This Weeks Chapters: Acts 7 - 11
Pastor Alan Morton
It’s great reading the stories of other people’s faith-journeys and being able to see what Jesus can do with a willing heart and a teachable spirit.
In Acts 8 we have the story of Philip’s ministry, sparking off a revival in a whole city and propelling a whole nation in a different direction.
Philip was not one of the “key” faith guys but someone chosen because of his faithful attitude and spirit-filled life, to serve food and wait on tables for the elderly members of the church.
In fact as we read on in v15 he didn’t even preach the full gospel! He forgot to teach about and pray for the release of the Holy Spirit into the new believers.
Philip was not one of the most “together” people; his discernment was definitely not perfect. He allowed Simon the sorcerer to follow him around yet did not tackle the man’s wrong attitude (greed).
But despite all this he was obedient to the leading of the Holy Spirit. He went to a town in an area the Jews normally would avoid. Samaria was where foreigners had been forcibly settled during the 70 year Jewish exile mentioned at the end of 2 Chronicles. Considered inferior and pagan by the Jews when they returned to the land (see Ezra & Nehemiah for that story), these were people generally considered not worth bothering about. Whether Philip went there to escape the persecution, to hide, or by the direct leading of the Holy Spirit is not clear. Once there he soon discovers what he should be doing.
Yet as soon as there is a major move of God, at the height of his ministry’s reputation, we find him miles away at the side of a road. He has been led there by the Spirit but clearly has no idea why. The encounter with the Chancellor of the Exchequer of Ethiopia was something only God could set up. So we see a whole nation affected by one man’s obedience. Sometimes it is the small things we do that have the most profound effects.
So wherever you are at, whatever you know, be ready and willing. The up-front ministry is not necessarily the most effective ministry. Don’t forget to teach people about the Holy Spirit. Even more important don’t forget to pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit. The rest? Just do something!!
You can be the catalyst for others receiving faith, miracles, forgiveness etc today! Like Pastor Julie said last week, write your own Book of Acts! … and have fun!
Breathing Daily with God is an opportunity for the Pastors to share their thoughts on the chapters we have been reading in our daily bible reading plan.Email this to a friend | Add A Comment | Bookmark | Subscribe
2 Comments So Far
- Philip & Tracey Johnston
- April Hewitt
We like that Ps Alan the small things we do that have the most profound effects, as we all follow the Spirit of God in the small things daily ,truly they have profound effects in our lives and the lives of people around us. as we can clearly see from Philip in acts 8.
Thank you for you encouraging thoughts
posted May 23, 2008 at 02:34 AM
Thank you Pastor Alan for this wonderful message.
Its amazing when we talk with God on a daily basis, he shows and teaches us what our calling is,what to do,what to say, where to go and who to see. In the covenant group this week, it was absolutely lovely and we believe God ordered steps. We prayed for renewal of the minds, deliverance and it came to light that a few out of the group hadnt received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and some hadnt asked for the interpretation of tongues. The rest of the evening was just amazing! Gods visions were so clear, the messages were clear and the group was totally blessed! Praise God!! Halleluja!! We want MORE Lord, MORE, FILL US to overflowing with your ENDLESS love Father! We LOVE & HONOUR YOU Jesus!
posted May 24, 2008 at 08:48 PM
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