EVERYBODY OUGHT TO KNOW Everybody ought to know
EVERYBODY OUGHT TO KNOW Everybody ought to know Everybody ought to know Who Jesus is.
He's the lily of the valley He's the brighter morning star He's the fairest of ten thousand Everybody ought to know.
Everybody ought to know Everybody ought to know Who Jesus is.
ACTS 8 CATCH THAT CHARIOT! God’s Witnesses to the World (Growing, Glowing, Going )
INTRODUCTION Luke interrupts his narrative of the church a second time to introduce another one of God’s chosen servants. Whereas Stephen showed us a layman skilled in preaching, Philip demonstrates effective evangelism. n He introduces the chapter with a brief record of the persecution which broke out after the death of Stephen (a bridge in the text which also gives him opportunity to introduce Saul). n
Then—as Luke reminds us—we see God’s plan realized as the gospel spreads from Jerusalem to Judea and Samaria bringing to reality the ascension commission of the Lord (1: 8). n In Acts 8 we find the final reference to Stephen, a brief introduction of Saul, and the story of Philip—three people who came from considerably different backgrounds. n
God’s grace brings together vastly different people into one body. n We see, both in the New Testament and in our churches today, the genius of Christian unity (Ephesians 4: 3 -6). n In Romans 12: 4 -5, Paul pointed to unity and diversity, something we shall see repeatedly lived out through Acts. n
The church consists of people, not buildings. n The ongoing ministry of the gospel, until Jesus comes again, rests squarely with committed Christians such as Philip who make themselves available for the service of Jesus Christ whenever and wherever the Holy Spirit wills. n Leading other people to Christ requires that we be ready, unafraid, able to use God’s Word, and filled with the Holy Spirit. n
Context of Philip’s Ministry (1 -8) Local persecution (1 -3) 1. Paul approves the death of Stephen. (1) 2. Paul attempts the destruction of the church. (2 -3) n Lay preaching (4 -8) 1. The person of Philip’s message (4 -5) 2. The power of Philip’s message (6 -8) n Christian witness brings great joy. n
Con Man in Samaria (9 -19) Simon’s profession of faith (9 -13) 1. The pride of Simon (9) 2. The popularity of Simon (10 -11) 3. The profession of Simon (12 -13) n Visit of Peter and John (14 -17) n Curse of simony (18 -19) n
Whenever God accompanies the gospel with physical miracles, the potential for perversion exists. n Christians willing to proclaim God’s truth must expect trouble from those who want to distort it. n
Conflict Between Truth and Error (20 -25) Fitting rebuke (20 -23) n Faulty response (24) n Faithful representatives (25) n Only a heart attitude of repentance can bring genuine salvation. n
Contrast in Evangelism (26 -29) On the road again (26) n In God’s plan again (27 -28) n Through the Spirit again (29) n n In God’s value system, it matters not whether one preaches to hundreds in a city or one in the desert. Faithfulness to call is the only issue.
Contact with the Lost (30 -35) Making the connection (30 -31) n Using the Bible (32 -33) n Explaining the gospel (34 -35) n When a willing Christian communicates the gospel to a prepared listener, spiritual miracles take place. n
Convert in the Desert (36 -40) Baptism follows faith (36 -38) n Rejoicing follows regeneration (39) n Philip follows the Spirit (40) n God has ordained believer’s baptism as a way of demonstrating that we have come to faith in his Son. n
PRINCIPLES God can do amazing things through an available layperson. n Every believer should be ready to explain the gospel. n The good news about Jesus is not limited to any ethnic or cultural group. n All service for the Lord must be engendered and empowered by His Spirit. n
APPLICATIONS Be ready to go to any place for God at any time. n Know your Bible well, and grow in your ability to use it. n Don’t minimize the importance of the Old Testament. Instead, know how to find Christ there as often as possible. n Be ready to “catch your chariot” whenever and wherever it comes along. n
CONCLUSION n Leading other people to Christ requires that we be ready, unafraid, able to use God’s Word, and filled with the Holy Spirit.
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