches her as he does.
He begins by asking her questions about what she knew. She described the Old Testament and the laws. He points her to Jesus. He shows her that through Jesus, all those laws and prophecies are fulfilled.
5. We know it is possible to be religious and moral and yet miss the absolute beauty of Christ that has the power to melt your heart. How did Keller imagine Paul doing that for Lydia?
He explains how Jesus was the perfect human and how he took the sin, our sin, and gave us His crown. He took our curse and gave His blessing to us.
6. How does the sentence I put in red show that the Bible is one story authored by God?
Each Bible story is really a story about Jesus. How the characters sins but are then redeemed by the Savior.
7. Can you remember a time, either in the past or recently, when the beauty of Christ pierced your heart? If so, share.
I guess I see the grands as a second chance to do a better job in raising my kids. To not idolize, to really teach them about God and to know Jesus well. I did not do that with our kids. We were weekly church-goers who didn’t know Jesus.
I will pray with you for this, Laura. I see good God’s love and your love in your grandkids.
YOU ARE SHOWING THE FRUIT OF TRUE REPENTANCE — EXCITED TO SEE WHAT THOSE CHILDREN WILL BECOME! That phrase “weekly church-goers who didn’t know Jesus” applies to billions I think.
4. Summarize the approach Paul has toward Lydia and why he approaches her as he does.
When Paul sees Lydia and others, gathered by the river, in what appears to be a prayer meeting, where they were reading scripture and speaking of God and perhaps praying to Him. This made Paul comfortable to join their conversation and tell them how the promises God made to Abraham and the laws of Moses, which were impossible to keep, showed the need for Jesus, who died for all of their sins. And then He could tell them how the death and resurrection of Jesus were the fulfillment of all of God’s promises. For He was the only One perfect Son of God, Jesus, who was the atonement for all of our sins.
5. We know it is possible to be religious and moral and yet miss the absolute beauty of Christ that has the power to melt your heart. How did Keller imagine Paul doing that for Lydia?
Lydia read and studied scripture, and she prayed. She knew that there was no true atonement a human to do, and she probably had pondered these things over and over. She was a religious woman, generous, and with good morals, yet she knew it was not enough. The light came into her heart when she heard the news of Jesus, the Son of God, the Lamb of God and the Resurrection. This news changed her heart. All the scripture worked together to reveal God’s Son. Lydia was a seeker, so the transition was natural and logical. Rational. Since Lydia was a businesswoman, this made perfect sense and it immediately turned on a light in her heart and soul with love and joy and hope.
6. How does the sentence I put in red show that the Bible is one story authored by God?
From the first words in the Bible, it all points to Jesus.
7. Can you remember a time, either in the past or recently, when the beauty of Christ pierced your heart? If so, share.
When I knew for certain that my husband gave His heart to Jesus. When my oldest daughter told me how Jesus changed her heart.
8. Is there someone in your life like Lydia — moral, even religious, intelligent — but maynot know the gospel? Pray for wisdom for how you might talk to them.
Yes, there are several. I pray that the God will give me His words, in His time.
I’m sorry to be so behind. Smoke filled our village for 4 days from the Canadian wildfires and I had to take in many who did not have AC. But I’m back!
What a blessing you are to your community, Dee. Such a great example of caring for others.
Dear Dee, Don’t ever feel that you have to apologize to us. We KNOW that if you’re not present on the blog, it’s because of something important, That you were able to help so many is just one more proof of your devotion to the Lord. We love you, Dee.
Thanks so much, Cheryl!
Yes, Dee! We love you!
Wednesday: Approaching the Lydias of our World
9. Thoughts on the above? I think it’s wonderful that Frank reaches out to so many. The fact that he’s pointing them to the WORD particularly strikes me. Frank doesn’t seem to be using his own words, but is leading people to the Lord through the LORD’S words.
10. What stands out to you from the above and why? Religion is outside in, but Christianity is inside out. This reminds me of how religion is man reaching up to God, but Christianity is God reaching down to man. I am aperfect example of a religious person, a “good girl,” before the Lord saved me.
11. Was there a time when you saw God more as useful than beautiful? If so, what changed it? I never really thought of God as useful. I saw Him more as someone who was just there, not really involved in my life. When I recognized Him as Savior and Lord, by His grace, He became beautiful to me, and a hunger was born to get close to Him.
Rebecca Pippert sometimes says this. “I have had an experience with Jesus that changed my life. If you’d like to hear abut it, I’d love to tell you.” Then she leaves it up to them. Frank tells people His life has been changed by a great study Bible he has. If they show any interest, he gives them one!
12. What have you learned that has been helpful in initiating spiritual conversations? I have learned how faithful the Lord has been in my life through my child’s death, near death illness, several medical disabilities,changes in life (from my plans/desires), etc. I don’t usually initiate conversations, usually people ask ME how I got through or handled some situation.
I love it that people ask you how you got through hard situations! I suspect too that you have loved them tell they ask why.
Your suspions are correct.
9. Thoughts on the above?
My first thought is, “He is brave!” I wish I could give a Bible away. I have several Catholic friends. One watches The Chosen with me. But, she is definitely into all the ritualistic stuff. She also doesn’t believe Jesus had (half) siblings. I have others who go to the Catholic Church but don’t abide by all the rules.
We have a new Catholic couple from pickleball at our church and when she learned James was the brother of Jesus she said, “Whaaaaat? How can that be?”
Hahaha…I laugh every time I think of it. Could Mary and Joseph really never actually had sex after Jesus was born? After all, they were human, right? I guess I’m a stupid human to think that?
9. Thoughts on the above?
My first thought is, “He is brave!” I wish I could give a Bible away. I have several Catholic friends. One watches The Chosen with me. But, she is definitely into all the ritualistic stuff. She also doesn’t believe Jesus had (half) siblings. I have others who go to the Catholic Church but don’t abide by all the rules.
Something is up with my postings…sorry if this ends up posting twice! I posted but it never showed up and didn’t say I had to wait for your blessing. Not sure!
You have my blessing but for some reasons beyond my understanding or control, you may not get this platform’s blessing. It usually has to do with signing in on a different device, or typing your name or e-mail a little differently, or links — which you didn’t use — so I don’t know. But I’m sorry!
Seeing it posted the second time has given me some extra hours to reply to you, Laura. That’s a good thing. Like you I have Catholic friends, but also, my husband’s extended family is Catholic. We only see them at the yearly reunion and NEVER discuss religion. I don’t know if I could hand out Bibles, but there might be something else (other than a tract) which might spark thought/conversation. With my friends, I always include the Lord in our conversations, usually thanking Him for something or letting them know I’m praying for their needs, and that I love them.
Thursday: An Aesthetic Experience
13. What aesthetic experiences have drawn you to God, either in childhood or now? How have you helped children or grandchildren make the connection between beauty and God?
The experience that comes to mind is the beauty and majesty of the Grand Canyon the first time I saw it in 1995. My heart was filled with praise, wonder, and worship. I have children make the connection when teaching SS/VBS, expecially the creation story.
**rabbit hole A friend in my study group here shared a praise during our prayer time. She was kayaking with her son, and he turned to her and said, “I believe in God. How can you not, when you see all this beauty?” He is 40 years old. We all praised the Lord with my friend that now the door is open for her to talk with him about Jesus.**
I love this story!
I love that story too, Cheryl !
What a wonderful rabbit hole story!
TUESDAY: PROFILING LYDIA
4. Summarize the approach Paul has toward Lydia and why he approaches her as he does.
Lydia, being a worshiper of God meant that she read the Hebrew Bible and was trying to please and seek God. Paul knowing this went through the OT stories of Abraham…God promised to bless all nations through him and Moses who was given the Ten Commandments and all the sacrificial laws.
5. We know it is possible to be religious and moral and yet miss the absolute beauty of Christ that has the power to melt your heart. How did Keller imagine Paul doing that for Lydia?
He showed her the key of understanding the OT…Jesus. He fulfilled Abraham’s promise and the only perfect, righteous and ultimate sacrifice…the Lamb of God.
6. How does the sentence I put in red show that the Bible is one story authored by God?
It all points to Jesus.
Love your answer to 6., Sharon! True and simple! It all points to Jesus!❤️
I’m praying for more like you and our sisters here to come to our church — how we need mature believers with hearts like yours.
9. Thoughts on the above?
I love Frank’s calling! That is a wonderful idea. The Life Application Bible is a good idea too. So many don’t even know where to start with the Bible!
I just had dinner with a group of my daughter’s friends. So many here attend the Catholic Church, if they attend church at all. Dena, who has two grown children told me her daughter is going to a Contemporary church that uses Bibles in the service and sings Praise songs! She said that her daughter was learning so much that none of them had heard before in church. She said it was so interactive! Praise God!
10. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Because religion is outside in. “If I really obey the law, if I live right, then God will come in and bless me.” But Christianity is inside out . God, through Christ, completely loves and blesses me, and therefore, I try to please him.
He doesn’t love us because we obey Him, we obey Him because He first loved us! And we show our love to Him, because we love Him and want to please Him. We get Him; it is not about winning an award, we get Him, which is an eternal gift that keeps on giving.
11. Was there a time when you saw God more as useful than beautiful? If so, what changed it?
I don’t think I ever saw God that way. I have always been in awe of God and the world…flowers, the sky, the sea, the patterns in snowflakes…My dad taught me to love sunrises, sunsets….so I think I first found God amazing and beautiful….I mostly felt like He protected me, like my parents, when I was a child. As I grew up, I saw Him as a teacher and a guide and I felt guilty when I was disobedient. I sometimes thought I could not hear Him…or maybe He didn’t hear me. Then, later, I would see so many things fall into place, that I could look back and see Him so much more clearly….all the times I thought He did not hear me, He was creating something better than I was seeking. (The Jesus Who Surprises” )Life is truly a process of learning and waiting. Now, I have learned to be better at waiting on Him. And I do see Him as Beautiful…even in the pain or sorrow…He never slumbers or sleeps…
Rebecca Pippert sometimes says this. “I have had an experience with Jesus that changed my life. If you’d like to hear abut it, I’d love to tell you.” Then she leaves it up to them. Frank tells people His life has been changed by a great study Bible he has. If they show any interest, he gives them one!
12. What have you learned that has been helpful in initiating spiritual conversations?
For me, I always look for things we all have in common. I like to hear people’s stories…( so I am loving Theo of Golden!) If someone is troubled, I often tell them I will keep them in my prayers. Then, I ask later how they are doing. This has started many friendships for me, but I always mean it, if I say it. So often, just making a person feel seen or heard can open a dialogue. Their story is important and it helps you to know them. And if I remember their story or need, it is a stepping stone to telling them about Jesus.
For me, I always look for things we all have in common. I like to hear people’s stories…( so I am loving Theo of Golden!) If someone is troubled, I often tell them I will keep them in my prayers. Then, I ask later how they are doing. This has started many friendships for me, but I always mean it, if I say it. So often, just making a person feel seen or heard can open a dialogue. Their story is important and it helps you to know them. And if I remember their story or need, it is a stepping stone to telling them about Jesus.
The above I was quoting Patti but the platform didn’t let me edit!
That’s what I was talking about Dee. Same thing is happening to me. It’s also not keeping my name and email in the fields though I check the box.
I am having the same problem with editing, my name going away and my post disappearing….
13. What aesthetic experiences have drawn you to God, either in childhood or now? How have you helped children or grandchildren make the connection between beauty and God?
I love God, Art, Nature and studying Intelligent Design. My parents always showed me the beauty of God’s creation, through the sunrises, night skies and the beautiful design found in everything in the world. I studied Art in school and I have always been fascinated with how science is found in Art and Art is found in science. I love staring at the clouds for hours or looking at the veins in a leaf. I know, I am a bit cuckoo…but I guess it is a right brained thing. One of my favorite Art/Science books is Sacred Geometry. It is a book I gave to a friend, who claims to be an atheist. He loved it! I think it brings the rational to the spiritual in so many ways. Another is “The Power of Limits”. Both these books clearly demonstrated the Patterns and Design in everything in the Universe. I have always talked to my grandchildren about these things. Three of them are believers. One is a seeker, coming to a belief. Two of the girls, I am unsure about. It is a good way to open a dialogue with just about anyone, who has an interest in the weather…clouds and snowflakes …the Seasons…leaves, trees, blooming plants….etc.
a bit of a rabbit trail….
14. What stands out from above ?
“Religious people think they have it”…..I thought I had been a Christian all my life, yet in a simple conversation with my missionary neighbor, when I 23 and just moved to Seattle, caused the scales to fall from my eyes. I don’t remember what she said, but it was just a conversation….and I knew that minute that something in my heart and my perspective changed and I saw it all differently.
I still had and have a lot of maturing to do, but I think as we continue to love Jesus more and more, as we pray, share and study…we are always learning and becoming closer to Him, but we will never totally be there until we are at His feet in heaven, Praising Him forever.
I’m going to recommend Sacred Geometry to my son-in-law, the headmaster of a Christian Classical school!
Wednesday: Approaching the Lydias of our World
10. What stands out to you from the above and why?
Religion is outside in…we obey because God is useful.
Christianity is inside out…we obey because God is beautiful.
So good to remember and share.
11. Was there a time when you saw God more as useful than beautiful? If so, what changed it?
Growing up with a lot of legalism, obedience came out of trying to be good because that’s what I thought God expected from me in order to love me.
What changed is growing in my faith through study and others.
16. What is your God shot?
My God shot is Sharon’s answer to 10.
Religion is outside in…we obey because God is useful.
Christianity is inside out…we obey because God is beautiful.
Thursday: An Aesthetic Experience
13. What aesthetic experiences have drawn you to God, either in childhood or now?
I would say my experiences of Africa…seeing so many wild animals, birds and even snakes. Surrounded by active volcanoes lighting up the night sky red and being able to climb one and see the inside where the lava was shooting up.
Now, it’s the beautiful sunsets on the beach, the ocean, birds and flowers.
How have you helped children or grandchildren make the connection between beauty and God?
My grand boys know my love for birds, animals and flowers and in my conversations with them I always make sure they know God created all of it and that they were created in His image.
14. Comments on the above?
We can’t live up to our own standards…if we do, we’re grumpy and if we don’t, we’re guilty. It’s an impossible task! I’m so glad that “In Christ I am a new creation. Old things have passed away. Behold all things become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
What amazing experiences you have had in Africa, Sharon. I love reading about your life there! Love your comment in 14, too!
Grumpy or guilty…thanks for this perspective!
Always thrilled by your African remembrances
10. What stands out to you from the above and why?
I’m not sure I am “with” her, to be honest. She finds the beauty in an instant? I do think it is a beautiful thing; God giving His ONLY Son, to us. Wow. It is a lovely thing. But, it has taken me an ENTIRE lifetime to understand this. It only took her listening to Paul explain once, and she got it?
11. Was there a time when you saw God more as useful than beautiful? If so, what changed it?
Probably my whole life! He was my conscious. I think this blog has been the blessing in my life that brought me to Jesus. Thank you Dee. ♥️
Oh Laura — you give us all joy.
12. What have you learned that has been helpful in initiating spiritual conversations?
I have learned to relax. These types of conversations are somewhat difficult. Most people seem to have a preconceived idea that if you go to church you are judgmental. I do love when I hear that people attend church though. It makes me not feel so alone. Got to remember where I live, as the NE is not a very Christian place.
Oh, Laura, I agree. New England does not have a lot of church attenders and many of the churches are extremely liberal. I am thankful for a Christ centered church and to know some Christ centered people here.
I pray that you find some Christ centered friends, Laura. 🙏 I am so thankful for those on this blog, whether they participate or follow silently. It is a godly shelter from the stormy world.
Laura and Patti — so thankful for each of you.
I tried turning my laptop on and off and the blog worked again — you might try that.
Thank you, Dee!
My week was busy with the 4H fair for my son and other days helping my kids/grandkids, but as I just read through everyone’s comments I am struck by the beauty of each one’s story and how God has orchestrated everyone’s lives. We look for him and he looks for us to respond to him. Sometimes we miss him and go our own way, suffering consequences. Other times we follow and receive blessings. I love that Lydia was searching and God sent Paul. I love that her whole household was baptized. Interesting that other communities were passed by as the Lord directed. I pray my household will always believe. I hold onto my great-great grandmother’s story of coming to faith and remind my children whenever I have opportunity. I just recently connected with a first cousin of my dad’s who sent me a digital file full of family history including a photograph of my great-great grandmother! I am so eager to get it printed. I also could share her testimony with him, though I need to upload the whole thing yet. The booklet is so fragile from 1885, I need to be careful with it. But the testimony is so strong and I don’t want to lose it!
Each of your posts shine with the glory of God in your lives and I was blessed to read them. Looking forward to next week’s lesson.
Chris, What a blessing to receive this digital file of family history from 1885 and especially your great great grandmother’s photo! Love that you share her testimony!
What a treasure to preserve, Chris!
I love your entire post here! Could you scan the fragile booklet using your phone? I can show you if you have an iPhone, how to do it.
Catching up again! We have our community VBS this week, and our church is helping with it.
TUESDAY: PROFILING LYDIA
READ AND LISTEN TO THE SERMON THROUGH THIS TRANSCRIPT
4. Summarize the approach Paul has toward Lydia and why he approaches her as he does. Paul first asked what Lydia knew and identified the point where she might have had questions about the OT laws and how they could apply to her life. There was discussion about what she knew objectively. Paul’s explanation made sense to her.
5. We know it is possible to be religious and moral and yet miss the absolute beauty of Christ that has the power to melt your heart. How did Keller imagine Paul doing that for Lydia? Lydia knew about Abraham and Moses and expressed her confusion as to what can be done to atone for sin: “Though it’s very mysterious and rather confusing, the sacrificial system means there must be some way for atonement for sin to be made for the people who aren’t able to live up to this great Law.”
Then Paul pointed Lydia to the Person of Jesus. Paul must have said, “Let me give you the key. Let me give you the key to the whole Bible. Let me make sense of it all: Jesus.
6. How does the sentence I put in red show that the Bible is one story authored by God?
Everything pointed to Jesus.
7. Can you remember a time, either in the past or recently, when the beauty of Christ pierced your heart? If so, share.
I can think of times when my prayers have been answered, and I know I did not do anything to deserve it; all I could see was the majestic beauty of Jesus and His love for me.
The beauty of Christ for me is often reflected in lyrics and melodies of songs, in creation, faces of children, friends and loved ones.
8. Is there someone in your life like Lydia — moral, even religious, intelligent — but may
not know the gospel? Pray for wisdom for how you might talk to them.
Two people come to mind. Lord, for these two ladies I have in mind, show me the way to engage with them about the gospel.
Wednesday: Approaching the Lydias of our World
9. Thoughts on the above?
I admire Frank for what he is doing in sharing the gospel.
10. What stands out to you from the above and why?
It boils down to the heart again! If the heart is not captivated by the beauty of Christ, then all our works are for naught. We will miss the joy of Jesus.
11. Was there a time when you saw God more as useful than beautiful? If so, what changed it?
Yes. What changed me is the realization that I have always been loved by God even before I knew Him-nothing I do or don’t do changes that fact. And that which He has prepared for me is beyond my wildest dreams and “qualifications”, and that makes Him even more beautiful to me.
Rebecca Pippert sometimes says this. “I have had an experience with Jesus that changed my life. If you’d like to hear abut it, I’d love to tell you.” Then she leaves it up to them. Frank tells people His life has been changed by a great study Bible he has. If they show any interest, he gives them one!
12. What have you learned that has been helpful in initiating spiritual conversations?
Asking questions about the other person. And then, How can I pray for you?
Thursday: An Aesthetic Experience
13. What aesthetic experiences have drawn you to God, either in childhood or now? How have you helped children or grandchildren make the connection between beauty and God?
I often have shared here about my garden-seeing them as seeds in May and now, growing like crazy even with the hot days of June and July! The thing is, when I start thinking that this year would be of naught, rain would come at just the most opportune time. When I wake up in the morning, I see my zinnias standing tall again with new buds, tomatoes turning to their orange or red hues-amazing Creator we have!
I do remember when Ruth was little, and we had a smaller garden mainly of flowers. How we would go out, and she would look for little critters. One day, she found a very weak bird about to die, and she cried over its plight. I do not remember how we talked specifically about God’s care for critters. She always has had a heart for the weak, and we see that in her now that she is much older.
14. Comments on the above?
The gospel for the religious-I feel like there are so many people I know in our community who are religious. A friend, Yoly, and I (both from the Philippines) visited a mutual friend who is in hospice due to cancer. When we went home and talked about our visit, Yoly said she wasn’t really sure if our mutual friend is a Christian, though she is religious. I remembered my prayer for this friend before we left, and I pray that the Spirit would be using that prayer to draw her truly to Himself. I am praying, too, that I would be discerning of friends who would need a rational discourse. And that I can share my faith in a way that would lead them to see the beauty of Christ. This is an area that I need help with.
Friday: Combining Rational with An Aesthetic Experience
I feel my friend Frank does by giving these expensive but beautiful Bibles to people.
Linda Strom’s grandmother would take her for a walk along a stream each night, they would eat an Eskimo pie, and she’d tell her how wonderful Jesus was and why.
I have given Theo of Golden to several people for it such a beautifully written book and Christ is hidden in it. I’ve found even atheists are drawn by it.
I am blessed to live on a lake. I have international students who work here down for supper and tell them my story while we watch the sun go down.
15. Has this week percolated any ideas for what you might do in reaching out to the Lydias or anyone in your life?
Yes. Been praying about how to use the gifting of products of my garden to add a rational discourse to the aesthetic experience people have when I do so.
The 13-year-old girl who wants to be baptized at our church was my “assistant” at VBS. I sense her being drawn to Christ through her involvement and our spontaneous conversations in the car. She is very artistic-her family has gone to 2 other churches, seeking their place of belonging.
Saturday:
16. What is your God shot?
God has provided several opportunities for me to partner with Him this week to see people with different needs. I have sensed an increasing discernment of how to see what is behind the faces of people, like Theo of Golden’s Kendrick. The chapter on Kendrick’s conversation with the prosecuting lawyer had me in tears. Do I see the real person behind the face? Do I really look?
Love your God shot, Bing! Yes, do we see who we are with?….really see them…