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

What would you do if you got thrown into prison?

Acts 16:25 - "But about midnight, as Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to God, and the [other] prisoners were listening to them."

What kind of results do you get when you are praying in difficult circumstances?

Acts 16:26 - "Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the very foundations of the prison were shaken; and at once all the doors were opened and everyone's shackles were unfastened."

How has your faith, worship, and prayer impacted your surrounding circle of influence for the gospel of Christ?

Acts 16:30 - "And he brought them out [of the dungeon] and said, Men, what is it necessary for me to do that I may be saved?"

That's how Paul and Silas changed their spiritual landscape.

Whatever the situation, wherever the surroundings, Christ was on their mind, and how they could effect others with the gospel.

Yeah, but that was the great apostle Paul, right? Even Silas was probably just along for the ride. Right?

Ah...no.

Paul had nothing over you and me. A certain European church conglomerate may have convinced millions that he did over the centuries, venerating him into a stratospheric icon, but in reality Paul and Silas were equal in God's eyes, and you and me are as equal to them.

I'm talking in terms of spiritual potential.

The only difference between them and us would be that they were spiritual dynamos, and if we are not it's the result of our own unwillingness or laziness, not God's desire.

You can be just as dynamic as Paul. You can change situations around you. You can have people asking you what they must do to become saved. You can shake your environment with prayer.

Yes you can.

There is large blanket of ignorance over the collective church of Christ. It has been placed there by man, not by the will of God.

God is looking for a few good people who will step up and take their place among the bold and confident.

Religion rules the roost, and what we have just witnessed from Paul and Silas is not religious.

Religion keeps butts in the seats. Holy Spirit power lifts us from out of the seats and into the streets.

It was Holy Spirit power that we see in Paul and Silas. It's Holy Spirit thinking. It's Holy Spirit doing.

Not a smidgen of self aggrandizing pride or effort. None.

It's all for Christ and Christ for all.

The Christmas season is a great time to impact your surrounding.

Next time you're on line at the checkout, and you're number 37, instead of praying the line will move, pray for an earth shattering awakening as to who Christ is and what Christmas really means.

Stuff like that. Use your Holy Spirit imagination.

Break free from your bondage of fear, laziness and unwillingness. Expect God to move when you pray. Be prepared to provide the answers when people seek you out.

Stay frosty out there today, and I don't mean the Snowman!

Keepin' it Real,

Pastor Kevin <><