I saw something interesting in Acts 8 today that bears some meditation, and maybe some adjustment, as the Holy Spirit leads! Remember that the crowd had stoned Stephen in chapter 7. Acts 8:1-4:
1 AND SAUL was [not only] consenting to [Stephen's] death [he was pleased and entirely approving]. On that day a great and severe persecution broke out against the church which was in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles (special messengers). 2 [A party of] devout men with others helped to carry out and bury Stephen and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul shamefully treated and laid waste the church continuously [with cruelty and violence]; and entering house after house, he dragged out men and women and committed them to prison. 4 Now those who were scattered abroad went about [through the land from place to place] preaching the glad tidings, the Word [the doctrine concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God].
Notice verse 4 especially:
4 Now those who were scattered abroad went about [through the land from place to place] preaching the glad tidings, the Word [the doctrine concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God].
Do you see what had happened here? Look at Matthew 28:18-20:
18 Jesus approached and, breaking the silence, said to them, All authority (all power of rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Go then and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation of the age. Amen (so let it be). AMP
Now look at Mark 16:15-18:
15 And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole human race]. 16 He who believes [who adheres to and trusts in and relies on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] and is baptized will be saved [from the penalty of eternal death]; but he who does not believe [who does not adhere to and trust in and rely on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] will be condemned. 17 And these attesting signs will accompany those who believe: in My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new languages; 18 They will pick up serpents; and [even] if they drink anything deadly, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will get well. AMP
Do YOU see what had happened here? Jesus had specifically instructed them to go "into all the world". He did NOT say "stay here in Jerusalem and meet together every day"! NOW, in Acts 8, they were forced to GO, under threat of violence and severe persecution! And what happened when they DID go? Look at Acts 8:5-8:
5 Philip [the deacon, not the apostle] went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the Christ (the Messiah) to them [the people]; 6 And great crowds of people with one accord listened to and heeded what was said by Philip, as they heard him and watched the miracles and wonders which he kept performing [from time to time]. 7 For foul spirits came out of many who were possessed by them, screaming and shouting with a loud voice, and many who were suffering from palsy or were crippled were restored to health. 8 And there was great rejoicing in that city.
THIS is what Jesus had intended for the Church to do! Reading further we see that Philip was then instructed to go towards Gaza and there he was instructed, by the Holy Spirit, to minister to the Ethiopian in the chariot! HE received Jesus also! Now look at verses 39-40:
39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord [suddenly] caught away Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more, and he went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azotus, and passing on he preached the good news (Gospel) to all the towns until he reached Caesarea.
When Philip obeyed the Word of God and WENT (verse 5), God confirmed His Word with signs and wonders and miracles! THEN the Holy Spirit divinely directed Philip where to go next! As Philip continued to obey both the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, he had more of the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in evidence in his life! Make the determined purpose today that you will no longer follow man, but God! Set yourself to share the Gospel right now, where you are, and then GO when and where He instructs! Sometimes we go through others, by supporting evangelistic ministries, by sharing the Gospel through many of the wonderful avenues we NOW have available to us, and by praying in intercession! The important thing to do FIRST is to say to Jesus, "Here I am, send me"! Then take advantage of every opportunity to preach the Gospel. AMEN! Here is Hillsong Chapel with "Lost Are Found":
Shalom in Him!
