Grace Church
#4 Philip and the Ethiopian
This month we will explore encounters in the Bible that were life changing.
Locations & Times
Grace Community Church
8950 M-79, Nashville, MI 49073, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
Our series this month is entitled ENCOUNTERS which is defined as "an unexpected or casual meeting with someone or something."
We are looking at four people this month who had a life impacting encounter with someone.
We are looking at four people this month who had a life impacting encounter with someone.
In week one we looked at Jehosheba, who played an important role in saving the line of David.
In week two we looked at Ebed-Melek, who did the right thing by standing up for Jeremiah.
In week three we looked at Jesus, who raised the widow's son.
Today we'll be looking in Acts chapter 8 at a person who went out of their way to help someone.
In week two we looked at Ebed-Melek, who did the right thing by standing up for Jeremiah.
In week three we looked at Jesus, who raised the widow's son.
Today we'll be looking in Acts chapter 8 at a person who went out of their way to help someone.
Table Conversation:
Talk about an encounter where you were able to help someone.
Talk about an encounter where you were able to help someone.
In this passage we see a man named Philip and an Ethiopian eunuch.
Who is Philip?
- This is not the Philip who was an Apostle of Jesus.
- Many refer to this Philip as Philip the Evangelist.
- He was one of the seven men chosen by the believers to serve in Jerusalem (Acts 6:3-5).
- When great persecution began in Jerusalem, Philip performed signs and preached the word wherever he went (Acts 8:5-13).
- We also see in this passage that Philip did what the angel of the Lord told him to do.
Who is Philip?
- This is not the Philip who was an Apostle of Jesus.
- Many refer to this Philip as Philip the Evangelist.
- He was one of the seven men chosen by the believers to serve in Jerusalem (Acts 6:3-5).
- When great persecution began in Jerusalem, Philip performed signs and preached the word wherever he went (Acts 8:5-13).
- We also see in this passage that Philip did what the angel of the Lord told him to do.
Who is the Ethiopian eunuch?
- We know he was an important official in charge of the treasury of the queen of the Ethiopians.
- As a eunuch, he was a trusted servant to the royal family and normally involved with many of the affairs of the state.
- The Ethiopian was already interested in God's Word as he was reading the book of Isaiah. He was coming from Jerusalem where he had gone to worship.
- We know he was an important official in charge of the treasury of the queen of the Ethiopians.
- As a eunuch, he was a trusted servant to the royal family and normally involved with many of the affairs of the state.
- The Ethiopian was already interested in God's Word as he was reading the book of Isaiah. He was coming from Jerusalem where he had gone to worship.
God had prepared the Ethiopian's heart for this encounter and His plan was being lived out through Philip.
With the prompting of the Spirit, we see Philip obey God and follow the will of the Lord. This reminds us that living in obedience allows and provides an opportunity to share the Good News about Jesus with others.
Establishing a relationship is important in sharing Christ with others. A good relationship, whether short or long in duration, gives us time and credibility to earn the right to speak into someone's life.
At the end of the passage, we see the Ethiopian rejoicing after being baptized. It is thought that this man is likely instrumental in starting the Church in Ethiopia.
We see Philip being led by the Spirit to Azotus where he continued to preach the Gospel everywhere he went.
With the prompting of the Spirit, we see Philip obey God and follow the will of the Lord. This reminds us that living in obedience allows and provides an opportunity to share the Good News about Jesus with others.
Establishing a relationship is important in sharing Christ with others. A good relationship, whether short or long in duration, gives us time and credibility to earn the right to speak into someone's life.
At the end of the passage, we see the Ethiopian rejoicing after being baptized. It is thought that this man is likely instrumental in starting the Church in Ethiopia.
We see Philip being led by the Spirit to Azotus where he continued to preach the Gospel everywhere he went.
Lessons we can learn from this encounter:
1. God is always creating OPENNESS in the lives of those who need Jesus.
God cares more about the lost than us.
Often we aren't even aware of who those people are.
Be willing to use prayer to align our will with God's.
Dare to step out in faith as the Spirit leads.
Share the Story - God's story of Jesus and our story with Jesus.
1. God is always creating OPENNESS in the lives of those who need Jesus.
God cares more about the lost than us.
Often we aren't even aware of who those people are.
Be willing to use prayer to align our will with God's.
Dare to step out in faith as the Spirit leads.
Share the Story - God's story of Jesus and our story with Jesus.
2. God provided an OPPORTUNITY for Philip to help someone.
Are we available and looking for these opportunities?
Are we available and looking for these opportunities?
3. Philip was OBEDIENT to what God called him to do.
Will we answer the call when it is given to us?
Will we answer the call when it is given to us?
4. Philip took an OUTWARD approach in his desire to help OTHERS.
We must have a heart that sees the value in others and give of ourselves to do what is required of us to help them. God loves them and so should we.
Are our thoughts, actions, and heart driven by inward motivation, or are they driven by outward motivation that is Spirit filled and nurtured by a love for God and others?
We must have a heart that sees the value in others and give of ourselves to do what is required of us to help them. God loves them and so should we.
Are our thoughts, actions, and heart driven by inward motivation, or are they driven by outward motivation that is Spirit filled and nurtured by a love for God and others?
Growing - in your relationship with God through the Word and prayer (Heart)
Looking - for opportunities to connect with those who need Jesus (Eyes)
Caring - for the real needs of people God brings across your path (Hands)
Talking with people about The Story (Lips)
Looking - for opportunities to connect with those who need Jesus (Eyes)
Caring - for the real needs of people God brings across your path (Hands)
Talking with people about The Story (Lips)
Website
https://gc3.org/Giving Link
https://gc3.org/giving/Breeze Church Management
At Grace we use a secure directory/giving service called Breeze Church Management. Creating your personal account allows you to contact others in the church family, keep your contact information updated, and keep track of your giving if that is important to you, and/or create an online giving account.
Use the link below to get started or to login if you already have an account.
https://gc3.org/login/CJ's Coffee Shop Pre-Order Link
https://gc3.org/cjs/The Greenhouse Project
https://gc3.org/tgp/Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage Conference
Hey gentlemen! Looking for that last minute Christmas gift for your wife? Yes, I assume the ladies have already bought gifts for their men, but if not here is a great idea!
Jeff and Mary Burpee, and Aaron and Angie Walker are planning on getting several couples together to attend Laugh Your Way, a couples comedy event on March 8-9 in Taylor, MI. The speaker is Mark Gungor, one of the most sought-after speakers on love and marriage. Join us as he explores the underlying dynamics of male/female relationships with a comedic twist. The event is Friday 7-10pm, and continues on Saturday from 9am-12pm. We plan to have lunch together after the event to discuss what we’ve learned. For tickets or more information, use this LINK. See the Walkers or the Burpees if you have questions
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/taylor-mi-tickets-664505222007?aff=ebdssbdestsearch2024 Bible Reading - Grace Journals
If you haven't already, you can pick up your 2024 Grace Journal in CJ's coffee shop. You can find an at-a-glance list of the reading each week at the link below. We are excited for you to grow in your faith as we read and study through the writings of Paul together!
https://gc3.org/bible/Courtside Grace Apparel
Did you know that Grace Church has a shopping link through Courtside Screen-printing for Grace apparel? You can check it out at the link below. There are more styles coming so be sure to check back again. Any questions should be directed to Courtside. Their contact information can be found at the bottom of the page.
https://grace2022.itemorder.com/shop/sale/March/April Grace U Classes
There are several new Grace U classes starting up in March. We encourage you to think about taking a class to grow in your faith. If you want help in deciding which class might be best for you, contact the church office, we'd love to help! (grace@gc3.org). Use the link below to sign-up.
Classes being offered are:
Bible Essentials: provides you with a simple and applicable understanding of the Bible. Sundays 9:00-9:45 am beginning March 3rd. Child care is provided if you register by February 25th.
Christianity, Cults, & Religions: know what you believe and why regarding the Christian faith. Mondays 6:30-8:00 pm beginning March 11th. Frontline: gives practical training for sharing God's story and your story. Class dates and times to be announced soon. Love Works: gives a practical sampling of skills, tips, and stumbling blocks when it comes to leadership. Class dates and times to be announced soon.
https://gc3.org/grace-university/Classes being offered are:
Bible Essentials: provides you with a simple and applicable understanding of the Bible. Sundays 9:00-9:45 am beginning March 3rd. Child care is provided if you register by February 25th.
Christianity, Cults, & Religions: know what you believe and why regarding the Christian faith. Mondays 6:30-8:00 pm beginning March 11th. Frontline: gives practical training for sharing God's story and your story. Class dates and times to be announced soon. Love Works: gives a practical sampling of skills, tips, and stumbling blocks when it comes to leadership. Class dates and times to be announced soon.
Meet and Greet
Grace Church holds a Meet & Greet for those who are newer to Grace Church on the 4th Sunday of each month. Our next Meet & Greet is today!
This takes place right after the service in CJ's coffee shop. It is a great opportunity to meet the staff and leadership of Grace Church and learn a little more about the church. It also gives us an opportunity to learn a little about you! Contact Leslie Booher if you have any questions (leslie@gc3.org).
This takes place right after the service in CJ's coffee shop. It is a great opportunity to meet the staff and leadership of Grace Church and learn a little more about the church. It also gives us an opportunity to learn a little about you! Contact Leslie Booher if you have any questions (leslie@gc3.org).
CJ's Gift Cards
You can now purchase CJ's Gift Cards in either $10 or $20 amounts at the counter in CJ's. These cards are good for anything purchased in CJ's (not for online purchases). This is a great way to bless someone as well as supporting the Samaritan Fund to help those in need in our community!
Wintery Wednesday Events
Check out all the events happening at Grace Church including the Wintery Wednesday events at the link below.
https://gc3.org/events/Birthdays and Anniversaries We're Celebrating This Week!
Monday, February 26th - Ardie Reid, James Wiser
Tuesday, February 27th - Cassidy Bolinger, Tom & Gina Cox
Thursday, February 29th - Jason Joppie
Friday, March 1st - George Shook, Alabama Jones
Tuesday, February 27th - Cassidy Bolinger, Tom & Gina Cox
Thursday, February 29th - Jason Joppie
Friday, March 1st - George Shook, Alabama Jones