Encouraging 4th and the Gospel...

As you know, the 4th of July was on a Sunday this year...and I was so encouraged the whole day, especially after attending Church and getting fed God's word. Acts 16 was the part of the Bible that was taught. Although I know the gospel is powerful, this reiterated that for me! That the gospel IS the power of God. The gospel CAN penetrate anywhere!
A few highlights that I learned and why they are important:
In verse 12 it tells of Paul and his companions traveling to Philippi...why is this colony important? It is proof that the gospel can travel anywhere, and did. Philippi was a colony in which land was granted to veteran Roman soldiers. These soldiers fought under Julius Caesar and were extremely loyal to him. Caesar would have been considered higher and mightier than God in those days...so the summary from this part, is that think of areas whether in the US or the world where it seems the gospel falls on deaf ears, that it would be impossible to reach...this was the case then too, but the gospel has more power than we often give it credit for.
A second point was made of Lydia (found in verse 14). She appeared to have everything as far as her health, wealth, and influence. The Lord opened her heart and she was baptized.
Another point was made of the slave girl (found in verse 16). After troubling Paul and the guys, they cast out the evil spirit...the gospel won on her behalf too!
The slave girl issue landed Paul and his men in jail...starting in verse 25 it tells of them praying and singing hymns to God, with the other prisoners listening. Then, an earthquake took place...and the jailer (prison guard) was about to kill himself when he realized that the prison doors were open. The jailer then realized that Paul and the boys were still there & asked, "What must I do to be saved?" So think of it this way...the jailer went from a suicidal, professional failure to rejoicing in baptism with his whole household (in only about 3 short verses).
Just the jailer story alone is encouraging once you realize the transformation that took place because of the gospel! So, I know this was kind of long and drawn out, but it's easy to get discouraged with our world...and I am guilty of it. However, the gospel is more powerful than anything. And think of it this way...regardless of what happens in today's society...we already know the outcome. Jesus wins...the Gospel wins...just open up the Bible and be encouraged!