Acts 16:25-34 (NIV) About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” 29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.
Why do I need Eternal Salvation?
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23 (ESV)
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (ESV)
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 (ESV)
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 (ESV)
because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 (ESV)
How do I know I am saved?
Your recognition
Your desire
Your willingness to call upon his name!
Why doesn’t God save me from my hardships?
Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, 20 as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:18b-21 (ESV)
Sometimes our sufferings are eternal opportunities
Sometimes our sufferings are meant for miracles
Sometimes our sufferings are meant to help us grow
8 “Behold, I go forward, but he is not there, and backward, but I do not perceive him; 9 on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him; he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him. 10 But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. Job 23:8-10 (ESV)
Big Idea: Salvation is always on time from the moment God reveals himself to the instant we follow him and from the moment he allows the hardship to the instant he intercedes and saves!