As I prepared for the message this Sunday morning, I read again the familiar story of the conversion of the Philippian jailor in Acts 16.  But today I noticed something I hadn’t noticed before, I noticed his joy.  Acts 16:34 says, “And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.”  Just a few moments before (see v. 27), he despaired of life, but now he rejoiced – what was it that made the difference? It was believing in Jesus Christ.

In v. 30, he asked the question, “What must I do to be saved?” He wanted to know how he could have the assurance that when this life was over, he was ready for eternity. Many today seek this assurance, but are told it isn’t possible, or else they are given some complex answer of some religious rituals they must follow in order to HOPEFULLY gain eternal life.  But the answer today is as simple as it was then, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved”

Believing in Jesus Christ brings joy to one’s life, for it brings with it the assurance of eternal life.  Then for the Christian, joy comes as we believe the promises of God’s Word, and apply them to our lives – promises of His presence; promises of His provision; promises of His protection.

The Philippian jailor experienced joy that day, because he believed in Jesus Christ, how about you? Do you have that joy? Have you placed your faith in Jesus Christ for your salvation?  Christian, are you living in God’s joy by trusting the promises of His Word?

“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”Psalm 34:8