Sharing the Good News
01/07/2025
“Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.” – Acts 8:35 (NIV)
In this short but powerful verse, we see the essence of evangelism beautifully displayed. Philip, led by the Holy Spirit, encounters the Ethiopian eunuch reading a passage from Isaiah. Instead of offering a generic message, Philip begins with the eunuch’s starting point, he says “that very passage of Scripture.” He meets the man where he is and uses it as a bridge to share the transformative message of Jesus Christ.
This moment highlights an important truth: evangelism isn’t about delivering a rehearsed script; it’s about listening, discerning, and connecting the dots between a person’s life and the hope found in Christ. Philip didn’t just preach at the eunuch; he engaged with him, understanding his curiosity and building upon it with the good news.
Notice how the Holy Spirit arranged the entire encounter. Philip is obedient to the Spirit’s prompting to go to the desert road, and he responds immediately when he hears the Spirit telling him to approach the chariot. This reminds us that sharing the gospel isn’t done in our own strength, it’s the Spirit who leads, prepares hearts, and empowers us to speak.
The Ethiopian’s story also reminds us of the hunger in people’s hearts. Though wealthy and powerful, he was searching for something more. He had traveled to Jerusalem to worship but left with questions. God placed Philip in his path at the exact moment he needed someone to help him understand. This is a reminder that God’s timing is always perfect.
There are three simple things we as believers can do every day so that we can be like Phillip.
Be Available
Are you listening for the Spirit’s leading in your daily life? Like Philip, be willing to go where God sends you, even if it feels inconvenient or unclear.
Start Where They Are
Whether it’s a friend, coworker, or stranger, listen for where they are in their spiritual journey. Ask questions, show empathy, and connect their struggles or questions to the hope of Jesus.
Trust God’s Timing
Remember, you don’t have to force opportunities. God is already at work in the hearts of those you encounter. Be faithful in sharing when He prompts you.
This week, ask God to show you someone who needs to hear the good news. Whether through a conversation, a kind act, or a prayer, be open to sharing Christ in a way that connects to their heart.
Father, thank You for the example of Philip and his obedience to Your Spirit. Help me to be sensitive to Your leading and bold in sharing the good news of Jesus. Give me wisdom to meet people where they are and to connect their lives to the truth of Your Word. Thank You for the reminder that You are always working, preparing hearts, and drawing people to Yourself. Use me as Your instrument today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.” – Acts 8:35 (NIV)
In this short but powerful verse, we see the essence of evangelism beautifully displayed. Philip, led by the Holy Spirit, encounters the Ethiopian eunuch reading a passage from Isaiah. Instead of offering a generic message, Philip begins with the eunuch’s starting point, he says “that very passage of Scripture.” He meets the man where he is and uses it as a bridge to share the transformative message of Jesus Christ.
This moment highlights an important truth: evangelism isn’t about delivering a rehearsed script; it’s about listening, discerning, and connecting the dots between a person’s life and the hope found in Christ. Philip didn’t just preach at the eunuch; he engaged with him, understanding his curiosity and building upon it with the good news.
Notice how the Holy Spirit arranged the entire encounter. Philip is obedient to the Spirit’s prompting to go to the desert road, and he responds immediately when he hears the Spirit telling him to approach the chariot. This reminds us that sharing the gospel isn’t done in our own strength, it’s the Spirit who leads, prepares hearts, and empowers us to speak.
The Ethiopian’s story also reminds us of the hunger in people’s hearts. Though wealthy and powerful, he was searching for something more. He had traveled to Jerusalem to worship but left with questions. God placed Philip in his path at the exact moment he needed someone to help him understand. This is a reminder that God’s timing is always perfect.
There are three simple things we as believers can do every day so that we can be like Phillip.
Be Available
Are you listening for the Spirit’s leading in your daily life? Like Philip, be willing to go where God sends you, even if it feels inconvenient or unclear.
Start Where They Are
Whether it’s a friend, coworker, or stranger, listen for where they are in their spiritual journey. Ask questions, show empathy, and connect their struggles or questions to the hope of Jesus.
Trust God’s Timing
Remember, you don’t have to force opportunities. God is already at work in the hearts of those you encounter. Be faithful in sharing when He prompts you.
This week, ask God to show you someone who needs to hear the good news. Whether through a conversation, a kind act, or a prayer, be open to sharing Christ in a way that connects to their heart.
Father, thank You for the example of Philip and his obedience to Your Spirit. Help me to be sensitive to Your leading and bold in sharing the good news of Jesus. Give me wisdom to meet people where they are and to connect their lives to the truth of Your Word. Thank You for the reminder that You are always working, preparing hearts, and drawing people to Yourself. Use me as Your instrument today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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