WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:16.500 This morning, if you're looking in a pew Bible, it's page 917, Acts chapter 8, we'll begin 00:00:16.500 --> 00:00:17.879 at verse 26. 00:00:19.280 --> 00:00:25.539 Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, rise and go toward the south to the road that goes 00:00:25.539 --> 00:00:27.000 down from Jerusalem to Gaza. 00:00:27.560 --> 00:00:29.219 This is a desert place. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:31.199 And he rose and went. 00:00:31.739 --> 00:00:37.399 And there was an Ethiopian, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, 00:00:37.399 --> 00:00:38.980 who was in charge of all her treasure. 00:00:39.859 --> 00:00:45.560 He had come to Jerusalem to worship and was returning, seated in his chariot, and he was 00:00:45.560 --> 00:00:46.879 reading the prophet Isaiah. 00:00:47.900 --> 00:00:51.600 And the spirit said to Philip, go over and join this chariot. 00:00:52.560 --> 00:00:57.240 So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, do you understand 00:00:57.240 --> 00:00:57.960 what you are reading? 00:00:57.960 --> 00:01:02.000 And he said, how can I, unless someone guides me? 00:01:02.579 --> 00:01:04.599 And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 00:01:05.599 --> 00:01:09.099 Now the message of the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this. 00:01:09.099 --> 00:01:12.599 Like a sheep, he was led to the slaughter. 00:01:12.599 --> 00:01:16.459 And like a lamb, before its shearer is silent. 00:01:17.059 --> 00:01:18.659 So he opens not his mouth. 00:01:19.619 --> 00:01:22.280 In his humiliation, justice was denied him. 00:01:22.500 --> 00:01:24.099 Who can describe his generation? 00:01:25.060 --> 00:01:26.979 For his life is taken away from the earth. 00:01:26.980 --> 00:01:32.960 And the eunuch said to Philip, about whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this? 00:01:33.420 --> 00:01:35.900 About himself or about someone else? 00:01:36.900 --> 00:01:38.380 Then Philip opened his mouth. 00:01:39.060 --> 00:01:42.760 And beginning with this scripture, he told him the good news about Jesus. 00:01:43.760 --> 00:01:46.200 And as they were going along the road, they came to some water. 00:01:46.200 --> 00:01:48.680 And the eunuch said, see, here is water. 00:01:49.280 --> 00:01:51.879 What prevents me from being baptized? 00:01:52.540 --> 00:01:54.299 And he commanded the chariot to stop. 00:01:54.939 --> 00:01:58.460 And they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 00:01:58.500 --> 00:02:02.659 And when they came up out of the water, the spirit of the Lord carried Philip away. 00:02:03.240 --> 00:02:08.000 And the eunuch saw him no more and went on his way rejoicing. 00:02:08.000 --> 00:02:10.819 But Philip found himself at Azotus. 00:02:11.580 --> 00:02:15.919 And as he passed through, he preached the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea. 00:02:17.599 --> 00:02:20.879 Is Christianity a white man's religion? 00:02:21.979 --> 00:02:23.800 Many people assume that it is. 00:02:24.920 --> 00:02:27.819 Some people have rejected it for that very reason. 00:02:29.099 --> 00:02:33.599 Now, a hundred years ago, about two-thirds of all the Christians in the world lived in Europe. 00:02:34.219 --> 00:02:36.099 Most of the rest lived here in North America. 00:02:36.099 --> 00:02:41.219 But over the last century, Christianity has declined in Europe. 00:02:41.840 --> 00:02:44.819 And it has grown explosively in several other places. 00:02:45.620 --> 00:02:49.400 In particular, the Christian church has grown in sub-Saharan Africa. 00:02:50.079 --> 00:02:56.560 From 9% of the population in 1910 to 63% of the population in 2010. 00:02:57.340 --> 00:03:01.799 And during the same period, the population of Christians in Asia more than doubled. 00:03:01.800 --> 00:03:07.540 So that today, Christians are spread throughout the whole world. 00:03:08.420 --> 00:03:12.600 Now, it wasn't primarily a result of European colonial influence. 00:03:13.320 --> 00:03:18.140 Because the Christian church grew relatively slowly during the colonial period in Africa. 00:03:18.140 --> 00:03:24.640 But it grew far more quickly after 1965 when most African countries had achieved independence. 00:03:25.540 --> 00:03:26.720 Similarly, in China. 00:03:26.719 --> 00:03:34.620 At the time of the communist revolution in 1949, there were estimated 800,000 Protestant Christians in China. 00:03:35.479 --> 00:03:41.240 At that time, the communist government expelled and forced all the Western missionaries to leave. 00:03:41.979 --> 00:03:46.419 And they severely repressed Christian believers, hoping to stamp out Christianity altogether. 00:03:46.419 --> 00:03:53.319 But despite persecution and without Western leadership, the Chinese church grew by leaps and bounds. 00:03:54.019 --> 00:04:03.339 And the estimate by 2010, there were 75 times as many Protestant Christians in China as there were 160 years ago. 00:04:03.659 --> 00:04:05.139 Perhaps 60 million. 00:04:05.139 --> 00:04:21.479 Now, what we see here in the book of Acts is that this massive movement that has happened over the past century of the Christian message spreading throughout the world and Christian churches growing in all kinds of places is not a new thing. 00:04:22.180 --> 00:04:25.599 It's not just a 20th century, 21st century phenomenon. 00:04:25.599 --> 00:04:30.419 It was part of God's purpose from the beginning of the Christian movement. 00:04:30.420 --> 00:04:38.180 In the book of Acts, we see the gospel of Jesus Christ crossing ethnic and cultural and national and social barriers. 00:04:38.840 --> 00:04:43.819 And we see the church becoming a truly international and multi-ethnic community. 00:04:44.540 --> 00:04:53.460 And the invitation is for us to join in, to participate in spreading this glorious message of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. 00:04:54.259 --> 00:04:59.080 This morning, we've just read the account of one of the first black Christians. 00:04:59.079 --> 00:05:03.279 He may not have been the first black Christian. 00:05:03.740 --> 00:05:09.079 The gospels tell us that Simon from Cyrene, a city in North Africa, carried Jesus' cross. 00:05:09.919 --> 00:05:16.799 And Acts 2 tells us that some people from Egypt and Libya were present in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost and heard Peter preaching. 00:05:17.479 --> 00:05:19.819 But this man was from further south. 00:05:20.439 --> 00:05:21.860 He was from Ethiopia. 00:05:21.860 --> 00:05:27.379 Now, that word Ethiopia didn't simply refer to the modern country of Ethiopia. 00:05:27.639 --> 00:05:34.199 It referred generally to all of Africa south of Egypt, what was seen then as the ends of the earth. 00:05:35.199 --> 00:05:41.080 In particular, it referred to the powerful ancient kingdom of Nubia based in modern-day Sudan. 00:05:41.079 --> 00:05:56.379 And interestingly, a few times in the Old Testament, the prophets looked forward to a day when people from far and wide, from all nations, including specifically Africans, would come and worship the God of Israel. 00:05:57.199 --> 00:05:58.379 Zephaniah 3.10 says, 00:05:58.379 --> 00:06:16.199 So God has always had a plan for people from all cultures and from all over the world to worship him. 00:06:17.100 --> 00:06:25.879 Now, what we'll see in this passage is how the gospel of Jesus spreads across these cultural, national, and social boundaries. 00:06:25.879 --> 00:06:40.240 If you are a believer in Jesus, I hope that you'll see how God can use you and us as a church to extend the gospel of Jesus Christ to others across all kinds of boundaries. 00:06:40.759 --> 00:06:55.420 If you're not a believer in Jesus, I hope that you'll see that this gospel of Jesus Christ is good news for you, particularly in your cultural background, whatever your background or your identity. 00:06:55.879 --> 00:07:00.139 Now, what we see in this passage is that the gospel of Jesus spreads in three ways. 00:07:01.040 --> 00:07:08.019 By the power of the Spirit, by the explanation of the Scriptures, and by the message about the servant. 00:07:08.600 --> 00:07:11.540 The Spirit, the Scriptures, and the servant. 00:07:12.860 --> 00:07:14.620 So first, by the power of the Spirit. 00:07:15.800 --> 00:07:19.800 Some people have said the book of Acts shouldn't be called the Acts of the Apostles. 00:07:19.879 --> 00:07:21.860 It should be called the Acts of the Holy Spirit. 00:07:21.860 --> 00:07:27.639 Because the Holy Spirit is so prominent in this story of the message of Christ spreading. 00:07:28.580 --> 00:07:33.180 In the beginning of Acts, chapter 1, verse 8, a key verse in the book, Jesus said to his apostles, 00:07:33.340 --> 00:07:42.620 You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in Judea, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. 00:07:42.620 --> 00:07:50.699 And throughout the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit empowers believers to speak and listeners to receive the gospel. 00:07:51.639 --> 00:07:57.259 Now, in this passage, we see the Holy Spirit working in some somewhat unusual ways. 00:07:58.259 --> 00:07:59.280 Verse 26, 00:07:59.780 --> 00:08:01.399 An angel of the Lord said to Philip, 00:08:01.959 --> 00:08:03.199 Rise and go south. 00:08:03.980 --> 00:08:05.480 Or perhaps go at noontime. 00:08:05.800 --> 00:08:08.399 Same word was sons of the south at noontime. 00:08:08.500 --> 00:08:09.920 So go at noontime, go toward the south. 00:08:09.920 --> 00:08:12.500 To the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. 00:08:13.540 --> 00:08:18.560 Now, if you've read chapter 8, or if you were here two weeks ago when we looked at the beginning of chapter 8, 00:08:19.160 --> 00:08:20.460 this comes as a surprise. 00:08:21.319 --> 00:08:26.939 Because Philip was preaching in the north of Israel, in Samaria. 00:08:27.759 --> 00:08:31.360 And large crowds of people came and heard him. 00:08:32.180 --> 00:08:34.120 And there were miracles happening. 00:08:34.300 --> 00:08:36.740 People were coming to faith in Jesus and getting baptized. 00:08:36.740 --> 00:08:38.440 There was a whole revival going on. 00:08:38.440 --> 00:08:42.680 And then, Philip gets this message. 00:08:43.460 --> 00:08:47.640 Go south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. 00:08:49.020 --> 00:08:52.520 Now, the end of the verse explains this is a desert place. 00:08:53.040 --> 00:08:55.540 In other words, go to the middle of nowhere. 00:08:57.160 --> 00:09:00.080 At least 50 miles away from where you are right now. 00:09:00.720 --> 00:09:03.180 It would not have been part of Philip's strategic plan. 00:09:04.580 --> 00:09:05.380 Philip was obedient. 00:09:05.379 --> 00:09:06.460 He rose and went. 00:09:07.360 --> 00:09:08.799 Then again, in verse 29. 00:09:09.519 --> 00:09:10.879 Some more unusual directions. 00:09:11.100 --> 00:09:13.419 The Spirit said to Philip, go over and join that chariot. 00:09:14.480 --> 00:09:16.000 Now, imagine if you were Philip. 00:09:16.919 --> 00:09:19.600 Sitting down by the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. 00:09:20.220 --> 00:09:23.200 And the Holy Spirit says, see that chariot coming down the road. 00:09:24.220 --> 00:09:25.759 See that taxi coming down the road. 00:09:26.120 --> 00:09:27.700 It's not going to stop for you. 00:09:27.799 --> 00:09:28.840 You run after it. 00:09:28.840 --> 00:09:33.660 Verse 30 says, Philip ran to him. 00:09:34.460 --> 00:09:41.680 Imagine running alongside a moving taxi and carrying on a conversation through an open window with someone that you don't know personally. 00:09:43.540 --> 00:09:49.440 Now, I, okay, it was, if it was the middle of nowhere, perhaps there weren't any other chariots on the road. 00:09:49.440 --> 00:09:53.020 And the chariot was probably only going five miles an hour. 00:09:53.240 --> 00:09:56.580 And he, Philip was a good enough runner that he could keep up with it. 00:09:56.680 --> 00:10:01.460 But still, the guy in this chariot was a high status court official. 00:10:01.960 --> 00:10:05.040 The chief treasurer of a powerful foreign nation. 00:10:06.340 --> 00:10:08.000 Philip was a Greek speaking Jew. 00:10:08.880 --> 00:10:11.820 Doesn't seem to have had any political status in particular. 00:10:11.820 --> 00:10:15.280 Who had been a traveling preacher among the Samaritans. 00:10:15.560 --> 00:10:17.560 Who were seen as the lowest of the low. 00:10:18.540 --> 00:10:19.580 That's where he had just been. 00:10:21.600 --> 00:10:23.980 And then at the end, verse 39. 00:10:24.480 --> 00:10:26.379 The spirit of the Lord carried Philip away. 00:10:27.720 --> 00:10:29.040 Now, that's an interesting phrase. 00:10:29.680 --> 00:10:31.520 You might wonder, does that mean he was teleported? 00:10:32.160 --> 00:10:34.560 Well, possibly, not necessarily. 00:10:35.280 --> 00:10:38.720 But the same language is used of the prophet Elijah in the Old Testament. 00:10:39.240 --> 00:10:41.280 1 Kings 18.12, if you want the reference. 00:10:41.279 --> 00:10:43.799 Who once was empowered by God to run so fast. 00:10:43.899 --> 00:10:47.139 That he outran the king's chariot back then. 00:10:47.899 --> 00:10:49.519 Well, however exactly he got there. 00:10:49.679 --> 00:10:51.319 Philip found himself at Azotus. 00:10:51.399 --> 00:10:55.039 20 miles north of where he was approximately. 00:10:55.279 --> 00:10:56.759 And he kept preaching from town to town. 00:10:56.759 --> 00:10:58.299 Until he settled down in Caesarea. 00:10:58.579 --> 00:11:00.439 Where he eventually raised a family. 00:11:00.759 --> 00:11:02.339 And we meet him later in the book of Acts. 00:11:02.339 --> 00:11:03.100 In chapter 21. 00:11:04.199 --> 00:11:05.419 So, what are we to make? 00:11:06.199 --> 00:11:09.519 Of this Holy Spirit involvement in Philip's life. 00:11:10.079 --> 00:11:11.259 And in this encounter. 00:11:12.059 --> 00:11:14.879 Well, let me say two things. 00:11:15.019 --> 00:11:21.059 First, the Holy Spirit gives us freedom and boldness to initiate relationships. 00:11:21.679 --> 00:11:28.120 And to share the good news of Jesus with people that normally we would be intimidated by. 00:11:28.980 --> 00:11:30.299 Or shy away from. 00:11:31.799 --> 00:11:35.240 God gave Philip freedom and boldness to speak about Jesus. 00:11:35.240 --> 00:11:39.019 To initiate a conversation with a high official in a foreign government. 00:11:39.019 --> 00:11:41.579 When Philip didn't even have a chariot of his own to ride in. 00:11:42.120 --> 00:11:44.299 It was like talking to someone who owns a Lexus. 00:11:44.480 --> 00:11:46.100 When you usually take the bus. 00:11:46.179 --> 00:11:47.079 Because you don't have a car. 00:11:48.600 --> 00:11:48.840 Right? 00:11:48.919 --> 00:11:51.220 Normally, you'd either feel intimidated or envious. 00:11:53.179 --> 00:11:55.199 Think about who you are intimidated by. 00:11:56.600 --> 00:11:57.519 Maybe your professor. 00:11:57.519 --> 00:11:57.919 Remember. 00:11:58.720 --> 00:12:02.299 Remember, as an undergraduate, I was intimidated by all my professors. 00:12:03.439 --> 00:12:05.960 I didn't necessarily appear that way. 00:12:06.039 --> 00:12:10.000 But on the inside, I felt that they were something different than human. 00:12:10.000 --> 00:12:14.220 What exactly, I don't quite know. 00:12:15.919 --> 00:12:16.299 Right? 00:12:16.360 --> 00:12:18.919 But I was intimidated by them. 00:12:18.940 --> 00:12:19.799 Maybe it's your boss. 00:12:21.000 --> 00:12:22.580 Maybe it's people who go to Yale. 00:12:22.840 --> 00:12:23.960 If you don't go to Yale. 00:12:24.919 --> 00:12:26.539 Maybe people from a different race. 00:12:27.039 --> 00:12:28.139 Or a different country. 00:12:28.960 --> 00:12:31.100 Especially if there's some bad history in the past. 00:12:31.100 --> 00:12:36.480 But you know, God is not intimidated by that person. 00:12:37.159 --> 00:12:38.920 That you are intimidated by. 00:12:40.379 --> 00:12:43.100 And when you are filled with the Spirit of God. 00:12:43.240 --> 00:12:45.540 Instead of avoiding people out of fear. 00:12:46.379 --> 00:12:48.879 The Holy Spirit enables us to reach out. 00:12:49.420 --> 00:12:51.519 And initiate relationships with them. 00:12:52.040 --> 00:12:53.899 With sincere love. 00:12:54.879 --> 00:12:56.399 To be freed from fear. 00:12:56.600 --> 00:12:58.279 In order to love. 00:12:58.279 --> 00:13:01.279 Let me give one example of this. 00:13:01.980 --> 00:13:02.860 Francis Collins. 00:13:03.339 --> 00:13:04.139 Is a Christian. 00:13:04.319 --> 00:13:06.399 And the director of the National Institutes of Health. 00:13:07.079 --> 00:13:08.579 But when he was a medical resident. 00:13:08.860 --> 00:13:09.620 He was an atheist. 00:13:10.500 --> 00:13:12.159 And he said, when I was a resident. 00:13:12.600 --> 00:13:15.379 I sat at the bedside of people who were facing certain death. 00:13:16.480 --> 00:13:18.399 And I realized that my medical skills. 00:13:18.399 --> 00:13:19.699 And the whole realm of medicine. 00:13:19.699 --> 00:13:21.000 Was not going to save them. 00:13:21.740 --> 00:13:22.759 And I listened to them. 00:13:22.799 --> 00:13:24.240 Talk about their personal faith. 00:13:25.039 --> 00:13:26.939 And how that gave them a sense of peace. 00:13:26.940 --> 00:13:28.380 I was puzzled. 00:13:29.300 --> 00:13:30.160 One afternoon. 00:13:30.700 --> 00:13:33.040 An elderly woman with terrible heart disease. 00:13:33.480 --> 00:13:35.380 And we'd run out of options to offer her. 00:13:35.480 --> 00:13:36.520 Told me about her faith. 00:13:37.840 --> 00:13:40.040 And then she turned and looked me square in the eye. 00:13:40.740 --> 00:13:41.560 And said, doctor. 00:13:42.060 --> 00:13:43.440 You haven't said anything. 00:13:44.200 --> 00:13:45.120 What do you believe? 00:13:47.560 --> 00:13:49.820 Nobody ever asked me that question. 00:13:51.060 --> 00:13:52.200 He said, I stammered. 00:13:52.220 --> 00:13:52.660 I struggled. 00:13:52.780 --> 00:13:55.220 I said something like, oh, I'm not really quite sure. 00:13:55.220 --> 00:13:57.580 And all of a sudden I realized. 00:13:57.980 --> 00:13:59.820 That my atheism was very thin. 00:14:00.700 --> 00:14:02.360 It didn't have much foundation. 00:14:03.019 --> 00:14:04.920 I had never really looked at the evidence. 00:14:05.120 --> 00:14:06.879 For and against the existence of God. 00:14:06.960 --> 00:14:08.279 And I was supposed to be a scientist. 00:14:08.279 --> 00:14:10.240 Who makes conclusions based on evidence. 00:14:10.360 --> 00:14:11.200 That was a problem. 00:14:13.040 --> 00:14:14.100 A pointed question. 00:14:14.660 --> 00:14:16.560 By an elderly hospital patient. 00:14:17.220 --> 00:14:18.960 Changed the course of a doctor's life. 00:14:19.019 --> 00:14:20.080 And set him on a journey. 00:14:20.440 --> 00:14:21.860 That eventually led him. 00:14:22.580 --> 00:14:23.759 To put his faith in Jesus. 00:14:23.759 --> 00:14:27.980 So the Holy Spirit gives us freedom and boldness. 00:14:28.059 --> 00:14:28.620 To speak to. 00:14:28.779 --> 00:14:29.960 To initiate relationships. 00:14:29.960 --> 00:14:31.539 And share the good news of Jesus. 00:14:31.539 --> 00:14:32.720 With people that otherwise. 00:14:32.879 --> 00:14:34.460 We'd be intimidated by. 00:14:35.419 --> 00:14:35.860 Second. 00:14:37.019 --> 00:14:38.399 The Holy Spirit guides us. 00:14:38.519 --> 00:14:40.620 Through careful thinking and planning. 00:14:40.840 --> 00:14:42.240 As well as through. 00:14:42.399 --> 00:14:43.799 Spontaneous opportunities. 00:14:43.799 --> 00:14:45.439 And unusual directions. 00:14:46.439 --> 00:14:48.819 Now I think there's an important balance here. 00:14:48.819 --> 00:14:50.200 That we need to maintain. 00:14:50.200 --> 00:14:52.020 Philip. 00:14:52.420 --> 00:14:53.320 And Paul. 00:14:53.440 --> 00:14:53.840 And Peter. 00:14:53.980 --> 00:14:55.560 And the other people in Acts. 00:14:55.680 --> 00:14:57.780 Didn't wait to receive special directions. 00:14:57.780 --> 00:14:58.600 From an angel. 00:14:59.240 --> 00:15:01.800 Before going out to proclaim the gospel. 00:15:02.780 --> 00:15:05.280 Or before making strategic decisions. 00:15:05.600 --> 00:15:06.580 Earlier in this chapter. 00:15:07.020 --> 00:15:09.080 It says people who were scattered from Jerusalem. 00:15:09.540 --> 00:15:10.440 By persecution. 00:15:10.620 --> 00:15:12.220 Simply started preaching the word. 00:15:13.240 --> 00:15:14.980 And Philip went to a city in Samaria. 00:15:14.980 --> 00:15:16.280 And started preaching the word. 00:15:16.279 --> 00:15:17.500 Even here. 00:15:17.939 --> 00:15:18.659 The spirit told him. 00:15:18.779 --> 00:15:19.620 Go up to the chariot. 00:15:20.360 --> 00:15:21.240 But the spirit. 00:15:21.600 --> 00:15:22.459 It doesn't seem like. 00:15:22.620 --> 00:15:24.339 The Holy Spirit was whispering in his ear. 00:15:24.459 --> 00:15:25.139 And dictating. 00:15:25.360 --> 00:15:26.360 What words he should say. 00:15:26.439 --> 00:15:27.279 In his conversation. 00:15:28.759 --> 00:15:29.679 Most of the time. 00:15:29.720 --> 00:15:31.699 Philip was simply obeying Jesus command. 00:15:32.559 --> 00:15:34.199 To go into all the world. 00:15:34.419 --> 00:15:35.519 And proclaim the gospel. 00:15:36.399 --> 00:15:37.740 Jesus already gave us that command. 00:15:38.980 --> 00:15:40.220 And he promised. 00:15:40.220 --> 00:15:41.819 That he would be with us always. 00:15:43.159 --> 00:15:44.539 And so we should do the same. 00:15:44.539 --> 00:15:46.379 We don't need to wait. 00:15:46.379 --> 00:15:48.639 For special supernatural guidance. 00:15:48.639 --> 00:15:49.279 From an angel. 00:15:49.480 --> 00:15:50.039 Or a dream. 00:15:50.719 --> 00:15:51.779 Or a prophecy. 00:15:52.079 --> 00:15:53.419 Before we make important decisions. 00:15:54.579 --> 00:15:56.240 Even decisions like who to marry. 00:15:56.819 --> 00:15:58.159 Or even whether to pursue. 00:15:58.579 --> 00:16:00.679 Full-time Christian ministry. 00:16:01.559 --> 00:16:03.699 Or certainly to initiate conversations. 00:16:03.699 --> 00:16:04.819 With people about Jesus. 00:16:06.179 --> 00:16:07.539 So we don't need to wait. 00:16:08.259 --> 00:16:09.679 For unusual guidance. 00:16:10.599 --> 00:16:11.740 Now on the other hand. 00:16:12.139 --> 00:16:13.339 I think that there is also. 00:16:13.339 --> 00:16:14.339 An opposite danger. 00:16:15.459 --> 00:16:17.339 John Piper has a sermon on this passage. 00:16:17.339 --> 00:16:19.259 From about 25 years ago. 00:16:19.319 --> 00:16:19.699 And he says. 00:16:19.899 --> 00:16:20.399 Some of us. 00:16:20.779 --> 00:16:21.659 May be more in danger. 00:16:21.659 --> 00:16:23.079 Of making the other mistake. 00:16:23.799 --> 00:16:24.240 Namely. 00:16:24.819 --> 00:16:25.959 Of thinking that we can do. 00:16:26.059 --> 00:16:27.699 All that God wants to get done. 00:16:28.159 --> 00:16:30.079 Simply by our own planning. 00:16:31.120 --> 00:16:31.980 So he says. 00:16:32.059 --> 00:16:32.639 In the scriptures. 00:16:32.860 --> 00:16:33.799 And stories like these. 00:16:33.899 --> 00:16:34.699 God equips us. 00:16:34.779 --> 00:16:35.919 Not only for wise. 00:16:35.980 --> 00:16:36.939 And prayerful planning. 00:16:37.179 --> 00:16:38.759 On the basis of circumstances. 00:16:38.759 --> 00:16:39.740 We can see. 00:16:40.360 --> 00:16:41.459 But also for. 00:16:41.460 --> 00:16:42.460 Listening responsibly. 00:16:42.460 --> 00:16:43.500 To the spirit. 00:16:43.500 --> 00:16:45.340 When he may want to tell us. 00:16:45.340 --> 00:16:46.240 To do something. 00:16:46.240 --> 00:16:48.180 That we might never think of. 00:16:48.580 --> 00:16:48.820 Doing. 00:16:49.060 --> 00:16:50.160 Through our own planning. 00:16:52.920 --> 00:16:54.120 So I think for some of us. 00:16:54.160 --> 00:16:55.040 The question is. 00:16:55.259 --> 00:16:56.500 Are we walking in obedience. 00:16:56.500 --> 00:16:57.740 To the clear commands. 00:16:57.740 --> 00:16:58.320 Of scripture. 00:16:59.040 --> 00:17:00.220 Using the common sense. 00:17:00.259 --> 00:17:01.120 That God has given us. 00:17:01.120 --> 00:17:02.419 And trusting that the Holy Spirit. 00:17:02.419 --> 00:17:03.100 Is at work. 00:17:03.100 --> 00:17:04.099 In our wise. 00:17:04.180 --> 00:17:05.059 And prayerful planning. 00:17:06.059 --> 00:17:07.099 And decision making. 00:17:08.339 --> 00:17:09.480 But I think there's also. 00:17:09.599 --> 00:17:10.259 Another question. 00:17:10.500 --> 00:17:11.119 Are we open. 00:17:11.240 --> 00:17:11.900 And responsive. 00:17:12.500 --> 00:17:13.779 To the unexpected. 00:17:13.980 --> 00:17:14.660 And unusual. 00:17:15.759 --> 00:17:16.240 Opportunities. 00:17:16.319 --> 00:17:17.079 That the Holy Spirit. 00:17:17.279 --> 00:17:18.519 May send our way. 00:17:19.279 --> 00:17:20.119 Whether it happens. 00:17:20.119 --> 00:17:20.799 Through a dream. 00:17:21.140 --> 00:17:21.920 Or an angel. 00:17:22.059 --> 00:17:22.960 Or a strong impression. 00:17:23.119 --> 00:17:23.359 Like. 00:17:24.140 --> 00:17:24.859 Pick up the phone. 00:17:24.920 --> 00:17:25.880 And call that person. 00:17:26.539 --> 00:17:27.539 Or sit down. 00:17:27.579 --> 00:17:28.140 At that table. 00:17:28.220 --> 00:17:28.920 In the dining hall. 00:17:28.920 --> 00:17:30.539 Are we willing. 00:17:30.539 --> 00:17:31.259 To be flexible. 00:17:31.259 --> 00:17:32.360 With our own plans. 00:17:32.360 --> 00:17:33.480 Even our own ministry. 00:17:33.480 --> 00:17:34.840 Priorities as a church. 00:17:34.840 --> 00:17:35.620 If it seems. 00:17:35.620 --> 00:17:36.140 That somehow. 00:17:36.140 --> 00:17:37.500 God is providentially. 00:17:38.000 --> 00:17:38.900 Redirecting us. 00:17:39.740 --> 00:17:40.640 I think that's part. 00:17:40.640 --> 00:17:41.640 Of what Philip's example. 00:17:41.640 --> 00:17:42.700 Here teaches us. 00:17:43.100 --> 00:17:44.060 That there's both. 00:17:44.320 --> 00:17:44.940 A disciplined. 00:17:45.180 --> 00:17:45.720 Obedience. 00:17:46.000 --> 00:17:46.440 And. 00:17:47.279 --> 00:17:48.160 A flexibility. 00:17:48.940 --> 00:17:49.580 In adapting. 00:17:50.160 --> 00:17:50.779 To what. 00:17:52.039 --> 00:17:53.240 God sends us. 00:17:54.220 --> 00:17:54.360 You know. 00:17:54.380 --> 00:17:55.160 Spreading the gospel. 00:17:55.160 --> 00:17:56.100 Across cultural. 00:17:56.279 --> 00:17:56.680 And national. 00:17:56.820 --> 00:17:57.240 And social. 00:17:57.380 --> 00:17:58.340 And language barriers. 00:17:58.339 --> 00:18:00.199 Is no easy task. 00:18:01.119 --> 00:18:02.359 If we take that seriously. 00:18:02.959 --> 00:18:03.720 And if we're serious. 00:18:03.720 --> 00:18:04.459 In taking it on. 00:18:04.539 --> 00:18:05.039 I think we'll need. 00:18:05.039 --> 00:18:05.980 All the resources. 00:18:06.859 --> 00:18:07.799 That the Holy Spirit. 00:18:07.799 --> 00:18:08.459 Gives us. 00:18:09.879 --> 00:18:10.679 And these are. 00:18:11.039 --> 00:18:11.939 Areas that we can grow in. 00:18:11.980 --> 00:18:12.539 So Christianity. 00:18:12.539 --> 00:18:13.419 Spreads by the power. 00:18:13.459 --> 00:18:14.079 Of the spirit. 00:18:15.000 --> 00:18:15.679 But second. 00:18:15.779 --> 00:18:16.279 It spreads. 00:18:16.279 --> 00:18:17.240 Through the explanation. 00:18:17.519 --> 00:18:18.359 Of the scriptures. 00:18:19.279 --> 00:18:19.779 Now sometimes. 00:18:19.779 --> 00:18:20.259 In the church. 00:18:20.339 --> 00:18:21.000 I grew up in. 00:18:21.980 --> 00:18:22.839 Which talked a lot. 00:18:22.839 --> 00:18:23.619 About the Holy Spirit. 00:18:23.619 --> 00:18:24.199 People would say. 00:18:24.199 --> 00:18:25.199 Something like this. 00:18:26.220 --> 00:18:27.099 Say don't get into. 00:18:27.319 --> 00:18:28.199 Arguments with people. 00:18:28.339 --> 00:18:29.599 About religion. 00:18:29.599 --> 00:18:30.379 And theology. 00:18:30.939 --> 00:18:31.779 Because you can never. 00:18:31.779 --> 00:18:32.619 Argue someone. 00:18:32.619 --> 00:18:33.899 Into believing in Jesus. 00:18:34.819 --> 00:18:35.619 The only thing. 00:18:35.619 --> 00:18:36.319 That no one. 00:18:36.319 --> 00:18:37.179 Can argue with. 00:18:37.259 --> 00:18:38.319 Is your personal. 00:18:38.319 --> 00:18:39.000 Testimony. 00:18:39.500 --> 00:18:40.459 Your personal. 00:18:40.459 --> 00:18:41.759 Experience of Jesus. 00:18:41.759 --> 00:18:42.519 They can never. 00:18:42.519 --> 00:18:43.659 Deny that. 00:18:43.799 --> 00:18:44.179 So when you're. 00:18:44.259 --> 00:18:45.059 Sharing your faith. 00:18:45.879 --> 00:18:46.599 Share about how. 00:18:46.599 --> 00:18:47.579 You have personally. 00:18:47.579 --> 00:18:48.299 Experienced. 00:18:48.619 --> 00:18:49.039 Jesus. 00:18:49.720 --> 00:18:50.799 Above all else. 00:18:51.799 --> 00:18:52.159 Now. 00:18:52.759 --> 00:18:53.439 It is true. 00:18:54.000 --> 00:18:54.519 You cannot. 00:18:54.519 --> 00:18:55.179 Argue someone. 00:18:55.179 --> 00:18:55.759 Into the kingdom. 00:18:55.759 --> 00:18:56.259 Of God. 00:18:56.259 --> 00:18:56.339 God. 00:18:56.940 --> 00:18:57.740 And it's true. 00:18:57.740 --> 00:18:58.460 That sometimes. 00:18:58.460 --> 00:18:59.559 Personal testimonies. 00:18:59.559 --> 00:19:00.180 Can be helpful. 00:19:00.180 --> 00:19:01.619 But the problem. 00:19:02.039 --> 00:19:02.839 With that way. 00:19:02.839 --> 00:19:03.559 Of thinking. 00:19:04.779 --> 00:19:05.680 That the. 00:19:05.960 --> 00:19:06.660 Primary thing. 00:19:06.700 --> 00:19:07.299 You should be doing. 00:19:07.400 --> 00:19:08.180 Is sharing your personal. 00:19:08.180 --> 00:19:09.259 Experience of God. 00:19:09.259 --> 00:19:10.119 Is that it actually. 00:19:10.119 --> 00:19:11.059 Places the focus. 00:19:11.420 --> 00:19:12.539 More on you. 00:19:12.980 --> 00:19:14.180 Than on Jesus. 00:19:15.180 --> 00:19:15.660 You know. 00:19:15.720 --> 00:19:16.619 Philip could have shared. 00:19:16.619 --> 00:19:17.400 All kinds. 00:19:17.400 --> 00:19:18.039 Of personal. 00:19:18.259 --> 00:19:19.279 Spiritual experiences. 00:19:20.180 --> 00:19:21.119 Probably more than. 00:19:21.319 --> 00:19:22.119 Most of us have. 00:19:22.619 --> 00:19:22.960 I mean. 00:19:22.960 --> 00:19:23.940 He could have run up. 00:19:23.940 --> 00:19:24.740 To this Ethiopian. 00:19:24.740 --> 00:19:25.120 Said. 00:19:25.579 --> 00:19:26.059 Yesterday. 00:19:26.640 --> 00:19:27.240 An angel. 00:19:27.360 --> 00:19:27.759 Told me. 00:19:27.819 --> 00:19:28.579 To come all the way. 00:19:28.579 --> 00:19:29.180 Down here. 00:19:30.340 --> 00:19:30.740 Or. 00:19:31.100 --> 00:19:32.059 The Holy Spirit. 00:19:32.059 --> 00:19:32.799 Just told me. 00:19:32.900 --> 00:19:33.259 To come. 00:19:33.400 --> 00:19:33.940 And meet you. 00:19:34.779 --> 00:19:35.180 Or. 00:19:35.440 --> 00:19:36.299 Let me tell you. 00:19:36.360 --> 00:19:37.319 About all the miracles. 00:19:37.480 --> 00:19:38.059 That God did. 00:19:38.140 --> 00:19:38.400 Through me. 00:19:38.480 --> 00:19:39.079 In Samaria. 00:19:41.019 --> 00:19:41.940 But that would have been. 00:19:42.000 --> 00:19:43.100 A complete distraction. 00:19:44.620 --> 00:19:45.259 The eunuch. 00:19:45.340 --> 00:19:45.759 Was reading. 00:19:45.860 --> 00:19:46.340 The scriptures. 00:19:47.340 --> 00:19:47.840 And so. 00:19:47.900 --> 00:19:48.460 The first thing. 00:19:48.460 --> 00:19:49.019 Philip did. 00:19:49.640 --> 00:19:50.579 Was to engage him. 00:19:50.579 --> 00:19:51.220 In conversation. 00:19:51.220 --> 00:19:51.619 About. 00:19:52.339 --> 00:19:52.899 The scriptures. 00:19:54.599 --> 00:19:54.980 You see. 00:19:55.039 --> 00:19:55.559 The scriptures. 00:19:56.759 --> 00:19:57.379 Are God's. 00:19:57.759 --> 00:19:58.319 One of God's. 00:19:58.319 --> 00:19:58.859 Greatest. 00:19:59.159 --> 00:19:59.759 Blessings. 00:20:00.639 --> 00:20:01.419 To humanity. 00:20:02.679 --> 00:20:03.659 In the ancient world. 00:20:03.720 --> 00:20:04.019 It would have been. 00:20:04.119 --> 00:20:04.679 Very unusual. 00:20:05.399 --> 00:20:05.980 For this man. 00:20:06.000 --> 00:20:06.519 To have his own. 00:20:06.579 --> 00:20:07.460 Copy of the scriptures. 00:20:07.659 --> 00:20:08.079 And to be able. 00:20:08.139 --> 00:20:08.619 To read it. 00:20:08.819 --> 00:20:09.939 Most people can read. 00:20:11.000 --> 00:20:11.480 And books. 00:20:11.579 --> 00:20:12.119 Were expensive. 00:20:12.119 --> 00:20:13.000 And fragile. 00:20:14.119 --> 00:20:14.899 Most likely. 00:20:15.019 --> 00:20:15.299 He had. 00:20:15.500 --> 00:20:16.259 Just purchased. 00:20:16.599 --> 00:20:17.559 A Greek translation. 00:20:17.559 --> 00:20:18.579 Of the prophet. 00:20:18.659 --> 00:20:19.019 Isaiah. 00:20:19.019 --> 00:20:20.019 When he was in Jerusalem. 00:20:20.019 --> 00:20:21.000 And he was reading it. 00:20:21.160 --> 00:20:22.559 During his long journey home. 00:20:23.879 --> 00:20:24.500 But you know. 00:20:24.579 --> 00:20:25.220 For the eunuch. 00:20:25.859 --> 00:20:26.680 Reading the scriptures. 00:20:26.680 --> 00:20:27.639 All by himself. 00:20:28.839 --> 00:20:30.099 Only got him so far. 00:20:31.339 --> 00:20:32.720 Because he couldn't understand. 00:20:32.900 --> 00:20:33.319 The meaning. 00:20:34.019 --> 00:20:34.559 Maybe you've had. 00:20:34.680 --> 00:20:35.660 A similar experience. 00:20:36.339 --> 00:20:36.960 Maybe you picked up. 00:20:37.000 --> 00:20:37.379 A bible. 00:20:38.279 --> 00:20:39.160 And started reading. 00:20:39.700 --> 00:20:40.200 Maybe you read. 00:20:40.259 --> 00:20:40.599 Genesis. 00:20:40.839 --> 00:20:41.539 Maybe you got all the way. 00:20:41.559 --> 00:20:42.000 To Exodus. 00:20:42.200 --> 00:20:42.740 Maybe you made it. 00:20:42.799 --> 00:20:43.200 Through Exodus. 00:20:43.299 --> 00:20:43.680 And then you got. 00:20:43.680 --> 00:20:44.379 To Leviticus. 00:20:46.700 --> 00:20:47.759 And you started asking. 00:20:47.940 --> 00:20:48.700 All kinds of questions. 00:20:48.700 --> 00:20:50.220 What in the world. 00:20:50.220 --> 00:20:51.039 Does this mean? 00:20:51.880 --> 00:20:52.279 Measurements. 00:20:52.279 --> 00:20:53.259 For the tabernacle. 00:20:53.380 --> 00:20:54.420 Animal sacrifices. 00:20:54.620 --> 00:20:55.519 Priestly regulations. 00:20:55.720 --> 00:20:56.640 What is going on? 00:20:56.680 --> 00:20:57.440 And how in the world. 00:20:57.440 --> 00:20:58.640 Does this make any sense? 00:20:59.900 --> 00:21:01.200 Well that's where you need. 00:21:01.660 --> 00:21:03.120 Not only the written scriptures. 00:21:03.640 --> 00:21:04.519 But also. 00:21:05.039 --> 00:21:06.240 Someone who can guide you. 00:21:07.080 --> 00:21:08.340 If you've never read the bible. 00:21:08.480 --> 00:21:09.100 Let me urge you. 00:21:09.220 --> 00:21:09.759 Like this eunuch. 00:21:09.840 --> 00:21:10.880 To read the scriptures. 00:21:12.019 --> 00:21:12.980 If you don't have a bible. 00:21:12.980 --> 00:21:13.519 Of your own. 00:21:13.580 --> 00:21:14.259 That you can read. 00:21:14.559 --> 00:21:15.160 Take the one. 00:21:15.160 --> 00:21:15.620 From the pew. 00:21:15.680 --> 00:21:16.259 In front of you. 00:21:17.200 --> 00:21:18.440 It's our gift to you. 00:21:19.079 --> 00:21:19.759 Take it home. 00:21:20.859 --> 00:21:21.680 We'll replace it. 00:21:21.779 --> 00:21:22.220 Don't worry. 00:21:23.440 --> 00:21:24.180 Start by reading. 00:21:24.279 --> 00:21:25.720 One of the New Testament gospels. 00:21:25.859 --> 00:21:26.180 Matthew. 00:21:26.339 --> 00:21:26.599 Mark. 00:21:26.720 --> 00:21:26.920 Luke. 00:21:26.960 --> 00:21:27.400 Or John. 00:21:28.180 --> 00:21:29.259 But let me also urge you. 00:21:29.319 --> 00:21:30.059 Read the scriptures. 00:21:30.440 --> 00:21:32.000 With someone else. 00:21:32.819 --> 00:21:33.559 With someone. 00:21:33.740 --> 00:21:34.700 Who can perhaps. 00:21:34.819 --> 00:21:35.779 Answer some questions. 00:21:36.400 --> 00:21:37.819 And help you see the big picture. 00:21:37.940 --> 00:21:38.619 So you don't get. 00:21:39.079 --> 00:21:39.519 Confused. 00:21:39.680 --> 00:21:40.319 Or discouraged. 00:21:41.720 --> 00:21:42.839 If you are a Christian. 00:21:43.480 --> 00:21:44.079 Let me urge you. 00:21:44.160 --> 00:21:44.940 To read the scriptures. 00:21:44.940 --> 00:21:47.220 So that you can guide others. 00:21:48.259 --> 00:21:49.660 Philip knew what the eunuch was reading. 00:21:50.360 --> 00:21:52.960 And he was able to begin with that very passage. 00:21:53.740 --> 00:21:54.500 In Isaiah. 00:21:55.240 --> 00:21:56.820 And tell him the good news about Jesus. 00:21:58.160 --> 00:21:59.580 You know why Philip could do that? 00:22:00.400 --> 00:22:01.840 It's not just because he was. 00:22:03.220 --> 00:22:05.660 Sensitive to the spontaneous leading of the Holy Spirit. 00:22:05.660 --> 00:22:07.860 It was because he had spent his time in the scriptures. 00:22:09.380 --> 00:22:10.620 He had spent time reading. 00:22:10.620 --> 00:22:11.259 And hearing. 00:22:11.600 --> 00:22:12.059 And studying. 00:22:12.059 --> 00:22:12.799 And interpreting. 00:22:13.259 --> 00:22:13.940 And discussing. 00:22:14.200 --> 00:22:14.960 And memorizing. 00:22:15.240 --> 00:22:16.139 The word of God. 00:22:17.220 --> 00:22:18.339 You see Philip was prepared. 00:22:18.480 --> 00:22:19.700 For this very spontaneous. 00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:21.440 And spirit led moment. 00:22:22.279 --> 00:22:23.599 Because he had been disciplined. 00:22:23.819 --> 00:22:25.059 In his study of the scriptures. 00:22:26.119 --> 00:22:28.099 And the more that we study the scriptures. 00:22:28.659 --> 00:22:30.619 And fill our mind and heart with them. 00:22:30.980 --> 00:22:32.220 The more we'll be prepared. 00:22:32.339 --> 00:22:33.720 For the spontaneous opportunities. 00:22:34.159 --> 00:22:35.419 That God may send us. 00:22:35.420 --> 00:22:40.539 If perhaps you know someone. 00:22:40.660 --> 00:22:41.420 Like the eunuch. 00:22:41.500 --> 00:22:42.920 Who is seeking the truth. 00:22:44.360 --> 00:22:45.400 Let me encourage you. 00:22:45.460 --> 00:22:46.900 Read the scriptures with them. 00:22:47.620 --> 00:22:48.600 And ask them. 00:22:49.759 --> 00:22:51.320 Don't just start preaching at them. 00:22:51.740 --> 00:22:52.519 Ask them a question. 00:22:52.620 --> 00:22:53.279 Like Philip did. 00:22:53.360 --> 00:22:54.720 Do you understand what you're reading? 00:22:56.440 --> 00:22:57.940 What do you think this means? 00:22:58.060 --> 00:22:59.080 Does it make sense? 00:23:00.500 --> 00:23:02.200 And then you can begin a conversation. 00:23:02.200 --> 00:23:04.680 You see the gospel spreads. 00:23:05.319 --> 00:23:06.920 Not just through public preaching. 00:23:06.920 --> 00:23:07.700 Of the scriptures. 00:23:07.700 --> 00:23:09.100 To large crowds of people. 00:23:09.240 --> 00:23:10.319 As Philip did in Samaria. 00:23:10.600 --> 00:23:12.000 But also through individual. 00:23:12.299 --> 00:23:14.120 One-on-one conversations. 00:23:15.140 --> 00:23:17.460 By ordinary Christian believers. 00:23:18.440 --> 00:23:19.779 You know Philip wasn't. 00:23:19.880 --> 00:23:20.700 One of the apostles. 00:23:21.740 --> 00:23:23.220 There is an apostle named Philip. 00:23:23.660 --> 00:23:25.319 But it seems that this was a different Philip. 00:23:25.900 --> 00:23:27.360 I always thought it was the same Philip. 00:23:27.400 --> 00:23:28.680 Until Nick's sermon two weeks ago. 00:23:29.019 --> 00:23:30.500 And he convinced me that it wasn't. 00:23:30.500 --> 00:23:32.579 And I looked at it. 00:23:32.640 --> 00:23:32.980 And I'm like. 00:23:33.059 --> 00:23:33.619 Yeah that's right. 00:23:33.839 --> 00:23:35.019 Because it says he was one of the seven. 00:23:35.119 --> 00:23:35.880 Not one of the twelve. 00:23:36.420 --> 00:23:37.640 One of the seven deacons. 00:23:38.539 --> 00:23:38.680 Right. 00:23:38.740 --> 00:23:40.839 Philip wasn't what we would think of as a pastor. 00:23:42.680 --> 00:23:45.460 He was a Christian who was full of the spirit and wisdom. 00:23:45.700 --> 00:23:47.799 Who was appointed to take care of the needs. 00:23:48.039 --> 00:23:49.180 Of some widows. 00:23:49.619 --> 00:23:50.359 Who needed. 00:23:51.779 --> 00:23:52.140 Food. 00:23:52.460 --> 00:23:53.740 On a regular basis. 00:23:54.400 --> 00:23:55.700 He was appointed to oversee. 00:23:55.880 --> 00:23:58.259 An administrative program of the church. 00:23:58.359 --> 00:23:59.279 To help people. 00:23:59.279 --> 00:24:01.299 But he was also. 00:24:01.839 --> 00:24:03.039 A man of the word. 00:24:04.039 --> 00:24:04.680 And he. 00:24:05.019 --> 00:24:05.720 Was a. 00:24:06.359 --> 00:24:07.579 Spirit filled believer. 00:24:08.519 --> 00:24:09.879 And even though he wasn't a pastor. 00:24:09.980 --> 00:24:12.039 He was used powerfully by God. 00:24:13.539 --> 00:24:15.859 So be encouraged by Philip's example. 00:24:15.980 --> 00:24:17.680 The gospel spreads by the power of the spirit. 00:24:18.619 --> 00:24:20.859 The gospel spreads by the explanation of the scriptures. 00:24:21.859 --> 00:24:23.720 And finally it spreads through the message. 00:24:24.180 --> 00:24:24.660 About. 00:24:25.279 --> 00:24:25.839 The servant. 00:24:25.839 --> 00:24:26.839 The servant. 00:24:26.839 --> 00:24:27.480 Verse 35. 00:24:28.399 --> 00:24:29.240 Philip opened his. 00:24:29.399 --> 00:24:30.599 Then Philip opened his mouth. 00:24:30.720 --> 00:24:31.899 And beginning with this scripture. 00:24:32.679 --> 00:24:33.480 He told him. 00:24:33.839 --> 00:24:34.500 The good news. 00:24:34.699 --> 00:24:34.980 About. 00:24:35.399 --> 00:24:35.799 Jesus. 00:24:36.519 --> 00:24:37.319 You see the spirit. 00:24:37.699 --> 00:24:38.299 Leads us. 00:24:38.619 --> 00:24:39.299 To the scriptures. 00:24:40.299 --> 00:24:41.079 And the scriptures. 00:24:41.480 --> 00:24:42.000 Lead us. 00:24:42.399 --> 00:24:43.220 To the servant. 00:24:44.279 --> 00:24:45.199 To Jesus Christ. 00:24:45.720 --> 00:24:46.159 Himself. 00:24:47.399 --> 00:24:48.220 Ethiopian eunuch. 00:24:48.299 --> 00:24:48.779 Was reading. 00:24:49.459 --> 00:24:50.379 From Isaiah 53. 00:24:50.380 --> 00:24:53.720 Which Stephen read for us earlier in the service. 00:24:54.820 --> 00:24:56.120 A large section of. 00:24:56.660 --> 00:24:57.760 And the particular verses. 00:24:58.020 --> 00:24:58.340 Quoted. 00:24:59.100 --> 00:24:59.460 In verse. 00:24:59.680 --> 00:25:01.340 In verse 32 and 33. 00:25:02.420 --> 00:25:03.380 Of Acts. 00:25:04.440 --> 00:25:05.320 Spoke of a person. 00:25:06.020 --> 00:25:07.380 Who is like a silent lamb. 00:25:07.740 --> 00:25:08.580 Led to the slaughter. 00:25:09.960 --> 00:25:11.380 Someone who is unjustly treated. 00:25:12.380 --> 00:25:13.760 Cut off in the prime of life. 00:25:13.840 --> 00:25:15.380 Having no physical descendants. 00:25:15.380 --> 00:25:16.260 Descendants. 00:25:16.980 --> 00:25:17.980 And the whole chapter. 00:25:17.980 --> 00:25:19.380 From which these words were taken. 00:25:19.500 --> 00:25:20.000 Describes. 00:25:20.260 --> 00:25:21.260 A suffering servant. 00:25:22.460 --> 00:25:23.800 Who didn't merely die. 00:25:23.900 --> 00:25:24.860 A tragic death. 00:25:25.540 --> 00:25:26.940 But through his death. 00:25:27.760 --> 00:25:29.360 Made sacrificial atonement. 00:25:29.480 --> 00:25:30.020 For others. 00:25:31.660 --> 00:25:32.380 The verse. 00:25:33.100 --> 00:25:33.800 Just before. 00:25:34.520 --> 00:25:35.600 What the eunuch quoted. 00:25:36.660 --> 00:25:37.620 Says all week. 00:25:37.840 --> 00:25:38.500 Says this. 00:25:39.300 --> 00:25:40.400 All we like sheep. 00:25:40.500 --> 00:25:41.280 Have gone astray. 00:25:42.020 --> 00:25:43.240 We have turned everyone. 00:25:43.520 --> 00:25:44.320 To his own way. 00:25:44.319 --> 00:25:46.960 And the Lord has laid on him. 00:25:47.519 --> 00:25:48.399 The iniquity of. 00:25:49.139 --> 00:25:49.539 Us all. 00:25:51.319 --> 00:25:52.259 The eunuch read these verses. 00:25:52.399 --> 00:25:54.019 And he asked a very perceptive question. 00:25:54.779 --> 00:25:55.899 He said tell me please. 00:25:56.700 --> 00:25:58.259 Who is the prophet speaking about. 00:25:58.339 --> 00:25:59.599 Himself or someone else. 00:25:59.859 --> 00:26:00.679 Who is this. 00:26:01.259 --> 00:26:01.859 Mysterious. 00:26:02.259 --> 00:26:02.720 Servant. 00:26:04.059 --> 00:26:05.599 The prophet Isaiah had described. 00:26:05.980 --> 00:26:06.919 This suffering servant. 00:26:07.079 --> 00:26:08.480 In four haunting poems. 00:26:09.720 --> 00:26:11.159 Sometimes he seemed to be describing. 00:26:11.319 --> 00:26:12.059 The people of Israel. 00:26:12.059 --> 00:26:14.859 Sometimes he seemed to be describing. 00:26:14.859 --> 00:26:15.799 A prophet who would. 00:26:16.359 --> 00:26:17.099 Like himself. 00:26:17.220 --> 00:26:17.980 Sent to restore. 00:26:17.980 --> 00:26:18.980 The people of Israel. 00:26:19.639 --> 00:26:20.819 And to be a light to the. 00:26:20.940 --> 00:26:21.879 To the nations. 00:26:22.940 --> 00:26:24.339 And for hundreds of years. 00:26:25.000 --> 00:26:26.259 Jewish scholars puzzled. 00:26:27.039 --> 00:26:27.879 Over the identity. 00:26:27.879 --> 00:26:29.259 Of this mysterious figure. 00:26:30.299 --> 00:26:31.240 Many people continue. 00:26:31.659 --> 00:26:32.139 To puzzle. 00:26:32.559 --> 00:26:33.099 Over it. 00:26:33.359 --> 00:26:34.419 Had he come in the past. 00:26:35.139 --> 00:26:36.319 Would he come in the future. 00:26:36.319 --> 00:26:38.720 Was he simply representing. 00:26:38.899 --> 00:26:39.639 The nation as a whole. 00:26:40.819 --> 00:26:42.079 But the earliest Christians. 00:26:42.200 --> 00:26:42.939 Including Philip. 00:26:44.139 --> 00:26:45.539 Had a unanimous answer. 00:26:45.539 --> 00:26:46.179 To the question. 00:26:46.299 --> 00:26:47.279 Who is this servant. 00:26:48.279 --> 00:26:49.339 They said finally. 00:26:49.339 --> 00:26:50.220 There is one. 00:26:50.899 --> 00:26:52.480 Who completely fits. 00:26:52.859 --> 00:26:54.119 This job description. 00:26:55.539 --> 00:26:56.539 It's none other than. 00:26:56.619 --> 00:26:57.419 Jesus the Messiah. 00:26:57.779 --> 00:26:58.200 Himself. 00:26:59.759 --> 00:27:00.919 Did the suffering servant. 00:27:00.919 --> 00:27:02.619 Refer to Israel as a nation. 00:27:03.059 --> 00:27:03.259 Yes. 00:27:03.339 --> 00:27:04.279 In one sense. 00:27:04.279 --> 00:27:04.399 Yes. 00:27:05.599 --> 00:27:06.980 But Israel as a nation. 00:27:07.220 --> 00:27:08.440 Had never lived up to. 00:27:08.539 --> 00:27:09.720 Its calling before God. 00:27:09.799 --> 00:27:11.000 To be a light to the world. 00:27:11.099 --> 00:27:12.660 To be a royal priesthood. 00:27:13.019 --> 00:27:14.599 They were constantly failing. 00:27:16.559 --> 00:27:17.740 Becoming just as corrupt. 00:27:17.819 --> 00:27:18.660 As everyone else. 00:27:19.660 --> 00:27:20.680 Only Jesus. 00:27:21.240 --> 00:27:22.180 Faithfully embodied. 00:27:22.319 --> 00:27:23.539 All that Israel was called. 00:27:23.619 --> 00:27:24.559 To be and to do. 00:27:25.660 --> 00:27:26.700 Did the suffering servant. 00:27:26.759 --> 00:27:27.700 Refer to a prophet. 00:27:28.039 --> 00:27:28.879 Like Isaiah. 00:27:29.700 --> 00:27:30.519 Sent to restore. 00:27:30.519 --> 00:27:31.480 The people of Israel. 00:27:31.639 --> 00:27:33.059 And to bring God's salvation. 00:27:33.059 --> 00:27:33.819 To the nations. 00:27:33.819 --> 00:27:34.379 Yes. 00:27:35.599 --> 00:27:36.679 But no prophet. 00:27:37.879 --> 00:27:38.919 Before Jesus. 00:27:39.740 --> 00:27:41.379 Had yet accomplished that. 00:27:42.559 --> 00:27:43.460 No prophet. 00:27:43.639 --> 00:27:44.759 Had led to that. 00:27:44.859 --> 00:27:45.839 Promised restoration. 00:27:46.039 --> 00:27:46.960 That would result in people. 00:27:47.099 --> 00:27:48.319 From all the nations of the world. 00:27:48.399 --> 00:27:49.319 From the ends of the earth. 00:27:49.779 --> 00:27:51.079 Acknowledging the one true God. 00:27:51.139 --> 00:27:52.879 And becoming part of his covenant people. 00:27:54.299 --> 00:27:55.740 Only Jesus did that. 00:27:56.759 --> 00:27:58.159 And this is the good news. 00:27:58.220 --> 00:27:58.619 That Philip. 00:27:59.000 --> 00:28:00.059 Proclaimed to this man. 00:28:00.059 --> 00:28:02.679 Who had traveled from far and wide. 00:28:02.839 --> 00:28:04.039 From what would have been seen. 00:28:04.039 --> 00:28:05.000 As the ends of the earth. 00:28:05.159 --> 00:28:06.379 All the way to Jerusalem. 00:28:06.779 --> 00:28:08.339 To worship the one true God. 00:28:08.399 --> 00:28:09.599 He had taken a long journey. 00:28:09.960 --> 00:28:11.579 To the only place in the world. 00:28:11.839 --> 00:28:14.359 That bore witness to pure monotheism. 00:28:15.220 --> 00:28:18.319 The belief in one true and living God. 00:28:18.579 --> 00:28:19.019 Creator. 00:28:19.399 --> 00:28:19.700 Lord. 00:28:19.839 --> 00:28:20.839 And judge of all. 00:28:20.839 --> 00:28:21.899 Every other nation. 00:28:22.619 --> 00:28:24.579 Was still stumbling in the darkness. 00:28:24.579 --> 00:28:26.399 Of pagan polytheism. 00:28:28.279 --> 00:28:30.019 This man had gone all the way to Jerusalem. 00:28:30.159 --> 00:28:31.379 But now he was going back home. 00:28:32.480 --> 00:28:34.000 And though he had a copy of the scriptures. 00:28:35.199 --> 00:28:36.599 He still didn't understand. 00:28:37.579 --> 00:28:39.119 And though he'd gone all the way to Jerusalem. 00:28:39.259 --> 00:28:41.339 He was still on the outside. 00:28:43.399 --> 00:28:44.439 In many respects. 00:28:44.960 --> 00:28:46.659 This man was a privileged insider. 00:28:46.799 --> 00:28:47.759 He was well educated. 00:28:47.899 --> 00:28:48.699 He was well traveled. 00:28:48.799 --> 00:28:49.699 He was well paid. 00:28:50.619 --> 00:28:51.599 But in one respect. 00:28:51.599 --> 00:28:53.740 He would always be an excluded outsider. 00:28:54.439 --> 00:28:56.939 Because he was a eunuch. 00:28:58.159 --> 00:28:59.199 In verse 27. 00:28:59.339 --> 00:29:00.959 He's introduced using four phrases. 00:29:01.139 --> 00:29:01.799 An Ethiopian. 00:29:02.179 --> 00:29:02.740 A eunuch. 00:29:02.859 --> 00:29:03.559 A court official. 00:29:03.759 --> 00:29:05.139 In charge of all the queen's treasure. 00:29:05.279 --> 00:29:06.480 But in the rest of the passage. 00:29:06.659 --> 00:29:08.339 He's described simply as. 00:29:09.039 --> 00:29:09.619 The eunuch. 00:29:10.819 --> 00:29:12.480 More than his ethnic background. 00:29:13.019 --> 00:29:14.199 More than his career position. 00:29:14.439 --> 00:29:16.099 More than his high educational level. 00:29:16.199 --> 00:29:17.339 His status as a eunuch. 00:29:17.679 --> 00:29:18.339 Defined him. 00:29:19.740 --> 00:29:20.939 In the ancient world. 00:29:21.599 --> 00:29:22.480 High officials. 00:29:22.980 --> 00:29:24.980 Who had regular contact. 00:29:24.980 --> 00:29:26.159 With women in the palace. 00:29:26.319 --> 00:29:27.099 Would routinely be. 00:29:27.259 --> 00:29:28.199 Made eunuchs. 00:29:29.419 --> 00:29:30.899 And that means he had been castrated. 00:29:31.779 --> 00:29:32.919 Or at the very least. 00:29:33.000 --> 00:29:33.699 He was incapable. 00:29:34.119 --> 00:29:35.159 Of having sex. 00:29:35.259 --> 00:29:36.019 And producing children. 00:29:37.480 --> 00:29:38.639 He could never marry. 00:29:39.659 --> 00:29:41.359 No woman would ever want to marry him. 00:29:42.359 --> 00:29:43.279 And in a culture. 00:29:43.419 --> 00:29:44.879 Where the ability to produce children. 00:29:45.379 --> 00:29:46.719 Was the ultimate sign. 00:29:46.719 --> 00:29:48.019 Of blessing and accomplishment. 00:29:48.199 --> 00:29:49.339 Eunuchs were despised. 00:29:49.339 --> 00:29:49.419 Lost. 00:29:50.240 --> 00:29:51.799 And everybody made jokes about them. 00:29:53.019 --> 00:29:53.599 The eunuch knew. 00:29:54.220 --> 00:29:56.179 That he would never have a family of his own. 00:29:57.199 --> 00:29:58.399 He would never be remembered. 00:29:58.639 --> 00:30:00.119 Or taken care of by his kids. 00:30:01.159 --> 00:30:02.059 And though he admired. 00:30:02.279 --> 00:30:04.139 The Jewish monotheistic faith. 00:30:04.480 --> 00:30:05.519 He could never become. 00:30:05.720 --> 00:30:07.699 A full member of the Jewish community. 00:30:07.699 --> 00:30:09.179 Because in order to join. 00:30:09.339 --> 00:30:10.379 The Jewish community. 00:30:10.599 --> 00:30:12.359 He would have to be circumcised. 00:30:12.359 --> 00:30:14.759 But as a eunuch. 00:30:15.039 --> 00:30:16.019 He couldn't be. 00:30:17.139 --> 00:30:18.259 He had to remain. 00:30:18.419 --> 00:30:19.799 Forever on the outside. 00:30:20.179 --> 00:30:21.000 Looking in. 00:30:22.519 --> 00:30:23.819 But the striking thing. 00:30:24.299 --> 00:30:25.719 Is that the biblical passage. 00:30:25.719 --> 00:30:26.799 That he was reading. 00:30:27.240 --> 00:30:28.419 Described a man. 00:30:28.859 --> 00:30:29.659 Like him. 00:30:31.039 --> 00:30:32.639 A man who had no children. 00:30:33.819 --> 00:30:35.519 A man who was despised. 00:30:35.639 --> 00:30:36.179 And rejected. 00:30:36.379 --> 00:30:37.059 And humiliated. 00:30:37.159 --> 00:30:38.059 And finally killed. 00:30:38.819 --> 00:30:39.879 As many eunuchs were. 00:30:39.880 --> 00:30:42.180 It described a man. 00:30:42.260 --> 00:30:42.960 Who had experienced. 00:30:43.160 --> 00:30:43.640 All the pain. 00:30:44.380 --> 00:30:45.260 And all the shame. 00:30:45.300 --> 00:30:46.100 And all the rejection. 00:30:46.100 --> 00:30:47.200 That he had experienced. 00:30:47.200 --> 00:30:47.940 As a eunuch. 00:30:50.020 --> 00:30:50.680 This man. 00:30:50.820 --> 00:30:51.760 Had been wronged. 00:30:52.240 --> 00:30:53.560 But he didn't pay back. 00:30:53.560 --> 00:30:54.280 Evil for evil. 00:30:54.380 --> 00:30:55.180 This man died. 00:30:55.180 --> 00:30:55.780 But his death. 00:30:55.840 --> 00:30:56.420 Wasn't just. 00:30:56.820 --> 00:30:57.300 Solitary. 00:30:57.460 --> 00:30:57.960 And tragic. 00:30:58.200 --> 00:30:59.120 It was sacrificial. 00:30:59.800 --> 00:31:00.320 And atoning. 00:31:02.180 --> 00:31:03.340 He paid a price. 00:31:03.840 --> 00:31:05.300 So that others might live. 00:31:06.380 --> 00:31:07.020 Later on. 00:31:07.080 --> 00:31:07.900 In that same chapter. 00:31:07.900 --> 00:31:08.500 Of Isaiah. 00:31:08.500 --> 00:31:10.079 Isaiah 53. 00:31:10.079 --> 00:31:10.900 Verse 10. 00:31:11.839 --> 00:31:12.279 It said. 00:31:12.559 --> 00:31:13.599 When his soul. 00:31:13.799 --> 00:31:14.819 When the servants. 00:31:15.220 --> 00:31:15.900 When the servant. 00:31:16.099 --> 00:31:16.559 When his soul. 00:31:16.740 --> 00:31:18.019 Makes an offering for guilt. 00:31:18.960 --> 00:31:20.019 Through his death. 00:31:20.740 --> 00:31:21.299 It says. 00:31:21.440 --> 00:31:22.119 He shall see. 00:31:22.859 --> 00:31:24.119 His offspring. 00:31:25.240 --> 00:31:26.259 He shall prolong. 00:31:26.380 --> 00:31:27.380 His days. 00:31:27.920 --> 00:31:28.819 He shall make many. 00:31:28.880 --> 00:31:29.819 To be accounted righteous. 00:31:29.940 --> 00:31:30.660 And he shall bear. 00:31:31.079 --> 00:31:32.160 Their iniquities. 00:31:33.500 --> 00:31:34.279 This servant. 00:31:34.380 --> 00:31:34.839 Who died. 00:31:34.839 --> 00:31:35.539 As a sacrifice. 00:31:35.539 --> 00:31:36.359 For sins. 00:31:36.359 --> 00:31:37.719 Would be raised. 00:31:38.139 --> 00:31:38.699 Victorious. 00:31:39.139 --> 00:31:39.679 From the dead. 00:31:40.819 --> 00:31:41.579 And this one. 00:31:41.619 --> 00:31:42.139 Who had died. 00:31:42.379 --> 00:31:42.819 Unmarried. 00:31:42.919 --> 00:31:43.579 And childless. 00:31:43.679 --> 00:31:44.399 Would have a multitude. 00:31:44.399 --> 00:31:45.519 Of spiritual children. 00:31:46.379 --> 00:31:47.359 From all the nations. 00:31:47.359 --> 00:31:47.919 Of the world. 00:31:48.079 --> 00:31:49.159 That no one could count. 00:31:49.859 --> 00:31:51.339 And just three chapters later. 00:31:51.339 --> 00:31:52.479 In the same book of Isaiah. 00:31:52.479 --> 00:31:53.679 There is a wonderful promise. 00:31:53.679 --> 00:31:54.679 That because of the work. 00:31:54.679 --> 00:31:55.379 Of this servant. 00:31:56.139 --> 00:31:57.479 That even foreigners. 00:31:57.479 --> 00:31:58.799 And eunuchs. 00:31:59.459 --> 00:32:00.799 Would one day be accepted. 00:32:01.379 --> 00:32:03.019 As full members. 00:32:03.019 --> 00:32:04.599 Of the family of God. 00:32:05.079 --> 00:32:06.940 If you look at Isaiah chapter 56. 00:32:07.420 --> 00:32:08.539 Verses three to five. 00:32:08.619 --> 00:32:09.319 It says this. 00:32:10.359 --> 00:32:10.839 Isaiah said. 00:32:11.039 --> 00:32:11.859 Let not the foreigner. 00:32:12.259 --> 00:32:13.420 Who has joined himself. 00:32:13.420 --> 00:32:14.420 To the Lord say. 00:32:15.180 --> 00:32:16.879 The Lord will surely separate me. 00:32:16.960 --> 00:32:17.559 From his people. 00:32:18.500 --> 00:32:19.700 And let not the eunuchs say. 00:32:19.799 --> 00:32:20.160 Behold. 00:32:20.240 --> 00:32:21.220 I am a dry tree. 00:32:22.000 --> 00:32:23.400 For thus says the Lord. 00:32:23.839 --> 00:32:24.619 To the eunuchs. 00:32:24.660 --> 00:32:25.599 Who choose the things. 00:32:25.599 --> 00:32:26.599 That please me. 00:32:26.799 --> 00:32:28.400 And hold fast my covenant. 00:32:28.799 --> 00:32:30.680 I will give in my house. 00:32:30.799 --> 00:32:31.879 And within my walls. 00:32:31.880 --> 00:32:33.380 A monument and a name. 00:32:33.720 --> 00:32:35.580 Better than sons and daughters. 00:32:36.080 --> 00:32:38.180 I will give them an everlasting name. 00:32:38.640 --> 00:32:40.780 That shall not be cut off. 00:32:41.520 --> 00:32:41.900 You see. 00:32:41.960 --> 00:32:43.220 Because Jesus the servant. 00:32:44.080 --> 00:32:45.000 Was cut off. 00:32:45.120 --> 00:32:46.180 From the land of the living. 00:32:47.240 --> 00:32:47.940 You and I. 00:32:48.220 --> 00:32:48.880 Can be. 00:32:49.860 --> 00:32:50.600 Grafted in. 00:32:51.260 --> 00:32:52.560 To the fruitful vine. 00:32:52.740 --> 00:32:53.380 Of his people. 00:32:54.120 --> 00:32:55.440 Because Jesus was rejected. 00:32:56.160 --> 00:32:57.680 You and I can be welcomed. 00:32:58.460 --> 00:32:59.600 Into the family of God. 00:32:59.600 --> 00:33:01.540 Because Jesus poured out his life unto death. 00:33:01.539 --> 00:33:02.980 You and I can receive a crown. 00:33:03.220 --> 00:33:04.599 Of eternal life. 00:33:05.799 --> 00:33:07.519 This is the good news about Jesus. 00:33:08.180 --> 00:33:09.440 The suffering servant. 00:33:10.099 --> 00:33:11.259 Who bore our sin. 00:33:11.319 --> 00:33:12.559 And our shame on the cross. 00:33:12.720 --> 00:33:13.920 And triumphed over death. 00:33:13.960 --> 00:33:14.639 And his resurrection. 00:33:15.259 --> 00:33:16.500 And this good news about Jesus. 00:33:16.500 --> 00:33:18.519 Spoke powerfully to this eunuch. 00:33:19.899 --> 00:33:22.159 He knew that he would forever be on the outside. 00:33:22.500 --> 00:33:23.899 Of the temple in Jerusalem. 00:33:23.900 --> 00:33:26.840 And he knew that all the temple regulations. 00:33:26.840 --> 00:33:28.220 Were simply a reminder. 00:33:28.780 --> 00:33:29.880 Of the reality. 00:33:31.060 --> 00:33:33.160 That all we like sheep have gone astray. 00:33:34.360 --> 00:33:36.320 And each of us has turned to his own way. 00:33:37.180 --> 00:33:38.220 And we're stained. 00:33:38.540 --> 00:33:39.300 With sin. 00:33:39.560 --> 00:33:40.180 And guilt. 00:33:40.360 --> 00:33:42.220 And we can't cleanse ourselves. 00:33:43.180 --> 00:33:44.440 But he saw that through Jesus. 00:33:44.540 --> 00:33:46.120 A new and living way had been opened. 00:33:46.460 --> 00:33:48.259 To enter into the presence of God. 00:33:48.340 --> 00:33:49.820 To become part of the family of God. 00:33:49.820 --> 00:33:51.420 To be made clean and whole. 00:33:51.420 --> 00:33:53.019 Once and forever. 00:33:53.600 --> 00:33:54.640 And so when he saw some water. 00:33:54.759 --> 00:33:55.440 He said see. 00:33:56.380 --> 00:33:57.560 Here's water. 00:33:58.460 --> 00:33:59.940 What prevents me. 00:34:00.259 --> 00:34:01.080 From being baptized. 00:34:05.060 --> 00:34:06.380 He was prevented. 00:34:07.340 --> 00:34:09.079 From being circumcised. 00:34:09.159 --> 00:34:10.420 And joining in. 00:34:11.260 --> 00:34:12.579 To the Jewish community. 00:34:13.639 --> 00:34:14.659 But through Jesus. 00:34:15.599 --> 00:34:17.360 There was nothing that prevented him. 00:34:18.000 --> 00:34:19.139 From being baptized. 00:34:19.639 --> 00:34:21.400 You see baptism represents. 00:34:21.420 --> 00:34:23.340 Fully identifying with the death. 00:34:23.800 --> 00:34:25.079 And resurrection of Jesus. 00:34:25.800 --> 00:34:26.900 Being fully welcomed. 00:34:26.900 --> 00:34:28.059 Into the family of God. 00:34:28.159 --> 00:34:28.680 Through him. 00:34:30.800 --> 00:34:31.280 Friend. 00:34:31.380 --> 00:34:32.139 What prevents you. 00:34:32.800 --> 00:34:33.840 From being baptized. 00:34:34.220 --> 00:34:35.059 What prevents you. 00:34:35.159 --> 00:34:36.820 From fully committing your life. 00:34:36.880 --> 00:34:37.340 To Jesus. 00:34:37.480 --> 00:34:38.720 From fully experiencing. 00:34:38.980 --> 00:34:40.240 His transforming grace. 00:34:40.320 --> 00:34:41.659 From fully taking your place. 00:34:41.700 --> 00:34:42.720 In the family of God. 00:34:42.820 --> 00:34:43.920 Not as an outsider. 00:34:43.920 --> 00:34:44.740 Looking in. 00:34:45.880 --> 00:34:47.380 But as a child of God. 00:34:47.659 --> 00:34:48.720 Welcomed home. 00:34:48.719 --> 00:34:51.219 Have you felt that Christianity. 00:34:51.219 --> 00:34:52.779 Is a foreign religion. 00:34:54.099 --> 00:34:55.399 Has somebody taught you. 00:34:56.459 --> 00:34:57.779 That accepting Jesus. 00:34:57.779 --> 00:34:59.500 Would mean completely abandoning. 00:34:59.559 --> 00:35:00.079 Your culture. 00:35:00.199 --> 00:35:00.899 Or your ethnicity. 00:35:00.899 --> 00:35:02.219 It is not true. 00:35:03.500 --> 00:35:04.339 Jesus is Lord. 00:35:04.599 --> 00:35:06.059 Of all nations. 00:35:06.599 --> 00:35:07.879 Of all ethnic groups. 00:35:07.879 --> 00:35:08.439 And he has come. 00:35:08.599 --> 00:35:09.379 Not to destroy. 00:35:09.379 --> 00:35:10.459 Our different cultures. 00:35:10.679 --> 00:35:11.879 But to purify. 00:35:11.879 --> 00:35:12.779 Each one of them. 00:35:13.099 --> 00:35:14.559 And to reconcile them together. 00:35:14.559 --> 00:35:15.960 In his glorious kingdom. 00:35:17.860 --> 00:35:19.259 Or perhaps like the eunuch. 00:35:19.340 --> 00:35:20.619 Have you internalized. 00:35:20.659 --> 00:35:21.079 The feeling. 00:35:21.219 --> 00:35:21.820 That your body. 00:35:22.659 --> 00:35:24.420 Is somehow damaged goods. 00:35:26.019 --> 00:35:26.460 Unworthy. 00:35:26.599 --> 00:35:27.360 Of being offered. 00:35:27.639 --> 00:35:28.360 To God. 00:35:29.739 --> 00:35:30.699 Perhaps there's something. 00:35:30.840 --> 00:35:31.799 That you've done to yourself. 00:35:33.000 --> 00:35:33.759 Or something that. 00:35:34.099 --> 00:35:35.279 Someone else has done to you. 00:35:35.619 --> 00:35:36.799 Or even some condition. 00:35:36.920 --> 00:35:37.739 You were born with. 00:35:38.219 --> 00:35:39.420 That makes you feel like. 00:35:39.460 --> 00:35:40.659 A perpetual outsider. 00:35:40.659 --> 00:35:41.400 In the church. 00:35:42.099 --> 00:35:43.539 Maybe it's sexual attraction. 00:35:43.539 --> 00:35:44.199 Towards people. 00:35:44.199 --> 00:35:45.139 Of the same sex. 00:35:45.779 --> 00:35:46.539 That you're scared. 00:35:46.539 --> 00:35:47.639 To tell anyone else about. 00:35:48.480 --> 00:35:49.619 Maybe it's uncertainty. 00:35:49.619 --> 00:35:51.039 About your gender identity. 00:35:51.699 --> 00:35:53.239 Feeling that you don't belong. 00:35:53.239 --> 00:35:54.139 In your own body. 00:35:54.960 --> 00:35:55.960 And feeling that you will never. 00:35:56.139 --> 00:35:56.880 Truly belong. 00:35:57.460 --> 00:35:58.679 In a church that affirms. 00:35:58.679 --> 00:35:59.980 What Genesis 1 says. 00:36:00.500 --> 00:36:01.460 That God made us. 00:36:01.679 --> 00:36:02.960 Male and female. 00:36:03.619 --> 00:36:04.880 And the gender distinctions. 00:36:05.380 --> 00:36:07.659 Are part of God's good design. 00:36:08.320 --> 00:36:09.460 Let me say to you. 00:36:10.179 --> 00:36:11.119 Just as the gospel. 00:36:11.119 --> 00:36:12.179 Of Jesus Christ. 00:36:12.179 --> 00:36:12.219 Christ. 00:36:12.739 --> 00:36:14.079 Was good news for the eunuch. 00:36:14.699 --> 00:36:16.000 The gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:36:16.159 --> 00:36:17.379 Is good news for you. 00:36:18.019 --> 00:36:20.219 And for your body. 00:36:21.159 --> 00:36:21.859 The gospel says. 00:36:21.980 --> 00:36:22.619 That Jesus Christ. 00:36:22.739 --> 00:36:23.679 Willingly offered. 00:36:23.679 --> 00:36:25.299 His sinless body. 00:36:26.419 --> 00:36:27.399 To be disfigured. 00:36:27.940 --> 00:36:28.539 And broken. 00:36:28.839 --> 00:36:29.679 On the cross. 00:36:30.539 --> 00:36:31.980 So that our bodies. 00:36:32.519 --> 00:36:33.579 Which groan. 00:36:33.659 --> 00:36:34.239 Under the weight. 00:36:34.299 --> 00:36:35.279 Of a fallen world. 00:36:35.279 --> 00:36:36.279 As well as. 00:36:36.460 --> 00:36:37.039 Our personal. 00:36:37.379 --> 00:36:38.699 Rebellion against God. 00:36:38.699 --> 00:36:40.859 So that our bodies. 00:36:40.859 --> 00:36:42.000 Might be reclaimed. 00:36:42.239 --> 00:36:42.879 By God. 00:36:42.960 --> 00:36:44.019 To be his very own. 00:36:44.559 --> 00:36:45.299 And one day. 00:36:45.399 --> 00:36:46.719 Completely healed. 00:36:46.960 --> 00:36:47.719 And restored. 00:36:48.079 --> 00:36:49.099 And when you offer. 00:36:49.099 --> 00:36:50.219 Your body and soul. 00:36:50.299 --> 00:36:50.739 To Jesus. 00:36:50.839 --> 00:36:51.599 He will welcome you. 00:36:51.659 --> 00:36:52.419 Into his family. 00:36:53.059 --> 00:36:53.639 He will give you. 00:36:53.679 --> 00:36:54.679 A new identity. 00:36:55.099 --> 00:36:55.899 Your truest. 00:36:56.199 --> 00:36:56.839 And most. 00:36:57.099 --> 00:36:58.000 Lasting identity. 00:36:58.000 --> 00:36:58.799 As a beloved. 00:36:59.299 --> 00:36:59.679 Child. 00:36:59.819 --> 00:37:00.539 Of God. 00:37:00.539 --> 00:37:01.659 He will give you. 00:37:01.659 --> 00:37:03.019 A new family. 00:37:03.960 --> 00:37:05.099 Of people to walk. 00:37:05.099 --> 00:37:06.019 Alongside you. 00:37:06.980 --> 00:37:08.460 Of broken. 00:37:08.779 --> 00:37:09.139 People. 00:37:09.900 --> 00:37:10.719 Who experience. 00:37:11.420 --> 00:37:12.019 Who extend. 00:37:12.400 --> 00:37:12.679 Healing. 00:37:13.000 --> 00:37:13.579 To others. 00:37:13.900 --> 00:37:14.239 Wounded. 00:37:14.559 --> 00:37:15.000 Healers. 00:37:15.259 --> 00:37:15.739 Who extend. 00:37:16.179 --> 00:37:17.139 God's grace. 00:37:17.920 --> 00:37:18.079 You know. 00:37:18.139 --> 00:37:19.059 This is what baptism. 00:37:19.400 --> 00:37:20.440 Viscerally affirms. 00:37:20.480 --> 00:37:21.259 That you've died. 00:37:21.980 --> 00:37:23.079 And risen with Jesus. 00:37:23.279 --> 00:37:24.139 That his story. 00:37:24.259 --> 00:37:24.980 Has now become. 00:37:25.179 --> 00:37:26.019 Your story. 00:37:27.380 --> 00:37:28.539 And that he has begun. 00:37:28.619 --> 00:37:29.900 The process of transforming. 00:37:29.900 --> 00:37:30.900 You into his image. 00:37:31.680 --> 00:37:32.260 He'll show you. 00:37:32.260 --> 00:37:33.019 How his power. 00:37:33.160 --> 00:37:33.579 And wisdom. 00:37:33.579 --> 00:37:34.519 Can be displayed. 00:37:34.519 --> 00:37:36.260 Even in your greatest weakness. 00:37:36.680 --> 00:37:37.539 And vulnerability. 00:37:38.539 --> 00:37:39.260 And he promises. 00:37:39.260 --> 00:37:40.139 Never to leave you. 00:37:40.180 --> 00:37:40.980 Nor forsake you. 00:37:42.579 --> 00:37:43.800 The good news about Jesus. 00:37:43.800 --> 00:37:44.740 Is better than anything. 00:37:44.740 --> 00:37:45.840 This world has to offer. 00:37:46.340 --> 00:37:47.539 It's better than sons. 00:37:47.599 --> 00:37:48.059 And daughters. 00:37:48.400 --> 00:37:49.360 It's better than being. 00:37:49.360 --> 00:37:50.500 A high government official. 00:37:50.500 --> 00:37:51.519 It's better than traveling. 00:37:51.639 --> 00:37:52.200 The world. 00:37:53.039 --> 00:37:54.039 As the angel said. 00:37:54.079 --> 00:37:55.000 When Jesus was born. 00:37:55.559 --> 00:37:56.800 This is good news. 00:37:57.500 --> 00:37:58.740 Of great joy. 00:37:58.739 --> 00:38:00.779 For all people. 00:38:02.019 --> 00:38:02.979 And the eunuch got it. 00:38:03.819 --> 00:38:04.719 He went on his way. 00:38:04.839 --> 00:38:05.319 Rejoicing. 00:38:07.259 --> 00:38:08.819 May we receive. 00:38:09.899 --> 00:38:10.679 And rejoice. 00:38:10.859 --> 00:38:12.459 In this good news of Jesus. 00:38:12.619 --> 00:38:13.679 And go on our way. 00:38:15.159 --> 00:38:16.219 Rejoicing in the power. 00:38:16.279 --> 00:38:17.000 Of the Holy Spirit. 00:38:17.099 --> 00:38:17.500 Let's pray. 00:38:17.500 --> 00:38:17.559 Let's pray. 00:38:17.559 --> 00:38:26.539 Lord God. 00:38:26.599 --> 00:38:27.019 Our Father. 00:38:29.320 --> 00:38:30.259 We thank you. 00:38:32.539 --> 00:38:33.679 For your providence. 00:38:35.139 --> 00:38:35.900 We thank you. 00:38:35.960 --> 00:38:36.599 For how you. 00:38:37.079 --> 00:38:37.860 Led Philip. 00:38:38.719 --> 00:38:39.759 To meet this man. 00:38:39.820 --> 00:38:40.699 In the middle of the desert. 00:38:40.880 --> 00:38:41.519 In the middle of nowhere. 00:38:43.039 --> 00:38:43.440 Lord. 00:38:43.480 --> 00:38:44.259 That you knew exactly. 00:38:44.259 --> 00:38:44.840 The timing. 00:38:44.840 --> 00:38:47.039 Of how that would happen. 00:38:47.559 --> 00:38:49.579 And you arranged for it. 00:38:50.139 --> 00:38:51.099 And we thank you. 00:38:51.199 --> 00:38:51.820 For your scripture. 00:38:52.840 --> 00:38:53.820 We thank you. 00:38:53.900 --> 00:38:54.500 That the promises. 00:38:54.500 --> 00:38:55.239 Of the gospel. 00:38:55.480 --> 00:38:56.599 Not only speak to us. 00:38:57.019 --> 00:38:57.440 Generally. 00:38:57.639 --> 00:38:58.539 As a human race. 00:38:59.059 --> 00:38:59.840 But even. 00:39:00.599 --> 00:39:01.159 Individually. 00:39:02.980 --> 00:39:04.480 As the apostle Paul said. 00:39:04.559 --> 00:39:05.480 Christ loved me. 00:39:06.259 --> 00:39:07.340 And gave himself. 00:39:07.460 --> 00:39:07.779 For me. 00:39:09.679 --> 00:39:09.980 Lord. 00:39:10.019 --> 00:39:10.460 We thank you. 00:39:10.500 --> 00:39:10.880 For how. 00:39:11.420 --> 00:39:12.000 Your promises. 00:39:12.199 --> 00:39:13.059 Spoke to this eunuch. 00:39:14.059 --> 00:39:14.860 In his own. 00:39:14.860 --> 00:39:15.340 Particular. 00:39:16.039 --> 00:39:16.519 Situation. 00:39:18.700 --> 00:39:19.460 Someone from. 00:39:19.460 --> 00:39:20.220 A different. 00:39:20.220 --> 00:39:21.079 Ethnic group. 00:39:21.800 --> 00:39:22.620 Than most. 00:39:23.300 --> 00:39:24.220 Of the Jews. 00:39:24.579 --> 00:39:25.660 Or even the Christians. 00:39:25.660 --> 00:39:26.360 At that time. 00:39:27.599 --> 00:39:28.320 As someone. 00:39:28.500 --> 00:39:28.740 Who had. 00:39:29.300 --> 00:39:29.620 Lived. 00:39:30.340 --> 00:39:31.200 With shame. 00:39:33.680 --> 00:39:34.120 And. 00:39:34.680 --> 00:39:35.079 Knowing. 00:39:35.200 --> 00:39:36.000 He was an outsider. 00:39:37.280 --> 00:39:37.599 Knowing. 00:39:37.660 --> 00:39:37.960 He was. 00:39:38.300 --> 00:39:38.860 Like all of us. 00:39:38.900 --> 00:39:39.200 A sinner. 00:39:40.200 --> 00:39:40.440 Lord. 00:39:40.500 --> 00:39:40.960 We thank you. 00:39:41.000 --> 00:39:41.740 For how your gospel. 00:39:41.739 --> 00:39:44.259 Speaks to all of those. 00:39:44.339 --> 00:39:44.739 Barriers. 00:39:44.919 --> 00:39:45.979 That separate us from you. 00:39:46.659 --> 00:39:47.419 We thank you. 00:39:47.439 --> 00:39:47.919 That you've broken. 00:39:47.919 --> 00:39:48.959 Every barrier down. 00:39:49.779 --> 00:39:50.579 That we can. 00:39:51.019 --> 00:39:52.059 Come into your presence. 00:39:52.939 --> 00:39:54.019 And we can marvel. 00:39:54.019 --> 00:39:54.819 At your grace. 00:39:57.599 --> 00:39:58.659 And we can know. 00:39:59.799 --> 00:40:00.619 Your promises. 00:40:00.619 --> 00:40:01.299 To us. 00:40:02.719 --> 00:40:03.719 Which are represented. 00:40:04.879 --> 00:40:05.419 In the. 00:40:05.559 --> 00:40:06.619 In the act of baptism. 00:40:07.259 --> 00:40:08.279 But which are given to us. 00:40:08.339 --> 00:40:08.879 By faith. 00:40:08.880 --> 00:40:10.840 Lord. 00:40:10.900 --> 00:40:11.960 That you have claimed us. 00:40:11.980 --> 00:40:12.500 As your own. 00:40:13.619 --> 00:40:15.119 That we are part of your family. 00:40:15.240 --> 00:40:16.280 That we are in this together. 00:40:16.420 --> 00:40:17.460 That you will never leave us. 00:40:17.519 --> 00:40:18.400 Nor forsake us. 00:40:21.400 --> 00:40:22.300 And that one day. 00:40:24.440 --> 00:40:26.039 We will be completely redeemed. 00:40:27.400 --> 00:40:28.119 In your kingdom. 00:40:29.240 --> 00:40:29.579 Lord. 00:40:29.640 --> 00:40:30.300 Give us that joy. 00:40:30.500 --> 00:40:31.240 And help us to be. 00:40:31.780 --> 00:40:32.780 Messengers of that joy. 00:40:33.980 --> 00:40:34.680 As this. 00:40:35.280 --> 00:40:35.579 Eunuch. 00:40:35.860 --> 00:40:36.180 Became. 00:40:37.340 --> 00:40:38.440 We pray in Jesus name. 00:40:38.440 --> 00:40:38.880 Amen. 00:40:40.519 --> 00:40:41.380 Well the music team. 00:40:41.420 --> 00:40:42.019 Is going to come up. 00:40:42.400 --> 00:40:42.960 Our final. 00:40:43.460 --> 00:40:43.760 Hymn. 00:40:44.559 --> 00:40:45.460 Reflects the joy. 00:40:45.940 --> 00:40:46.519 Of knowing. 00:40:46.960 --> 00:40:47.480 The gospel. 00:40:47.800 --> 00:40:48.179 And knowing. 00:40:48.720 --> 00:40:49.920 That Jesus Christ. 00:40:49.980 --> 00:40:50.740 Has come for us. 00:40:51.179 --> 00:40:52.039 So let us stand. 00:40:52.099 --> 00:40:52.559 As we sing. 00:40:52.679 --> 00:40:53.380 And can it be. 00:40:53.860 --> 00:40:54.720 That I should gain. 00:40:54.720 --> 00:40:54.780 Amen. 00:40:56.840 --> 00:40:57.840 Amen. 00:40:57.840 --> 00:40:58.780 Amen. 00:40:58.780 --> 00:40:59.320 Amen. 00:40:59.940 --> 00:41:00.360 Amen. 00:41:00.360 --> 00:41:00.740 Amen. 00:41:00.740 --> 00:41:00.840 Amen. 00:41:00.840 --> 00:41:01.340 Amen. 00:41:01.360 --> 00:41:01.500 Amen. 00:41:01.500 --> 00:41:01.820 Amen. 00:41:01.820 --> 00:41:01.880 Amen. 00:41:02.059 --> 00:41:02.340 Amen. 00:41:02.340 --> 00:41:02.740 Amen. 00:41:02.740 --> 00:41:02.920 Amen. 00:41:02.940 --> 00:41:03.000 Amen. 00:41:03.000 --> 00:41:03.420 Amen. 00:41:03.420 --> 00:41:03.800 Amen. 00:41:03.800 --> 00:41:04.099 Amen. 00:41:04.099 --> 00:41:04.420 Amen. 00:41:04.420 --> 00:41:04.880 Amen. 00:41:04.880 --> 00:41:05.360 Amen. 00:41:05.360 --> 00:41:05.380 Amen. 00:41:05.380 --> 00:41:06.619 Amen. 00:41:06.619 --> 00:41:07.480 Amen. 00:41:07.480 --> 00:41:08.420 Amen.