“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18-19)

With these words from Isaiah 61, Jesus inaugurated his earthly ministry. And in Acts 16, we will continue to see Jesus setting captives free from his throne in heaven through the power of the Holy Spirit. A young demonized slave girl, doubly-oppressed and a jailer with his entire household will be delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of Jesus, the beloved Son (Colossians 1:13), leaving the latter rejoicing that he had believed in God.

Not to mention Paul and Silas will literally be freed from prison and sent on their way with all boldness and without hindrance.

Scott Rosenkranz will be preaching Acts 16:16-40 this Sunday and Kenny Clark will be leading our sung worship. Would you take some time this week to read the passage and pray for each as they prepare? And make plans to join us in the evening at 6pm for our monthly Lord’s Supper service and family time.

As we prepare to gather this Sunday, let’s ask the Lord to use this passage in Acts to strengthen our trust in Jesus as our Rock and Refuge and mighty Deliverer. Psalm 71:1-3 gives us helpful words to pray.

In you, O LORD, do I take refuge;
     let me never be put to shame!
In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
     incline your ear to me, and save me!
Be to me a rock of refuge,
     to which I may continually come;
you have given the command to save me,
    for you are my rock and my fortress.

See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!

 

Song of the Week

Name Above All Names by Charity Gayle

The cross still stands
The blood still flows
The work is finished and hell still knows
That the grave is still empty
The stone is still rolled
And You’re still high and lifted up
You’re still seated on the throne