THE POWER OF A SONG

ACTS 16:20-34

BRO. AFOLABI GEGE

A song is a musical composition typically consisting of lyrics (words or
vocal melodies) combined with musical notes and arrangements. songs
are a fundamental form of human expression and art that have been part
of human culture for thousands of years.

• songs are a universal form of artistic expression, transcending language

and cultural boundaries. they have the power to inspire, entertain,
educate, and connect people from different backgrounds and walks of
life. whether a simple song or a complex one, songs hold a special place
in human culture and creativity.
• Below are some key characteristics of songs:
1.Lyrics: Songs usually have lyrics, which are words or phrases sung by a vocalist or vocalists. Lyrics convey the song's
message, emotions, and narrative.
2.Melody: A song has a recognizable melody, which is a sequence of musical notes that form a tune. The melody is often
the most memorable and distinctive aspect of a song.
3.Harmony: Harmony refers to the combination of different musical notes and chords that accompany the melody.
Harmony adds depth and richness to the song's sound.
4.Rhythm: Songs have a rhythmic structure, which is created by the timing and arrangement of musical beats. Rhythm is
essential for setting the tempo and groove of the song.
5.Structure: Songs typically have a structured form that includes verses, choruses, and sometimes bridges. The structure
provides a framework for the song's progression and helps create a sense of familiarity for the listener.
6.Emotion and Expression: Songs are a powerful means of expressing emotions, thoughts, stories, and cultural themes.
They can evoke a wide range of feelings, from joy and love to sadness and reflection.
7.Cultural and Social Significance: Songs play a significant role in cultures around the world. They are used in rituals,
celebrations, and as a form of social commentary. Songs can reflect the values and experiences of a particular group or
society.
8.Performance: Songs are often performed live by singers or musicians, and they can also be recorded and distributed
through various media, such as radio, CDs, streaming platforms, and more.
9.Artistic Variation: The style and genre of songs can vary widely, encompassing genres like rock, pop, jazz, classical, hip-
hop, folk, and many others. This diversity allows for a vast array of artistic expression .
10.Instrumentation: Songs can be accompanied by various musical instruments, such as guitars, pianos, drums, and more. The
choice of instruments contributes to the song's style and genre. Exodus 15:21, 1 Chron 23:5, PS 150:1-6, Eph 5:19
Acts 16:20-34

20 “The whole city is in an uproar because of these Jews!” they shouted. 21 “They are teaching the people to do things that are against Roman
customs.” 22 A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. 23 They
were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. 24 So he took no
chances but put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks.

25 Around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.

26 Suddenly, there was a great earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors flew open, and the chains of every
prisoner fell off!.

27 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself.

28 But Paul shouted to him, “Don’t do it! We are all here!” 29 Trembling with fear, the jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell
down before Paul and Silas.

30 He brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 They replied, “Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along
with your entire household.”

32 Then they shared the word of the Lord with him and all who lived in his household.

33 That same hour the jailer washed their wounds, and he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized.

34 Then he brought them into his house and set a meal before them. He and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.
1. LISTEN-GET INFORMATION- ENABLE TO NEGOTIATE- HELPS IN FINDING SOLUTION TO SOMEONE
PROBLEM- GAIN RECOGNITION (WHICH IS A REWARD)
 HAVE THE ABILITY TO BE SOMEONE PROBLEM SOLVER ( IT’S A SOFT SKILL) THEN INTRODUCE YOUR PRODUCT

THE ABILITY TO LISTEN AND ASSIMILATE HELPS YOU TO NEGOTIATE AND BE A PROBLEM SOLVER
2. LOVE - IF YOU DO NOT FIND LOVE IN WHAT YOU DO, THEN THERE IS A PROBLEM BECAUSE YOU WILL
ALWAYS FIND BETRAYAL, HATRED, PAIN ETC.
 FIND WHAT YOU LOVE , LOVE CHRIST
 PASSION IS WHAT YOU CAN DO IN PAIN.

3.BRING GLORY AND HONOUR TO GOD, FOCUS ON GLORIFYING GOD IN YOUR LIFE
MORE OF HIM FOREFRONT, MORE OF HIM LESS OF YOU, LIFT HIM UP MORE IN EVERY AREA OF YOUR LIFE ,
BUSINESS , RELATIONSHIP. EVERY SINGLE DAY.
PUT HIM FIRST IN THE WAY YOU, THINK, RESPOND, PLAN FOR YOUR DAY
WATCH HOW HE BEGIN TO MANIFEST HIMSELF IN YOUR LIFE
“THIS IS THE CONFIDENCE WE HAVE IN APPROACHING GOD: THAT IF WE ASK ANYTHING ACCORDING TO HIS
WILL, HE HEARS US. AND IF WE KNOW THAT HE HEARS US—WHATEVER WE ASK—WE KNOW THAT WE HAVE
WHAT WE ASKED OF HIM.”
1JOHN 14-15 NIV.
 SINGING BRINGS GOD’S PRESENCE

• Praise Changes Atmospheres: when we praise God sincerely, it shifts

the spiritual atmosphere around us. just as in that prison cell, our
worship can break the chains of despair, fear, and hopelessness in our
lives.

• Praise Reflects Our Faith: praising God in the midst of trials reflects our
faith in his sovereignty. it's easy to praise god when things are going
well, but true faith shines when we praise him in the storms of life.
• Let’s invite God’s presence into our lives through the songs.
In 2 Cor. 11:23-28 Paul reluctantly recounts his resume of suffering, which included imprisonments, countless beatings, and
near-death experiences:

 whipped with 39 lashes (5 different times)

 beaten with rods (3 different times)
 pummeled with stones (1 time)
 shipwrecked (3 times)
 adrift at sea (one night, one day)
 journeys (frequent)
 danger from rivers
 danger from robbers
 danger from his own people
 danger from Gentiles
 danger in the city
 danger in the wilderness
 danger at sea
 danger from false brothers
 toil and hardship
 sleepless nights (many)
 hungry and thirsty (often)
 cold and exposed
 the pressure of anxiety for all the churches (daily)
 And yet given his radically God-centered worldview, Paul calls such suffering “light” and “momentary”!
 SINGING BRINGS GOD’S POWER

•Praise Invites Divine Intervention: God responds to our praise. When we lift him up, he draws near. In the case of Paul and Silas, their praise triggered a divine
intervention.

.WHAT STARTED THE PROCESS THAT ALLOWED GOD TO INTERVENE?

VS.25
AROUND MIDNIGHT, PAUL AND SILAS WERE PRAYING AND SINGING HYMNS TO GOD, AND THE OTHER PRISONERS WERE LISTENING.

•A. AND AS THEY SANG, THEY INVITED GOD INTO THEIR ENVIRONMENT AND GOD SHOWED UP - BEGAN TO DEMONSTRATE HIMSELF

•B. WHY?

•C. BECAUSE OF THE POWER OF A SONG

HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I STARTED SINGING IN THE DARKEST DAYS OF MY LIFE AND SENSE HIS PRESENCE FLOWING IN.
SINGING!!
IT INVITES THE PRESENCE OF GOD.
• EVER FEEL LIKE YOU WERE NOT GOING TO MAKE IT?
 SINGING BRINGS GOD’S DELIVERANCE

•Praise Is A Witness: Our song can be a powerful

testimony to those around us. the jailer,
witnessing the faith and worship of Paul and
Silas, asked, "sirs, what must i do to be saved?"
(acts 16:30). Their praise led to his salvation.
 CONCLUSION
• IN OUR OWN LIVES, WE MAY FACE OUR "PRISON MOMENTS" — Times of
suffering, despair, or uncertainty. but remember, as children of God, we have the
power of praise. We can sing praises in the darkest of nights, knowing that God is
with us. Our worship/Songs/Prayers can break chains, open doors, and lead to the
salvation of souls.

•Let us take this lesson to heart and cultivate a lifestyle of worship. May our songs of
praise be a constant reminder of the Power and Presence of our Heavenly Father.
and in every circumstance, May our praise be a beacon of hope, drawing others to
the saving grace of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
•May God bless you abundantly, and may the power of your praise transform your
life and the lives of those around you. In Jesus Name. Amen.
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING