Latest / Stornoway Free Church of Scotland - Sermons / Telling The Good News About Jesus

Transcript

Telling The Good News About Jesus · Stornoway Free Church of Scotland - Sermons

0:00
40. We're singing verses 1 to 9.
0:05
At all times I will bless the Lord. I'll praise him with my voice.
0:10
Because I glory in the Lord, let troubled souls rejoice.
0:15
Together let us praise the Lord, exalt his name with me.
0:19
I sought the Lord, his answer came, from fears he set me free.
0:24
They look to him and shine with joy, they are not put to shame.
0:29
This suffering man cried to the Lord, from him deliverance came.
0:34
The angel of the Lord surrounds and guards continually all those who fear and honor him.
0:39
He sets his people free.
0:41
Come, taste and see, the Lord is good, who trusts in him is blessed.
0:46
O fear the Lord, you saints, with need you will not be oppressed.
0:51
Psalm 34, these verses will stand to sing.
0:54
At all times I will praise and bless the Lord.
0:58
At all times I will bless the Lord.
1:08
I'll praise him with my voice.
1:14
Because I glory in the Lord.
1:22
Let troubled souls rejoice.
1:28
Together let us praise the Lord.
1:38
Lord, exalt his name with me.
1:45
I sought the Lord, his answer came.
1:55
From fear she set me free.
2:02
The Lord, his name is blessed.
2:04
They look to him and shine with joy.
2:12
They are not put to shame.
2:19
The suffering man cried to the Lord.
2:29
From whom the deliverance came.
2:36
The angel of the Lord surrounds and guards continually.
2:53
He sets his people free.
2:55
All those who fear and honor him.
3:03
He sets his people free.
3:12
He's a land of tego фильма.
3:14
He wants to hang.
3:16
The Lord roles are blessed.
3:18
From her heart, he desires, will not obst gaz.
3:20
The Lord resistant hablades, will not społec.
3:22
rays must of87s face with yesterday,
3:24
O fear the Lord violad in his flesh.
3:25
and heaven is blessed.
3:31
O dear the Lord,
3:35
you sins with me,
3:40
you will not be oppressed.
3:52
Once again, let's join together in prayer.
3:54
Let's call upon the Lord in prayer.
4:01
Our gracious and ever-blessed God,
4:04
help us to draw near to you,
4:06
believing that you are,
4:08
that you are the one who rewards
4:09
those who diligently seek you.
4:13
We thank you, O Lord, for this renewed opportunity,
4:16
for every time we come,
4:17
we pray that you would fill us
4:19
with a sense of privilege,
4:22
that you would enable us, Lord,
4:23
to see how unworthy we are,
4:25
that we should come into your presence,
4:28
that we should have admission
4:30
into your holy presence.
4:32
And as we also seek, Lord,
4:34
that you would impress
4:34
our unworthiness upon us,
4:36
help us also to realize
4:38
your worthiness to be praised.
4:41
And give us once again, Lord,
4:43
tonight to see the ground
4:44
upon which we approach you
4:46
in the person and in the work
4:48
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
4:50
We give thanks, O Lord,
4:52
that all the blessings we receive
4:53
come to us through him.
4:56
Because they come to us through him,
4:58
we give thanks that they are secure for us,
5:01
that they are guaranteed forevermore
5:03
to be blessings
5:04
that will be enjoyed by your people.
5:06
And we thank you that as you join us to him,
5:10
as we come in faith,
5:12
as we come giving ourselves
5:14
trustingly to him,
5:16
we thank you, Lord,
5:17
for the way in which you have promised us
5:19
that all the good things
5:21
that he has procured for his people
5:23
are made over to us.
5:25
We give thanks even in providence
5:27
that all things work together for good
5:30
to those who love the Lord,
5:33
to those who are the called
5:34
according to your purpose.
5:36
We bless you for the spiritual gifts,
5:39
especially,
5:40
that accrue to us
5:41
and are dispensed to us
5:42
even on a daily basis.
5:45
We give thanks for those, O Lord,
5:47
that you have given to your people
5:49
that are given once and for all.
5:53
The gift of forgiveness of sin,
5:56
of justification of the righteousness
5:58
that comes to us,
5:59
the righteousness of Christ
6:01
that is imputed to us
6:03
and received by faith alone.
6:06
And we bless you, Lord,
6:07
once that this has been accomplished
6:09
and applied to us.
6:11
It is something that remains in place
6:13
and will be so forevermore.
6:17
We thank you for the gift
6:18
and the privilege and the benefit
6:19
of your sanctifying work
6:22
through your Spirit,
6:23
the grace of adoption
6:25
by which we are received
6:26
into the number of God's children.
6:28
We thank you, Lord,
6:30
for all the practical gifts
6:31
and all the things that follow on
6:34
from those great spiritual realities.
6:37
We thank you for your fatherly care,
6:41
for the way that you look after
6:42
your people so well,
6:44
even in times of your providence
6:47
being mysterious to them.
6:49
Lord, we thank you that in your wisdom
6:51
you are directing all things
6:53
towards that glorious end for them
6:56
that will bring them into
6:58
your everlasting kingdom,
6:59
that will make them princes
7:01
in your presence,
7:03
that will truly give them
7:04
to reflect forever
7:06
and be always in the image of Christ,
7:11
glorifying the Lord God.
7:14
Lord, bless us, Lord,
7:16
we pray as we gather here
7:18
in your presence once again
7:19
under your word.
7:20
Bless your word to us
7:22
and help us to be thankful for it.
7:23
Lord, you have called us
7:25
by your word already to praise you.
7:28
You have given us in your word
7:29
so much that we can use in your praise.
7:34
You have given us matters to sing.
7:37
You have given us prayers
7:38
that are recorded for us,
7:40
the prayers of your people
7:41
in different circumstances,
7:44
not only in the book of Psalms,
7:45
but in other places
7:47
throughout your word.
7:48
We find those who addressed you
7:50
having their prayers recorded
7:52
for our benefit.
7:54
We pray, Lord,
7:55
that you would help us
7:56
to follow their example,
7:58
to enter into that engagement
7:59
with you that they engaged in,
8:02
and to experience the benefits
8:04
that they experienced,
8:06
not only during their time of prayer,
8:09
but also in response to it
8:10
as you answered their cry
8:12
and brought to them
8:14
the blessings that you had for them.
8:16
And we thank you
8:18
that we have in our congregational life
8:20
so much that we give thanks for
8:23
as we come towards the end
8:25
of this current year.
8:27
We give thanks, Lord,
8:28
for all that you have been to us,
8:31
for everything that we have known
8:32
of your goodness
8:33
stretching out before us.
8:36
We think of the words of the psalmist
8:38
who also could refer to your goodness,
8:41
and an exclamation say,
8:42
how great is your goodness
8:44
to those who fear you,
8:47
laid up for those who fear you,
8:49
going ahead of those who fear you.
8:51
And we give thanks, Lord,
8:53
for the prospect
8:53
of more of your goodness
8:55
being experienced by us,
8:58
and the ways in which
8:59
your goodness is extended to us.
9:02
Lord, we pray your blessing
9:03
upon our gathering this evening.
9:05
Grace us, we pray,
9:06
with your presence.
9:08
Help us to know
9:09
that you are here for our good,
9:11
that you are here because
9:12
you take delight
9:13
in meeting with your people,
9:15
that your favor is upon them,
9:18
that you are committed
9:18
to their welfare,
9:20
to their advancement
9:21
in righteousness
9:22
and in eternal life.
9:25
And we thank you, O Lord,
9:26
that as we come to you
9:28
in the name of Christ,
9:30
all of these great blessings
9:31
are assured in him
9:33
for all the promises of God
9:35
are yea and amen in him.
9:37
And we thank you tonight, Lord,
9:39
that we come on the basis
9:41
of all that he is,
9:42
all that he has done,
9:43
all that he will yet do.
9:46
We pray, Lord,
9:46
your blessing for
9:47
all our families tonight
9:49
as we think of them.
9:51
Wherever they are in the world,
9:52
we commit them to you.
9:54
We ask, Lord,
9:55
that you would bless them
9:56
in all the different
9:57
family circles
9:58
that we represent here,
10:01
and all those who belong to us
10:02
and are near and dear to us.
10:04
We think of them, Lord,
10:05
at this time,
10:06
as we look towards
10:08
the end of this year
10:09
and the beginning of a new one,
10:11
we pray that you would
10:12
fill our lives with hope,
10:14
with the hope of the gospel,
10:16
with the hope that you bring
10:17
to your own saved people.
10:20
And we ask, Lord,
10:21
that as we pray for them,
10:23
we ask that you would do for them
10:24
more than we can ask or think,
10:27
for this is how you term yourself
10:28
in the Scriptures
10:30
as our God,
10:31
the God who is able
10:32
to do exceeding abundantly
10:34
above all that we are able
10:36
to ask or think.
10:37
Oh, God, we thank you
10:39
that there is no limit
10:40
to your ability
10:41
and that you are the God
10:43
who has surprised
10:44
your people so often
10:45
and even at times
10:47
when they were despondent
10:48
and beginning to doubt
10:50
and to fail,
10:52
you entered into
10:52
their circumstances
10:53
and you brought them
10:56
such an experience
10:57
as lifted them up
10:59
and revived and quickened
11:00
their souls.
11:01
We pray in our day, Lord,
11:03
too, that you would do this
11:04
for us.
11:05
We confess, O Lord,
11:06
that at times we feel despondent,
11:09
that we find as we look out
11:10
over the world
11:11
and as we see the state
11:13
of the world,
11:14
as we find so much rebellion
11:15
against you,
11:17
as we find so many alternatives
11:18
to trusting in you,
11:20
and even as we look in
11:21
in ourselves, O Lord,
11:22
and find that there is so much
11:24
there in our own hearts
11:26
and minds
11:27
that we would rather
11:28
it were not there at all,
11:30
doubts and fears
11:32
and failings.
11:33
Lord, we pray that
11:35
in your mercy
11:36
that you would lift us up,
11:38
that you would enable us
11:39
even tonight
11:39
for these few moments
11:40
to have a heavenly experience
11:42
through your blessing
11:44
of what it is
11:45
to come to know you,
11:46
to follow you,
11:47
to be blessed by you.
11:49
Lord, remember,
11:50
we pray all those tonight
11:51
who do not have
11:53
the capacity
11:54
to be here,
11:55
we think especially
11:56
of those who are ill,
11:58
those who belong to us
11:59
as a congregation,
12:00
in hospital
12:01
or in care homes
12:02
or elsewhere.
12:03
Remember them,
12:03
Lord, at this time,
12:04
we pray.
12:06
Graciously bless those
12:07
who are bereaved,
12:08
those who sorrow
12:09
over the loss
12:11
of loved ones,
12:12
and reflect in times
12:13
gone by
12:14
of loved ones
12:15
who are with them
12:16
and are now no more here,
12:17
whether it be
12:18
in recent bereavement
12:19
or even back in time.
12:22
Grant, Lord,
12:22
your comfort
12:23
and your direction
12:24
for them.
12:26
Remember again
12:26
our children,
12:27
our young people,
12:28
our young adults,
12:30
those who are here,
12:30
O Lord,
12:31
and are going through school
12:33
at this time
12:33
and facing challenges
12:34
in school
12:36
as regarding
12:37
their belief
12:38
in the Bible,
12:39
their belief in Christ
12:40
as the Savior.
12:42
Sanctify your word
12:43
to them,
12:44
we pray.
12:44
Sanctify their young lives.
12:46
Give them to be rooted
12:47
and grounded in you
12:48
as their Savior.
12:50
Hear the prayers
12:51
of those who pray
12:52
for them
12:52
in their own families
12:54
and in their relatives.
12:55
Grant the teaching
12:56
that they receive
12:57
at home or in church
12:58
will continue
12:59
to be blessed by them.
13:02
Bless our leaders,
13:02
we pray,
13:03
at this time
13:04
in the congregation,
13:05
those who give
13:06
so willingly
13:06
of their time
13:07
to teach
13:09
our young children
13:09
to enable them also
13:11
to engage
13:12
in different activities.
13:14
Lord,
13:14
we commit them to you
13:15
and ask that
13:16
you would continue
13:17
to bless these activities
13:18
and these groups
13:20
and gatherings
13:20
from time to time.
13:22
Lord,
13:23
we pray that
13:23
there may be
13:24
a lasting fruit
13:26
of harvest
13:27
of righteousness
13:28
in these young lives.
13:30
We know they face
13:30
so many challenges,
13:32
Lord,
13:32
in these days.
13:34
We know that
13:34
the world out there
13:35
holds out so much
13:37
sinful attraction
13:38
for them
13:39
and that seeks
13:40
to draw them away
13:41
from the things
13:42
of Christ.
13:43
We pray that
13:44
you would sanctify them,
13:46
that you would
13:46
protect them
13:47
and shield them
13:48
by your own power
13:49
and that you would
13:50
prove to be
13:51
for them,
13:51
Lord,
13:51
a God
13:52
who is so
13:53
worthy of our trust
13:55
and we pray
13:56
that you would
13:56
give them
13:57
in their young days
13:58
to trust in you.
14:00
We ask that you
14:00
bless now
14:01
as we gather together
14:02
all other gatherings
14:03
of your people
14:04
in this town
14:05
and throughout
14:06
our nation.
14:07
Bless us,
14:08
we pray,
14:09
throughout
14:09
our own presbytery
14:10
and our own denomination.
14:12
Remember us,
14:13
Lord,
14:13
we pray as a church.
14:15
We give thanks
14:15
for all the upholding
14:17
and the strengthening
14:18
and the encouragements
14:19
that you have given us
14:20
over these past years
14:22
when we have faced
14:23
this COVID pandemic
14:25
and had so many challenges,
14:27
Lord,
14:27
in your providence.
14:28
We give thanks
14:29
for your guidance of us,
14:31
for the wisdom
14:31
that you imparted,
14:33
for the way
14:34
in which you upheld us
14:35
and strengthened us
14:36
and enabled us,
14:38
Lord,
14:38
to be encouraged
14:38
by knowing of others
14:40
who had turned
14:41
to the gospel
14:41
and turned to yourself
14:43
and gave evidence
14:44
that they had come
14:45
to trust in the living God.
14:48
Oh,
14:48
remember us,
14:48
Lord,
14:49
we pray in these days
14:50
to come
14:50
and grant that you
14:51
would remove
14:52
this virus,
14:54
this pandemic
14:55
so that we may see
14:57
your own intervention,
14:58
that we may find,
14:59
Lord,
14:59
that we are released
15:01
from the restrictions
15:01
we presently
15:02
are observing
15:03
and especially
15:05
we pray this,
15:06
Lord,
15:06
for our church gatherings
15:07
that we give thanks
15:08
for being able
15:09
to gather in this way
15:10
and for the technology
15:12
that enables others
15:13
to join us,
15:14
Lord,
15:14
online.
15:14
We do pray
15:16
that we may
15:16
in days to come
15:18
be pleased
15:18
to be able
15:19
to have
15:20
the final restrictions
15:21
removed
15:22
so that we may sing
15:24
with gusto once again
15:25
so that we may come
15:27
to observe
15:28
and partake
15:28
of the Lord's Supper.
15:31
And in all of these things,
15:32
Lord,
15:32
hear us as we cry out
15:33
to you
15:34
for we acknowledge
15:35
that you alone
15:36
are God,
15:37
that you preside
15:38
over all the events
15:39
of life
15:39
and that it is
15:41
your prerogative
15:42
to bring
15:42
or to remove
15:43
whatever you have
15:44
seen fit to impose
15:46
in your own providence
15:47
and government
15:48
at this time.
15:50
And so remember,
15:51
again,
15:51
our leaders in the nation
15:52
as we continue
15:54
to pray for them,
15:55
we do pray again
15:56
that you would
15:56
bless them
15:57
by giving them
15:58
to acknowledge you,
16:00
to be turned
16:01
into your ways
16:02
and to show forth
16:04
in their lives
16:05
evidence
16:06
that they indeed
16:07
are turned
16:07
into wisdom
16:08
and in the ways
16:09
of your peace.
16:11
Receive us now,
16:12
we pray and hear
16:13
our prayer
16:13
and forgive our sin
16:14
for Jesus' sake.
16:16
Amen.
16:19
We're going to read
16:19
from God's Word
16:20
now in the book of Acts.
16:23
The book of Acts
16:24
in chapter 8,
16:25
we're reading
16:25
from verse 26
16:27
and we'll read
16:30
to the end
16:31
of the chapters.
16:32
That's the book of Acts
16:34
chapter 8
16:34
and at verse 26.
16:36
Now an angel
16:48
of the Lord
16:48
said to Philip,
16:50
Rise and go
16:50
towards the south,
16:52
to the road
16:52
that goes down
16:53
from Jerusalem
16:54
to Gaza.
16:55
This is a desert place
16:57
and he arose
16:58
and went.
17:00
And there was
17:00
an Ethiopian,
17:01
a eunuch,
17:01
a court official
17:02
of Candace,
17:03
queen of the Ethiopians,
17:05
who was in charge
17:06
of all her treasure.
17:08
He had come
17:09
to Jerusalem
17:09
to worship
17:10
and was returning
17:11
seated in his chariot
17:13
and he was reading
17:14
the prophet Isaiah.
17:17
And the spirit
17:18
said to Philip,
17:19
Go over
17:20
and join this chariot.
17:22
So Philip ran
17:22
to meet him
17:23
and heard him
17:24
reading Isaiah
17:25
the prophet
17:25
and asked,
17:26
Do you understand
17:27
what you are reading?
17:29
And he said,
17:30
How can I
17:31
unless someone
17:32
guides me?
17:33
And he invited
17:34
Philip to come up
17:35
and sit with him.
17:37
Now the passage
17:37
of the scripture
17:38
that he was reading
17:39
was this,
17:40
Like a sheep
17:41
he was led
17:41
to the slaughter
17:42
and like a lamb
17:44
before its shearer
17:45
is dumb,
17:46
so he opens
17:46
not his mouth.
17:48
In his humiliation
17:49
justice was denied him.
17:51
Who can describe
17:52
his generation?
17:54
For his life
17:55
is taken away
17:55
from the earth.
17:57
And the eunuch
17:58
said to Philip,
17:59
About whom,
18:00
I ask you,
18:01
does the prophet
18:02
say this?
18:03
About himself
18:04
or about someone else?
18:06
Then Philip
18:07
opened his mouth
18:08
and beginning
18:09
with the scripture
18:10
he told them
18:11
the good news
18:11
about Jesus.
18:13
And as they were
18:14
going along the road
18:15
they came to some water
18:16
and the eunuch said,
18:17
See, here is water.
18:19
What prevents me
18:20
from being baptized?
18:22
They commanded
18:22
the chariot to stop
18:23
and they both
18:25
went down
18:25
into the water,
18:26
Philip and the eunuch
18:27
and he baptized him.
18:29
And when they came
18:30
up out of the water
18:31
the Spirit of the Lord
18:32
carried Philip away
18:33
and the eunuch
18:34
saw him no more
18:35
and went on his way
18:37
rejoicing.
18:39
But Philip found himself
18:40
at Azotus
18:41
and as he passed through
18:43
he preached the gospel
18:44
to all the towns
18:46
until he came
18:46
to Caesarea.
18:49
Once again we pray
18:50
that God
18:50
will bless to us
18:52
this reading of his word
18:53
to his own praise.
18:56
Let's again sing his praise
18:57
this time in Psalm 36.
18:59
Again it's in Psalm 36
19:02
at verse 5.
19:04
That's on page 44.
19:08
Verses 5 to 10.
19:10
Your steadfast love
19:11
is great, O Lord.
19:12
It reaches heaven high.
19:14
Your faithfulness
19:15
is wonderful
19:16
extending to the sky.
19:18
Your righteousness
19:19
is very great
19:20
like mountains
19:21
high and steep.
19:22
Your justice
19:23
is like ocean depths
19:24
both man and beast
19:25
you keep.
19:26
How precious
19:28
is your steadfast love
19:29
what confidence
19:30
it brings
19:31
both high and low
19:33
find shelter
19:34
in the shadow
19:35
of your wings.
19:37
They feast within
19:37
your house
19:38
and drink from streams
19:39
of your delight
19:40
for with you
19:41
is the source of life
19:42
in your light
19:44
we see light.
19:45
To those who know you
19:46
as their God
19:47
your steadfast love
19:49
impart
19:49
maintain your righteousness
19:51
to those
19:52
of pure
19:53
and upright heart.
19:54
these verses 5 to 10.
19:57
Your steadfast love
19:58
is great, O Lord.
20:00
Your steadfast love
20:08
is great, O Lord.
20:12
It reaches heaven high.
20:18
Your faithfulness
20:22
is wonderful
20:26
extending to the sky.
20:34
Your righteousness
20:38
is any big
20:43
like mountains
20:46
like mountains
20:47
high and steep.
20:50
Your justice
20:53
is like ocean depths
21:00
of love and beast
21:05
you keep.
21:07
how precious
21:12
is your steadfast love
21:17
what confidence
21:21
it brings
21:25
for thy and love
21:30
find shelter in
21:35
the shadow of your wings.
21:42
the feast
21:45
the feast
21:46
within
21:47
your house
21:49
and drink
21:51
from streams
21:54
of your
21:56
delight
21:57
or with you
22:03
is the source
22:07
of life
22:08
of life
22:09
in your light
22:12
we see
22:14
light
22:15
in your light
22:16
we see
22:17
light
22:18
to those
22:19
who know you
22:22
you
22:24
do not serve
22:25
your steadfast love
22:27
in heart
22:29
you stand fast
22:30
love
22:31
and heart
22:33
maintain your righteousness
22:35
to those
22:37
of good
22:39
and a bright heart
22:41
of good
22:43
and a bright heart
22:51
if you turn with me please now to the passage we read in Acts chapter 8
22:59
and we can consider this together this evening from verse 26 through to the end of the chapter
23:07
chapter 8 of the book of Acts
23:12
let me just read verse 35 which we are going to take as the focal point of our study this evening
23:18
then Philip opened his mouth and beginning with the scripture he told him the good news about Jesus
23:28
he told him the good news the gospel about Jesus
23:32
very interesting the way that the book of Acts brings together in these chapters
23:39
an account of the conversion of three specific people three specific individuals
23:45
and these three representatives these three individuals are representatives of the way in which humanity was divided into three great groupings all the way from the Old Testament onwards from the time when the
24:01
from the time of the sons of Noah onwards you remember the sons of Noah Ham and Shem and Japheth
24:09
and how you find described in Genesis chapter 10 what's usually referred to as the table of the nations
24:17
you find there a description of their descendants
24:20
those that were descended from these three sons of Noah Ham and Shem and Japheth
24:27
and as you find here a description of the Ethiopian eunuch followed by the conversion of Saul of Tarsus who became Paul the apostle
24:36
and then in chapter 10 the conversion of Cornelius a centurion
24:40
so you find these three groupings of humanity represented in these three individuals
24:47
you recall after chapter 10 of Genesis
24:50
in chapter 11 you have the story the account of the Tower of Babel
24:55
the Tower of Babel is the way in which it describes the way in which
25:01
fallen humanity trying to look after itself themselves
25:05
without God
25:07
came to have a plan that he tried to put into action
25:10
and began to put into action
25:12
which was to build a great tower
25:16
right up to the heavens
25:18
and to preserve for themselves a name
25:21
to keep themselves without any reference to God
25:24
and God looked down and came down as you know
25:28
and interrupted their plans
25:30
and humanity came to be scattered
25:34
from there over the face of the earth
25:37
and he confounded their languages
25:40
he actually brought about the difference of languages
25:44
by which you find from then onwards in different parts of the world
25:48
that his language developed so people could not understand one another
25:52
unless they learned each other's languages of course
25:55
in the New Testament
25:57
that process is reversed in Christ
26:01
because you find in the second chapter of the book of Acts
26:06
that wonderful account of all of these people
26:08
that come from different parts of the world
26:10
to actually stand there in the presence of God
26:14
and the day of Pentecost
26:16
and the spirit of the Lord came
26:18
and you remember the wonderful description there
26:21
of people hearing the apostles in their own language
26:24
as if they were indeed at home
26:28
and then you find here these three representatives
26:32
as you find them there described
26:34
the descendants of Ham and Shem and Japheth
26:37
the Ethiopian eunuch representing Africa
26:40
where Ham, the descendants of Ham, settled
26:43
and then you find Shem who is of the Jewish
26:48
Jewish descent from Shem
26:51
covenant people, the people that became Israel
26:54
and then you find Japheth who is you might say
26:58
the other parts of Europe especially
27:01
in contrast with those two others
27:04
well in this very context in these chapters in Acts
27:09
you find these three groupings are actually brought together
27:13
as it were in these three individuals that represent them
27:17
and what you find in that is this wonderful emphasis
27:20
that's elsewhere of course in the New Testament
27:22
especially that divided humanity is reunited in Christ's people
27:29
because Christ's people draw people from all these parts of the world
27:34
into the one family of God
27:37
when we come to have our trust in Christ
27:40
and come to be Christ's people
27:42
when we are adopted into the family of God
27:44
we join people from all the different parts
27:47
especially from these three sections of humanity
27:50
that are brought together so that the division is no longer there
27:54
they are spiritually one in Christ Jesus
27:58
and that itself is a great emphasis that you can follow out
28:02
in the teaching of the New Testament
28:04
in some of the epistles especially
28:06
so here is what you find in these chapters
28:09
but we are focusing in on the Ethiopian eunuch
28:12
this descendant of Ham as he is described for us in these passages
28:19
now first of all I want to just deal with the situation
28:23
the situation that led to the meeting between this eunuch
28:27
he is not named
28:28
and this man Philip
28:31
who is an evangelist
28:32
and he went about here preaching the gospel
28:35
circumstances
28:37
the situation that led to them coming together
28:40
and meeting together
28:42
to the Ethiopian's advantage
28:44
the second thing we can see in the passage
28:46
is the explanation which led to the Ethiopian's conversion
28:50
the way that Philip explained to him
28:54
the meaning of this scripture that he was reading in Isaiah 53
28:58
and then beginning at that scripture
29:00
he told them the good news about Jesus
29:04
so the two things briefly tonight
29:06
we are looking at the situation
29:08
which brought them together
29:10
and the explanation
29:12
that brought conversion to the Ethiopian
29:16
here is the situation first of all
29:18
as you find it described in the chapter here
29:22
and throughout the book of Acts
29:24
it is an interesting study in itself
29:26
to actually follow out the way that the book of Acts sets out
29:32
God's plan as something that has always been set
29:36
whether it is for individuals
29:38
or for nations
29:39
or for different groups of people
29:41
but you will find that God's plan
29:43
as it is set
29:45
and brings people together
29:46
and means people also sometimes parting from each other
29:50
whatever the plan is
29:51
whether it is for individuals
29:53
for families
29:54
for nations
29:55
for empires
29:56
God has already planned
29:58
God has purposed
29:59
that the purpose of God is there
30:01
and everything that happens
30:03
falls within that purpose of God
30:05
and that is a very important thing for us to remember
30:08
that everything comes about
30:10
by the will of God
30:12
by the purpose of God
30:14
that has set things in place from all eternity
30:16
that does not mean we do not have to exercise our own minds
30:20
that we do not have liberty to actually consider
30:23
consider the gospel call
30:25
and respond to the call of Jesus in the gospel
30:28
it is not a predetermined state
30:30
where you do not find people being able to exercise their own minds
30:35
the gospel addresses our minds
30:38
addresses our thought processes
30:40
and addresses our hearts
30:42
addresses our conscience
30:43
that is by the way
30:45
that is by the way
30:46
but he is bringing together
30:47
this man
30:48
who is seeking the meaning of this scripture
30:51
and also
30:53
this Philip
30:54
this evangelist
30:56
who is specifically set by God
30:58
set apart
30:59
to be a gospel preacher
31:01
to be one who explains the gospel
31:03
and the meaning of Christ especially
31:07
remember in the shorter catechism
31:09
as you learnt
31:10
most of you will have learnt
31:11
the shorter catechism at some point
31:13
and question 11
31:14
what are God's works of providence
31:18
God's works of providence
31:20
are his most holy
31:21
wise and powerful
31:23
preserving and governing
31:25
all his creatures
31:27
and all their actions
31:29
and although there is a liberty
31:32
and contingency within God's plan
31:35
nevertheless God's plan is God's plan
31:37
God's providence
31:38
is his most holy
31:40
wise and powerful
31:41
preserving and governing
31:43
all his creatures
31:44
and all their actions
31:46
and there is many a day
31:47
you are thankful for that
31:48
as a Christian
31:49
that is not left
31:50
you are not left to your own devices
31:52
that you are not left to make up
31:53
your own plan
31:54
as to what your life is
31:55
that you are not left to look out
31:57
in the world and think
31:58
well who is actually in control
32:00
of this world
32:01
who is in charge of these proceedings
32:03
this God is
32:04
and that is all the way through
32:05
the book of Acts
32:07
as it is in scripture as well
32:09
of course in Jerusalem at this time
32:12
this man was returning from Jerusalem
32:15
we were told that he was
32:16
an important official
32:18
in the court of Kandasi
32:20
who was queen of the Ethiopians
32:22
he was in charge in fact
32:23
of her treasury
32:24
he had come up to Jerusalem to worship
32:26
and he was returning to Ethiopia
32:28
to his own place
32:29
he was returning to his own country
32:32
sitting in a chariot
32:34
it wouldn't have been
32:35
a grand stately chariot
32:36
but nevertheless
32:37
he was being
32:38
he was being driven along
32:40
in a chariot
32:41
and that was him making his way
32:43
from Jerusalem back home
32:45
and Jerusalem at the time of course
32:48
was in a state of high excitement
32:50
he had been to Jerusalem
32:51
he had obviously heard of things
32:53
he had perhaps witnessed things
32:54
in Jerusalem as well
32:55
during these very heady days
32:57
leading up to the crucifixion
32:59
the trial
33:00
the crucifixion of Christ
33:02
the death of Christ
33:03
the resurrection of Christ
33:04
following three days afterwards
33:06
an intense time in Jerusalem
33:09
an intense time for the people
33:11
just to consider what was going on
33:13
what was the reason for all of these things
33:15
and people of course like the apostles
33:18
preaching the gospel
33:19
and themselves struggling to understand
33:22
until the spirit came at Pentecost
33:25
what all of these things meant
33:27
at least meant in detail
33:29
so remarkable events
33:31
of Jesus' death
33:33
and his resurrection
33:34
and all these things
33:35
surrounding that
33:36
would have been very much
33:37
in the mind of this man
33:38
and I think he would probably
33:40
have been very much influenced
33:41
by the things that he saw
33:43
and heard in Jerusalem
33:44
at that time
33:45
and was on his way home
33:47
but reading the scroll of Isaiah
33:49
he was reading this book
33:51
that we know as the book of Isaiah
33:53
and as he was reading
33:54
he was making his way home
33:56
he had obviously been
33:58
in some way or other
33:59
struck by this passage
34:01
and as he was looking at this passage
34:03
he was wondering
34:04
what does this passage mean?
34:06
Who is this prophet Isaiah
34:09
speaking about?
34:10
What does it mean that he's saying
34:12
he has believed our report?
34:13
What does it mean that
34:15
here's someone who was bruised
34:17
for our iniquities?
34:19
Who was put to death for our sins?
34:21
Who is he speaking of?
34:24
He was wrestling with this passage
34:26
in his mind
34:27
as he made his way back home
34:30
he was searching
34:31
for the meaning of this passage of Isaiah
34:34
there's the Ethiopian
34:36
that's his set of circumstances
34:39
that's how things have worked for him
34:42
and into the picture comes Philip
34:44
this man who's been set apart by God
34:47
now previously you read about him
34:48
we didn't read from the beginning of the chapter
34:50
but you go back to verse 4
34:52
you can see those who were scattered abroad
34:55
that was in the persecution that broke out there
34:58
scattered throughout Judea and Samaria
35:01
except the apostles
35:03
Saul of course at that time
35:04
Saul who became Paul the apostle
35:06
was still ravaging the church
35:07
as you see there
35:08
so the scattering took place
35:10
and Philip went down to the city of Samaria
35:13
and proclaimed to them the Christ
35:16
and the crowds with one accord
35:17
paid attention to what was being said by Philip
35:19
when they heard him and saw the signs that he did
35:22
many unclean spirits came out of many
35:24
who were possessed crying with a loud voice
35:27
and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed
35:30
so there was much joy in that city
35:34
there you see Philip already working as an evangelist
35:38
as someone who's preaching the gospel
35:39
explaining the gospel
35:40
and it's that Philip that now comes
35:42
in verse 26
35:43
to be instructed by God through an angel
35:48
to go up from where he is
35:49
to go towards the south
35:51
to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza
35:55
he's now given specific instructions
35:58
and what do you next read?
36:00
you read that he arose and went
36:03
and he ran down that road
36:06
down that road
36:08
and he was actually responding to the instruction of God
36:15
and as the instruction went ahead
36:18
to tell him to go over and join this chariot
36:20
in verse 30
36:22
Philip ran to him
36:24
and then he heard him
36:25
he would have been speaking out loud
36:27
reading the scroll of Isaiah
36:29
reading this passage
36:30
he heard him
36:31
as he was reading this out loud
36:32
but you see the emphasis there
36:34
and just
36:35
don't just pass over it too quickly
36:38
you see it saying
36:39
the spirit said
36:40
go over and join this chariot
36:41
so Philip ran to him
36:44
yes I'm sure there was an amount of catching up to do
36:48
but Philip ran to him
36:49
he didn't take his time
36:51
he didn't walk
36:52
he didn't amble over
36:53
he didn't say
36:54
I'll just take it easy
36:55
and I'll catch up with him sometime
36:56
he ran to him
36:58
and that itself is making a point for us
36:59
I think tonight
37:00
that for all of us
37:01
is very important
37:02
especially for all of us
37:03
who seek to make Jesus known
37:05
to explain the meaning of the gospel
37:07
to people around us
37:08
or even in our own families
37:10
because here is this man Peter
37:11
he is running for this work
37:13
this is an important work
37:15
this is so important that he runs
37:16
to the accomplishment of it
37:19
as we come to the end of this
37:22
very challenging year as it's in sight
37:24
and as we hope for
37:25
much more liberty
37:27
to be engaged in the gospel
37:29
for God
37:30
in this year to come
37:31
as we pray for
37:32
and as we hope
37:33
and as we trust
37:34
will be the case
37:35
let's make it a year of running
37:39
let's make it a year of being eager
37:42
to actually bring the gospel
37:44
to that world out there
37:45
let's make it a year of running
37:47
with a message
37:48
such as Philip has here
37:49
the message of the gospel
37:50
the message of the gospel
37:51
because that world
37:52
in its epidemic
37:53
in this pandemic
37:54
and its post pandemic state
37:56
as at all times
37:57
is going to be very needy
37:59
of that message
38:00
not only very needy
38:01
but perhaps
38:02
actually more ready
38:03
than it's been before
38:05
because people undoubtedly
38:06
will have been
38:07
and are asking questions
38:09
maybe not to the extent
38:10
that you'd like
38:11
maybe not to the extent
38:13
that those in high government
38:15
are asking these serious questions
38:17
but people undoubtedly
38:18
are asking the question
38:19
well where is there a meaning
38:21
to this pandemic
38:22
what is there to this pandemic
38:24
more than just an actual
38:26
physical phenomenon
38:28
what is there more to it
38:29
than an illness
38:30
what is there to it
38:32
more than just something
38:34
that's come upon us
38:35
as out of nowhere
38:36
and people are asking
38:38
certain questions
38:39
to do with spiritual matters
38:41
is there any connection
38:43
with God
38:44
is God speaking to us
38:46
through this
38:47
is this something
38:48
that I can use
38:50
in order to try and find out
38:53
more about God
38:54
is this something
38:55
that will help me
38:56
towards closing in with God
38:59
all of these
39:00
and other questions
39:01
are being asked
39:02
and as they're being asked
39:04
so you and I
39:06
as those who know the gospel
39:08
are being tasked
39:09
by the same providence
39:11
that brought these two people together
39:13
as it will bring us together
39:14
God willing
39:15
over the next few months
39:17
over the next year
39:18
so God is tasking us
39:21
as he tasked Philip
39:22
go near to that person
39:25
go near to these people
39:27
tell them why Jesus
39:29
is important to you
39:30
tell them what the gospel
39:32
is about
39:33
tell them that there is an answer
39:35
to our human dilemma
39:37
and our human problem
39:38
and our human failures
39:40
and our human weakness
39:42
and tell them
39:43
that the answer is not
39:44
in our own human strength
39:45
in human ingenuity
39:47
in technology
39:48
in any of these things
39:49
important or they may be
39:50
the answer is in Jesus
39:51
the answer is in Christ
39:55
and that's the providence
39:57
that led to them meeting
39:59
and we need to catch up
40:02
as this man Philip did
40:03
to catch up with this chariot
40:05
we need to catch up
40:07
with those who are lost
40:08
because they are perishing
40:10
they don't know much
40:13
of the gospel
40:14
many of them
40:15
and most of them
40:17
that do know something
40:18
of the gospel
40:19
have chosen just to ignore it
40:20
chosen that it is not for them
40:23
and we can't just leave things
40:25
as if to say
40:26
well that is their choice
40:28
let's just move on
40:29
that is not what God has placed
40:31
in our hearts
40:32
he has placed in our hearts
40:34
he has placed in our hearts
40:35
the burden of making Jesus known
40:39
the burden of explaining
40:40
as this Philip did to this eunuch
40:42
telling the good news about Jesus
40:45
amongst all the bad news
40:46
amongst everything that
40:48
fills people's hearts
40:50
with sadness
40:51
with sorrow
40:52
with pain
40:53
with anxiety
40:54
with issues of health
40:55
whether mental or physical
40:57
all of the things that cause distress
40:59
distress to people
41:00
God has an answer to that
41:02
it may not take everything away
41:04
from the lives that people experience
41:06
and have
41:07
but it will certainly bring
41:09
solid basis
41:10
and meaning
41:11
and above all righteousness
41:13
into their lives
41:17
remember
41:19
providence in this year
41:21
in my life
41:22
and in your life
41:24
is going to bring people together
41:25
in different circumstances
41:27
ask in those circumstances
41:29
of yourself
41:30
what is this for me
41:33
in terms of making Jesus known
41:36
how do I use this
41:38
to the gospel's advantage
41:41
if God has brought about
41:42
this providence
41:43
that's brought me to meet
41:45
with such and such a person
41:47
there must be something in here
41:49
that has to do with Jesus
41:51
and making Jesus known
41:52
and telling the good news
41:54
about Jesus
41:55
about Jesus
41:58
and is that not why
41:59
we're here this evening
42:01
because God
42:02
in his providence
42:04
has made a way for you
42:05
to come to be under the gospel
42:07
tonight
42:08
and God in his providence
42:09
has brought a way
42:10
for me to stand in this pulpit
42:12
and declare to you
42:13
the good news about Jesus
42:14
there's the same thing
42:15
that happened here
42:16
in the book of Acts
42:17
between this Ethiopian
42:18
and Philip
42:19
as providence brought them together
42:21
as the circumstances
42:23
the situation brought them together
42:24
these two men
42:27
out of all that was happening
42:28
in the world
42:29
but you can see
42:30
every single thing
42:31
that happened
42:32
in the lead up to this
42:33
was for this specific purpose
42:35
that Philip would actually tell this man
42:37
the good news about Jesus
42:39
all the things that had gone before
42:41
and all the things that came after
42:43
all fitted towards this specific moment
42:45
this important moment
42:47
this crucial moment
42:48
of Philip telling this man
42:51
the good news about Jesus
42:52
so that's the situation
42:58
that led to their meeting
43:01
God in charge
43:03
God arranging it
43:05
and these two people
43:06
who had never met each other before
43:08
and here they are
43:09
in a critical meeting
43:10
a crucial moment
43:11
for both of them
43:13
especially for the Ethiopian
43:14
but for Philip too
43:16
because he is serving the Lord
43:19
and as he is
43:20
brought by God
43:21
to meet with this man
43:23
so they come to meet
43:24
in this extraordinary meeting
43:27
which has always been planned
43:28
by God
43:30
and which is going to lead
43:31
to this Ethiopian conversion
43:33
and not only that
43:34
but who knows
43:35
because you read afterwards
43:37
he went away to his own land
43:39
he went on his way rejoicing
43:40
who knows what the outcome of this was
43:44
in Ethiopia
43:45
in the place in Ethiopia
43:46
wherever he belonged to
43:48
who knows how many people came
43:50
to have the good news
43:51
about Jesus
43:53
spoken to them
43:54
from this Ethiopian
43:56
who had come himself
43:57
to have it spoken to him
43:59
in this extraordinary meeting
44:00
between himself
44:02
and Philip
44:04
well it's extraordinary in many ways
44:06
in many other ways
44:07
it's just ordinary
44:08
it's just the events of
44:09
another day
44:10
in Philip's life
44:12
and so it will be
44:14
God willing for you and for me
44:15
as each day passes
44:16
and gives way to another day
44:19
there's another time
44:20
in God's providence
44:22
when something comes our way
44:24
and something to do with Jesus
44:26
is brought before us
44:30
to disseminate
44:32
to speak out
44:33
others about
44:34
in the circumstances
44:35
of God's wise providence
44:38
but secondly
44:39
let's look at the explanation
44:41
which led to his conversion
44:43
because as Philip responded
44:45
and ran to this chariot
44:48
he heard this man reading
44:49
Isaiah the prophet
44:51
and he asked
44:54
the passage he was reading
44:57
was chapter 53
44:58
as we know it
45:00
in the prophecy of Isaiah
45:01
and
45:02
well isn't that a remarkable providence
45:05
itself
45:06
because
45:07
here is Philip
45:09
a man used by God
45:10
to teach people about Jesus
45:12
to present the good news
45:14
and here is someone
45:15
who has already given him an opening
45:17
because he's reading
45:18
in the Old Testament
45:20
probably the passage
45:21
that's most clearly to do
45:23
and most detailed
45:25
with regard to the death
45:26
and the circumstances
45:27
of the death of Christ
45:28
no preacher could ask
45:31
for a better
45:32
or more advantageous
45:34
situation than that
45:36
it's as if you had all
45:38
come tonight
45:39
and were just crowding
45:40
around this pulpit
45:41
saying tell me the meaning
45:42
of this passage
45:43
please explain to me
45:44
this passage
45:45
well I hope you've come
45:47
of course
45:48
seeking to have scripture
45:49
explained to you
45:50
and seeking that the Lord
45:51
will actually direct
45:52
your heart to the
45:53
to the knowledge of Christ
45:54
through this very scripture
45:55
through this very scripture itself
45:56
as he led this Ethiopian
45:58
through Philip
45:59
to come to understand it
46:00
but what an amazing
46:01
and wonderful opportunity
46:03
for Philip
46:05
here's just a text
46:06
as it were
46:07
dropped into his lap
46:09
as he heard this man
46:10
reading the prophecy of Isaiah
46:13
who could ask for more
46:15
what greater advantage
46:16
could he have than that
46:18
a preacher of the gospel
46:20
a man seeking the meaning
46:21
of scripture
46:22
and reading this passage
46:25
that's all to do
46:26
with a prophecy
46:27
of the coming Messiah
46:29
and the sufferings
46:30
and the death of Jesus
46:33
and so
46:34
Philip
46:36
proceeds to guide him
46:37
to Jesus
46:39
and there are three
46:40
brief points
46:41
I want to mention
46:43
in Philip's guiding
46:44
of this man to Jesus
46:46
because they're important
46:47
too in regard to
46:48
the opportunities
46:49
we have ourselves
46:50
to come to know
46:52
Jesus for ourselves
46:53
or else to try and guide
46:55
by God's help
46:57
others to Jesus as well
46:58
the first thing you notice
47:00
is that Philip began
47:02
by addressing his understanding
47:04
Philip ran to him
47:05
and heard him reading
47:06
and he said
47:07
do you understand
47:09
what you are reading
47:11
how you see
47:12
the first point
47:13
that Philip wanted to make
47:14
the thing that he wanted
47:15
this Ethiopian's mind
47:17
to focus upon
47:18
was his understanding
47:19
of the passage
47:20
do you understand
47:21
he was hearing him
47:22
reading it
47:23
do you understand
47:24
what you are reading
47:25
what an important emphasis
47:27
what a key point
47:28
that is
47:29
because it's crucial
47:30
that we understand
47:31
the scriptures
47:32
I don't mean by that
47:33
that you understand
47:34
everything that's in
47:35
the Bible
47:36
completely
47:37
and totally
47:39
but understand it
47:41
in the sense
47:42
in which Philip
47:43
meant it
47:44
understand it
47:45
for your saving benefit
47:46
understand it
47:48
savingly
47:49
understand it
47:50
so that
47:51
it brings to you
47:52
the knowledge of Christ
47:53
and brings you
47:54
into that living union
47:55
with Christ
47:56
that's the question
47:57
that God
47:58
is addressing to you
47:59
through the gospel
48:00
tonight
48:01
and he's addressing me
48:02
as well
48:03
just because
48:04
I happen to preach
48:05
the gospel
48:06
doesn't mean that
48:07
I don't need
48:08
this passage
48:09
or this question
48:10
addressed to myself
48:11
let's just all
48:12
think of ourselves
48:13
in the place
48:14
of this eunuch
48:15
and God addressing us
48:17
through the speaker
48:18
of the gospel
48:19
and God saying to us
48:21
do you understand
48:23
what you are reading
48:25
have you found Christ
48:27
in the gospel
48:29
you understand it
48:31
in terms of its outward meaning
48:33
you understand
48:34
the account it gives
48:36
of various events
48:37
you understand
48:38
that these actually
48:39
took place
48:40
as the gospel record
48:41
actually brings before you
48:43
but then the understanding
48:44
that Philip is talking of
48:46
is an understanding
48:47
of your mind
48:48
an understanding
48:49
of your will
48:50
an understanding
48:51
of your heart
48:52
do you understand
48:54
what you are reading
48:56
is your heart in it
48:58
is Jesus real to you
49:00
in it
49:01
you could put it that way
49:02
is Jesus real to you
49:04
is God real to you
49:05
in your reading of scripture
49:07
in your reading of
49:08
this book
49:09
this word
49:10
that God
49:11
has so freely given to you
49:13
what an important question
49:14
that is
49:15
because there are many people
49:17
maybe some even here tonight
49:19
who are very familiar
49:20
with the Bible
49:21
many familiar with
49:23
the terms of the gospel
49:25
with the teaching of the gospel
49:28
but still don't know Christ personally
49:30
still aren't united to Christ
49:35
savingly
49:36
still haven't put their trust
49:39
in him
49:40
still haven't received him
49:42
as he is offered
49:43
in the gospel
49:44
still haven't
49:45
willingly
49:46
surrendered their heart
49:47
to him
49:48
to be ruled by him
49:50
if that is you tonight
49:52
then here is God
49:53
asking you
49:54
do you understand
49:55
what you are reading
49:56
and here is God
49:57
saying to you
49:58
listen to what this passage
49:59
is saying
50:00
about this man
50:01
and about how
50:02
this Philip
50:03
Philip dealt with him
50:05
and how he brought him
50:06
to the understanding
50:08
that he needed to have
50:09
and it is crucial
50:10
we understand these things
50:12
if you cast your mind back
50:13
to the other book
50:14
that Luke wrote
50:16
he wrote the book of Acts
50:18
and he also wrote
50:19
the gospel of Luke
50:20
as we know it
50:22
you remember in the last chapter
50:23
of Luke's gospel
50:24
Luke 24
50:26
at verse 27
50:27
that Jesus drew near
50:29
to these two disciples
50:31
disciples who were
50:32
about seven miles
50:33
from Jerusalem
50:34
walking to
50:35
the village called Emmaus
50:37
and verse 28
50:38
they drew near
50:39
to the village
50:40
to which they were going
50:41
Jesus acted as if
50:42
he were going further
50:43
but they urged him
50:45
strongly saying
50:46
stay with us
50:47
for it is towards evening
50:48
and the day is now
50:49
far spent
50:50
so he went in
50:51
to stay with them
50:52
while he was at the table
50:53
with them
50:54
he took bread
50:55
and blessed it
50:56
and broke them
50:57
and their eyes were opened
50:58
and they recognized him
50:59
and he said
51:00
did not our hearts
51:01
burn within us
51:02
while he talked to us
51:03
on the road
51:04
and opened to us
51:05
the scriptures
51:06
Jesus had opened
51:09
to opened the scriptures
51:11
to them
51:12
because he had spoken to them
51:13
on the way
51:14
as he had drawn them
51:16
into the conversation
51:18
as to what had happened
51:19
in Jerusalem
51:20
in these days
51:21
something like we've said
51:22
in our introduction
51:23
to our study
51:24
this evening
51:25
well he's
51:26
they said
51:27
this is what happened
51:28
some of those
51:29
who went to the tomb
51:30
they found it
51:31
just as the women
51:31
had said
51:32
but they didn't see
51:33
and then he
51:35
began to speak to them
51:36
of the scriptures
51:37
and the prophets
51:38
beginning with Moses
51:39
and all the prophets
51:41
he interpreted to them
51:42
in all the scriptures
51:43
the things
51:44
concerning himself
51:46
what a commentary
51:49
what a sermon
51:50
the son of God himself
51:53
the savior
51:54
explaining to these men
51:56
leading these men
51:57
through the scriptures
51:58
beginning with Moses
51:59
and then through the prophets
52:01
he interpreted to them
52:06
in all the scriptures
52:07
the things concerning himself
52:10
he opened their mind
52:12
he set before them
52:15
the truth of the things
52:17
that they had just said
52:18
they had heard
52:19
and were witnesses of
52:20
but now he's opening their minds
52:23
to understand the scriptures
52:25
do you understand
52:26
said Philip
52:27
the things
52:28
that you're reading
52:29
and have we prayed today
52:33
before we came to church
52:35
we prayed to God
52:37
to give us an understanding
52:39
to give us more than a mental understanding
52:43
to give us that spiritual recognition
52:45
and understanding
52:46
of Jesus himself
52:47
to find him
52:48
in the scriptures
52:50
that's the first point
52:51
he began
52:52
with the understanding
52:53
and then he moved on
52:54
to respond to the interest
52:56
that this man had
52:58
because the man said
52:59
verse 31
53:00
how can I understand
53:02
unless someone guides me
53:04
and he invited Philip
53:06
to come up and sit with him
53:08
and we're told the passage
53:10
that he was reading in Isaiah
53:11
and then verse 34
53:13
the eunuch said to Philip
53:14
about whom I ask you
53:16
does the prophet say this
53:17
about himself
53:18
or about someone else
53:20
he began with focusing
53:22
on the understanding
53:23
and then as this man responded
53:25
and as he said
53:26
something more
53:27
about his search for the truth
53:29
and the meaning of this passage
53:30
Philip responded
53:32
with the truth about Jesus
53:34
he explained to him
53:36
he told him in the scripture
53:39
the good news about Jesus
53:41
well of course
53:42
that's what we want to see
53:43
isn't it
53:44
in this coming year
53:46
we want to see people
53:47
taking up an interest in Jesus
53:49
this is not conversion for this man
53:52
he's not yet changed
53:53
but he has that interest
53:54
and Philip responds
53:56
to that question
53:57
to that interest
53:58
to that desire of this man
54:00
and this is what he then does
54:01
he explains to him
54:02
he tells him
54:04
the good news about Jesus
54:07
and obviously that
54:10
was blessed
54:11
to the man
54:13
now you notice what he's saying
54:15
beginning
54:16
with this scripture
54:18
that's what
54:20
the key really was
54:21
as far as Philip was concerned
54:22
God had actually
54:24
placed this in his lap
54:25
and he took the scripture
54:27
and he worked out
54:28
from there
54:28
to explain the things of Christ
54:30
to present the good news
54:32
of Christ
54:33
and that's such an important point
54:35
that world out there
54:36
is filled with bad news
54:38
that world out there
54:39
is filled with bad thoughts
54:40
about this gospel
54:41
about this Jesus
54:43
about your worship
54:44
about the church of God
54:45
about the emphases
54:46
that you find in the Bible
54:48
that contradicts
54:49
and is very antagonistic
54:51
to the ways of the world
54:52
especially
54:53
in those
54:54
in those ways of the world
54:56
that are in direct contrast
54:58
to the ways of God
54:59
and that's what Philip did
55:04
he began with the scripture
55:06
and that's where we begin
55:07
you don't begin
55:08
with any kind of philosophy
55:10
you don't begin
55:11
with something
55:12
that you think yourself
55:13
is maybe adequate
55:14
for the moment
55:15
he began with this scripture
55:17
you always come to work
55:20
from scripture
55:21
into your situation
55:22
not from the situation
55:24
into the scriptures
55:25
he began with the scripture
55:27
and of course it means
55:28
a certain knowledge
55:29
of scripture is necessary
55:31
but that's what he did
55:32
he began with this scripture
55:35
and it really reminds us
55:37
doesn't it
55:38
that here is in Isaiah 53
55:40
a scripture about Jesus
55:43
it doesn't matter
55:44
where you begin
55:45
in the Bible
55:46
but somewhere or other
55:48
there's a road
55:48
that leads to Jesus
55:49
Jesus is really
55:51
the centerpiece
55:52
Jesus is really
55:53
the very center
55:55
of God's truth
55:56
he is the way
55:57
the truth
55:57
and the life
55:58
and even if you begin
56:00
with a historical passage
56:01
in the Old Testament
56:02
there may be no specific
56:03
reference to Jesus
56:05
in the passage
56:06
but somewhere
56:07
as you study it
56:08
and as you relate it
56:08
to other passages
56:09
God will actually
56:11
lead you to Jesus
56:13
he'll lead you
56:14
to the Savior himself
56:15
because that's what
56:16
it's all about
56:17
that's what the gospel
56:18
is about
56:18
that's where the gospel
56:19
is in Christ himself
56:21
so he began
56:24
with that scripture
56:25
and he told him
56:26
the good news
56:27
about Jesus
56:29
the other point
56:31
to make there
56:31
before we finish
56:32
is this
56:33
the gospel
56:35
is a positive
56:37
emphasis
56:38
it is
56:40
the good news
56:41
about Jesus
56:42
you might say
56:44
there's some bad news
56:45
in the Bible as well
56:46
of course there is
56:47
it's bad news
56:48
in the way that it tells me
56:50
I'm a lost sinner
56:51
it's bad news
56:52
to be able to
56:53
to reckon with the fact
56:55
that I'm not able
56:56
to save myself
56:57
by my own efforts
56:58
that my own righteousness
57:00
that my own
57:01
as Paul found out
57:02
for himself
57:03
my own attempts
57:04
at pleasing God
57:05
will never go anywhere
57:06
near far enough
57:07
I don't need
57:09
any way to have that
57:10
because Christ
57:11
has already done that
57:12
so you see
57:14
the bad news
57:14
that tells you
57:15
you can call it
57:16
bad news
57:17
it's in a sense
57:17
it's all good news
57:18
because it's telling us
57:19
truth
57:20
but what feels like
57:22
bad news
57:23
and appears to be
57:24
bad news
57:25
in emphasizing
57:26
our sinfulness
57:27
and our need
57:28
is something
57:29
that you bring
57:30
under the light
57:31
of the good news
57:32
because however
57:33
you feel about yourself
57:34
and it's not all
57:36
about feelings anyway
57:37
I'm sure
57:37
but whatever
57:38
conclusions we come
57:39
to about ourselves
57:40
the good news
57:42
always has something
57:43
that actually
57:44
counteracts that
57:45
and the gospel
57:47
is good news
57:49
friends
57:49
as we reach
57:50
towards the end
57:52
of this year
57:52
and anticipate
57:53
God willing
57:54
a year to come
57:55
with more gospel
57:56
freedoms
57:56
as we said
57:57
we pray for
57:58
remember
58:00
that presenting
58:01
the gospel
58:02
is about
58:03
good news
58:04
it's bringing
58:05
to people
58:06
positive
58:07
good news
58:09
the good news
58:10
is Jesus
58:12
the good news
58:13
is Christ
58:13
the good news
58:14
is God's salvation
58:15
in him
58:16
that's why
58:17
this man
58:18
why Philip
58:20
guided this man
58:20
to Jesus
58:21
why it's Jesus
58:22
that he brought out
58:23
of this passage
58:25
make sure
58:27
that you don't
58:29
present the gospel
58:29
as bad news
58:31
or if there is
58:32
elements to it
58:33
that people might
58:34
think of as bad news
58:35
don't leave them there
58:37
emphasize
58:39
the positive
58:40
good news
58:41
that the gospel
58:42
is
58:42
that Christ
58:44
is good news
58:45
you see
58:46
it concludes now
58:47
and we're concluding
58:49
a sermon with us
58:50
as he guided him
58:52
to Christ
58:53
then we read
58:55
that
58:55
when they
58:56
came up
58:57
from Philip
58:58
having baptized him
58:59
in the water
59:00
the Lord
59:02
carried
59:02
the spirit of the Lord
59:03
carried Philip away
59:04
and the eunuch
59:05
saw him no more
59:06
and he went on
59:08
his way rejoicing
59:09
perhaps that word
59:10
and
59:10
might have been
59:11
better translated
59:12
but
59:13
or for he went
59:14
on his way rejoicing
59:15
it's actually
59:16
the word for
59:17
literally in the scripture
59:19
the spirit of the Lord
59:20
carried Philip away
59:21
and the eunuch
59:22
saw him no more
59:23
but the eunuch
59:23
saw him no more
59:24
went on his way
59:25
rejoicing
59:26
you see what it's saying
59:26
is this
59:27
here is a man
59:29
who came to Philip
59:30
or Philip came to him
59:32
this interaction
59:33
happened between them
59:34
he had all these
59:35
questions for Philip
59:37
Philip brought him
59:38
and guided him
59:39
to Christ
59:39
and having done that
59:41
that was it
59:43
Philip was taken away
59:46
the man had no
59:48
further need of
59:49
Philip at that
59:49
time at least
59:50
you see what it's
59:52
saying he went
59:52
on his way
59:53
rejoicing
59:54
Philip was gone
59:56
in a sense
59:58
the man couldn't
59:59
care less
59:59
he had somebody
1:00:01
else in the
1:00:02
carriage with him
1:00:02
now
1:00:03
somebody else
1:00:04
was beside him
1:00:05
or even in him
1:00:07
in his chariot
1:00:08
and that was
1:00:10
Jesus
1:00:10
and as Philip
1:00:14
went his way
1:00:14
as Philip was
1:00:16
taken away
1:00:17
by the Lord
1:00:18
so this man
1:00:20
continued in his
1:00:20
way
1:00:21
rejoicing
1:00:23
can you imagine
1:00:24
it
1:00:25
here's a man
1:00:27
Philip
1:00:27
who told him
1:00:28
all of these
1:00:29
good things
1:00:30
who explained
1:00:31
the gospel
1:00:31
to him so well
1:00:32
who brought him
1:00:33
and guided him
1:00:34
to Jesus
1:00:35
and although
1:00:37
Philip is now
1:00:37
gone
1:00:37
this man is
1:00:38
rejoicing
1:00:39
he's rejoicing
1:00:42
because he's
1:00:42
found Christ
1:00:43
or Christ
1:00:44
has come to
1:00:45
fill his life
1:00:46
and so we're
1:00:48
back to the
1:00:49
question that we
1:00:50
began with
1:00:50
do you understand
1:00:53
the things that
1:00:54
you're reading
1:00:55
is Jesus real
1:00:58
for you
1:00:58
tonight
1:01:00
in the gospel
1:01:01
let's pray
1:01:03
almighty God
1:01:06
we thank you
1:01:07
for the gospel
1:01:09
we thank you
1:01:10
that it is so
1:01:11
positively good
1:01:13
news for us
1:01:14
Lord of God
1:01:16
we give thanks
1:01:17
that into the
1:01:17
darkness
1:01:18
of our sinfulness
1:01:19
the darkness
1:01:20
of this world
1:01:21
you brought
1:01:22
the good news
1:01:23
of Christ
1:01:24
you sent your
1:01:26
son as the
1:01:26
good news
1:01:27
in his own
1:01:27
person
1:01:28
and we thank you
1:01:29
that this gospel
1:01:30
contains that
1:01:31
good news
1:01:32
in its proclamation
1:01:33
that he came
1:01:35
to give us life
1:01:36
that we might
1:01:37
have it more
1:01:38
abundantly
1:01:38
bless your word
1:01:40
to us once again
1:01:41
we pray
1:01:41
receive our worship
1:01:43
and cleanse us
1:01:43
from all our sin
1:01:44
for his name's
1:01:46
sake
1:01:46
amen
1:01:47
well let's conclude
1:01:50
we're singing
1:01:51
tonight in
1:01:51
conclusion in
1:01:52
psalm 51
1:01:53
psalm 51
1:01:56
in the
1:01:56
Scottish
1:01:56
Psalter
1:01:57
verses 11
1:01:59
to 15
1:02:00
verse 11
1:02:21
to 15
1:02:23
of psalm 51
1:02:24
cast me not
1:02:33
from thy
1:02:35
sight
1:02:36
nor take
1:02:38
thy holy
1:02:41
spread
1:02:43
аемся
1:02:47
peace
1:02:50
which
1:02:59
is
1:03:00
and
1:03:02
Then will I teach thy wisdom to those that transgress or cheat,
1:03:20
And those that send her shall then be turned head unto thee.
1:03:38
O God of my salvation, Lord, live from blood guilt in it.
1:03:57
Set free, then shall my tongue cover sing of thy righteousness.
1:04:14
Thy closeness, O Lord, by thee, let them be opened.
1:04:31
Then shall thy praises by my heart have brought people shared.
1:04:51
Now may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you now and evermore. Amen.