Tuesday, January 11, 2022

The Witness Has A Ripple Effect

Ever wonder who's listening to you? When was the last time the Lord sent you to minister the gospel to

someone? Did you accomplish the mission?

In the book of Acts chapter 8, Phillip is sent to an Ethiopian eunuch with a message.

It takes place right after the apostles are scattered shortly after the death of Stephen. Phillip heads to Samaria and there he ministers the gospel. People are delivered from evil spirits and the sick are healed! Then the Holy Spirit instructs him to go to Gaza, another town in Samaria.

The story of the eunuch unfolds. We know that the eunuch is reading the book of Isaiah and Phillip begins to share the meaning of this prophetic writing. As they are driving in the chariot the Ethiopian eunuch sees a body of water and asks to be baptized.

The part of the story that I want to focus on today is the fact that this Ethiopian man was not alone. He gave orders to stop his chariot so that he may be baptized. (Acts 8:38)  

My question.  Was there a ripple effect to Phillip's act of faith and obedience?  The scriptures do not mention anyone else being baptized or for that matter anyone else engaging in conversation with Phillip. Nevertheless there they were listening to the God changing message of the Gospel.

Often when we have to deliver a message the Lord gives us, our view is so narrow. The message transforms lives!  Our obedience in delivering the message can cause multiple lives and families to be changed.  

Is it possible that others are listening? When we bring the message in the public square -  the public is listening.  It's no longer just the one person we are speaking with.  

The word of God is so powerful, and God’s love is so immense that he wants everyone to be saved. God's desire is a none would perish but that everyone would come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)

Sarah’s eavesdropping caused her to laugh when the angel of the Lord spoke to Abraham. At first she did not believe but indeed God’s word came to pass.

The witness has a ripple effect! The next time God dispatches us on a mission let’s remember it's more than what we see. We are messengers that God is using to bring the world to himself. What a privilege to be used by him!

"He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation." (Mark 16:15)

May the Spirit of the Lord use you to expand his Kingdom; to bring many from darkness to light! (1 Peter 2:9)

God bless you!~Liz

CHANGE, WELCOME IT!

 Acts 9:32-34 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord’s people who lived in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas,...