40 Days of FIRE – Day 8
Day 8: Acts Ch.8. Philip was one of the first to preach the Gospel outside of Jerusalem. In today’s reading, he preaches to crowds in Samaria. Then, following God’s leading, he persuades an Ethiopian who is trying to understand the Scriptures. Pray that God will orchestrate one-on-one encounters with others as well as for the Church to grow in wisdom.
JESUS today YOU will SAVE me.
Eat This Book
Read Proverbs Chapter 18
Acts 8
1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
8 And there was great joy in that city.
9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
The POFW Daily Bible Reading 
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
…And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Acts 8:12-13, 36-38 KJV
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
Mark 16:16 KJV
Today’s church world tries to separate belief and baptism in an effort to say that baptism is an added work and not necessary for salvation. They want followers to believe that they can say a simple prayer of belief and their souls are forever secure in Heaven. However, these verses show that to the New Testament Church belief and baptism were linked together as one critical step in the salvation process.
In response to the Word that Philip preached in Samaria, those who “believed” immediately demonstrated that belief through baptism. Later, when the eunuch heard the Word, he asked about being baptized and was told he could IF he truly believed. Thus, the first church taught that there was no belief without baptism and there was no effective baptism without believe. One had to believe AND be baptized (in order to “put on Christ,” or to associate with, or to live and wear that belief) if one wanted to be saved. Then, if not beforehand, the Lord would testify of the sincerity of the belief/baptism process by baptizing the believer with the Holy Ghost, making both Spirit and water baptism necessary to substantiate the belief of each convert.
amen!
Amen!
Amen
It’s amazing what can happen to and through an ordinary man when God pours a little hardship and the power of the Holy Spirit into the mix.
The believers of the Jerusalem church began to fleeing the city in droves due to the waves of persecution they faced because of their testimony for Jesus Christ. But what the enemies of the faith meant for evil, Hod used for good, as the scattering believers carried with them the message of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ. Philip fled Jerusalem and headed toward Samaria, where his commitment to preaching the gospel led to salvation of multitudes. When Philip performed miracles casting out evil spirits and healing many, the people listened to Philip’s words about the Messiah, who empowered him to perform to perform these astonishing deeds.
One ordinary man, a little persecution and a touch from the Spirit of God led to massive conversions in the city of Samaria. Philip illustrates what one person , with the empowerment of the Spirit of God and with the authority of Jesus Christ, can do to change our city.
“ Ordinary Man, Extraordinary Result “
In the CEV, verses 4-8 are captioned “The Good News Is Preached in Samaria”. Well, why not, “The Good News Is Preached in Fort Worth”? These verses in the MSG say “Forced to leave home base, the followers of Jesus all became missionaries. Wherever they were scattered, they preached the Message about Jesus. Going down to a Samaritan city, Philip proclaimed the Message of the Messiah. When the people heard what he had to say and saw the miracles, the clear signs of God’s action, they hung on his every word. Many who could neither stand nor walk were healed that day. The evil spirits protested loudly as they were sent on their way. And what joy in the city!” Through the recent revivals that we have been blessed to be a part of, we have seen miracles, the clear signs of God’s action, and it is time to send that old panther on his way out as this city begins to rejoice.
As Day 8 says above, I pray that God will orchestrate one-on-one encounters with the parents of these babies that received the gift of the holy ghost during our Children’s Crusade as the Children’s Ministry goes on outreach this weekend. Pray that the Lord move upon them and give us the wisdom to speak to them to share this Good News.
YES and AMEN!
12 But when they believed Phillip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
You never know what God is going to do in someone. We know the story of Saul and good conversion to Paul, one of the greatest apostles in the Bible. Before his conversion, there was no doubt a lot of fear and anger towards him. But I wonder who prayed for Saul, who interceded in his behalf for God to intervene. God has the most unique way of taking situations and using them for his glory. Bro careful for those that hate on us today, pray because there’s always a chance that God could reach them while they are persecuting you
Acts 8: 40 (English Amp) But Philip was found at Azotus, and passing on he preached the good news ( Gospel) to all the town’s until he reached Caesarea.
But here an Angel of the Lord said to Philip go to the southward to Jerusalem and preach. And Philip said, If you believe with all your heart [ if you have a conviction , full of joyful trust, that Jesus is the Messiah and accept Him the Author of your
Salvation in the kingdom of God. I prayed that when we go on children outreach that we will go tell the good about the Lord to the children’s and there family.
8:38
And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they down both into the water, both Lhilip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
—— It’s necesary and mandatory to always be prepared and filled with the Spirit,so that we’ll be able to witness and do the will of God. Let us be obidient and sensitive so the Lord can move in us and through us.
Great signs and miracles were happing . people heard of this and there was great joy in the city. And revival.
Acts 14& 15
14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
“Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.”
Acts 8:19-24 KJV
Unable to receive
Simon could not receive the Holy Ghost because he wanted to hold on the things of this world. His heart was not clean and was not fixed on Jesus. This is the importance of repentance. If Simon truly wanted the Holy Ghost he lwoukd have repented. God is merciful and pours out his spirit on those who repent. Everyone was born in sin and everyone has fallen short of the glory of God, but if we repent He is merciful and will pour out his spirit.
Acts
Bible Study in a Chariot
29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
What a great example of how to teach to the list ! Ever feel as if God is prompting you to speak to someone. Well He probably is. The Ethiopian was trying to understand scriptures. When Philip approached the Ethiopian was more than ready to hear. He said except some man guide me. Don’t be afraid or timid if you can read you can teach and if you can’t read you still can teach there is multiple ways to teach this world . We are equipped with the power of the Holy Ghost . The question is will we just keep it to our self or use it ? For the Kingdom! Place does not matter there are opportunities everywhere to share the word . So watch listen God will lead you to your opportunity of a Bible Study in a Chariot!
6. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
7. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them : and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
8. And there was great joy in that city.
THAT city can be OUR city. People have already been hearing the Word of God and seeing miracles and being healed, and I believe these 40 Days of Fire will give us a boost towards having great joy in our city.
6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
8 And there was great joy in that city.
The only thing the Holy Ghost ever brought to anybody was great joy. There’s a lot of people out there that feel oppression and depression and that’s a lie from the pits because when we received the Holy Ghost that other stuff is gone *whoosh* not only did He give us joy but He gave us power
That’s right power to lay hands on the sick power to lay hands on someone and they too receive the Holy Ghost
verse 19 is where we first see this but we bout to get into a whole lot more of this laying hands on folks and seeing miracles, signs, and wonders.
19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
So if you got the Holy Ghost and you’re feeling oppressed or depressed I’m telling you right now you have the AUTHORITY AND POWER to cast that junk to the outer darkness in Jesus name!
Bless you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ
Faith is necessary to even come to God, while wisdom requires effort on the part of the believer to increase not only in knowledge but in the understanding of God’s word. It should be obvious that wisdom is required of our own life but like many aspects of our walk with God, it is also a necessary component of our ability to effectively reach the lost. Both cases in this chapter demonstrate the wisdom of those who went forth. The Samaritans had long since been pushed to the edges of Jewish society and yet they heeded these men from Jerusalem who had a message of salvation. They were bound by witchcraft and yet heeded the words and works of the apostles that brought a message of peace. It was not until after they received the message that Peter was called for and by the laying on of hands they received the Holy Ghost. Their faith responded to the miracles and to the message and God provided the rest.
The same is seen in the case of Philip. The eunuch did not understand what he was reading in the word. He recognized that he needed someone to teach him what the scriptures had to say… and Philip responded with understanding. The following day or week would have been too late. His chariot was passing through and going on to his destination. Philip had to be ready when the question was asked to look at the passage and in that moment of opportunity to preach Jesus. Wisdom does not come by accident. It requires time in the word, time in prayer and even in fasting. It requires time set aside to ponder and mediate on the word to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. It builds our very foundation and allows us to go in strength and confidence as we declare the word of God to all who would receive. Let us determine to go in wisdom and be effective wherever God would open the door!
Amen Bro Jackson.
When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him again but went on his way rejoicing.
Acts of the Apostles 8:39 NLT
Be available. Mentally. Spiritually. Physically. Emotionally. Everything commands our attention these days, but if we stay constantly busy how can we be available to do the work for His Kingdom?
Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
Acts 8:4-6 KJV
Let’s go preach the good news that they might receive the Holy Ghost GOD let them see and hear the wonderful things you have done
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Mark 16:15 KJV
iLove the Kingdom
Acts 8:30-31 KJV
(30) And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
(31) And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
Notice the Ethiopian’s response, “How can I (understand) except some man should guide me?” This response is a humble one to say the least. Most folks today would have sent Philip away with his tail tucked. Most folks today think they already understand the scripture and do not need any help, but the Ethiopian understood that the gospel needed to be taught in order to be caught.
This reaffirms the importance of teaching Bible Studies. There are hungry folks out there, we just need an open invitation from them to join and teach. 🙂
29 The spirit told Philip, go to the chariot and join it.
30 Then Philip ran to the chariot and heard a man reading the prophet Esaias. Do you understand what you are reading Philip asked.
31 How can I, he said unless someone explains it to me? So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. J soliz
“So Philip ran up to the chariot. He heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you’re reading?” Philip asked. “How can I?” he said. “I need someone to explain it to me.” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.”
Acts 8:30-31 NIRV
We have the bread of Life to give, the key to unlock the door to everyone that we meet. And that is Jesus. I pray that we every divine appointment that we have. God is speaking and reaching to the lost. Lets be His mouthpiece, hands and feet.
35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
The two most important things that we can allow to come out of our mouth is praise and scripture. Both are powerful weapons used to combat the enemy and train up an army. When we praise we not only quiet the voice of the enemy but we also give our faith a boost. When we speak scripture we chop off the devils head and sharpen our spiritual intelegct which sharpens those around us and those that do not know God.
A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church
in Jerusalem ; and all the believers EXCEPT THE APOSTLES
were scattered though the regions of Judea and Samaria
Acts 8:1 NLT
When persecution comes to our lives the natural instant is to runaway. The individuals that are convince and secure in there beliefs they are ready to pay the price even if that means dead.
4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
8 And there was great joy in that city.
We clearly need to preach the gospel!!
Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
Simon said pray for me sounded like he was repenting not because he was a bad man or selfish. But because he was on learn from the word of God all the ways of God.
And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Acts 8:24, 37 KJV
You Must Believe that Jesus is the son of God. to receive the Holy Ghost
“Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” The man replied, “How can I, unless someone instructs me?” And he urged Philip to come up into the carriage and sit with him.”
Acts of the Apostles 8:30-31 NLT
I believe there are many people that are hungry for a word from God, but don’t know how to receive one on their own. This is where men and woman of God step in and feed the word of God to them and help them receive understanding of His word.
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
Mark 16:15 KJV
Phillip and the Ethiopian
Each of us has the same chance each day to allow God to speak into someone’s life; if only we would listen for God’s direction. Phillip could have thought, I will leave tomorrow, I need to get things together and say goodbye to my friends. Rather, he did exactly as God asked. He was then presented with a hungry soul. How many people slip through our lives because we don’t act when God asks us to?
THY KINGDOM COME
HARMONY
5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
8 And there was great joy in that city.
Pained by the senseless tragic death of Stephen, now the disciples must continue to preach JESUS. Philip is the one JESUS uses. Preaching the same JESUS, same Gospel, similar Passion, same RESULTS.
Souls delivered from demons, sickness healed and Great JOY!
In Acts 1 the Disciples were with “ONE Accord” which means “Harmony”
Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
In Acts 2 the “Seekers” were with “ONE Accord – Harmony” at Pentecost.
Acts 2:1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.
In Acts 5 the Apostles established “ONE Accord – Harmony” at Solomons porch.
Acts 5:12 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.
Progressing we find that here in Acts 8 The Kingdom of GOD is established and “the PEOPLE”, the crowd was in Harmony with JESUS and the man of GOD and The Kingdom of GOD was revealed to them.
JESUS lead us in these 40 Days of FIRE to be in Harmony with you and each other as we Seek FIRST your Kingdom.
iRepent
iPraise
iPray
iWork
iGive
iReap
iGo
iBlessYouInTheNameOfTheLordJESUS
9 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
Simon’s heart was not prepared for the Holy Ghost because he was full of interest. He wasn’t seeking knowledge of the gospel but fame, self satisfaction. There are many in this world that are out preaching the gospel by seeking fame and fortune. I think is very interesting how in this chapter we have the comparison of Simon and the Ethiopian. The Ethiopian has some knowledge of the Gospel but had not heard of the baptism in Jesus Name nor the Holy Ghost bit his heart was humble and open to receive not for interest but because he was seeking for something to fill that void in his heart, a void that can only be filled by God. May the Lord humble our hearts to receive Him for His Glory Alone and not for fame. In Jesus Name Amen
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
Notice the need receive the holy ghost. The apostles were not just happy that these people received the Lord. His objective was to make sure they received the Holy Ghost. He wanted them to fulfill the fullness of the gospel not just some of it. The Holy Ghost is not some optional decision it is a necessity for salvation and that is proven in this passage.
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
Why is it so much easier for us to believe we won’t get the miracle?
Why is it easier to believe we can’t do something?
Is it cause with age you lose the ability to freely believe?
As a child, we believe all the magic tricks before our eyes without hesitation. As adults, we have the Word of God right in front of us telling us we have the victory, yet we are too busy looking for the “catch” in the system.
Matthew 18:3 “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”
Like a child, we should BELIEVE the Father, fully trusting in His Word, fully engaged in His Spirit, fully open to His love and His commandments.
Acts 8:37,38 And Philip said,If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Acts 16:32-34 and 18:8 demonstrate that faith precedes baptism.
Mark 16:16,17 Believe and be baptized. They that believe will speak with new tongues.
Pray as we go teach our City the gospel that they believe and will be baptized in Jesus Name!
6 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
If Phillip didnt obey the Holy spirit, who knows what would have happened to the Enoch, I pray that as I learn and Grow I become intune with the Holy Ghost, and can be there for someone at the right time!
MONEY HAS NO POWER:
And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
Acts 8:18-23 KJV
https://bible.com/bible/1/act.8.18-23.KJV
This would be the world today. Simon thought he could by the Holy Spirit. Just like today people think that happiness can be bought. Yeah, you can by happiness for a time. There will come a point when that bought happiness turns to depression. Then that depression turns into bitterness; why cause pride was used to try and get happiness. True happiness comes from within. When you are happy inside: it reflects on the outside. I have been on both sides of this coin and trust me when I say money can only buy so much. I have learned not to put my trust or happiness in the superficial. It has taken some time, bit now I’m happier then I was years ago. Thank you Jesus and God bless.
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
No tangible items in and of this world can save us. Only Jesus can and he has freely given us this precious salvation. It is up to us to accept it, share it, love it , cherish, never forsake it and to be a living testimony of it!
Acts 8:12 & 14-17
12) But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
14) Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15) Who when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
16) (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
This passage of scripture made me think of 1 Cor. 3:6 when Paul said, “I have planted, Apollos watered: but God gave the increase.”
We must work together for the Kingdom of God to see souls saved.
1 Cor. 3:8 says, “Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one:…”
Taking Jesus to their neighborhoods is exactly what the people that had been in Jerusalem did.
4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
They took what they had seen, heard, and experienced and I believe took it back to their territories.
The congregation of POFW is very broad – It reaches from Stephenville to Keller to Arlington to East Fort Worth, South Fort Worth and even to Hudson Oaks. If we, the Church, would take what we have seen, heard, and experienced and share it with everyone we come in contact with, who knows how many people we would see on a daily basis be born into the Kingdom of God. We gotta get it out of our mouth……so the seeds can be planted in others hearts. Share the miracles, share God’s love, share the joy. People are hurting everywhere, and have voids in their lives they are trying to fill with “stuff”. Let’s show them hope. Let’s show them joy. Let’s show them Jesus.
8 So there was great joy in that city. NLT
We need to be like Paul and have joy even when things aren’t going our way, even the gentiles rejoiced when things were going right, we need to be joyful no matter what because joy comes from God!
26 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
There are many people that believe that the Kingdom of GOD can be purchased not just with money but by their good works, deeds and they very well could be good people but we don’t inherit The Kingdom of GOD by good deeds or charity. It’s only through JESUS!!!
12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
Let’s GO have Church on this Wednesday night in Jesus name!
When Philip and Eunuch came to a body of water Eunuch was baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost
Eunuch belived with all his heart
And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
Acts 8:30-31 KJV
We need to ask ourselves the same question do we understand what we’re reading? If not, we should ask the Lord, study and or ask someone else in ministry if they know what it means.
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
Your money is no good.
My job allows me to see just how much money has a grip on souls. People wanting to know just how much they have, not to see if they have enough in the bank, but just to make sure it’s all there. I’m not saying it’s bad to see that it’s ok, but when we allow it to consume ourselves. When we allow the love of money to rule our lives. The,’ I have to make another dollar,’ mentality. If we would just get that,” I got to have more Jesus in my life!” He is the reason why we move and have our being.
Grace and peace
1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
“Except the apostles…”
So, I am curious as to where they were???
4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
All around the world Go spread the kinGdOm.
Miracles were happening in Juruselem . Jesus can do anything heal the sick, raise the dead and all of the above.
The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.” Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”
Acts of the Apostles 8:29-30 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/act.8.29-30.NLT
As visitors continue to come to church we must be in tune with His Spirit. We must be ready and sensitive to hear the voice of the Lord. The Spirit wants to use us but only if we are willing and submitted to Him. We never know who we might be ministering to.
3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
God is still in control… despite the situation thatbone may be going through God still is in control of his people and has a plan. If this persecution had not happened then perhaps the gospel had not spread. God works things out for good to those that love, those that are called according to his purpose. In your situation though it may seem bad trust in Him. He has something going he has a plan for he is in control.
Josiah: 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
Philip had an ear and heard and listened. Obedience can do things we may not imagine. Philip was obedient to the Spirit of God and went to the eunuch in his chariot. Then God was able to work through Philipo reach that man who then got baptized. However, Philip had to listen to God before that could happen. So, let us GO HEAR what God tells us this week and not miss opportunities God sends to us!
Not too far gone
13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
All the wickedness that Simon had done was not even concidered when he began to follow after Jesus. The same is said about all of us. No matter what our past held, it was no match for the grace of God. We cannot hold on to what God has forgiven. L
37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
Thank You Jesus we know your word is true and righteous it is so amazing that your word is all unified in its understanding.
16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Baptized in the name!! Jesus came to save the lost for we must do the same! It’s a privledge and honor for God to have opened my eyes like how he did 4 years ago. I still remember how God sent us to POFW not knowing what it would be like, not knowing that POFW had been praying for us already! We were just so desperate and hungry for a move of God in our lives! We wanted the power of the HG we just never thought it was out there. I wonder how many souls are out there like that desperately and anxiously waiting for a move of God in their lives. This is what keeps me going and pushing me to go compel the souls and seek those that are hurt, wounded, sick, broken, etc and being them to the house of God! I sure can’t fix their problems or situation but I know of a man named JESUS!!! The name ABOVE ALL NAMES!!
35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
36 As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” [37] [c] 38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.
Phillips intent was to tell him about salvation. About how Jesus was the son of God but he was also the chosen Messiah. After all that conversation, one of the first things that a new believer must to do to be saved after repentance is BAPTIZM.
He knew that this could be his very last chance. As they passed some water, and he said, What can hinder in the WAY of my being baptize?
Simple, the answer is with in you. Its the choice we will all face and either commit or survivor in our Christian walk.
27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
We must be prepared to explain the Gospel to others.
19“Let me have this power, too,” he exclaimed, “so that when I lay my hands on people, they will receive the Holy Spirit!”
20But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought! 21You can have no part in this, for your heart is not right with God.
Even though Simon had been baptized, he was still a new believer. He allowed the power of money to control him. He saw how he could make additional money, instead of having faith that people would recieve the holy ghost upon laying of hands. We have root our selves in the Word, and know the Word, so we wont be easily tempted by situations or money.
20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
Those who practice magic know the process and cost it takes to receive the results they want. Philip taught Simon of the gospel and power of baptism, and Peter of the laying of hands and gift of the Holy Ghost. Money cannot buy what Jesus gave us at Calvary. Jesus gave his life freely that we may live with him in eternity. The things of this world will all pass away but his Spirit will endure forever. If we put our trust in Him and not this world then we can make Heaven our home.
But Peter replied, “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought!(Acts of the Apostles 8:20 NLT)
Simon’s flesh allowed him too be wrap up in the wicked ways of the world to believe that money could buy power.
Acts 8
1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
8 And there was great joy in that city.
Though persecution must not drive us from our work, yet it may send us to work elsewhere. Wherever the established believer is driven, he carries the knowledge of the gospel, and makes known the preciousness of Christ in every place. Where a simple desire of doing good influences the heart, it will be found impossible to shut a man out from all opportunities of usefulness.
v4
GOD has ways of turning negative situations into opportunities with positive conclusions….spreading the gospel!