"An Effective Evangelist." Reading: Acts 8:26-40. These were momentous days in the early church. The Holy Spirit had come on the Day of Pentecost. Thousands were saved, the lame man was healed by Peter and John, the church had all things in common and was growing daily. However there was persecution and opposition which led to the church being scattered. Philip had gone down to Samaria and was preaching there. Many were being converted - the movement of God's Holy Spirit continued. It was a time of revival! Oh how we need God's Spirit to move in this way again! Yet in this passage we see Philip, the great evangelist doing something which we can all do - witnessing to one person. Let us take some principles from the life of Philip and apply them to our lives as we seek to be a witness for God. 1. He was Obedient. Philip had just got up from the revival at Samaria with no hesitation - no questions. Why? He had seen Christ - when we have an encounter with the living Saviour then we have a vital, life changing message which we want to share with others. He was obedient to the cross and so we seek to obey the promptings of God's Spirit. He was sent by God. In v.26 we read that he was led by an angel and in v.29 by the Spirit. Often the reason we do not hear the voice of God is because there are too many distractions. Be aware of the fact that God wants to speak to you and be prepared to listen and obey. He knew the need of the sinner. Every soul on this world is valuable to God. He doesn't will the death of any sinner, but rather that all should come to repentance. Jesus died to save that one Ethiopian man. If Philip had refused to witness to him, his blood would have been on Philip's hands. Who does God want you to witness to today? Ultimately Philip's life was under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Our actions show the kind of heart we have. Philip's obedience showed that his heart was surrendered to God's will and not his own ambitions. When Jesus is Lord of our lives then career, social status, respect and personal desires are not as important as pleasing Him. 2. He was Observant. He picked up on what was happening - he saw the chariot and ran after it. He was looking for his man. How often we miss opportunities to witness, even when they sit right in front of us. When we pray for opportunities we will be better prepared to recognise and seize them when they come. He saw the Ethiopian reading the Scripture and used this to open the conversation. When we have our eyes open we can relate better to the person we seek to win to the Lord. 3. He was Open. Philip made himself available. We must be accessible to those around us - friends, family, workmates etc. The natural thing is to close yourself in to a small circle and protect yourself from being taken advantage of. But Philip's openness gave him an invitation into the chariot - and you will find that if people find you approachable you will have more opportunity to share the wonderful gospel message. Brengle said, "When God moves us to speak to people we may be sure He has been dealing with their hearts and preparing the way for us." Listen to the voice of God today. Be obedient to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. He doesn't have to use you but He desires to. He is preparing the way for you. Ask Him for help and trust Him for guidance. "There's a work for Jesus none but you can do!" . If you would like spiritual counsel and feel you would like to talk to our pastor then click HERE to e-mail him directly. Written for this website by Wesley Stewart. Due to be updated: end September Archived Messages. 08/05/05 A Day of Trouble. 01/03/05 A Growing Church. 24/12/04 Christmas Message. 18/09/04 The Three-fold Inheritance. 23/05/04 Christ Our Life. 30/01/04 Being Faithful. 27/12/03 Advent Prediction. 11/10/03 Watchman - Guilty or Guiltless? 14/05/03 An epoch making day. 20/04/03 All hail the risen Lord. 22/03/03 Heart Cry for Revival. 02/01/03 The Church of the Open Door. 02/12/02 The River of Blessing. 01/09/02 The Revelation of the River. 04/05/02 The Greatest Watershed in History. 29/01/02 Knowing and doing the Will of God. 22/11/01 Things Which Cannot Be Shaken. 07/07/01 The Soulwinner's conflict 24/04/01 The Divine Dividend 17/03/01 The Move That Made The Difference 10/01/01 Marching On In The Will of God 15/12/00 Christmas Message 07/10/00 The Inheritance of Divine Fullness (2) 15/09/00 The Inheritance of Divine Fullness (1) 28/07/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (4) 15/06/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (3) 07/05/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (2) 09/04/00 Prerequisites To Divine Fullness (1) 22/04/00 Easter Message