Sept. 7 Virtual Worship
Go directly to Worship Service Video
Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
If you wish to see more information about giving or to checkout our new Online Giving process, visit our GIVING page.
Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Scripture Lesson
Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025
Scripture Reading: Acts 16:6-16
Sermon: Life in the Spirit, With Vision
Acts 16:6-16
They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. When they had come opposite Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; so, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.
We therefore set sail from Troas and took a straight course to Samothrace, the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city for some days. On the Sabbath day we went outside the gate by the river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul. When she and her household were baptized, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come and stay at my home.” And she prevailed upon us.
Key Idea of the Sermon
This passage marks the beginning of the second missionary journey of Paul. Once again, we note the way the living Spirit of Christ is the main character in the Acts of the Apostles. In this case, the Spirit prevents Paul and his traveling companions Timothy and Silas, from moving east further into Asia, and instead opens the way west to Europe. This change in direction is confirmed by the conversion of Lydia and her household in Philippi, who becomes an ardent leader and supporter of the Way of Jesus in Macedonia.
Questions for Reflection
• Divine visions play an important role in directing the growth of the early church, not only in this passage but also in a critical moment of growth and development in Acts 10. Have you ever experienced a Divine vision? If so, how did that vision help you move forward? If not, how do you sense Christ’s direction in your life?
• Lydia was a merchant and the head of a household. She brought influence and resources to advance the mission of the Way of Jesus in a new region. How might you exercise your influence to advance the cause of Christ?
• Always on the road, Paul, Silas, and Timothy were dependent on the kindness and hospitality of those they met for meeting basic needs. Recall a time when a warm meal or a safe place to stay made all the difference to you.
A Spiritual Practice to Try
This week engage in the ministry of hospitality. Make a donation to the Community Food Box or Habitat for Humanity, extend a welcome to a new neighbor, volunteer with Exodus Refugee Services, or advocate for an immigration policy that balances security with a humane process of welcome that leads to citizenship.
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
