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Bridge Builders Acts 8:1-25 ( pew Bible p842-843)

Bridge Builders Acts 8:1-25 ( pew Bible p842-843). Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. Bridge Builders. We left the “Called out of their houses for a purpose” people: Under Saul’s approving, watchful care Dishonouring, ravaging abuse

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Bridge Builders Acts 8:1-25 ( pew Bible p842-843)

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  1. Bridge BuildersActs 8:1-25 (pew Bible p842-843) Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen.

  2. Bridge Builders We left the “Called out of their houses for a purpose” people: • Under Saul’s approving, watchful care • Dishonouring, ravaging abuse • Under a wave of persecution • Scattering • Mourning • Imprisoned

  3. Bridge Builders Scattering • Not in fear of death or they would have stopped spreading the Gospel • But like seeds caught in the wind of persecution • Diaspeiro—too scatter seed

  4. Bridge Builders But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”—Acts 1:8 • Jerusalem—The apostles stayed to bring the Gospel to the Jews • Judea, Samaria—It was time to move out “There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world, and that is an idea whose time has come.”—Victor Hugo

  5. Bridge Builders Philip led the Charge to the Samaritans—part of the group of Jews captured in 722BC • They were displaced • Intermarried with people imported by the Assyrians • Therefore “half-breeds” to the Jews • Had their own temple • Had their own priests • Jews and Samaritans hated each other

  6. Bridge Builders God, sent Philip to the Samaritans—Why? • To Build a Bridge • They believed in a Messiah • They had the Old Testament • They had Jewish heritage in their background • They were those who had left the church and were hurt by it Are we not called to those who have been hurt by the church and asked to build bridges?

  7. Bridge Builders The Message • Jesus—the Messiah • He was and is the One who was to come • He is still alive The Evidence • Spirit-filled proclaiming • Acts 8:4—to preach the Good News • Acts 8:5—to announce as an herald • Philip was called to be the herald/messenger of God to the Samaritans To reject the herald meant you rejected the authority behind the herald—God Almighty Himself

  8. Bridge Builders We need to be people who speak with the authority of God—We need to be His heralds Further Evidence • Miraculous signs of Jesus’ life in Philip • Are we showing the miraculous signs of the Spirit-filled life? Note—people were saved by the message!

  9. Bridge Builders Results • Great joy in the city—v8 • Simon • Believed in the works • Believed in the Life in Philip • Believed in the Messiah • Baptized • But…

  10. Bridge Builders Results • But… • Wanted to buy the power • Wanted the prestige • Wanted to use it to make money “May your money be destroyed with you for thinking God’s gift can be bought!”  

  11. Bridge Builders Results • Peter and John • There to check it out • There to give credibility • There to affirm the bridge built between the estranged peoples • There to spread the Gospel Are we willing to challenge the prejudices?

  12. Bridge Builders Where do we fit into the story? • Are we the religious? • Like Saul we are out to bring judgment? • Are we the scattering? • Allowing the winds of change and uncertainty to scatter His seed? • Are we building bridges? • Are people receiving the Spirit through contact with us? • Are we like Simon? • We believe BUT want do it our way, for our benefit?

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