A Christian but not Saved!

Lydia began this particular Sabbath in her life in the routine of attending worship by a riverside in Philippi. When Paul began to speak, no doubt about Christ's death and resurrection, she listened. But she was not then saved. Her heart had not been opened. When the Lord then opened her heart she listened in such a way as to give herself over to what was being said. She was converted, saved, by the Lord opening her heart.

After the opening of her heart came the opening of her home. Conversion always results in a practical demonstration of concern for Jesus, for his people, his gospel - for everything in fact that belongs to him. This was a great moment in Philippi. Here now was the beginning of a church and a place for them to meet. The Lord's opening of one woman's heart led to the opening up of gospel ministry where there had been none before.