WAH LOK'S WORSHIP DEVOTIONS 

Day 13 - PRAISE AND EVANGELISM

Scripture Reading: Acts 16:25-34, Ps 40:3

Acts 16:25-34
25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. 27 The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!" 
29 The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
31 They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved-you and your household." 32 Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. 33 At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34 The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God-he and his whole family.

Ps 40:3
3 He has put a new song in my mouth--Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in the LORD.


Discussion

Paul and Silas were thrown into prison after they were severely beaten, but they did not allow these difficulties to dampen their spirits. In verse 25, we see them praying and singing hymns. As they were praising, they would never have believed that by the same night, one family would have given their lives to Jesus.

Praise and worship has a powerful effect on unbelievers. They have an opportunity to see the power of God in our praises. Ps 40:3 says "Many will see it and fear". Sometimes, worship leaders do the total opposite for Evangelistic Services. They tone down the praises for fear it will stumble the unbelievers. Why should we do that ? Keep praising as we normally do and let God do the rest. A worship service is a good place for evangelism. Expect souls to be saved every Sunday.


Prayer

Father, help me to appreciate the power of praise and its effect on unbeliever. Give me a fresh hunger for souls. I pray my praises will draw unbelievers to You. I pray for souls to be saved every Sunday.


© Copyright. Ng Wah Lok 2002