Did you know that the first recorded convert to Europe was a woman?

Okay, how is it that in all these years I did not see this until now? 

Did you know that Europe's first recorded convert in the Bible was a woman? 

We all love the story. If you are familiar with the Bible you know her as Lydia, the business woman who sold purple linen (Acts 16:11-15).

She was known for being a worshipper of God, but when Paul shared about Jesus, the LORD opened her heart and she believed in God's gift through His Son. She and her entire household were baptized that day.

Here is the deal. Her decision was followed by incredible generosity and hospitality. Her home and business became a catalyst for launching the spread of the good news of Jesus into Europe. 

Wozer! Imagine! God can take that which seems so small to change nations. 

I imagine Lydia never knew the impact of her decision. But we are told in Philippians 1:1; 4:15-16 that the church of Philippi supported global missions! 

A simple yes. 

An open home. 

A gift of hospitality. 

A generous heart. 

A catalyst to nations.

All because Paul was willing to listen to a vision by God to go to Macedonia to help. 

These are worthy things to ponder as we go into the New Year.

Father, may we listen and obey Your Holy Spirit and Your visions to go. In response, may we give a simple yes and follow through with hospitality and generosity for Your glory! In Jesus' name, amen.

Evangelism based on Acts 16

In 21 verses, we have three different accounts of an evangelistic moment. I love how each one is so different.

With Lydia, the wealthy business woman, Paul simply sits and reasons with her in the house of prayer. It appears to be calm, rational, and respectable.

With the servant girl held in bondage to both man and spirits, Paul ws irritated and commanding. Even though the girl spoke truth, Paul commanded the evil spirits to flee which freed the girl from her spiritual bondage and made her useless to man's bondage. This witness was forceful, commanding, and full of authority.

With the jailer, Paul and Silas were living testimonies in their bondage. They simply worshipped and praised God in their suffering. The jailer observed. Once the earthquake occured, Paul recognized that the jailer would rather die than face the shame of failure so Paul intervened with connection and affirmation. Paul cared. This opened the jailer's heart. Paul was relational and most likely emotional in his response. 

Three souls were delivered because of the Macedonian Call. The approach was different because the circumstances were different. People's needs are different.

Father, please give us the ability to ask what is the right way to share the hope of Jesus that will open hearts of the wealthy business person, the person in bondage to man and spirits, and to the hard worker afraid of failure or shame. Show us how to reason, command, relate, connect, and emote so thst it speaks to a deep soul need to believe. In Jesus name, amen.

Shalom! Shalom!