Scripture: Acts 8:26-35 [p. 710] May 5, 2024

Sermon: “Reaching the Lost!” Pastor John Young

Back in the early 90’s I ventured with a family to Disneyland in Florida. We all had a great time, but it was so crowded! How many have been to one of their parks? Was it crowded when you were there too?

Well then, the following statistics probably won’t startle you. Since Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955, more than 600 million guests have clicked through the turnstiles (and they’re still coming)! Why? To put it simply, people come for the thrill and the magic!

As you might assume, maintaining that magic is an enormous task. The park in Florida is roughly 43 square miles (or, 27,520 acres). The park in Anaheim, California, covers 160 acres, with an additional one hundred acres designated just for parking. It retains a staff of over 35,000 employees—dubbed “cast members” by Walt Disney himself (No small amusement park…huh?). In Florida, 1 out of every 32 jobs are connected to the park, for a total of about 263,000.

Providing millions of people with the time of their lives would drive most people goofy (no pun intended). So, how do cast members do it without feeling overwhelmed? In a word, T.E.A.M.—which stands for ‘Together Everyone Achieves Magic.’ The acronym applies to the whole staff, from popcorn sellers to ride operators.

Disneyland personnel are trained to see themselves as ‘performers’ in a production rather than mere employees. Each guest is to be considered a VIP and ‘cast members’ are encouraged to think in terms of entertaining people one at a time (individuals doing their part to reach other individuals).

Explained in those terms, the mission of the ‘Magic Kingdom’ doesn’t seem so overwhelming.

The same is true in God’s kingdom. The Great Commission recorded in Matthew & Mark commands us, as Christians, to, “Go…into all the world, and preach the gospel.” When we consider that “all the world” refers to almost 8 billion people—it too can seem a little overwhelming. But, if we consider the project in terms of ‘person to person,’ the task can be accomplished rather easily.

You see we don’t have to quit our jobs and become a traveling evangelist. All we need to do is share our faith naturally and sensitively—one person at a time.

Want to see this in action before you try it yourself? Then look with me in this chapter (Acts 8), and let’s observe how the Great Commission unfolded in the life of Jesus’ disciple Philip.

[Let me give you a little:]

I. Background:

A. In the first century, the seeds of the gospel were scattered by the winds of persecution.

1. With Saul of Tarsus looking on, religious leaders stoned Stephen after his compelling—and convicting sermon (Acts 7:52-60 [p. 709]).

2. Those stones sent ripples of persecution through Jerusalem, driving believers of Christ out to all of Judea and Samaria (Acts 8:1b [p. 709]).

3. You would think that such severe persecution would have silenced God’s people, but it did just the opposite—Acts 8:4 [p. 709].

4. One of those scattered, preaching Christ, was a man named Philip.

II. Philip’s Experience:

A. In verses 5-13 you will notice that through the ministry of Philip, God had stirred up the city of Samaria into a state of revival.

1. According to verses 14-25, when the apostles heard what was going on, they dispatched Peter and John to help Philip.

a. How encouraging! Amen? A ministry that was flourishing!

b. Normally, this would be a great place to settle down and nurture new believers but,

c. God wouldn’t allow Philip to pound his tent pegs of ministry that deep.

d. Right in the middle of this burgeoning metropolitan ministry, the Lord uprooted Philip and set him on a desert road—to reach ONE person!

B. Verses 26-39 record the experience and from it six key words emerge which will help us share the gospel with people we encounter.

[The first thing we notice about Philip’s experience is his:]

1. SENSITIVITY—verses 26-27a (read).

a. Oh, that we were all so sensitive to God’s leading!

b. Philip arose and went immediately after the angel directed him southward.

1) No questions!

2) No bargaining!

3) No complaints about being pulled from city revival to wilderness witnessing.

4) He just went!

c. What about us?

1) Do we keep our spiritual sails unfurled, watching for them to flutter with a gust of God’s wind?

2) Or do we prefer to row along at our own pace, oblivious to the breeze?

a) According to the Bible, God guides us through the scriptures, circumstances, and the inner prompting of the Holy Spirit, but we must stay sensitive to His leading.

2. AVAILABILITY—verses 27b-30a (read).

a. Availability and sensitivity are twins—with slight variations.

1) Both require being open to God’s leading; but where sensitivity emphasizes the ears (listening to God’s voice—v 29, “Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near,”), availability focuses more on the feet (doing or going—v 30, “And Philip ran thither to him,”).

a) Many Christians have heard God’s call, but because of fear, complacency, or the cares of this world, they haven’t yet moved their feet!

b) In short, they are not currently available!

2) Philip listened to God’s voice and pulled up beside this inquisitive official.

[The third thing we notice about Philip’s experience is his:]

3. INITIATIVE—verse 30 (don’t read yet).

a. As Philip approached the chariot, he heard the familiar words of Isaiah 53 read by the Ethiopian.

1) What do you think was going through Philip’s mind?

a) ‘Oh, this is too good to be true—he’s reading about the Messiah. (Pause) Ok (deep breaths, deep breaths), I’ve got him now. Just another minute and…’ [Not likely considering our text!]

b) Notice verse 30. “And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?”

(1) Philip started with a simple, yet thoughtful, question—and waited for an answer.

(2) He took the initiative in the conversation, setting a tone that didn’t try to impress or insult.

(3) He just asked a question.

(4) Any of us could do this!

2) And, there’s nothing like a good question to open people up and introduce the topic of spirituality.

a) ‘What do you think is wrong with the world today?’

b) ‘Who do you think is the greatest person who ever lived?’

c) ‘You know, there’s a lot about the ‘religion’ in the news today. I’m curious, what’s your perspective of Christianity?’

d) ‘Do you find in your line of work that most people are honest and treat others fairly?’

b. Taking the initiative doesn’t mean we have to bully people with our message. Matter of fact: I’ve discovered that:

1) Truth and tact can come bundled in the same package!

4. COURTESY—verses 31-34 (don’t read yet).

a. In case you haven’t noticed—the gospel of Christ isn’t a box of chocolates!

1) Not everyone who gets a taste will say, “What a treat! Can I have some more?”

2) The message will offend many, simply because it makes clear distinctions between right and wrong!

3) But we don’t have to ADD to the offense by BEING OFFENSIVE.

4) Philip treated the eunuch with respect, courtesy, and dignity.

5) In answer to Philip’s question, the eunuch responded: (read verses 31-34).

b. Our attitude and actions make a big difference in whether anyone will listen to us.

1) Try to remember to talk with people, not at them!

2) Smile! Look the person in the eye. Listen to them. There’s nothing wrong with being courteous!

[The fifth thing we notice about Philip’s experience is his:]

5. PRECISION—verse 35.

a. Not only was Philip courteous, he was also precise. I.E. he kept the conversation focused on Christ.

1) He didn’t debate various theories on when the book of Isaiah was written.

2) He avoided badmouthing the synagogue for failing to declare Christ.

3) He didn’t present a survey of world religions.

4) Nor did he condemn the eunuch for his employment in a pagan government.

5) He simply shared Christ—the death, burial and resurrection of Christ!

6. DECISIVENESS—verses 36-38.

a. Having presented the message, Philip helped the eunuch understand that following Christ involves making a clear decision. (key words!)

1) Unfortunately, many evangelistic ‘techniques’ emphasize ‘closing the sale.’

2) I’m afraid if we make the ‘prayer of salvation’ our goal, we might become guilty of ‘talking people into something’ they don’t understand or want!

3) Remember! Our responsibility is to clearly communicate the message, not convert the sinner! It’s the Holy Spirit who draws people to Christ.

4) This is what Philip did, and notice the eunuch’s response in verse 39b—“he went on his way rejoicing.”

5) Ultimately, this is what all of us want! The opportunity to tell the story correctly; an open heart to listen and respond; a willing, relieved, and happy recipient! AMEN?

Conclusion: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,” doesn’t sound so overwhelming once we realize that God is accomplishing His plan THROUGH us—one person at a time. In that sense, maybe the Disney song is right: “It’s a small, small world.”

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