ACTS SERIES CHAPTER 8 – UNSTOPPABLE CHURCH-PHILIP
Acts 8:1-25 (NLT)
The Big Idea: The Holy Spirit’s fullness or Baptism empowers us the Church and enables us to serve God’s purposes and to effectively communicate the Gospel.
Background: Philip,(not the Apostle with the same name) like Stephen, was one of those chosen to wait on tables so to speak. Philip was intelligent, responsible and full of the Holy Spirit. The church in Jerusalem comes under persecution so it is scattered throughout Judea and Samaria with which Philip goes and preaches the Good News about Jesus in Samaria accompanied by miracles.
Jesus said: But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be My witnesses, telling people about Me everywhere – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Acts 1:8 (NLT)
LESSONS FROM THE MOST LEAST LIKELY PLACE – SAMARIA
- TAKING IT (THE GOSPEL) TO THE STREETS
Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. Persecution Scatters the Believers A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. 2 (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) 3 But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison. Philip Preaches in Samaria 4 But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. 5 Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah. 6 Crowds listened intently to Philip because they were eager to hear his message and see the miraculous signs he did. 7 Many evil[a] spirits were cast out, screaming as they left their victims. And many who had been paralyzed or lame were healed.
- The church grows, not by the preaching of a few anointed Apostles, but when every believer is filled with the Spirit and takes the gospel to the streets – office, classroom, jobsite, hospital room, everywhere.
- Many people believed and received Jesus Christ as their Savior and are baptized in water.
… These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages- tongues… they will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed. Mark 16:17-18 (NLT)
Mr. Ordinary 2.0’s ministry was one of WORD & DEED.
- The Word: The message of Jesus
- Deed: Miraculous signs
So there was great joy in the city. ACTS 8:8 (NLT)
The Gospel creates unity that overcomes hurt and mistrust.
- God The Holy Spirit was Welcomed and Received
14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. 15 As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit. 16 The Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them, for they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John laid their hands upon these believers, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:14-17 (NLT)
You can have a life transforming relationship with the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit becomes your friend, He brings 4 Amazing Benefits into your Life.
- POWER: But you will receive power… Acts 1:8
- LOVE: 1 Cor. 13 the famous Love Chapter which is sandwiched between two chapters that teach the Gifts of the Spirit.
- FRUIT: According to Gal. 5:22, when we allow the Holy Spirit to fully dwell in our lives, He produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self -control. There is no law against these things!
- GIFTS: 1 Cor. 12 & 14 So we can minister for our Lord effectively.
May we pray like the early church: And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out Your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through your holy servant Jesus. Acts 4:29-30 (NLT)