Sunday, November 22, 2020 - Being an Encouragement

Theme: Finding Our Way Together - Being an Encouragement

Prayer

Acts 16:25-27                                                                 Common English Bible Translation

Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. All at once there was such a violent earthquake that it shook the prison’s foundations. The doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose. When the jailer awoke and saw the open doors of the prison, he thought the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword and was about to kill himself. (Question: What fears take over your life?)

Acts 16:28-30

But Paul shouted loudly, “Don’t harm yourself! We’re all here!” The jailer called for some lights, rushed in, and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He led them outside and asked, “Honorable masters, what must I do to be rescued?” (Question: How do you respond when someone shares their fears with you?)

Acts 16:31-34

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your entire household.” They spoke the Lord’s word to him and everyone else in his house. Right then, in the middle of the night, the jailer welcomed them and washed their wounds. He and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. He brought them into his home and gave them a meal. He was overjoyed because he and everyone in his household had come to believe in God. (Question: What are pieces of encouragement that you have tried to give to others?)

Acts 16:35-37

The next morning the legal authorities sent the police to the jailer with the order “Release those people.” So the jailer reported this to Paul, informing him, “The authorities sent word that you both are to be released. You can leave now. Go in peace.” Paul told the police, “Even though we are Roman citizens, they beat us publicly without first finding us guilty of a crime, and they threw us into prison. And now they want to send us away secretly? No way! They themselves will have to come and escort us out.” (Question: How do you hold in tension accountability and encouragement?)

Acts 16:38-40

The police reported this to the legal authorities, who were alarmed to learn that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. They came and consoled Paul and Silas, escorting them out of prison and begging them to leave the city. Paul and Silas left the prison and made their way to Lydia’s house where they encouraged the brothers and sisters. Then they left Philippi. (Question: How do you encourage others even when you might be struggling?)

Reflection Together

Prayers of the People and the Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, 

on earth as it is in heaven. 

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us;

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom and the power 

and the glory, forever.  Amen

Benediction

Song List (to listen to from wherever you get your music)

All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name – 263 GTG

Come, Christians, Join to Sing – 267 GTG

O God, You Are My God – 743 GTG

Rescue Story & Chain Breaker – Zach Williams

Starting Over – Chris Stapleton