ACTS—Building Toward the Future | Aelfless Servanthood & Salvation | Acts 8:26-40 | March 22, 2020

Strangers on a Wilderness Road | vv. 26—29
Philip—full of the Spirit & Wisdom
     obedient… and poor?
The Ethiopian—government official & trustworthy!
     wealthy…, a eunuch!… & a God worshiper!

Q: How did Philip respond when prompted by the Holy Spirit?

     How do we typically respond?  How should we?

Start a Conversation | vv. 30—35

Q:  Did Philip know what he would see/hear/say?

Philip listened before he spoke
He found the eunuch receptive
Philip was invited in
The eunuch had questions
Philip was invited in
He shared Jesus right from the Scriptures

Obedience from the Servant & the Saved | vv. 36—40
The eunuch understood that he should be baptized
This appears to be full immersion
The Spirit of the Lord took Philip away 

Q:  Did you notice the Holy Spirit in this short passage?

The eunuch rejoices!
Philip continues preaching! 

Q:  What should we do?

ACTS—Building Toward the Future | Salvation is Given… Not Purchased! | Acts 8:9—25 | March 15, 2020

Two Types of “Belief” | vv. 9—13
He boasted that he was someone great!
The people were impressed with his magic
Simon was all about himself
Philip was all about Jesus
The people believed based on what Philip said
What did Simon believe in? 

Q:  What have you placed your faith in?

The Seal of Approval | vv. 14—17
They were already baptized
Was the Holy Spirit late to arrive?
What was the Apostles’ need?
What was the Samaritans’you need? 

Q:  What is our need?

One Type of “Belief” Exposed! | vv. 18—25
Simon tries to buy what is freely given
His heart was not right with God
“Pray for me”?
Power & position do not trump humility

What Does This Mean for Us?
The “news” of what He has done should amaze us.
Go to those you might have avoided in the past
Don’t dictate to God how He should act 

(Preconceived notions aren’t always correct!)