PARTNERS—GOD & LYDIA

THESIS:  Salvation by faith requires our PARTNERSHIP WITH GOD—A UNION WITH SOLIDARITY FAR GREATER THAN ANYTHING MAN-MADE.

INTRODUCTION:

1.     The evil of peer pressure

2.     Put away your solidarity with any denomination or any church manual and begin your journey of saving faith.

3.     The story of Lydia’s conversion can change your life forever if you will visit these four places in her journey, the journey of a good and honest heart:

BODY:

1.     A PLACE FOR PRAYER—a place for the reverent heart!

·        A journey away from peer pressure and demands of solidarity—Lydia a woman from Thyatira (Revelation 2:20-23).

·        A quiet place, perfect for prayer (Acts 16:13)

·        The “sinner’s prayer” cannot save; faith only cannot save.

·        God does hear the prayer of a sinner with a good and honest heart—Cornelius, Saul of Tarsus & Lydia!

2.     AN ATMOSPHERE FOR ATTENTION—a place where spirits or souls can be led to obedience!

·        No such thing as “irresistible grace”

·        A heart prepared for listening and faith (Acts 16:14; Rom. 10:17)

3.     THE GOD WHO HEARS AND OPENS—the God who opened Lydia’s heart!

·        The formula for saving faith demands partnership with God—Lydia listens to every word and God opened!

·        Our need for continual help from God (Psalm 119:18, 27, 33)!

CONCLUSION:

4.     YOUR DECISIONS FOR ETERNITY—a passionate plea to God and His people!

·        Baptize me now and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:15; 2:38; 5:32).

·        “Come and stay…She prevailed upon us” (Acts 16:15)!