The Night the Jailhouse Rocked

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Outreach-The Night the Jailhouse Rocked (7/13/08)

Some time ago an evangelist, traveling on the train, was singing to himself the song, "I've been Redeemed." A fellow passenger, hearing, joined him in the song. After singing, the evangelist put the question to the stranger, "Have you been redeemed?" "Yes, praise the Lord," was the answer. "May I ask you how long since?" "Over two thousand years ago," came the reply. The astonished evangelist echoed in surprise, "Two thousand years ago?" "Yes," was the reply, "but I'm sorry that it's not more than a year that I've known it."

How about you? Have you been redeemed? What are you going to do with it? This weeks topic is outreach and we will begin the week by considering an actual account of what happened in a prision a long time ago. Some of us have been in prison, unfortunately some may be again before their time on earth is through. And although prison is a most stressful situatuion, we are called to be a witness of God’s faithfulness in all situations

1 Peter 3:15 NKJV

(15)  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

Acts 16:19-33

Introduction: America’s prison population is skyrocketing, but all want out. Paul and Silas were different. Amazingly, they were in no hurry to escape. Prison was merely another chance to witness.

While in prison, something other than an earthquake rocked the house:

I. Courage Rocked the House (16:20-25).

And they brought them to the magistrates, and said, "These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city; and they teach customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or observe." Then the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. (Acts 16:20-25 NKJV)

A.   We often are called to witness in difficult circumstances. –

B.   Have we forgotten how to be a man?

 II. Compassion Rocked the House (16:27-30).

And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, "Do yourself no harm, for we are all here." Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. And he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:27-30 NKJV)

A.   We are often called to witness to those whom we wouldn’t have chosen ourselves.

B.   Has sin crippled our ability to care about anyone besides ourself?

III. Conversion Rocked the House (16:30-33).

And he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household." Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes. And immediately he and all his family were baptized.

(Acts 16:30-33 NKJV)

A.   Often one conversion will lead to others.

B.   Have we lost our vision of hell?

 

Closing: We need to be empowered by the Spirit of God. The same Spirit that empowers us to prevail in our struggle against the addiction that is threatening to consume our life and ruin the lives of our families is the One that will enable us to witness with courage, compassion, and result in the conversion of the lost.

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