God Sent Me Here, Not You! – Acts 8:1-8 (page 914)
Bethel Church – January 1, 2017
Intro – a true story
Why did Joe live like this?
Acts 8:1-3 (page 916)
- this event is a catalyst… allows open persecution
- less violence against the apostles (Palestinian Jews, respected)
- there is public protest (the burial and mourning of Stephen)
- Saul is not a talker, but a doer, actively
- is this fair? right? just? NO
- lots of opportunity for disillusionment & bitterness
Acts 8:4
- we don’t see that – many leave, but they continue to share
- what do you think their message was?
The Message
- God, the Creator, intended us to live with and for Him
- we totally rebelled against Him, impossible to make right
- God who is gracious and loving, devised a way
- God Himself came, God the Son, Jesus to bring us back
- Jesus paid for our sin, puts us back in God’s family
- this is forever, we can start living in light of this!
- what about suffering, pain, injustice?
- God uses that to train us, to teach us obedience and endurance
- Jesus knows all about that, because He went through the process
- what did Jesus tell his followers to do?
…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
Acts 1:8 ESV
- where were they up till now? Jerusalem
- Jesus uses the persecution to move them to their work!
Acts 8:5-7
- Philip, another of the 7 servants
- likely a Hellenist, also has skill and integrity
- continues to live out the mandate and life of Jesus!
- shares the Good News with socially marginalized people
- God uses Philip to do good to that community
- who are the socially marginalized in our community?
- how do we think of “those people”?
- how do we react (if only internally) to “those people”?
- nothing indicates Philip was all alone
- more likely he was with others, but the focus of the narrative
By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
– Jesus, inJohn 13:35 ESV
Acts 8:8
- much joy in that city… why?
- the life of Jesus is observed, presented, and active
- the life of Jesus is present in the city = joy!
Apply!
1. Do we understand the good news about Jesus?
2. Is the life of Jesus present and active in us?
3. Is the life of Jesus in us visible to our communities?