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Read with us: Acts 8:26-40 Check out our website: https://faithcommunityma.com/
Paul moves from what he inherited to what he personally achieved. Listento what he says: "As to the law, a Pharisee; concerning zeal, persecutingthe church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless." Thesewere not things that were given to Paul. These were things he worked hard toattain. If anyone could have earned a right standing before God throughreligion, dedication, and moral effort, it was Saul of Tarsus. First,notice that Paul said, "As to the law, a Pharisee." ThePharisees were the strictest religious group in Judaism. There were not many ofthem compared to the population of Israel, but they were highly respected fortheir devotion to the Law. The word Pharisee actually means "separatedone." They separated themselves from anything they believed would makethem spiritually unclean. They carefully studied the Scriptures, observedreligious traditions, and sought to obey every detail of the Law. SoPaul was not merely a religious man. He was a religious leader. In Acts 23:6,he boldly declared, "I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee." Hehad studied under the famous Rabbi Gamaliel according to Acts 22:3. Hepossessed the finest religious education available in his day. Yet with allthat learning and all that religious devotion, it could not save him. It ispossible to know the Bible intellectually and still not know Jesus Christpersonally. Many people today know Bible stories, memorize verses, and attendchurch regularly, yet they have never experienced the transforming grace ofGod. Knowledge alone cannot save. Secondly,Paul said, "Concerning zeal, persecuting the church." Thismight seem shocking to us. How could persecuting Christians be considered acredential? But before his conversion, Paul believed Christians were theenemies of God. He thought he was serving God by trying to destroy the church. Acts8:3 tells us that Saul made havoc of the church, entering houses and draggingmen and women off to prison. In Acts 9, he was on his way to Damascus withauthority to arrest believers when he met the risen Christ. In Acts 26:9-11,when he gave his testimony before Agrippa, he said: “I punished them oftenin every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme. Being exceedingly enragedagainst them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities." Paulwas sincere. He was passionate. He was committed. But he was sincerely wrong. Thisreminds us that sincerity alone is not enough because a person can be sincereand still be lost. A person can be passionate and still be mistaken. The mostimportant question is not how sincere we are. The important question is whetherour faith is based on the truth of Jesus Christ. Today, many people are zealousabout religion, politics, causes, traditions, or philosophies. But zeal withouttruth can lead us far from God. Paul had zeal, but he still needed a Savior. Third,Paul said, "Concerning the righteousness which is in the law,blameless." Notice he did not say sinless. He said blameless. In theeyes of the people around him, Paul lived an exemplary life. No one could pointto some scandalous sin and accuse him of hypocrisy. Outwardly, he appeared tobe everything a religious person should be. If Saul of Tarsus had lived in ourcommunity today, many churches would probably have wanted him to be a deacon, aSunday school teacher, an elder, or a ministry leader. Yet despite all hismorality and religious discipline, he was still lost. Thisis one of the most sobering truths in Scripture. Aperson can be religious and still need salvation. Remember, Jesus said inMatthew 7 that many will come to Him in that day and say, "Lord, Lord,have we not done many wonderful works in Your name?" And Jesus willsay to them, "Depart from Me, you workers of iniquity. I never knewyou." That is sobering. Are you sure—really sure—that you have beenborn again? We need the grace of God and salvation through Christ alone.
In this beautiful story, God arranges a divine encounter to take the gospel to just one man. And he does it through another man. And, even though this story has some extraordinary elements, it's really just the ordinary way God works to bring people to himself. The Spirit of God uses the man or woman of God to share the word of God to bring people to faith in the Son of God.
The church faced persecution, the first martyr Stephen is buried, and still the gospel spreads. In going to different regions, the disciples proclaim Christ. Even in the region of Samaria, a place where the apostle John was rebuked by Jesus for wanting to destroy, there are converts and signs being done. Through struggle and trial, the people of God are united. The gospel is available to everyone by faith, it cannot be bought or earned as Simon the magician tries to do, but by grace through faith alone in Christ. The same is true for the church to grow today.
06/14/2026 - Chad Lewis
Title: Spreading Good News Passage: Acts 8 Speaker: Pastor Ken Stodola Listen/watch us live on Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/ODBaptist Don't forget to share and subscribe Listen/watch us on sermons at https://www.sermonaudio.com/source_detail.asp?sourceid=odbaptist Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Open-Door-115705998459103 1128 Oates Road Prattville, AL 36066 United States
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This segment of Cats & Cosby focuses on the looming expiration of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a critical tool created as a legal compromise to oversee warrantless overseas surveillance following the intelligence failures of 9/11. Legal expert Andy McCarthy explains that while political friction over presidential appointments has stalled a formal reauthorization in Congress, a statutory savings provision ensures that existing court orders will maintain national security operations for another year. The conversation shifts from these technical legal protections to a broader debate on vetting political candidates, specifically highlighting concerns regarding a New Jersey congressional contender's historical ties to the Blind Sheikh. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Send us a message!We follow the early church through persecution, surprising growth, and Spirit-powered ministry as the gospel pushes beyond Jerusalem. We also wrestle with motives, repentance, and reconciliation when God turns enemies into family and calls us to make peace. • persecution scatters believers and spreads the good news into Judea and Samaria • Philip's preaching in Samaria and the city's joy through deliverance and healing • Simon's attempt to purchase spiritual power and Peter's sharp call to repent • Philip guided to the Ethiopian eunuch, Scripture explained from Isaiah to Jesus • baptism and rejoicing as the gospel reaches beyond borders • Saul's road to Damascus encounter with Jesus and the cost of following him • Ananias obeying through fear and Saul filled with the Holy Spirit • Saul preaching boldly, facing plots, and Barnabas vouching for him • Peter healing Aeneas and raising Tabitha as many turn to the Lord Be a Barnabas today. Who needs you to show up for them? At outloudbible.com, you can find free resources to help you study the Bible. And while you're there, send us a message to say hi, or start a conversation about having us at your church or event. If Outloud Bible has been a valuable part of your understanding of the Bible, please consider supporting the ministry by visiting outloudbible.com.Support the showCheck out outloudbible.com for helpful study resources, and to discover how to bring the public reading of God's word to your church, conference, retreat, or other event.
ACTS 8:26-40 - When Something Is Missing Elder Todd Boulware Download
The gospels moves out in word and deed. It brings people in to fellowship and community. And it spills over in abundant joy.
What happens when God interrupts your plans?In Acts 8, we see the Gospel continue to spread despite persecution, opposition, and uncertainty. What looked like a setback for the early Church became a setup for God's purpose. As believers were scattered, the message of Jesus spread farther than ever before.Pastor Willie Simpson walks through the powerful stories of Simon the Sorcerer, Philip, and the Ethiopian eunuch, reminding us that God still changes lives, fills His people with His Spirit, and uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.In this message, you'll discover:• Why no one is beyond the reach of God's grace• The importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit• Why discipleship is essential for spiritual growth• How God uses available and obedient people• The power of pointing people to Jesus• Why every believer has a next stepNo matter where you find yourself today—needing change like Simon, searching like the Ethiopian eunuch, or being called to obedience like Philip—God wants to work in and through your life.
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Have you ever wondered if God is still working in the unexpected detours of life? In this powerful message from Acts 8:26-40, discover how God used a desert road, an ordinary believer, and a searching heart to accomplish something extraordinary. Desert Detours & Divine Appointments reminds us that no road is too remote, no person is beyond God's reach, and no moment is wasted when we walk in obedience to His leading. Even on the desert roads of life, with God's Word as our guide, God's Spirit as our companion, and God's will as our destination, lives can be transformed for today and for eternity. Listen to the podcast and be encouraged: what may seem like an interruption could actually be a divine appointment arranged by God Himself. Your next step of obedience could change a life forever.
Acts 8:26-40A community transformed by grace sent to transform the world for the glory of God.WEBSITE: https://c3lr.orgFACEBOOK: facebook.com/C3.LittleRockINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/c3.littlerockSERMON PODCAST: https://c3littlerock.buzzsprout.com
The Spirit is with us as we faithfully proclaim the good news. Pastor Micah preaches at King's Cross Church.
Acts 10:44-48 New King James Version 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay a few days.
Can someone be too far gone for God's grace? In this message from Acts 8:26-40, guest speaker Jack Kraus examines the encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch—a man who appeared permanently excluded, spiritually disqualified, and unable to participate fully in the covenant community. As Philip opens the Scriptures and proclaims the good news of Jesus Christ, we see God's heart for outsiders, the sufficiency of Christ for sinners, and the hope of redemption for those who feel like damaged goods. Through the promises of Isaiah and the power of the gospel, this passage reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God's saving grace.Whether you feel unworthy of God's love, burdened by your past, or tempted to believe someone else is beyond hope, may this message remind you that Jesus Christ came to seek and save the lost.
Lord, Open My Lips is a daily devotional produced by Fr. Josh Fink and John Caddell in association with All Souls Church in Lexington, South Carolina. New devotionals are available every day. More information can be found at allsoulslex.org/dailyprayer.Original music is composed and recorded by John Caddell. Our liturgy is based on "Family Prayer" from the Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Read with us: Acts 8:18-25 Check out our website: https://faithcommunityma.com/
Lord, Open My Lips is a daily devotional produced by Fr. Josh Fink and John Caddell in association with All Souls Church in Lexington, South Carolina. New devotionals are available every day. More information can be found at allsoulslex.org/dailyprayer.Original music is composed and recorded by John Caddell. Our liturgy is based on "Family Prayer" from the Book of Common Prayer (2019), created by the Anglican Church in North America and published by the Anglican Liturgical Press. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Packinghouse's Sunday morning worship service from May 31, 2026. Acts 8:1–25 This week's study follows the aftermath of Stephen's martyrdom as a great persecution scatters the church beyond Jerusalem and into Samaria, fulfilling Jesus' command to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. The message highlights how God often uses disruption, hardship, and unexpected changes to move His people into the places where He wants them to serve and share Christ. Through Philip's ministry in Samaria, we see the gospel break down long-standing barriers, bringing salvation, healing, and great joy to people who had previously been trapped in spiritual deception. The study also focuses on Simon the sorcerer, a former cult-like leader whose encounter with the gospel exposes the difference between using spiritual things for personal gain and truly surrendering to God. Through Peter's strong correction, Simon is confronted with the baggage and bitterness he still carries, reminding believers that following Jesus is a process of continual growth and transformation. Throughout the chapter, the emphasis remains on exalting Christ, relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, and allowing God to shape and redirect our lives for His purposes. - Greg Opean - Sunday, May 31, 2026
Acts 8:4-25A community transformed by grace sent to transform the world for the glory of God.WEBSITE: https://c3lr.orgFACEBOOK: facebook.com/C3.LittleRockINSTAGRAM: instagram.com/c3.littlerockSERMON PODCAST: https://c3littlerock.buzzsprout.com
John Ottley :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, May 31, 2026 “Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.” (Acts 8:35) Guest speaker and friend of Creekside John Ottley preaches from Acts 8 and a divinely appointed meeting in the desert between two unlikely people in a chariot over a scroll of Isaiah. John's message follows a prayer send-off for our team headed for Immanuel Mission this coming week. Worship music permitted under CCLI License #264436.
True believers possess, proclaim and protect the gospel against all counterfeits. Pastor Micah preaches at King's Cross Church.
Lutheran Preaching and Teaching from St. John Random Lake, Wisconsin
May 26, 2026
Read with us: Acts 8:14-17 Check out our website: https://faithcommunityma.com/
Pastor Matthew McCleary, Associate Pastor
Matt Smethurst preaches Acts 8:26–40 at River City Baptist Church, a new congregation in Richmond, Virginia. For more information or to get in touch, visit https://rivercityrichmond.org.
Acts 8: 26-27
Life often applies pressure when we least expect it, but God can use even difficult circumstances to accomplish beautiful purposes. In this episode, Dr. Dick Foth highlights the pattern we see in Acts 8 of pressure on the early church leading to the exercise of God's power. Persecution scattered the early believers from Jerusalem, forcing them to spread the gospel beyond their comfort zone. Philip's ministry in Samaria brought healing and great joy to a despised people group, while his encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch demonstrated how God orchestrates divine appointments. Are you willing to let God turn the pressure in your life into His power? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Reading Acts 8:36-40 where Philip baptizes the Eunuch from Ethiopia, and also considering why verse 37 in this passage is understood to not be divinely inspired. Visit wwutt.com for all our videos!