17th September 2017 - Simon Benham - Acts 8.26-40 Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

Baptism Sunday Notes: 17^th September 2017

Preacher: Simon Benham

Scripture: Acts 8.26-40 Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

 

Introduction:

• Baptism Sunday – sometimes it can be quite a shock the first time we see baptism. When Simon first saw a baptism (as a non-Christian teenager) it raised many questions for him.
• Full immersion baptism – represents the work Jesus has done in our lives. He has washed us clean and has raised us to a new life with him. 

 

Characters in the story:

1. Philip
   1. Not one of the 12 disciples. However, he was someone to whom the disciples had delegated the job of waiter to.
   2. Widows and the vulnerable were a priority for the early church. They received food and care and Philip was one of the people who waited on their tables.
   3. SIDE NOTE: If you are in leadership and are feeling worn out and tired by your work, it might be a sign that you need to delegate responsibilities.
2. Ethiopian Eunuch
   1. He had gone to Jerusalem to find out about Judaism and is returning home reading Isaiah 53.
   2. He is thought to be the first person to bring Christianity to Africa. 
   3. Philip explains the good news of Jesus to him

 

Asking Questions – be an inquisitive person. Doubt is welcome in this community and it is a safe place to ask questions.

 

The smartest people have the best questions; not the best answers.

• “The little girl who asks why the sky is blue becomes the woman who changes the world” (Leader in Facebook)
• “Raise your hand and ask a question” (Michelle Obama, a letter to her younger self).

 

The Eunuch asks three important questions:

1. How can I understand unless someone explains it to me?
   1. The bible tells us ‘consider the ant’
   2. If we can learn from an ant we can learn from anyone. Have the humility to learn from those who are different from you.
2. Who is the prophet talking about?
   1. This leads to the most important question you could ask… Who is Jesus? The answer to that question is the root to the biggest life change you could ever receive.
   2. Why is the world in such a mess? Broken world – from the broken relationships caused by our sin and rebellion. Jesus came into the world to restore our broken relationship with God. (Isaiah 53.1-12 “Pierced for our transgressions… by his wounds we are healed.”)
   3. Because of Jesus, everyone has access to the same power of the cross. This means our sin is taken away and our wounds healed!
       
3. What is standing in the way of me being baptised?
   1. We might ask the same question. Take it as a challenge to be obedient and get baptised.
   2. Goodness is not a qualification for baptism, neither is the length of time you have known Jesus.

 

Questions for us to consider:

1. Have we been obedient to the call of baptism?
   1. Why not sign up to be baptised at the next baptism Sunday! What is holding you back?
2. Are you an inquisitive person? How could you foster an inquisitive nature this week?
3. What questions do you have?
   1. Think about joining a growth track course (Alpha starts 27^th September, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality is also on this term).
4. Philip was obedient to the voice of God in this passage of Scripture, and it led him to an amazing conversation. Where is God calling you to be in this season? Who are the people around us that we can ask questions to and explain the good news of Jesus to in this season?