Part 1: The God who pursues us (Acts 16)

Introducing: Joy for the journey in Christ Jesus
Part 1: The God Who Pursues Us
September 18, 2005 Sermon Notes by David Bielby
Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Bloomington/Normal
Acts 16:6-40
Outline ideas adapted from Philippians "Jesus our joy" by Donald Baker (IVP)

1) Acts 16:6-10

Live for the Lord’s call on you only!
Bithynia, the Spirit of Jesus & God’s call
Visions/Planning & God’s sovereignty
What was the first encounter with God you ever had?


2) Acts 16:11-15

Get involved with where God is moving!
The pre-synagogue riverside meeting
Evangelism methods & God opening a heart
Lydia-A wealthy merchant business lady becomes the first European in Paul's ministry.


3) Acts 16:16-24

Have courage to counter the devil’s attack on God’s work!
Harassment: One of the devil’s ways
Paul’s spiritual authority and power
Psychics today: True and false
Slave girl-perhaps she became a Christian through this. God's favor touches not just business people, but those who are destitute and without hope. Yet her rich owners missed God so badly they persecuted Paul-even though they witnessed the miracle of God's power through him.

What attitudes or personal desires have stopped you from accepting God’s kingdom coming into your life?


4) Acts 16:25-40

Know your future no matter how bad things look or feel!
Philippian jailer’s conversion

We all will receive rewards from the Lord for what we have done as Christians. For those who don't know Jesus, they must hear what Paul told the Philippian jailer sometime before he went to sleep. That every person in the world needs to repent of their sins and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. The jailer repented with trembling when he asked Paul what he must do to be saved. Paul gave him the rest of the answer...believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved.

What belief do you have about the future judgment? Is it deep
enough to enable you to sing even when suffering?


5) God’s pursuit of us

Make room for people of all kinds of people!
Wealthy merchant, slave girl or government employee (Philippian jailer)-God
pursues us all.

God is pursuing you. He hasn't brought you to this point by accident. He has sent people into your life as He sent Paul into the Philippians lives. Recognize His deep love for you and take comfort in the fact that He loves you!

Take comfort in the knowledge that God is pursuing you!