9 Sermons on Acts 8:4-8 Philip Proclaims Christ in Samaria

4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there.6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said.7 For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed.8 So there was great joy in that city.

Contents Sermon 1 ....................................................................................................................................................... 3

Leading By Example .................................................................................................................................. 3

Sermon two ................................................................................................................................................... 6

Evangelizing through Good Acts ............................................................................................................... 6

Sermon 3 ....................................................................................................................................................... 9

God Will Light Up Our Ways ..................................................................................................................... 9

Sermon 4 ..................................................................................................................................................... 12

Benchmark in Proclaiming the Truth ...................................................................................................... 12

Sermon 5 ..................................................................................................................................................... 15

All are Welcome into The Kingdom of God ............................................................................................ 15

Sermon 6 ..................................................................................................................................................... 18

The Days of Many False Prophets ........................................................................................................... 18

Sermon 7 ..................................................................................................................................................... 21

The Ways of The World ........................................................................................................................... 21

Sermon 8 ..................................................................................................................................................... 24

Hints about The Kingdom of God ............................................................................................................ 24

Sermon 9 ..................................................................................................................................................... 27

Faith In Actions ....................................................................................................................................... 27

Sermon 1

Leading By Example

1. Quote

“We must seize every opportunity we can to speak the truth and proclaim peace. Especially

now. There's so little time for many.” Francine Rivers

Power Truth But when they believed Philip, who was proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Acts 8:12 NRSV

Trouble in the Text

Philip as an apostle of Jesus Christ lived up to his will to spread the Gospel. As ordinary beings,

apostles get weary and human worry creeps into their hearts. But Philip, who is under the power

of the Holy Spirit, fearlessly proclaims Jesus as Lord and Savior. The Holy Spirit1 did perform

many miracles. He makes us cleaner and more sacred for his sake. The powers we get from the

Holy Spirit makes us achieve more than ordinary in our lives. His presence is among the true

living hearts of Christians.

Trouble in the World

The life in the Holy Spirit was new both for the Apostles and their new converts. However, the

Apostles themselves had solid proof of Jesus and his promises. Philip made proclamations

preaching out Christ as John the Baptist made way2 for Christ as Messiah to come and find a

ready ground for his mission on earth.

Grace in the Word

In very special ways, the Holy Spirit3 empowered the apostles to preach out and make news congregation for the worship of Jesus Christ. The Apostles did perform the miracles with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. A divine hand is seen through the high level of intellect in the epistles. At some point in the mission of Paul, his shadow was enough to heal a sick one.

The proclamations of Jesus in life made turning points to the lives of his Apostles. There was

fear and silence after the death of Christ. However, after the Holy Spirit4 took over, the disciples

became fearless and ventured out of Jerusalem to as far as Asia and right into the heart of the

Roman Empire.

In our Lord’s Prayer5 we say that” Thy Kingdom come.” So our proclamations are not in vain

when the Holy Spirit has taken over in our life. His presence is a consolation as the Helper in our

life. God means well for us in the Holy presence of the Spirit, for God the Father and the Son are

one in him and in the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Grace in the World

The presence of the Holy Spirit is a manifestation on God’s own presence. For the first church,

the relationship between God Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit was confusing. At some point, the

church in Corinth6 was taken over by drunken believers. It must have been hard for Paul to try

and explain everything in writing. But the Spirit led him to comprehensively write out and

address the issues at hand.

The new churches had the faith but had some incomplete parts, some without a clear focus on

what to do. The Holy Spirit was the guide of the early churches. Beyond the foundations, the

Church spread all over the world with believers from every nationality worshipping one God.

Since the call to serve Christ is universal, some people like the Jewish community had authority

issues with the oppressive Roman rule at the time. At one point, Jesus explained the question

whether to defer taxes to Rome or Caesar the Emperor at that era.7 Christ put it clearly, that he

did not come to resist the Roman rule at any point. So, every Christian is subject to state

authority and to pay taxes to them. And everywhere the apostles preached, they did not incite the

believers to shun authority. The message of salvation has no rebellion against authority. It starts

with a change in habit, from sin to righteousness.

What Now

1. Which miracles took place in Samaria when Philip was there?

2. Is Christ’s call limited by geographical boundaries?

3. What was the position of Christ regarding payment of taxes?

Sermon two

Evangelizing through Good Acts

2. Quote

“Closed mouths only lead to closed gates. Share your salvation!”

Anthony Liccione

Power Truth But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus said, “I am; and

‘you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of the Power,’ and ‘coming with the clouds of heaven.’”

Mark 14:61-62 NRSV

Trouble in the Text

Evangelizing is not the hardest of tasks. The first and best line is to change our actions and

behaviors. We cannot carry the message while we are not witnesses to the transformations. When

Philip healed in Samaria, it was not new to him. He had undoubted faith that Jesus the Savior

through the Holy Spirit is a carrier of healing. The miraculous acts would greatly convince

prospective converts. Coincidentally, our actions speak louder than words. The faith in Jesus for

Philip bore forth transformation to those whom he preached out.8

Trouble in the World

The good news in Christ is not for us to enjoy in solitude. We cannot be selfish at whatever

point. Let us welcome others to share in the great news. That way, his graces will be multiplied

for others to have the opportunity to sit at the table of life. The new believers take time to

conform to the new habits. Older believers with experience can take up mentorship roles to

facilitate them to settle and conform to the new ways in life. This is why communities and

churches are important in salvation.

Grace in the Word

The proclamations in Samaria by God’s servant Philip is in line with the wishes of God Himself.

During creation, God authorized mankind 9 to perpetuate generation after generation and have

dominion over the earth. In a special way, Philip fulfilled this command by bringing life and joy

to the suffering in Samaria.

Many received healing and exercised dominion over the evils spelled unto them here on earth.

The claim of healing is a manifestation of the presence of the Spirit of God. The Spirit of God

has forever been with us since creation.10 It is our duty to welcome him to take refuge in our

souls. When our hearts are able to welcome the Holy Spirit, we are free from sin and our close

friendship with Christ will lead to our salvation.

The joy that was in Samaria from the miracles performed by Philip is also a manifestation of

faith in action. In Mark,11 Christ refers to good faith like salt for adding taste to food. Food well

prepared without salt is tasteless. So is faith without actions, miracles, and manifestations. Philip

is like a pinch of salt added to the faith of Samarians. They could see, hear, and were witnesses

to the power of God in Samaria

Grace in the World

When Christ laid out an example for us, our role was to simply fulfill his wishes by following in

his footsteps. The matters of faith are complex, but we can simplify them by seeking answers

from Christ. Fortunate enough, the responses set out by Christ to many queries set out at his time

on earth are still very applicable. Again, Jesus12 requested us to believe just as kids do. That’s

without asking a hundred and one questions. If we ask too many questions in faith, we lose focus

and procrastinate too long or even forever. Kids believe and have no reason not to. That was

what Christ requested of us when it comes to the matters of faith.

As Christians, we should be aware of the times in the calendar of the Kingdom. Although Christ

gave a hint about the end of times,13 we should not be afraid all through. The hour of the return

of the son of man is not known. But that should not worry us. Since we do not know it, we

should be ever ready to receive him at any one moment in our life. Instead of languishing in fear

and worry, let us all follow his commands and there’ll be no doubt that the kingdom of God is

ours.

What Now

1. In the parable of salt, salt that can’t add taste to food should be_______?

2. How ready should a Christian be in waiting for Christ’s second coming?

3. In Genesis, what powers was man accorded to by God?

Sermon 3

God Will Light Up Our Ways

3. Quote

“People who truly serve God embrace light, they

fall in love with light, and they proclaim light, they fight with light.”

Sunday Adelaja

Power Truth The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners;

Isaiah 61:1 NRSV

Trouble in the Text

Philip, by bringing good news to the Samarians, acted like a torch for travelers in a night of

darkness. There before, was suffering and pain. When the Holy Spirit descended upon Samaria,

they believed in Christ. In the Gospel, Christ counseled us to believe in him and God the Father

even without seeing. One of his disciples, Thomas,14 could not believe. Jesus said to him, happy

are those who believe without seeing.15 Christ invited Thomas to see and placed his fingers into

the holes in his hands. Should we be like Thomas, doubting until we see?

Trouble in the World

Philip, under the Holy Spirit, went all the way to Samaria to proclaim Christ Jesus as Lord and

savior. The urgency in Philip saw many healed, baptized, and became believers. That is the

urgency in which we should treat the good news. In Luke,16 Christ appeared to two men who

were walking to Emmaus. They did not recognize him and talked all the way. Eventually, Christ

was to stay with them for that night. They did recognize him, and they could not hold the good

news. That very hour, they left for Jerusalem where the twelve were.

Grace in the Word

Philip gathered the courage to get to Samaria and preach from the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

When we are alone, Christian living may be seen as very hard. But the power of the Holy Spirit

makes things easier for us to attain in our life. Christ said that many struggles will face us, but

we will be strong.17 Poisoning shall not destroy believers in Christ. Such will be the strength in

the believers, talking in tongues and driving away demons.

The call to follow Christ starts with one step, softening of the heart.18 Christ finds a home in a

soft heart and is able to guide us through the joys and sorrows in life encounters. A hard heart is

resistant to change and strives to remain in sinful states in life. A soft heart is repentant and

minds God and fellow human beings.

In the Bible, the Pharisees and scribes had hard hearts.19 Jesus refers to them as blind for

cleaning the outside of a cup only. Likewise, for a Christian, purity of the heart being the inner

being is critical. A pure heart is the best measure; an outer body has little or no meaning. So, the

ways of Christ and the Holy Spirit are of the unseen ways of the hearts of men. It’s hidden from

ordinary eyes; only God can tell the innermost states of a human heart.

Grace in the World

The evangelical missions of the Apostles in the early church were not simple. They were met

with the full force of resistant authorities. In the book of Acts,20 preaching the gospel’s truth

landed Paul and Silas in prison. And God, up above in His own amazing ways, stood firm with

them at their hours of tribulation. As they were singing praises to the Lord, He in the form of an

earthquake set them free from the prison cells and the chains fastened to their hands and legs.

So, Paul and Silas were set free to go proclaim Jesus as the Lord and Savior in the faces of

peoples of many nations. We too have been set free from the bondage in our lives.21 Being free

from the forces of evil requires us to claim that position faithfully by living true to our calling in

Jesus himself.

According to Jesus,22 there is no greater friendship than one who lays out their life for us. This is

what Christ did when he completed the journey of salvation. He suffered, died, and resurrected

against the powers of death as he had promised. In our proclamations, we can offer Christ the

best gift by loving him unreservedly and by obeying his commands to love God and fellow

humans as one’s own self. All iniquity is neutralized by Christ’s love. Through love, the Spirit of

God lives amongst us. Through Love, we fearlessly proclaim Jesus as our Savior.

What Now

1. Why is Jesus’ disciple Thomas referred to as the “doubting Thomas”?

2. Did the two who were walking to Emmaus with Jesus spend the night there?

3. God rescued Paul and Silas from prison. He came in a form of?

Sermon 4

Benchmark in Proclaiming the Truth

4. Quote

All the religions of the world, while they may differ in other respects, unitedly proclaim that

nothing lives in this world but Truth.

Mahatma Gandhi

Power Truth “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.

John 14:1 NRSV

Trouble in the Text

Philip defended the truth in Samaria. His act had nothing to hide other than the goodness of God

that rained Joy to the Samarians. In Corinthians,23 the truth are not lies and it requires no defense.

Much has happened over the two millenniums that the church has been alive. And that much is

the truth in Jesus as the last and everlasting covenant. Let our hearts never grow weary at his

service, upon whose command the dead come to life and storms calm down. In other words, the

truth is what sets people free.24

Trouble in the World

The surface of the earth shall tell the truth in the Holy Spirit forever. The Bible warns us against

a more critical sin, that of Blasphemy. According to Matthew,25 the sin of blasphemy against

Jesus is forgivable, but not against the Holy Spirit. That is very clearly put. And, as a

confirmation to this, in the Book of Acts,26 Ananias and his wife Sapphira conspired to lie to the

church, which was a lie to the Holy Spirit. None of them survived, they died instantly upon

delivering portions of proceeds to the Church. They lied that it was all the parcel of land had

cost.

Grace in the Word

Our proof of Christianity lies in the proclamations we make of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.27

Any proclamation we make of the lord ascribes greatness to God the highest. In our praises, God

finds a moment to be amongst us as His presence is welcome amidst our togetherness. In a

unique way, what we can offer God in return is praise, worship, and adoration. Most especially

when we worship together peacefully and harmoniously as a church.

The Psalmist28 also makes a proclamation that he will not die but live. And in his life, he will

proclaim the amazing works of the most high, God. If we emulate the Psalmist, here and then

Jesus will find a place in our hearts and we will rejoice of his works and presence amongst us.

The unique presence of God does not appear randomly; it’s invited by powerful proclamations

like those of Philip for the Samarians. And when the Spirit comes down upon people, miraculous

happenings take effect, and there’s healing, salvation, and being born anew.

The Lord has set times for us to proclaim Him.29 If we fail to praise Him,30 the stones will do on our behalf. We are worth all our body parts when we praise God. All our praises must be to God who

is most high. For if we fail, His might has the power to make rocks cry out to His glory.

Grace in the World

Our calling to serve Christ is a binding relationship to live by the commands of his words. We

may not be a very perfect thing in it, but it’s our duty to follow him. His ways are simple, but

hard to unwilling hearts. Christ did many things on earth, including the miracles that descended

on Samaria. All that has been documented in scripture which is God’s own breath.31

The word of God is our compass in earthly life as we endeavor to make steps towards God’s Kingdom. In Psalms,32 the word of God is a light that lights our steps on a dark night. We therefore do not triple or hurt our feet on the rocks planted on our path. Light takes away darkness and the eyes find delight in following the lighted up path for safety. The messages in the bible are from actual witnesses who have gone ahead of us. We have no excuses. We have Jesus to follow, and the amazing disciples and apostles, too. And in case of all difficulty, the Holy Presence of Christ in the Spirit is there for us to follow all along!

Taking good action33 is the foundation of our salvation. It is upon us to listen well but to act in

every point for the sake of our souls. Listening is great, but only acting will see us transform. For

the case of Philip in Samaria, it was action and not mere listening that yielded to that glory

What Now

1. What is blasphemy?

2. Can stones sing for God?

3. Why is blasphemy against Jesus forgivable, but not against the Holy Spirit?

Sermon 5

All are Welcome into The Kingdom of God

4. Quote

How indifferent are men to this carpenter or that fisherman, who has no word to speak of

adventure or of wealth, but has only the word of God to proclaim, and has no credentials but

that he comes in the name of the Lord.

Edward Everett Hale

Power Truth To the one who conquers I will give a place with me on my throne, just as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Revelation 3:21 NRSV

Trouble in the Text

In the Jewish history, Samaria was a place of outcasts. Philip had no reservation about that, for he was under the law of Christ to love all. The mercies of God do not follow Jewish or Samarian roots. To Christ, we are all human and worthy of his Kingdom. Psalms34 reminds us that God’s love is priceless, and we all have an opportunity to seek refuge in it. To God, we are all His sons and daughters enjoined in the new covenant of love. The new covenant is bound by the blood from His own begotten son, Jesus.

Trouble in the World

Following closely in the teachings of Christ is the only sure way to get the in-depth knowledge to

become a solidly matured Christian. Every Christian should follow the teachings and instructions

passionately.35 Thriving in the knowledge and perfection of the leanings will place us in levels of

confidence with the Messiah as we await his second coming. Whoever follows knowledge gets

wiser and wisdom is more precious than the silver and gold around. Wisdom helps us discern his

ways and their promises. Wisdom from God marks the growth in love, faith, and hope.

Grace in the Word

The happenings in Samaria were not new to those in the kingdom of God. Jesus is always close

and walking alongside us. Sometimes, shouting at Christ to come to our help doesn’t work. Yet,

what he requires is just a whisper! At one time36 terror gripped the disciples of Christ when a

storm broke their boat and they almost got swept away. Jesus woke up from his sleep and

commanded the wind to calm down. That was the Messiah, instilling confidence and faith in his

disciples and in a special way for us at the current times.

Isaiah37 speaks about a high way of the righteous where the wicked and foolish cannot step

along. The holiness in the followers of Christ pulls them closer to him. Even when trials befall

them, he has divine ways to save them from destruction. For the chosen ones,38 there are no

shortcuts. They have but to follow in that highway of faithfulness. Christ too never took

shortcuts in our salvation. As a human being, he was born and brought up amongst ordinary

humans. We, therefore, cannot attribute any special qualities to him in the journey of salvation.

He felt pain, hunger, got weary, cried and bled just as we do. Every ordinary virtue that he

accomplished, we too have it in our abilities.39

Grace in the World

If we are abundantly blessed in wisdom and knowledge in Jesus, it’s our role to share the same.

Philip did not keep mum with the good news. A flame from a single candle can light up

thousands of candles. This is what Philip did, and in his final end, fire is fire; no flame is hotter

that the other. Christ makes us sparkle in faith without regard to our past sinful pasts. In

Matthew,40 the Kingdom of Christ is like a dot of yeast that makes changes to a whole measure

of flour. We therefore can’t and should never underestimate the power of faithful brethren.

Although most of Christ’s followers were after only his good deeds, he cautions us to follow him

for the true salvation of our souls. Healing impressed the followers of Philip, but a bigger

question their ultimate salvation. In Luke,41 Jesus cleansed ten lepers, but of the ten, only one of

them came to say thanks to Christ. This also applies to us. Do we offer praise and thanks when

greatness happens in our lives?

The writings to the Colossians42 refer to being dead with Christ. We are not alive to the tasty

lures of the evils on earth. We carry our cross and follow Christ’s way, sailing through storms

that rock our boat of salvation.

What Now

1. Why were Samarians outcasts?

2. What were the exact words of Jesus when he calmed the storm?

3. Of the ten lepers cleansed by Jesus, how many came back to say thanks?

Sermon 6

The Days of Many False Prophets

6. Quote

As a preacher, my charge is to proclaim the message of the Scriptures. To help the people in my congregation become a people of the book. I

love getting to do this.

John Ortberg

Power Truth First of all you must understand this, that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and indulging their own lusts 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since our ancestors died, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation!”

2 Peter 3:3-4 NRSV

Trouble in the Text

Philip in Samaria proclaimed the greatness of God, and that is a testimony to Acts.43 After the

death of Christ, there was silence and fear. The stealing of Christ’s body from the grave was the

rumor going around. But in our faithful understanding, no one stole the body of Jesus. After his

resurrection, Christ appeared several times to his disciples. In one instance, he walked with the

strangers towards Emmaus. Upon discovering who he was, he disappeared and reappeared as the

men from Emmaus brought the good news to Jerusalem. Again, here at Jerusalem, Christ

appeared and asked Thomas to believe, even without seeing.

Trouble in the World

Every work that we perform with our hands should be a dedication to God.44 If we dedicate all

our works to His presence, all glory shall arise up to Him, who is the fountain of every life. So,

the teachers and ministers should work hard, not for material things but for the first command

that is for the glory and honor of God. When honor and praise rise up to God, blessings, healing,

and cleansing fall back to us on earth.

Grace in the Word

The promises of God are unfailing. We have a duty to invoke them upon our lives by following

closely through His teachings for us. In Philippians,45 if we lose all our precious belongings and

keep the command of God and His love, then we have not lost in any way. For whatever is

commensurate to us is everlasting life with Christ himself.

According to Paul, in his letter to the church in Corinth,46 all of God’s promises have a yes in

them that is further affirmed by an Amen for that. God is life; His breath made Adam alive. God

is the truth; He never lies to mankind. In His wisdom, He creates all seasons for us in life and

also makes us aware that none of those seasons shall never come to pass. Joy shall reign within

the man that acknowledges God in his heart and in all his ways. For such a soul has the assurance

of finding favor in the eyes of the most high, God.

Ideally, Philippians47 offers consolation and the power to rejoice in the peace from God that surpasses all the knowledge of man. The wisdom of God is beyond that of man, for God sees into the righteousness and equally the wickedness in our hearts. God sees in silence and also rewards a steadfast heart.

Grace in the World

The release of healing by Philip in Samaria was a fulfillment of the command of Christ. Christ

awarded to the disciples the powers to bless and curse. Through the gift, healing flows forth

while binding happens to the forces of the evil one.

God is love.48 Whoever loves a fellow human definitely loves God. The love of God for man is beyond explanation. Besides offering to save man, more precious rewards await us in His Kingdom. God allowed His one and only Son Jesus to die for the cause of our salvation. The crisis between Jews and Samaritans was a long history. Jesus requested a woman from the

Samaritan village to offer him some water to drink.49 But the Samaritan woman did not

recognize that she was engaging with the son of God.

The preaching of Christ is all about love.50 That was the ultimate command that Jesus set out for

us- the love for man and God. It’s not hard for us to know when we wrong others. It’s not wrong

to request for forgiveness from both man and God. Due to our weaknesses, we fall into

temptations. In reality, we fall into temptations many times. For our salvation, we have to stay

clean by looking back at our moments of sin and requesting for forgiveness always.

What Now

1. How much did Christ command us to love others? 2. Is it possible to love God and hate man?

3. How is the wisdom of God beyond that of man?

Sermon 7

The Ways of The World

7. Quote

He who sees the truth, let him proclaim it, without asking who is for it or who is against it.

Henry George

Power Truth But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith.

James 2:18 NRSV

Trouble in the Text

The ways of the world do not love the truth; instead, they glorify the liars, hypocrites, and the

blasphemers. Our way in Christ he guides ways of truth and light in the paths, not groping about

in darkness, for God is light and not darkness.1 Peter51 says we must stand firm and be ready to

offer answers on behalf of Christ. In a more precise way, we are the ambassadors of Christ.52 A

good ambassador is one who is rich in counsel and faithfully practices his commands. Philip in

the Samaritan emerged as a wonderful representative of Christ there.

Trouble in the World

Our faith is subjected to our actions when we proclaim Jesus. What do we say that we do not

do? Are our actions in tandem with Christ’s teachings? Paul53 counsels us to always do our best

in advocating for what is for Christ amongst us. In each of us, let’s find the energy54 to doing

what is best of our work for Jesus. In those special ways, our acts will bear witnesses to who we

are in Christ. So, let our acts speak instead of our words for the sake of Christ.

Grace in the Word

When we proclaim Christ, it’s not an opportunity to look down upon others. Let’s look at that as

an opportunity to have them uplifted. What a sinner needs is not demeaning them, but a rebuke

of the wrong ways they fall into. Humility should surpass all our ways. In Isaiah,55 God will

bring down the proud and uplift those who observe humility in their ways. Who does one benefit

from if they take pride in sin?

God hates pride. Instead, one should take that pride and offer it to the glory of God. Pride makes

a human heart forget that there is God up above in heaven, one who deserves the pride for all His

marvelous works. James56 still insists that we shun pride and remain humble. Pride blinds one’s

eyes and they cannot see if they sinned or not. Pride is a recipe to boasting and self-exaltation.

When we are humble, our minds care for fellow human beings and God our creator. So, pride

and penance do not boil in the same pot. Penance crops up in humility, acknowledging that

we’ve honestly done well for God and man.

If a man is proud, do they still need further uplifting from God? Humility keeps us in our human

plane of weaknesses where God will uplift us as per His will for us. If we humble ourselves

before God, He will uplift us.57 If we have sinned, let us be humble for God has spared us death.

Through humility, we discover amazing ways to rise against sins, addictions, lust, and

fornication. God creates us anew for His kingdom.

Grace in the World

When we take up the role of proclaiming Christ, we are not to judge others. Judgment belongs to

God alone. Who are we to judge them? Have we become so righteous to sit in God’s panel and

point fingers at the wrongs of others? What punitive action have we not fulfilled for the wrongful

acts and thoughts in our hidden minds? Matthew58 clearly tells us to not judge. For whatever we

condemn others to, we too shall be condemned to the same. In special ways, Christ requested us

to forgive others before we can think of requesting forgiveness on our part. We cannot get what

we’ve not planted. If you plant forgiveness, you shall reap forgiveness. If you sow condemnation

of others, that too will be a portion for you to reap at its own time.

In a more similar but emphasized way, Luke59 talks of measures that we offer to others. If you

forgive a small portion, are you worthy of forgiveness to a larger portion? It all comes down to

humility. Our inner eyes behold the ways of the truth in Christ’s way when we remain humble.

Humility too welcomes the Holy Spirit’s presence amongst us. Luke further points out to inner

personal scrutiny. Let us never claim what we do not deserve.

What Now

1. How can we be good ambassadors of Christ?

2. If you forgive others all their sins, Christ will do the same for you. Is that correct?

3. Christ insisted that we should not judge others. Whose role is it to judge?

Sermon 8

Hints about The Kingdom of God

8. Quote

The prophets, who were very many, proclaim and declare the one God; for, being filled with the inspiration of the one God, they predicted things to come, with agreeing and harmonious

voice.

Lactantius

Power Truth For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— not the result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9 NRSV

Trouble in the Text

When the spirit of God comes, good tidings fall on those whom He finds. Philips’ presence led to

the exaltation of the Samarian faithful. When Philip receives the anointing from the Holy Spirit,

he becomes a source of blessings to the Samaritans. God receives the glory in every miraculous

act in the Samaritan village. God’s spirit strengthens and leads to multiple graces. During the call

of prophet Ezekiel,60 he too received anointing from the hand of God. He was transformed from

an ordinary person to a mouthpiece of God’s wishes and commands over the people.

Trouble in the World

One of the ultimate promises of Christ is a place in heaven for each one of us. It’s the ultimate

plan of salvation61 as it was put into the words of prophecies throughout times. God fulfilled that

with the new covenant. Christ’s blood is the seal of it through his pain, suffering, death, and

above all, resurrection from the dead. Towards sealing our expectations of life everlasting,62 he

went to prepare places for us in heaven. That’s from Christ; he never talked of any other place

other than in Heaven and to the right hand of God the Father.

Grace in the Word

The way to Christ is not very different from the path the Messiah traveled along. James63

reminds us to withstand all the trials along that path. At baptism, we are co-joined as heirs to his

Kingdom in heaven. So what’s the root of the enmity between us? We are all brothers and

sisters. If anything, we should give up ourselves for the sake of Christ. In him, with him, and in

the unity of the Holy Spirit we have the reason to live harmoniously in faith love and hope. But

Paul emphasized more about love64 from which every good gift finds a root to its nourishment.

Whatever we plan, we shall reap of its fruit. When Cain was crafting his evil ways, he extended

the same to his brother Abel. He murdered him for a wrong he’d never committed.65 That is how

evil grows from our hearts, minds, and spirits as individuals. The pain we reap from evil causes

ripple effects to our relative’s friends and community. Some of them, even the most undeserving,

feel the pain we planted for ourselves from sin.

Likewise, the gifts showered unto one servant of the highest overflow in blessing to our lives too.

Philip was a servant who cleansed and showered the Samaritan village with his righteousness.

Jesus too was a single human, upon whom salvation river flows from there. We are all welcome

to wash away our sins and follow him back to heaven as righteous beings.

Grace in the World

All the best things in life flow from God. Just as the river of life, healing and salvation went

through the Samarian city at the invitation of God’s servant, Philip. In James,66 every gift that is

perfect comes forth from Him at His throne. God does not sow imperfections in us. Even at the

churches where we commune with Him, His command is that we use our best gift for His

worship. That way, we perfect our gifts through honor, thanksgiving, and worship of the God

whom life comes from.

Matthew67 also re-emphasizes on our reactions to persecutions and insults laid as traps for us to

fall into. Our encouragement comes from the ways those who’ve gone ahead of us excelled.

They never bowed down to temptations or weariness of the hands of evil. Standing firm earns

them the graces to be worth of the Kingdom of God. We cannot say they were unique; they had

blood, pain, and feelings like we do. Upon realizing the might of Jehovah God, the alpha and the

omega, their lives deserve a place with Christ in heaven.

Our God is the source of all abundance.68 When we follow His commandments, we will reap

from His graces upon us. Following God has no selfishness in it. We can only thrive within His

overflowing kindness, sharing it out with those who have not experienced it. And we too have to

spread the same love to others without reservation as to whether they deserve it or not. For the

question is, are we deserving too?

What Now

1. Why should we withstand trails as Christians?

2. What does alpha and omega mean?

3. How does salvation for many come from one person, Jesus Christ?

Sermon 9

Faith In Actions

9. Quote

You get up and you preach a sermon and people walk away thinking what a great guy – and

that’s a failure as a pastor. Our job is to proclaim Christ.

Joshua Harris

Power Truth There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 3:28 NRSV

Trouble in the Text

The inhabitants of Samaria took action when Philip preached out. Taking action was not equal to

just listening. The same way a person has faith in God.69 The faith is that unfailing assurance and

remaining hopeful; it is finding substance in things never seen with our naked eyes. James70 calls

us to action, being doers of the word and not just hearers. It’s deceptive to one’s self to just hear

only. It’s not enough to hear and understand. Taking action from the knowledge distinguishes

one from laziness and time wasting

Trouble in the World

Now, sin is reproach from God. We are not to watch or remain silent as others perish in sin. 1

Timothy71 tells us to rebuke a sinner who persists in that habit. To start, we tell them in solitude

about the sin they’ve committed. However, if they do not accept to change, then we can get

ahead to rebuke them in front of others.72 Telling the truth when someone sins against us saves

them. Our silence allows them to suffer the consequences of sin if they do not confess.

Grace in the Word

Jesus welcomed us all into his Kingdom. He called all, without regard to whether one is Jew or

Gentile. The acts of the Holy Spirit through Philip are a proof that Gentiles or not, God is for us

all. To God, we are all equal whether male or female, and His choice is a being with reproach to

the ways of evil. In Acts,73 salvation to us is from the one and only Jesus Christ, the son of God.

It was Jesus alone who died and resurrected as an ultimate example for our way to God through

the power of the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews74 reminds us to remain in brotherly love. Now, brotherly love is beyond that bond in

friendship. It means we are born of the same father in faith, God. To Christ, he referred to as his

brothers and sisters. So, to God, we are all His children. And the best way to live as His children

is to obey His commands and love other as we do for ourselves. It’s that selflessness that God

found favor for our redemption. If Christ was selfish, we would not have that chance to be with

him.

As a reaffirmation, to God, it matters not whether one is Gentile on Jew. God has and will

always be impartial. To Him, only an upright and steadfast heart matters. If we meet that

benchmark, that’s it, we are in for His promises in life.

Grace in the World

In special ways, Christ caters for a heart that hungers for him. And that hunger, though

manifested in earthly life, is a hunger and thirst that’s genuine for a life that is everlasting in

Christ. Salvaging the lost ones was Christ’s mission.75 The delight of Christ is for us to join him

in heaven as we glorify God the father in a timeless kingdom. Jesus76 passed before us through

pain and death so that we may not pass through that again. What a love! The drinking and

quenching of our thirst for life is through his death and resurrection. That through his lashing, we

may find a way to stay away from sin, joined with him for the glory of God, our Father up in

heaven.

When Philip proclaimed the wonders of God over Samaria, there were shrieks of joy. He

proclaimed healing to the sick, speech for the dumb, and sight for the blind. That’s the taste of

the Kingdom here on earth. The kingdom of God shall be like so, free from the pain and

afflictions that scourge our earthly bodies.

An ultimate ransom for our salvation77 lies in Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection. And the

occasion took place at God’s appointed time. God sealed the covenant of salvation to mankind

by offering Himself to us that way.

What Now

1. What did Christ offer for our salvation?

2. When I see a Christian sinning, I should remain silent or walk away. Which is the best

way to handle it?

3. Who are best placed to inherit the kingdom of God? Are they the Jews, Samarians, or

Gentiles?

1 1 Corinthians 6:11

2 Matthew 3:11

3 Matthew 18:18

4 Acts 2

5 Mathew 6: 9-13

6 1 Corinthians 6:10-11

7 Matthew 22:21

8 James 2:17

9 Genesis 1:28

10 Genesis 1:1-2

11 Mark 9:50

12 Mark 10:13-16

13 1 Thessalonians 5:2

14 John 20:27

15 John 20:29

16 Luke 24:33

17 Mark 16:18

18 Hebrews 4:7

19 Matthew 23:26

20 Acts 16:25

21 Titus 2:14

22 John 15:13

23 2 Corinthians 13:8

24 John 8:32

25 Matthew 12:31-32

26 Acts 5:1-11

27 Deuteronomy 32:3

28 Psalm 118:17

29 Leviticus 23:2

30 Luke 19:39-40

31 2 Timothy 3:16-17

32 Psalm 119:105

33 James 1:22

34 Psalm 36:7

35 Proverbs 9:9

36 Mark 4:35-41

37 Isaiah 35:8

38 1 John 2:6

39 2 Timothy 3:10

40 Matthew 13:33

41 Luke 17:11-19

42 Colossians 2:20-22

43 Acts 4:33

44 Colossians 3:33

45 Philippians 3:8

46 2 Corinthians 1:20

47 , Philippians 4:6-7

48

1 John 4:7-8 49

John 4:9-12 50

John 15:12-13 51

1 Peter 3:15 52

2Corinthians 5:20 53

2 Timothy 2:15 54

2 Timothy 4:5 55

Isaiah 23:9 56

James 4:6 57

James 4:10 58

Mathew 7:1-5 59

Luke 6 : 37-42 60

Ezekiel 1:3 61

Acts 3:18 62

John 14:2 63

James 1:2-4 64

2 Corinthians 13:3 65

1 John 3:12 66

James 1:17 67

Mathew 5 :11-12 68

Corinthians9: 8-9 69

Hebrews 11:1 70

James 1:22 71

1 Timothy 5:20 72

Matthew 18:15 73

Acts 4:12 74

Hebrews 13:1 75

Luke 19:10 76

1 Peter 2:24 77

1 Timothy 2:5-6