"Scenes From A Prison: Part I", by Pastor Kevin Lynch

Acts 16:23 - "And when they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely."

Paul and Silas. Two men who are responsible for establishing the Church of Jesus Christ by their itinerant evangelism throughout the Middle East and parts of what is today known as Europe.

In this chapter we find Paul and Silas being arrested for casting out a demon from a young woman who was following them around and pestering them for days. She just happened to be a fortune teller who was making some people a lot of money, and when the demonic spirit was cast out, her profitability went with it.

This angered the people greatly. So much so that they arrested Paul and Silas, tore their clothes off, beat them publicly, and tossed them into prison bound by shackles.

There's a scenario for you. Beaten and imprisoned for doing what is right in God's eyes.

The church had come semi-circle over the centuries, especially in the USA. Evil was looked at as wrong, and the goodness of God was strongly recognized.

Has anyone noticed that it is starting to swing back around the other way?

Could full circle not be far away?

It will come full circle you know.

Jesus told us it would. In John 16 He speaks about the "hour that is coming".

The hour is coming when disciples of Jesus Christ will be treated like Paul and Silas were.

It's already happening in other third world and Communist nations.

It's starting to happen here in the USA, as well as in other predominantly Christan nations.

We never thought it could happen in the USA. After all, we are a nation founded upon the very principles and precepts of God.

I believe it is the culmination of the plan of God, and that the greatest sign we could hope for as this actually being near (however long "near" is away), which is something to be hopeful about, not fear.

Unless you have plenty to fear.

Over the last 2,000 years, God has sent a Savior, provided us with a hard copy of His Word, sent His Holy Spirit to guide us, instructed us how to make new disciples, called attention to His plan for the ages, and has now apparently started to bring the circle back around again.

Only He knows the place and time. He has clearly instructed us NOT to set dates and times, or even try to figure it out.

We are just supposed to be aware that it is an event that WILL happen someday and be prepared at all times if it happens to be today.

As we read the signs of the times, it is prudent to be heightening that awareness and encouraging each other during the hard times that may lead up to then.

So, my encouragement to you today is that Jesus is coming! It may be very soon.

Are you ready?

Can you echo the words of John at the end of the Book of Revelation and say, "Come quickly Lord Jesus!"?

Be blessed today!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><