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Acts of the Apostles : 8 May 6 – Acts 8:1- 8

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Acts of the Apostles : 8 May 6 – Acts 8:1- 8 Acts of the Apostles : 8 May 6 – Acts 8:1- 8 May 13 - Acts 8:9-21 May 20 – Acts 8:22-29 May 27 – Acts 8:30-40 Moved, to Move On! • Location: Jerusalem and Beyond!!! • Time Period: Sometime within the first couple of years of the Church. • Purpose: To spread God’s Word and grow the church. • Observation: Acts 1:8 begins to be fulfilled Moved, to Move On! Saul –”asked for, prayed for” Hellenistic Jew born of Jewish parents in Tarsus which is in Cilicia * A Roman citizen Acts 22:25-29 he was raised as a Jewish Pharisee and “brought up in Jerusalem, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God.” Acts 22:3-4 Devout Jew & ruthless persecutor of the church Phil. 3:3-6 A Tentmaker * Moved, to Move On! “And Saul…” Was consenting… – KJV Approved of…– ESV, NIV Agreed Completely – NLT, NET Wholeheartedly Approved – AMP Full Agreement – CEB Moved, to Move On! What did this persecution look like? Imprisonment Beatings Murder – Acts 26:10 Saul was accountable for the murder of Stephen. Saul was responsible for the murder of other Christians. What does our persecution look like? God’s will, allows for disruptions Moved, to Move On! The Christians on the move (Involuntarily) The apostles were moved…to remain. Devout men – moved to an act of compassion. Saul - moved with rage. The Church cannot be stopped!!! Mat. 16:18 God’s Word is preached! Ministry continues - Miracles, signs and wonders are performed * Moved, to Move On! Philip - . derived from Greek (Philippos) "fond of horses” . one of the seven men chosen to serve tables (deacon) Samaria – Province situated between Galilee and Judea. Samaria has a very rich history. The city of Samaria was at one time the capital of the Northern Kingdom. 1 Kings 16:23-24; 2 Kings 3:1 Samaritans: . were of mixed race – part Jewish; part Assyrian; part “X” . False worship Opportunistic relationship with Israel Ezra 4:1-10 Just like Stephen, Philip preached Christ Moved, to Move On! Just like Stephen, Philip performed wonders and miracles. He removed demons - audible voices Luke 4:41 . The paralyzed and lame are healed . That city rejoices!!! . Different types of demons - Mark 9:14-29 . “We wrestle not…” - Eph. 6:12 . “…Resist the devil…” James 4:7 Acts of the Apostles 8:9-21 God’s True Spiritual Power May 13, 2020 God’s True Spiritual Power! Simon –” "listen" or "hearing” Samaritan A sorcerer – Simon Magus Prideful and egotistical Pseudo-religious figure Incorrectly referred to by some, as “the great power of God” Sorcery – dealing with the occult, black magic, forbidden in the law of Moses.(Ex. 22:18; Deut.18:10) Fortune telling; witchcraft; divination; psychic; astrology; charms; spells; wizardry; necromancy; drug-use; interpreting omens, horoscopes; mediums, incantations…etc.(you get the picture) God’s True Spiritual Power! But, there is good news! Philip displays obedience and faithfulness! The Samaritans perceived the truth, believed Christ and received the Holy Spirit. Does baptism save? Is baptism necessary? Simon believes, follows along with Philip and is amazed. That dynamic duo, Peter and John, are sent to the city of Samaria. Exactly when do we receive the Holy Spirit? God’s True Spiritual Power! Simon Says…the wrong thing! The gift of salvation and the subsequent gifts of the Holy Spirit cannot be purchased. Simon’s actions and response Peter’s strong rebuke - perish Simon desired…the wrong thing! May 20 – Acts 8:22-29 May 27 – Preaching June 3– Acts 8:30-40 Acts of the Apostles 8:22-29 The Continued Spreading of the Gospel May 20, 2020 The Continued Spreading of the Gospel Peter calls Simon to repentance Wicked thoughts in his heart Poisoned and bound Simon does not want these problems… but, Lack of confession Lack of conviction Peter and John return to Jerusalem preaching along the way. The Continued Spreading of the Gospel God provides Philip with clear instruction and clear direction. Philip is still obedient Ethiopia: Kush (in Hebrew); (son of Ham) Gen. 10.6 Ethiopian Eunuch: Emasculated, castrated servant to the queen Faithful eunuch’s were allowed to obtain positions of authority. He was Treasure Apparently a proselyte to Judaism * The Continued Spreading of the Gospel Candace: A title, not her name Possibly the mother of the king Performed most of the administrative functions of the kingdom On the way back home Riding in style Reading the scroll The Holy Spirit provides Philip with additional direction and instruction! June 3– Acts 8:30-40 A One-on-One Appointment A One-on-One Appointment An enthusiastic response! An audible confirmation! Listen Up! The Prophet Isaiah – “Prince of the Prophets” What a great question – “Do you know (understand) what you are reading?” Faith comes by hearing…Rom. 10:13-17 It should always be about Jesus! Isa. 53:7-8 . Jesus was led by His accusers but He was following His Father's will. He was as silent as a lamb. An exercise of controlled strength. No justice for the Prince of Peace. The Suffering Servant, suffered a violent death. A One-on-One Appointment Ask the question! Philip explained that passage of scripture and preached Jesus. The privilege of baptism. The gift of salvation. Identify with Jesus. Rom. 10:9-10 They both go into the water and take part in this symbolic act of obedience. Mat 28:19 Faith comes by hearing…Rom. 10:13-17 • Philip is miraculously carried away while the eunuch continues on, rejoicing. • Azotus-(Ashdod) & Caesarea: both cities situated off of the Mediterranean coast. Final Thoughts & Questions 1. Philip demonstrates to us effective witnessing skills. 2. What is one truth that you learned from Acts 8, that you can use as you move forward with your witnessing? .
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