Note: Select one of the audio-only options if you need to download, rather than stream, the chapel.
The Advance of The Gospel: Acts 8:26-40 — 11/4/2024 10:00 AM
Today's speaker is Dr. Zach Bowden, Assistant Professor of Theological Studies and Chief of Staff at Cedarville University. Looking at the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26-40, Dr. Bowden states that faith only comes by hearing. He also stresses the importance of believer's baptism and community within the local church.
Notes
Dr. Zach Bowden led the student body through Acts 8 in chapel today, focusing on Phillip. The Lord told him to go to the Ethiopian man and spread the good news of Jesus Christ to him. He explained to him who Jesus is according to the Scriptures. This Ethiopian man heard the news and was eager to follow Jesus Christ. He took the next steps of being baptized. Philip then continued his way, preaching the Gospel in all the towns until he came to Caesarea.
We learn from this passage that it means everything to know the name of Jesus Christ and to spread it. We are told to make disciples and spread the good news to everyone, so that weary travelers may find Jesus.
Before we can continue evangelizing, we need to check our own heart posture. Do you believe in Jesus Christ? Do you truly believe that He has redeemed you from your sins? The Ethiopian man asked Philip what was keeping him from getting baptized right then and there. What is keeping you from fully giving yourself up to the Lord? We all must put our old lives to death and trust that the Lord has washed us clean.
Another question to ask yourself to check your heart posture is, “Do you trust God?” Are you willing to take the next step of faith when He calls you? When God tells you to go, you should trust Him and go with obedience. Not only that, but you need to trust Him with your life. Your life is no longer yours and is dead to sin. You have been raised to a new life through Jesus Christ who has washed away your sins with His precious blood.
God has given us gifts that remind us that we have a new name in Jesus Christ, and one of these gifts is baptism. This gift tells you that you are no longer the person you once were.
Dr. Bowden explained it by stating, “Baptism will clarify for you your place in this world, and your place in this world is in the local church with the family of the forgiven.”
Baptism exemplifies your new life in Christ, and the second gift, the Lord’s supper, welcomes your home to the community of brothers and sisters in Christ. You are no longer who you once were and can confidently trust Jesus Christ with your life.