Today we are exploring Philippi and our morning began with visiting the site associated with the baptism of Lydia narrated in Acts 16:13-15. Luke tells us that Lydia was a dealer in purple cloth - a valuable product in those days. Lydia was clearly a woman of some means and her conversion a story that was well remembered.
It is a beautiful spot with the water streaming from the natural spring as it did in Paul's day. Indeed little seemed to have changed since that day when the Lord opened Lydia's heart to Paul's message about Jesus. She immediately responded by being baptised and showing hospitality to Paul and his friends. A reminder that faith makes a difference to our everyday lives.
Linda led us in a moving service in which we reflected on our own journeys of faith and reaffirmed our faith and decision to follow Christ using the ancient words of the baptismal vows.
And we used this prayer: 'May God, who has given us the desire to follow Christ, give us the strength to continue in the Way'. And we meant it.
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