1. Opening Lydia’s Heart Acts 16:11-15

2. Introduction  Introduced to Lydia Place of prayer Interested in hearing Truth  Complimentary terms Worshiper of God Her heart can be opened

3. Definition of Heart  Think, reason, purpose Guard it (Proverbs 4:23; 23:7) Purpose (2 Corinthians 9:7)  Understand and believe Some are dull (Acts 28:27) Believe (Romans 10:10)

4. Definition of Heart  The Lord opened her heart She accepted the Truth No need for Paul if it is done miraculously

5. What Did He Use to Open It?  Concept of the sword Glittering sword of the Lord (Deuteronomy 32:36-43) Captain of the host (Joshua 5:13-15) Israel delivered (Judges 7:20)

6. What Did He Use to Open It?  Lord’s use of a sword Powerful (Hebrews 4:12) “Sword of my mouth” (Revelation 2:16)

7. What Did He Use to Open It?  Example of its use Pentecost (Acts 2:37) Effective whether obey or not (Acts 7:54)

8. Hardened Heart  Pharaoh’s heart “Was hardened” (Exodus 7:13, 22) “He hardened his heart” (Exodus 8:15) Both required cooperation

9. Hardened Heart  Jesus dealt with it Grieved (Mark 3:4, 5) Warned (Hebrews 3:8, 15)

10. Hardened Heart  Dangerous condition May not be able to reach them (Hebrews 6:4-6) Nothing else can change them

11. Opened Heart  Listened to preaching Obeyed (Acts 16:15) Difference between obedience and disobedience

12. Opened Heart  God’s method Had no “experience” to relate Power in the Word (Romans 1:16)

13. Opened Heart  Open or reject Hard to restore the fallen Can be done (Acts 13:46)

14. Conclusion  Same story repeated daily  What have you done?