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ACTS 16: 25

"SONGS IN THE NIGHT"

I. THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THEY SANG.
        A. Sitting in the dungeon with their feet fastened to the stocks.
                1. These inner prison areas were usually filthy, rat infested areas with  
                   horrible stench.
                2. Their backs were cut open and still stinging from the beatings they 
                   received.
                        a. The blood was beginning to cake sticking their clothes to their 
                           bodies.
                        b. Infectious germs abounded in this filth. 
                3. They were far from home and countrymen. 
                4. It was about midnight.
        B. Men who can sing in these circumstances most possess something special.
                1. The other prisoners as they listened must have been shocked.
                        a. They had heard men scream and curse.
                        b. But sing?

II. WHAT KIND OF MEN CAN SING UNDER THESE CONDITIONS.
        A. Men with a mission.
                1. They had been sent by their King.
                2. They knew He was in control of all of the circumstances of their lives.
                3. They knew He had a purpose for these things and "all things were  working 
                   for good."
                4. They were singing songs to their King and of their King who they
                        loved dearly.
        B. They were men with a relationship.
                1. They had a close relationship to their King.
                        a. Though unseen He was with them wherever they went.
                        b. When they were weak He would strengthen them.
                        c. When perplexed He would lead.
                        d. When discouraged. He would lift their spirits. 
        C. Men who live above their circumstances.
                1. They realized these things just temporal.
                2. They belonged to and were destined for the eternal kingdom.
                3. They rejoiced not for their circumstances that would be insane. 
                        a. They rejoiced in their King.

III. WHAT HAPPENED TO THESE MEN? 
        A. Suddenly there was a great earthquake.
                1. The prison gates were thrust open their stocks were Ioosed.
                2. This is exciting, but singing praises in prison does not always create 
                   earthquakes.
                        a. They were not singing for deliverance.
                        b. They were singing to worship.
                        c. The earthquake was a surprise to them.
                        d. They did not take advantage and seek to escape.
        B. Soon a hard toughened jailer was kneeling before them trembling.
                1. In his question they understood the reason for their imprisonment.
                        a. "What must I do to be saved?"
                        b. Their King was recruiting new subjects for the Kingdom.
                2. The earthquake wasn't to let them out of jail, but to let the jailer in to
                   the Kingdom.

IV. THE LORD CAN GlVE YOU A SONG lN YOUR DARKEST NIGHT.