A Look Back at Sundays Sermon: Phillip in Samaria (Acts 8:4-8) Acts 8:4-8 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?

search=Acts+8%3A4-8&version=NIV Stephens death launched a great persecution of the church. All the Grecian Jews were being forced out of a Jerusalem and sent into Judea and Samaria. The believers started to preach everywhere they went and the Gospel began to spread. In Matthew 28, Jesus talks about the Great Commission. Therefore go is translated to As you go. So what Matthew 28 is really saying is as you go, live like Jesus, preach the message of Jesus, and love as Jesus loved. In all relationships share Jesus. The believers did not hide for fear of suffering. They spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere they went because that was all they knew. They were the first to evangelize. People today believe God is real, not dead and yet they do not share him with others. Being a Christian is not just a personal thing, it is a community one. One of the Grecian Jews that were pushed out was Phillip, not to be confused with the disciple or the apostle. He was one of the seven deacons picked along with Stephen to wait on tables, to be a servant for the people. Phillip was not limited to what others thought was his calling. In 1 Tim 3:13 Paul describes what a deacon is: Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. Phillip may have started out as a servant for his people but God had bigger plans for him. God starts you off in the small things as a leader to see if you can be faithful before he gives you bigger responsibilities. Phillip chose an odd place to go when he was forced out of Jerusalem, Samaria. This place was made up of mixed Jews with other nations. Samaritans were considered heretics by the Jews and any respectable Jew would not associate with them. This was the very place that Jesus was three years earlier dwelling among them. This is also where Jesus met the Samaritan woman. Racism, classism and religious exclusivity were very prevalent amongst the Jews and Samaritans. Pastor Danny says the following about the three:

Racism: a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race

Classism: prejudice or discrimination based on class: a group sharing the same economic, academic and/or social status Religious exclusivity: Gods only chosen people

The Jews felt they were the only people chosen by God. May you never think Christians are the only ones who deserve Jesus. Christ came for everyone. Christians dont get to determine who is and isnt saved. What is an evangelist? It is someone who is a witness; they spread the good news of Jesus. Sometimes people feel they dont have the right words to say, other times people dont share God because they are so disconnected from him. If you really have the power of the Holy Spirit then you have the power to be witnesses according to Acts 1:8. The biggest tool you have to witness is your own personal testimony of what God has done in your life. Where has God placed you to share the good news? It could be your school, job, Mount Miguel Covenant Village, or your community. God gives your opportunities every day to share his love with those who dont know him. They may be people who make you feel uncomfortable or uneasy. Phillip went in to a place that was foreign to him, a place where he wouldnt normally go to share Jesus with them. He did not let race, class or religion hinder the sharing of the good news. What is stopping you from sharing? How is God moving in your own life, is He at all? Or are you so disconnected from him that you are not sure where to start. How does GCC respond to evangelizing?

Grace will invite everyone in Jan 2012 to meet our neighbors We will team up people to go introduce ourselves, our ministries -Pre-school, L.E.A.P., Wed Youth, the Third Saturday, Christmas

play, Our Sunday service.

We will simply let people know that there is a church in the corner of Akard and Kempton! Not everyone will be open, but some will! - Pastor Danny Martinez

Phillip did not fall into a deep depression or get disconnect when he was forced out of Jerusalem. Instead he used it as an opportunity to share the message of Jesus. That was all he knew, he had no training but he was filled with the Holy Spirit just as you are. Because Phillip allowed the Holy Spirit to work through him, many miracles followed him and there was great joy in the city. Who will you share God with today?
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes-Romans 1:16 In His Love, Nicole