21.8: Preaching the Good News of the Salvation of Jesus Christ No Matter What

In Acts 8 we have a paradox. A paradox is two  contradictory properties coming together. Here we have gather and  scatter. The group of believers in Jerusalem was growing quickly and  they gathered together for worship like we learned in Acts 2. However, Jesus told His disciples to GO and make more disciples of every nation, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew  28:18-20). Go means go! Scatter! Persecution scatters the believers.  Our friend, Saul, is mentioned here and we’ll get to what happens to him  in the next chapter. Here we have the story of Philip’s adventures in  Samaria. (By the way, that’s a picture of Samaria, Israel at the top.) Understand, the Jews didn’t get along with the Samaritans at all. The  Samaritans were descendants of Jews who had mixed with the local  Canaanites. Something that Moses told them NOT to do. So, imagine the  challenge Philip had trying to get these people to understand what the  Good News of Jesus’ true salvation was. (Further reading: Jesus and the Samaritan Woman & The Good Samaritan.) Let’s dig in… Keep reading in my blog.... Jesus said, “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.” ~ ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3:22‬ ‭NLT‬‬ - this is repeated 14 times in scripture. Kind of gives the idea that God wants us to pay attention.  If you want to reap all the benefits of salvation including the 1-way, non-stop ticket to Heaven then… Believe. Repent. Be Baptized. Receive the Holy Spirit.  Pray this prayer humbly and wholeheartedly… “Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Please forgive me. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and my life to you. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. I surrender my whole life to you and I will follow you for the rest of my life. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me. In Jesus' name, Amen.” Jesus is coming back soon! Are you ready? Soli Deo Gloria — To God Alone Be the Glory! This is a daily podcast, published each evening.  Hit the subscribe button so you don’t miss out!  And please share this with your friends.