The power of the Gospel is seen in people’s hearts as they bear the fruit of a transformed life. In the early church, a great persecution drove the believers out of Jerusalem. Instead of stopping the Gospel, it spread it like seeds in the wind. Acts 8:4 But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. 5 Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah. [1]
Philip did not know what awaited him as he left Jerusalem, but God did. Often, in life’s uncertainties, we must rely on the Lord’s guidance and direction in a new way. The Lord guided Philip to Samaria, where the Lord would use him mightily. It was in Samaria that Philip soon began preaching the Good News of Jesus. How has the Good News of Jesus changed your life? Where is the Holy Spirit leading you?
People of Samaria Eagerly Received the Gospel
The people of Samaria were a mixed race of people and were despised by the Jews because they were only part Jewish. God had mercy on these people and wanted them to receive salvation, so the Lord used Philip to tell them the Good News. Acts 8:6 Crowds listened intently to Philip because they were eager to hear his message and see the miraculous signs he did. 7 Many evil spirits were cast out, screaming as they left their victims. And many who had been paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.[2]
The Good News of Jesus fell like seeds in good soil as the people of Samaria received the saving message of the cross. The signs and wonders done in the name of Jesus stirred the people’s hearts as they embraced their Savior. Transformation moved people from the Kingdom of Darkness to the Kingdom of Light. The people who once were spiritually blind could now see.
Samaritans Took Steps of Faith
It is one thing to hear the word of God, and it is another to take a step of faith to invite Jesus into your heart and be led by the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:12 But now the people believed Philip’s message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized.[3]
Jesus washed their sins away at baptism, and the Holy Spirit entered their hearts. This resulted in changed lives. God, in His infinite wisdom, sent people at just the right time to tell the Samaritans about Jesus.
When did you come to faith, and what were the circumstances regarding who the Lord sent into your life? Romans 1:16 For I (Paul) am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.[4] It doesn’t matter where you are from, only that you believe in Jesus as your Savior.
To learn more about the power of the Gospel, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/the-samaritan-pentecost
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.