Faith that Flows into Action
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- Sep 12
- 3 min read
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | September 12 2025 | Acts 16:11-15
KEY VERSE: “When she and the members of her household were baptised, she invited us to her home. ‘If you consider me a believer in the Lord,’ she said, ‘come and stay at my house.’ And she persuaded us.” Acts 16:15 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
The text says that “when Paul proclaimed Jesus, she and her 'household' believed and Paul baptised them”. Her "household" refers to the other women who worked for her, lived under her influence, and attended the worship gatherings at the place of prayer. The conversion of Lydia did not stop at belief; it was immediately followed by baptism and a demonstration of hospitality. Genuine faith is never passive - it produces visible fruit. Lydia’s story shows us that when God opens the heart, life must also open up in obedience and service. The text reveals three main lessons for us.
True faith will always be marked by obedience. Lydia and her household responded to the gospel with baptism, an outward declaration of inward faith. Genuine belief is never hidden - it is expressed in obedience to Christ’s commands (Matt. 28:19–20). The next lesson from the text is that faith flows into hospitality. Lydia was not only welcoming to Paul and his team, but she was also insistently hospitable. Her house became the base of operations for the mission team while they were in Philippi. Lydia not only believed and got baptised, but she also opened her home to Paul and his companions. Faith transforms us into generous, kingdom-minded people who use our resources to serve God and others (Heb. 13:2). Lastly, we learn that transformation is contagious. Lydia’s conversion led to the baptism of her household. When one person is truly changed by Christ, that change influences family, friends, and community. Faith is personal, but it is never private - it ripples outward.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
How does your faith show itself in obedience to Christ’s commands? Who around you can be influenced by the overflow of your faith? When God transforms the heart, it must be evident in daily obedience, generosity, and a life of witness. Faith is not just believing in Jesus Christ; it is living for Him.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, thank You for reminding me through Lydia’s story that true faith is active. Please help me not only to believe but to obey, not only to receive but to give, and not only to be transformed but to influence others. May my life, like Lydia’s, become a channel of blessing for the spread of Your kingdom. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 255: Job 32–34 — Elihu Speaks with Passion
DAILY word study: HOSPITALITY The word 'hospitality' in Scripture originates from the Greek word philoxenia, meaning “love of strangers.” It describes the generous welcome of others into one’s home or life. Lydia’s invitation to Paul and his team was more than kindness—it was faith expressed in action. Her house became a centre for gospel ministry because she practised philoxenia.
Reflect on this:
Faith that flows into hospitality shows trust in God and love for people. Welcoming others, even at personal cost, turns our homes and lives into spaces where God’s kingdom can grow.
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