They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”  Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house (Acts 16:31-32).

Paul and Silas in their missionary trip stayed in Philippi for a few days and met with a slave fortune teller. She had a spirit inside her and predicted the future. When I see fortune telling business growing these days and makes wallet full of money, I remember this fortune teller described in the Bible, who had a demon spirit inside her. Listen,  the Bible truthfully informs all you should know about the future. You do not need to waste your money and time following fortune tellers.

The woman earned a lot of money for her slave owners because of her success in fortune telling. When she met Paul and his group, she shouted, “these men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” She kept on announcing this about them for many days. You see even the demons and evil spirits knows the truth. However, Paul became so annoyed and said to the spirit in her, “in the name of Jesus Christ, I command you to come out her.” In the same moment, the spirit left her. You see, the name of Jesus Christ delivers people who are in bondage and under the evil spirit. Only the name of the Son of God, Jesus Christ can set them free from bondage and possessions. Pray to God in the name of Jesus Christ to be delivered from various addictions and bondages. You can also search for an evangelist or Bible teacher who can help you. They can pray in the name of Jesus Christ.

However, when her owners realized the hope of making money was gone, they got hold of Paul and Silas and brought them before the magistrates and falsely accused and gave a report about them. The magistrates ordered Paul and his friends to be stripped and beaten with rods.  After a severe beating, they were thrown into prison, and a jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Jailer placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks and was responsible for keeping them there.

In the midnight hours, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. You see, even after severe flogging that resulted in bruises and wounds all over their bodies, they could not contain the divine joy inside them. Friends, such is the joy of salvation and knowing and serving Lord Jesus Christ. All prisoners were listening to their songs and prayers. As they were praying and singing hymns, God stepped in for their miraculous deliverance. A violent earthquake shook the foundation of the prison. Doors of the prison were open, and chains came loose. All prison doors open and everyone’s chain came loose. The jailer woke up and afraid. He drew his sword to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. However, Paul said to him,” do not harm yourself! We are all here!” They did not run away when the door opened.

The jailer rushed and fell trembling before Paul and Silas and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved? Our today’s insight is the answer to the jailer’s question. Paul and Silas replied at once, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved-you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and all in his house. As he and his household were listening to the word of God, God changed his heart. Now as you listen to these words, dear one, God can save you by changing your heart to believe in Jesus Christ. The jailer washed their wounds from the flogging received in prison. He and his family were saved and baptized by their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Bible records 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 household. He was full of joy because he found salvation in Jesus Christ. (Acts 16:34).

Beloved, what Paul and Silas shared with the Jailer was the most crucial matter of his life. He understood it. The jailer feared the authorities would kill him because prison doors were opened and chains were loosed. You see, each of us will die one day. However, to be saved from an eternity without God, which is, in essence, the hell, you need to believe in the Savior Jesus Christ. This is the good news called the Gospel. Christ died, buried and rose again in your place for all of your sins and shortcomings. All your good works would never save you. Good works follow your salvation. It is the relationship with the Son of God, Jesus Christ, that saves you. Greg Laurie of Harvest crusade uses to say, “Heaven is not for good people. Heaven is for forgiven people.” Think about it! Have you been saved and received the forgiveness of God?  By believing and accepting Jesus as your savior and Lord, you will be saved here on this earth and afterlife. The blood of Christ would forgive all your sins and shortcoming. You can face death with a smile and blessed hope without fear.

Got a moment for today’s prayer? “Father in heaven, I believe in the word I heard today that said ‘believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved-you and your household.’ I place my faith and trust in Jesus because I believe He died and rose again for all of my sins. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”