Jul 12, 2009

Acts 8.4-8 "Proclaiming the Message"

Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8So there was much joy in that city.” (Acts 8.4-8 ESV)
When Philip went to Samaria after having to leave Jerusalem. He did what came naturally: he preached the Gospel. We can learn a great deal from him about the power of the Gospel.

The Message was Preached (v.4-5)
• “those who were scattered”- driven out of Jerusalem (Jewish Believers)
• “went about preaching the Word”- customary to live proclaiming the message
• Philip: not the Apostle, an evangelist/missionary and original deacon (Acts 6.5)
• The commission to preach the message was from Christ (Matthew 28.18-20)

The Message was Powerful (v.6-7)
• The message was validated by God's power
• It's power was foretold by Christ (Mark 16.15-18)
• The Holy Spirit worked in people's lives to save and heal

The Message was Productive (v.8)
• When Philip preached, people were saved (we can see in the context of this chapter)
• His work brought “much joy” to the city
• The powerful message is going to lead to salvation of some who do not believe
• “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” -Romans 1.16 (ESV)

We, just like Philip must bring the Gospel with us wherever we go. When we do we will see results over time. We step out and do the work; the result is the Lord's. Philip did not talk these people into anything, the Holy Spirit did the work.

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