TODAY'S CHURCH

How would you react if you were thrown into prison for crimes that you did not commit? Would you argue, yell, threaten, or would you withdraw or even cry? What would you do?

Now imagine that you were given an opportunity to escape, but if you take it others would die. Would you take it? After all you didn’t even deserve to be there. Would that be an ethical breach?

What does scripture teach about this type of situation? Does the Bible address this? Yes. Read with me from James 1:2 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds…” James does not say if you face trials but when you face trials! This is part of how God allows us to develop into mature and complete Christians.

The roadblocks and hardships in our lives are opportunities for growth and outward expression of our trust in the Lord. This will not only benefit us, but all who witness our situation. That is exactly what happened to Paul and Silas. (Acts 16:16-40) They went to jail for doing the work of God. Here are the words used to describe:
· Seized and dragged to the authorities.
· Stripped and beaten
· Severely flogged, thrown into prison
· Fastened their feet in stocks. (Meaning they could not even move to go to the bathroom!)

All of this was done illegally to Paul and Silas because as Roman citizens they were entitled to a trial before any of this was allowed to take place. They did not commit the crime; instead a crime was committed against them.

Through all of this, how did Paul and Silas handle themselves?
· Throughout the night they prayed and sang songs of praise to God.
· Other prisoners listened to them.
· The jailer, who almost committed suicide, got saved!
· His whole family got saved!
· They all followed in baptism!

If you were thrown into prison for crimes that you did not commit, what would you do? Paul and Silas made it their business to praise God through every circumstance, everyday before this situation occurred. It was a conscious decision that allowed them to bring glory to God! Choose to “Consider it pure joy when you face trials of any kind...”

Click below for an activity to do with your family! Help your kids with this lesson!
http://www.walnutridgechurch.com/PDF/Lesson%202%20(11-02-08).pdf