Biblical Vision With Global Impact

Acts 8:26–40 NASB95

But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, “Get up and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a desert road.) So he got up and went; and there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure; and he had come to Jerusalem to worship, and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah. Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Now the passage of Scripture which he was reading was this: “He was led as a sheep to slaughter; And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, So He does not open His mouth. “In humiliation His judgment was taken away; Who will relate His generation? For His life is removed from the earth.” The eunuch answered Philip and said, “Please tell me, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself or of someone else?” Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him. As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, but went on his way rejoicing. But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he passed through he kept preaching the gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea.

FCF: We all struggle with missing opportunities when God makes them clear for us to follow

Purpose: The gospel requires voices for faith to become evidenced in lives, therefore you must demonstrate your obedience to God by Going, Teaching, and Making disciples

Introduction:

Historically the gospel has had it’s greatest expansion in times of great persecution. One may ask why is this the case? Simply put, when Christians are forced to stand for truth and their faith is rooted in Christ, They are simply more bold. Christians who have become complacent in their lives due to being enamored with the World, are just silent. That may be because of fear of man or reprisal. It may simply be just sinful inaction (pride) because you may feel entitled or special because God chose you. It may be because you simply don’t know Christ as Savior and therefore you have no message.

The gospel’s intent was to start at home (Jerusalem) then spread to your community (Judea) then to places that are unlovely and further distances (Samaria) and then have true global impact (uttermost parts). This simple plan has been thwarted by the processes of man who have tried to do God’s work their own way instead of HIS way. We will see here in the life of Philip that as “he being in the way” the “Lord led him” to wherever the gospel was needed but it always started at home (Jerusalem). Let’s take a look at these three maps for a moment to catch just a glimpse of the vision that God has and gave instruction for us here in the book of Acts.

I. The simple command to Go must be obeyed (26-27)

A. Philip went immediately

B. Philip went willingly

C. Philip Obeyed graciously

Explanation:

The gospel has no boundaries. The Gospel is not a respector of persons. The gospel will accomplish its purposes. The one and only thing that the gospel needs is a willing heart and mouth. God can save and has saved millions without the help of man. However He does chose to use us as His instruments of His Grace. Paul aptly stated the drive within his soul when he said “woe is me if I preach not the gospel”. May that ever be the cry of our hearts.

II. The simplicity of the gospel message must be taught (Matthew 28:19-20)

A. Philip explained the gospel without hesitation ( which means He knew it)

B. Philip did not hold back truth because of the Eunuch’s position

C. The gospel message accomplished its purpose

IIII. The natural Effects of the gospel will be more propogation (39-40)

A. Life breeds life (Genesis 1&2)

B. Disciple Making is simply just the beginning

C. One Life to a Life for Life