Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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ROLE OF WOMEN IN FAITH SUCCESSION

Acts 16:11-15
One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.
Trusting that God was leading them to Macedonia, Paul and his companions came to Philippi and on the Sabbath, preached to a group of women who regularly gathered for prayer at the riverside.

Lydia Becomes a Believer: One of the women, who listened to Paul’s message, was Lydia. Even though she was known as a “worshiper of God”, she was not a Christian. Despite her many success as a renowned businesswomen, she had a real hunger for the Lord. In spite of all her business obligations, she faithfully and regularly attended the prayer meetings at the riverside. When Lydia listened to the Gospel preached by Paul, the Lord opened her heart. Lydia knew that it was not enough just to listen to the Word, she must heed to what she had heard. She received Christ as her Savior. In fact, Lydia was Paul’s first convert in Europe

.Lydia’s Reaction to her Conversion: As evidence of Lydia’s obedience to Paul’s message, she and all the members of her household were baptized. She continued to follow God’s will in her life. It was her desire to be considered as a believer in the Lord. (Acts 16:15) As a result of her transformation, she showed hospitality to Paul and his companions by inviting them to stay at her home for the ministry of Christ. Later we see that Paul and Silas went to Lydia’s house, when they were released from the prison, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them. (Acts 16:40)

When St. Paul wrote letter to the Philippians, we can rest assured that Lydia was included in the salutations (all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi) (Phil.1:1), and also included in the mention of the gifts the Philippians had sent for their aid..(Phili.4: 15-18).

Lessons we can emulate from Lydia’s Life.

• Lydia’s faithfulness in being part of a prayer meeting by the riverside despite her busy secular responsibilities.
• Her mental acumen and acceptance of true Gospel of Christ when she heard Paul’s message.
• Her generosity in opening her home for the ministry of Christ.
• She never lacked zeal in performing her business.
• Always kept her spiritual fervor and served the Lord

Prayer: Dear God, give us your grace to embrace the path showed to us by godly men and women. Amen.

Laila Anie Philip &Philip Manuel, Carmel, Boston

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