The Birth of Christ in America Part II
Scroll to read a recap of Pastor John’s sermon from December 14, 2025
Let’s Break it Down
Through her faithful obedience in one moment by the riverside, Lydia helped launch a movement that would eventually bring Christianity to America and beyond, proving that God consistently uses unlikely people in unexpected places to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.
Key Takeaways
One person's obedience to God can have generational impact - Lydia became the first convert in Europe and helped establish the foundation for Christianity reaching America
God uses unlikely people in unlikely places - Lydia was a woman in a male-dominated culture in a small city, yet she became instrumental in spreading the Gospel
Supporting ministry both locally and globally is crucial - Lydia hosted church in her home and funded Paul's missionary journeys
God looks at the heart, not outward appearance or qualifications - our willingness to be obedient matters more than our perceived significance
Immediate, wholehearted response to God's calling leads to greater impact - Lydia didn't hesitate but immediately opened her home and resources to ministry
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5 Day Devotional
Day 1:The Power of One
Devotional: Have you ever wondered if your life really matters? If the choices you make today could possibly impact eternity? Lydia's story reminds us that God specializes in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. She was simply a businesswoman going about her daily routine when God intersected her path by a riverside. What happened next changed the course of history. Lydia didn't set out to become Europe's first Christian convert or to establish the first church on an entire continent. She was just being faithful in the moment, responding to what God was showing her. Yet through her simple obedience, Christianity spread across Europe and eventually reached America. You might feel like just one person in a world of billions, but never underestimate the ripple effect of faithful obedience. Every great movement of God begins with someone saying yes to His call, regardless of how small or insignificant it might seem. Your willingness to follow God's leading today could be the catalyst for something far greater than you can imagine. God doesn't need your perfection; He needs your availability. He doesn't require you to see the full picture; He simply asks for your faithful response to what He's showing you right now. Like Lydia, you may think you're just being obedient in a small moment, but God can use that moment to change everything.
Bible Verse
'For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.' - 1 Samuel 16:7
Reflection Question
What 'small' act of obedience might God be calling you to today that could have far greater impact than you realize?
Quote What a difference one person can make. What a difference.
Prayer
Lord, help me to see my life through Your eyes. Give me the courage to say yes to Your calling, even when I can't see the full picture. Use my simple obedience to accomplish Your extraordinary purposes. Amen.
Day 2:Courage to Begin
Devotional: Starting something new requires courage. Whether it's a new job, relationship, or stepping into God's calling, beginnings demand faith. Lydia demonstrated this courage when she opened her heart to Paul's message and immediately acted on her newfound faith. Think about the courage it took for Lydia to be baptized along with her entire household. In her culture and position as a successful businesswoman, this decision carried significant social and economic risks. Yet she didn't hesitate. She didn't wait to see how others would respond or calculate the potential costs. She simply obeyed. Often, we overthink God's invitations. We analyze every possible outcome, weigh the pros and cons, and wait for the perfect moment that never comes. But faith requires us to step forward even when we can't see the entire staircase. Lydia's courage to begin something new in that moment by the riverside became the foundation for an entire movement. God is looking for people who will take that first step of faith, even when it feels scary or uncertain. He's not asking you to have all the answers or to guarantee the outcome. He's simply asking for your willingness to begin. Your courage to say yes today could be the beginning of something beautiful that impacts generations to come. Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Every mighty oak was once an acorn that held its ground. Your beginning matters more than you know.
Bible Verse
'So from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.' - Hebrews 11:12
Reflection Question
What has God been asking you to begin that you've been putting off due to fear or uncertainty?
Quote I guarantee in the beginning it took guts. It took faith. It took courage to do what they did.
Prayer
Father, give me the courage to begin what You're calling me to start. Help me to trust You with the outcome and take that first step of faith, even when I can't see the full path ahead. Amen.
Day 3:Simple Obedience
Devotional: Sometimes we complicate what God is asking of us. We think His plans must be complex, requiring advanced degrees or special talents. But Lydia's story teaches us that God's greatest works often begin with simple obedience to His voice. When Lydia heard Paul's message, she didn't overthink it. She didn't form a committee to study the implications or wait for a more convenient time. She simply responded to what God was showing her in that moment. Her heart was open, and she acted on what she heard. This is the beauty of walking with God – it doesn't have to be complicated. When He speaks to your heart about showing kindness to a neighbor, forgiving someone who hurt you, or stepping into a new opportunity, the response is straightforward: just do it. Trust that God will handle the results. We often get caught up in trying to control outcomes, measuring success, and ensuring everything goes according to our plans. But that's not our job. Our role is to plant and water; God's role is to give the increase. When we focus on being faithful in the small things He asks of us, He takes care of the big picture. Lydia thought she was simply being obedient to what God was asking in that moment. She had no idea she was launching Christianity in Europe. Sometimes the most significant kingdom work happens when we're just trying to be faithful to what God is asking today.
Bible Verse
'From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis.' - Acts 16:11
Reflection Question
In what area of your life are you overcomplicating what God is asking you to do?
Quote I think that they thought in the moment, I'm just being obedient. I'm just doing what God's asking me to do. This isn't rocket science. I'm just gonna do what the Lord's telling me to do.
Prayer
Lord, help me to embrace simple obedience. When You speak to my heart, give me the wisdom to respond without overcomplicating Your instructions. I trust You with the results. Amen.
Day 4:Unlikely and Chosen
Devotional: God has a pattern of choosing the unexpected. Throughout history, He has consistently used people and places that others would overlook. Lydia was a businesswoman in a male-dominated society, a Gentile in a Jewish religious context, and she lived in Philippi – hardly the center of the religious world. Yet God chose her to be Europe's first Christian convert. Perhaps you've felt overlooked or underqualified for God's purposes. Maybe you think your background, location, or circumstances disqualify you from being used significantly by God. Lydia's story reminds us that God specializes in using the unlikely. God doesn't choose based on human credentials or social status. He looks at the heart. When He saw Lydia's heart open to His truth, He didn't see a woman limited by cultural barriers – He saw someone who would faithfully steward His calling. Her willingness to respond made her the perfect choice for launching Christianity in Europe. Your perceived limitations might actually be God's perfect setup for displaying His power. When God uses someone unexpected, it's clear that the success comes from Him, not human ability. This brings Him glory and encourages others who feel unqualified. Don't let anyone, including yourself, convince you that you're not the right person for God's purposes. If your heart is open to Him and you're willing to be obedient, you're exactly who He's looking for. He can do anything He wants with whomever He wants, wherever He wants.
Bible Verse
'I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.' - Romans 16:1-2
Reflection Question
What aspects of your background or current situation do you think disqualify you from being used by God, and how might these actually be part of His perfect plan?
Quote God uses unlikely people and he uses unlikely places. Can anything good come out of Nazareth again and again and again? God uses the unlikely in unlikely places.
Prayer
God, thank You for choosing the unlikely and unexpected. Help me to see myself through Your eyes and trust that You can use me regardless of my limitations or circumstances. Use me for Your glory. Amen.
Day 5:Your Influence Matters
Devotional: Lydia's story concludes with a powerful reminder: you have more influence than you realize. She didn't just become a Christian; she became a catalyst for an entire movement. Her home became the first church in Europe, her resources supported Paul's ministry, and her faithfulness created a ripple effect that continues today. Many people underestimate their influence. You might think you're just one person living an ordinary life, but God sees the potential for extraordinary impact through your faithful obedience. Every conversation you have, every act of kindness you show, every prayer you pray has the potential to change someone's eternity. Lydia understood that her conversion wasn't just about her personal salvation – it was about stewarding the influence God had given her for His kingdom purposes. She immediately opened her home, shared her resources, and used her business connections to advance the Gospel. Your sphere of influence is unique to you. The people in your workplace, neighborhood, family, and social circles are there by divine appointment. God has strategically placed you where you are to be His light in that specific context. You may be the only Christian some people will ever really know. The question isn't whether you have influence – you do. The question is how you'll use it. Will you let your light shine so that others see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven? Your faithful response to God's calling today could be the beginning of something that impacts generations to come.
Bible Verse
'Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.' - Psalm 51:10
Reflection Question
Who in your current sphere of influence might God be calling you to impact through your faithful obedience to Him?
Quote I wonder how many people think little of themselves. And yet you have more influence than you realize.
Prayer
Father, open my eyes to see the influence You've given me. Help me to be faithful in using every opportunity to point others to You. May my life be a light that draws people to Your love and truth. Amen.