"Lydia, A Great Woman Of The Bible"

I want to talk about Lydia.  Lydia is just one reminder that businesswomen have been impacting the kingdom of God since Bible times. 

 Lydia had come from the city of Thyatira in Asia Minor, but met Paul while she was living in the European city of Philippi, and became the first convert in his European ministry.  Interestingly enough, Paul and his colleagues had been headed to Asia to spread the gospel when they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.  They went to Europe instead, and met Lydia there, so he was able to reach an Asian woman with the gospel anyway.

Lydia met Paul in a riverside place where Jewish women regularly gathered to pray. She was a worshiper, but was not baptized until after the Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.  After hearing Paul preach, Lydia and her entire household were saved.

A wealthy woman of significant social status and influence, Lydia made her living selling items that were dyed with a valuable purple dye made from shellfish. She expressed her generosity and hospitality by receiving Paul and Silas as guests in her home.  She also started a church in her home for believer nearby, and no doubt continued to use her resources to further the cause of Christ.

 Let businesswoman today follow Lydia's example and use every possible means to build the kingdom of God. Whether we can be stewards of wealth, influence, or authority, let us give generously to spread the gospel.

(Acts 16: 6,14, and 15) says, "Now when they had gone through Phrygian and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia."  "Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.  And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay." So she persuaded us."

 

More woman are working out of the home now than ever.  As woman we need to realized that we are also called of God to be disciples.  We are to Go Ye and Teach also.  Do not let anyone tell you that because you are a woman, you cannot lead, plant, and be the minister, God wants you to be. Whether it be in the church, home are workplace.

   

 Lydia, is just one of the examples in the New Testament of God calling on and depending on to do His work.  

 

Father God, Help us to all know, that you give each gifts and talents according to your will.  Guide each of us whether we be man or woman to the place you want us to be.  In Jesus Name I Pray. Amen and Amen 

 

Written By: Pastor Pat Aman

Copyright  September 15, 2002

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