Sermon 101198

Acts 8:25-39                The Road From Confusion to Rejoicing                                    10/11/98

                                                                                                                             ABCC

I.   Review                                                                                                                              641

q      This is an exciting time in church history…believers have been filled with power from heaven & they are bearing witness of Jesus with power & effectiveness…

q      The church is experiencing mighty deliverances; love for God, Scriptures, other believers; self-denial, sacrifice, hospitality & sharing; purging & cleansing from within and persecution from without – enemies are increasing, threatening & even resorting to murder

q      Yet the gospel message – the power of salvation continues to spread…(v. 4-5, 12)

II.    The Salvation of a Sinner

A.     The believer must exercise discernment in the work of the gospel (v. 25)

¨       You must know what God has called you to do; where, how long, for whom…

¨       A lack of discernment may lead to ineffectiveness, despair & even damage to those you are attempting to help

B.      The believer must be ready & willing for God to change your plans (v. 26) – “But…”

¨       Direct divine intervention in the saints life is the exception – normally providence & circumstances (2:42ff; 3:1ff; 6:1ff; 8;4ff).  An angel of the Lord  – Divine intervention for a specific purpose of the gospel

¨       God is not limited is the ways that He makes His will know in a specific situation, but we must be alert & humble in our service to Jesus (Heb. 1:13-14; 13:2)

¨       We must be willing to obey without knowing all the details – very little info & reasons given…

C.      The believer must get rid of prejudices & overcome fear (v. 27,5) – African & Samaritan

D.     The unbeliever should gather with the people of God for worship & privately read the scriptures (v. 27-28; 1Co. 14:23; Heb. 10:7; Jn. 5:39)

The Road From Confusion to Rejoicing, pg. 2

E.      The unbeliever is humbled & honest when God is at work in him (v. 29-34)

This is not the time to impress people with your intellect, natural abilities, knowledge of current events, all the evils in religion & the church…God is at work not showing you how great & wonderful you are, but rather how miserable & hopeless you are without Jesus and how little you know about Him…

F.      The gospel must be shared & preached from the Scriptures (v. 4,25,35; 9:20; Rom. 10:15)

G.     True faith in Jesus & confession are required before baptism (v. 36-38; Rom. 10:9-10)

H.     Obedience to Jesus Christ leads to joy & rejoicing (v. 39)

How great is God’s love for the sinner – Jn. 3:16.  How great is God’s love for the saint – 1Jn. 3:1.  What will God do in order to save a sinner?  What sacrifices are you willing to make in order to see a sinner saved?  Philip was willing to share the gospel with a crowd (v. 5-6) or with an individual (v. 27ff); with common people & with wealthy political figures; people of different races, cultures, background; willing to change his plans; leave successful, exciting ministry for that which appeared to be fruitless…Do you ever wonder what God did in order to get the gospel to you?  Did God interrupt someone’s life?  Did they have to overcome prejudices & biases…?  Are you rejoicing today or are you still on that road of confusion & misery…?  Have you been reading the Scriptures?  Have you seen yourself there – in misery in your sin & guilt & confusion…?  Have you seen Jesus in the Scriptures yet and the great plan of redemption?  Have you seen that He is the Lamb of God…?  If you are still in confusion, this is the day that you could be brought to rejoicing – only believe (v. 37).  If you are a Christian, then you have already seen yourself & Jesus & you ought to be rejoicing!