The Power of Grace: Episode II

Key Takeaways

• God cares about individuals as well as the masses.

• We are privileged to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing his grace with others.

• Effective evangelism requires obedience, boldness, and preparation.

• The gospel is for everyone, regardless of their background or past.

• God's Word has the power to transform lives and cross cultural boundaries.

Study Questions

• Question 1

  The sermon draws parallels between this story and Jesus on the road to Emmaus. How do these similarities highlight God's personal approach to evangelism?

• Question 2

  Philip was called away from a thriving ministry in Samaria to reach one individual. How does this challenge our perception of "successful" ministry?

• Question 3

  The Ethiopian eunuch was an outsider in many ways. How does his story encourage us to share the gospel with people who seem different from us?

• Question 4

  The sermon mentions three key attributes for evangelism: obedience, boldness, and preparation. Which of these do you find most challenging, and why?

• Question 5

  How does the story of the Ethiopian eunuch reading Isaiah demonstrate the importance of Scripture in evangelism?

• Question 6

  Pastor J shares a personal story about street evangelism. Have you ever taken a risk to share your faith? What was the experience like?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : God's Love for the Outsider

READING :

Isaiah 56:3-5

DEVOTIONAL :

God's love extends to all people, even those who feel like outsiders. The Ethiopian eunuch, despite his status and background, was specifically sought out by God. Reflect on times you've felt like an outsider. How does God's promise of acceptance and value speak to those experiences? Consider how you can extend God's inclusive love to others who might feel marginalized or excluded.

APPLICATION :

Commit to reading a chapter of the Bible daily this week, focusing on passages that point to Jesus.

Day 2 : Obedience in Unexpected Places

READING :

Acts 8:26-30

DEVOTIONAL :

Philip's willingness to follow God's leading, even to a seemingly random desert road, demonstrates the importance of obedience. Sometimes God calls us to unexpected places or tasks. How open are you to God's unexpected nudges? Reflect on a time when following an unexpected prompting led to a meaningful encounter. Ask God to help you be more attentive and responsive to his guidance, even when it doesn't make immediate sense.

APPLICATION :

Each day, ask God to show you opportunities to share his love with others.

Day 3 : The Power of Scripture

READING :

Isaiah 53:7-8 and Acts 8:30-35

DEVOTIONAL :

The Ethiopian eunuch's encounter with Scripture, and Philip's explanation, highlight the transformative power of God's Word. The Bible has the ability to speak directly to our circumstances and reveal Jesus. What passage of Scripture has recently impacted you? Spend time meditating on it, asking the Holy Spirit to deepen your understanding and show you how it points to Christ.

APPLICATION :

The Ethiopian eunuch was an outsider in many ways. How does his story encourage us to share the gospel with people who seem different from us?

Day 4 : Embracing New Identity in Christ

READING :

Galatians 3:26-29

DEVOTIONAL :

The eunuch's baptism symbolized his new identity in Christ, transcending his previous limitations. In Christ, we all receive a new, eternal identity that surpasses our earthly roles or status. How has your identity in Christ changed how you see yourself? Reflect on areas where you might still be clinging to old identities or insecurities, and pray for God's truth to further transform your self-perception.

APPLICATION :

Challenge yourself to have at least one spiritual conversation with someone outside your Christian circle this week.

Day 5 : Joy in Salvation

READING :

Acts 8:36-39

DEVOTIONAL :

The story concludes with the eunuch going on his way rejoicing, illustrating the joy that comes from encountering Christ. Salvation is not just about future security, but present joy. When was the last time you experienced deep joy in your relationship with God?

APPLICATION :

Take time to recount your salvation story and the ways God has worked in your life. Let this reflection rekindle your joy and motivate you to share the good news with others, just as Philip did.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.

People: Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!

Psalm 341:3

Confession of Faith

From The Heidelberg Catechism

Q. What is your only comfort in life and death?

A. That I am not my own, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from all the power of the devil. He also preserves me in such a way that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, all things must work together for my salvation. Therefore, by his Holy Spirit he also assures me of eternal life and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live for him.

Confession of Sin

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.

Romans 8:1-2

Looking Ahead

Next week’s scripture: Acts 9:1-31