How To Save a Nation: November 5, 2008 Acts 8:26-40
By obedience, Philip went beyond his place of comfort and brought the gospel to another culture. Salvation of a nation starts with individuals being obedient to God to reach key people in key places.
Review:
• Pentecost: The early church had good days and bad days.
Being “Pentecostal” is not just fun and games. It is not just about the high emotions of a great church service. It is also about being strong in tough times.
• Stephen is stoned: Persecution grows the church
A boy was sent home for dressing as Jesus.
• Simon: Money cannot buy God’s power, but giving does open the heavens. (Malachi 3:10)
Philip & the Ethiopian: How Philip brought the Gospel to a “foreigner.”
I. He obeyed: He left a successful ministry
A. Directed by an Angel: do you have an angel? Psalm 91
B. Listen to the Holy Spirit: be obedient.
II. He went to a specific place: a road.
A. A desert place: Ministry: It’s not a glamorous.
B. To a specific person: in a key position of government
C. Cultural differences: God is calling out of our cultural comfort
III. He took advantage of the opportunity:
A. He asked a question: Pushy statements push people away.
B. He started where he was (we cannot reach people where we are)
C. Good questions to ask: “How is your life going?” “Why are you struggling to believe?” “What questions do you have about life?”
IV. He reasoned with him. He proved scripture:
A. Prophecy proves the Bible: “This is what the Bible says.”
B. We have to know the facts – not just emotions.
C. Faith does not prove faith: Be able to defend your faith with reason.
D. Max Lucado 3:16: Everyone can’t be right. p. 87-88
V. He was baptized right away: Don’t Wait! Now is the time!
VI. Conclusion:
A. God gets into the government: Because Phillip was obedient to God, he was able to influence someone in a high position, much like Joseph, Daniel, Esther and other people of faith.
B. God is not only calling the Church to repentance, but to be His voice. In times of crisis, we cannot forget about the lost.
C. This is an incredible opportunity for the church: To be Philips:
1. To go to specific places, specific people.
2. To proclaim the message of salvation more than politics or political protest.
3. Pray for our leaders, for salvation, for key people of faith to be in influential positions.
