The Ethiopian
Acts 8:29-39
Introduction
1.
Jesus’ passion for the lost was
never better expressed than when he approached
2.
God’s desire expressed by Peter
– 2 Peter 3:9
3.
We see God working in the
conversion of the treasurer from
Discussion
1.
The story of Philip
a.
Philip as a helper of the widows
b.
Philip as a preacher in
c.
Philip leaves
d.
Philip accepts the responsibility
for directing the Ethiopian’s search for truth in the scriptures –
“beginning from this Scripture he preached Jesus to him”
2.
The story of the Ethiopian
a.
He was a man of influence in his
own country
b.
He had gone to
c.
He understood that there was more
to be learned – he was reading the Bible in order to understand
d.
He was open to whatever God had in
mind for him
3.
The story as it relates to God
a.
The death of Jesus was all a part
of God’s plan for reconciling people to Himself
b.
The resurrection of Jesus
demonstrates that death was a part of God’s plan
c.
God used Isaiah to reveal His plan
for Jesus to die
d.
God’s plan was for people to
become disciples of Jesus through baptism, an immersion in water
i.
Baptism was not intended as an
empty church ritual
ii.
Baptism is not a “church
ordinance” that may be changed by the councils of men
iii.
Baptism is not an “unnecessary”
addition to God’s plan of salvation
Conclusion
1.
To be a Christian is to believe
what the Bible says about Jesus
2.
To be a Christian is to have a
desire to follow the example of Jesus
3.
To be a Christian is to be immersed
in order to be forgiven and saved