The Life of Love --- Acts 16:12-17

       Read Acts 16:12.  Paul had seen a vision: "Come over and help us," (verse 9) so they went to Philippi walking, after carrying their luggage through Phrygia and Galatia, to Troas. (This was prophetic of wartime treks by many.) He had us sing "More Love to Thee" after each verse exposition.

       16:13. On the Sabbath day they went to a prayer place, where women prayed.  In 1909 two women prayed for Hinghwa.  God told them there would be a revival; it occurred before their letter arrived in Hinghwa.  Sing.

       16:14.  Lydia sold purple.  She was in business, but not to get rich.  If we have food to eat, and clothes to wear, that is enough.  On one hand, she did business; on the other hand, she helped Paul preach.  “The Lord opened her heart.” Sing “More Love to Thee, O Christ.”

       16:15.  She was baptized, and her household.  She was not satisfied for self alone to be saved.  All sang: "And where is your husband?  No doubt at home a-gambling." (Tune of “I Will Sing Halleluiah.”) 2.  “And where is your brother?  Probably also gambling.” Lydia insisted that Paul and his gospel team stay at her house.  "Endure hardness." Love moved her to constrain them to abide.  Sing: "More Love to Thee, O Christ."

       16:16,17.  Paul mentions the Macedonians' "deep poverty" in II Cor. 8:2, but they were liberal.  There was a girl who opened a church that had been closed for years.  Another girl as queer; she couldn't sing, but she led 200 to Christ.  Many have gone to Yunnan to preach.  Why?  They love Christ.  High school students and teachers go to Kuling for morning Bible study, then afternoon preaching.  Sing: "More Love to Thee, O Christ."