Pastor Kevin Long preaches from Acts 8:26-40 on how God guides Philip, Scripture reveals Jesus, faith leads to baptism, and salvation brings joy on a desert road.
God seeks searching hearts and sends willing servants. On a desert road the Holy Spirit brings Philip to an Ethiopian official who is reading Isaiah. Philip explains the good news about Jesus. The man believes, is baptized, and goes home rejoicing. The greatest miracle is salvation.
God directs willing servants
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- Philip listens and moves. Guidance comes through an angel and the Spirit. Obedience places us where God is already working.
Scripture points to Jesus
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- The official reads Isaiah 53:7-8 and asks for help. Philip begins with that passage and explains the gospel.
Believe first then be baptized
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- They find water in a desert place. The official asks to be baptized.
- Many manuscripts include verse 37 in a footnote in the ESV. It records the confession. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Faith in Jesus comes before baptism.
Joy follows salvation
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- Philip baptizes him. The Spirit carries Philip to Azotus. The official goes on his way rejoicing. Real conversion produces real joy and a public witness.
God carries the mission forward
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- Philip keeps preaching through the towns until Caesarea. God moves His messengers and multiplies His message.
Four miracles on the road
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- Angelic guidance to Philip
- Providential water in a desert place
- Spirit carried transport to a new city
- Salvation that brings lasting joy
Closing thought
God meets seekers and sends servants. When we listen, open the Bible, and open our mouths, He supplies the moment, the words, and the joy.
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