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Daily Dose of Hope December 1, 2025 Scripture - Acts 8:26-40 Prayer: Holy and Merciful God, Thank you for a new day and a new week and thank you that your mercies are new every morning. As we enter into this first week of Advent, help us be aware of your presence in a new way, Lord. And right now, help us gather our scattered thoughts and focus on you and your Word. In these next few moments of silence, help us be still and know that you are God...In Your Name, Amen. Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan. We are currently walking through the book of Acts. Today, we finish up Acts 8. Today's reading finds us with Philip. The Holy Spirit tells him to head down the road to Gaza and when he does, he encounters an Ethiopian eunuch reading the book of Isaiah. Philip knows this is his purpose and this is a beautiful opening that God has provided. He does not hesitate. Philip asks the Ethiopian if he understands what he is reading; the man responds, "How can I unless someone explains it to me?" Okay, perfect opening. Philip takes the opportunity to explain how the prophecy points to Jesus. He shares the Gospel and the man believes and is baptized. I want to reiterate a point here. Philip does not hesitate. He sees an opening and he takes it. Again, we need to think of our own circumstances. How often do we have an opening or we feel the nudge to share about Jesus and we chicken out? How often do we hesitate? What are we afraid of? Upon reflection, there are quite a few things we can learn from Philip's experience: ---There are times in which we may appear to be traveling on a desert road but God can still give you opening to share your faith with someone else. Please hear me. Even when we go through challenges and grief, God still gives us opportunities to witness to his goodness. How have you experienced this? · ----Start with a question. Philip just asked a question. He didn't give the Ethiopian man a long theological dissertation. He didn't wow the man with all his religious knowledge. No, not at all. Philip asked a question, which led to an opening to share about Scripture. · ----Use Scripture. Point to the Gospel message in the Bible. Scripture speaks for itself. · ----Stick to the Good News. Stay away from politics. Stay away from the side conversations. Just focus on Jesus and what his death and resurrection mean for us. · -----Ask for the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to when there is an opportunity and then to guide your words and actions. Blessings, Pastor Vicki
Speaker: Connor ShadyThe Spirit uses the Word of God, through the people of God, to bring salvation to even the most unlikely people.
This week we looked at Simon the Sorcerer and the danger of mixing the word and the world. Just like Samaria lost its discernment, we're reminded how easily believers can grow comfortable with things we should be on guard against. Pastor Nathan urged us to keep our sword of the Word sharpened and ready for whatever spiritual battles we come up against.
Daily Dose of Hope November 28, 2025 Scripture: Acts 8:1-26 Prayer: Almighty God and Risen Jesus, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, We come before you today with praise and a sense of awe. Even though you are incredibly mighty and take care of us in such fundamental ways, we struggle to stay focused on our faith. Help us gather our scattered and distracted thoughts. Help us take a moment of silence and remember who you are...Holy Spirit, speak to us today. We want to hear your voice. In Your Name, Amen. Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional/podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan for New Hope Church on Brandon, Florida. We are currently walking through the book of Acts. Today, we are talking at the first half of Acts 8. After Stephen's killing, the new Christians are forced to scatter around the area. Saul (who will become Paul) is going door to door to question people and throw Christians into prison. This is serious stuff. I want you to just imagine what that would be like. We live in a place where we can worship freely but what those new Christians experience isn't too different from many parts of the world today. Just keep that in mind. What's interesting to me is that wherever they go, the believers spread the Gospel. They aren't deterred by their experience in Jerusalem. Rather, the opposite seems to be true. They are bold and tell the story of Jesus wherever they go. Think of your own life. How do you share the story of Jesus? Do you? One more interesting part of the passage is the bit about Simon the sorcerer in Samaria. Sorcery is absolutely forbidden by God because it relies on powers that are not of God. When I speak of sorcery, I'm referring to black magic, the occult, witchcraft, etc. Sometimes, there is no power attached to these things and other times, they definitely have power and it comes from the evil one. So, friends, this is not something you want to mess with at all. Just stay away from it. Sorry, I digress. Simon had become a believer after hearing Philip preach but the Holy Spirit had not yet come to the church in Samaria. When the apostles (Peter and John) come to Samaria and lay hands on the believers, the Holy Spirit comes to them and they receive the power that comes with that. Simon witnesses all of this and he wants it. He offers Peter and John money to receive this power. Of course, they are appalled. They tell him he is wicked and needs to repent. His heart is not right before God. Simon appears to be repentant and we don't hear any more about him. The apostles continue to visit Samaritan villages to spread the Gospel. We will chat some more on Monday. Blessings, Pastor Vicki
Acts 2: 43-47
Fr. Mike focuses on the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch and how it demonstrates the importance of having guidance when reading Scripture. Although God's Word is infallible, we can easily misunderstand it without proper interpretation, which is why we have the Magisterium of the Church. Lastly, Fr. Mike also touches on the role of persecution in the life of the Church, and St. Paul's encouragement to abide by the law of love. Today we read Acts 8, Romans 13-14, and Proverbs 27:15-17. For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear. Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Pastor Joe's Sunday morning sermon entitled, “God at Work”. This sermon covers Acts 8:1-13.To learn more about CCPV, visit us on our…Website: www.ccpomonavalley.comInstagram: @calvarychapelpomonavalleyFacebook: @ccpomonavalleyYouTube: @CalvaryChapelPomonaValleyFind us on the Church Center App!
Acts - Acts 8:4-25 by Peter Lamme & Steve Coward
I. An unlikely place II. An unlikely person III. A glorious profession
In Week 12 of our Everyday Mission series, we look at the powerful encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26–40.This message unpacks how God sovereignly sends His people, Jesus alone saves, and we respond in faith and obedience From divine appointments to gospel conversations, this passage shows that everyday mission is God's work — and we are invited into it. Listen as Pastor Matt reminds us that the good news of Jesus is personal, powerful, and always worth a response.For more information about Integrity Church, visit our website, http://liveintegritychurch.org Connect with us on social media throughout the week to stay up to date on events and things happening at Integrity! Instagram: @integrity_church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveintegrity/
Acts 8:26-40 demonstrates that gospel movements flourish when believers prioritize divine appointments over human logic, as Philip left crowds for one seeking soul on a desert road. The Ethiopian official, returning from worship yet still searching, found answers when Philip explained how the suffering servant of Isaiah 53 was Jesus. This encounter sparked the gospel's spread to Africa, proving that investing in one person's spiritual journey can impact entire continents for generations.
Speaker: Pastor Aaron CutshallThe Holy Spirit is God's gift, empowering His people to take the gospel to all nations, never a tool for human ambition.
https://anchorbaptist1611.com/
By Every Word, 11-20-25
Acts 8:9–25 contrasts the gospel of the Kingdom with the transactional mindset of Simon the Magician. As Philip proclaims Christ, the people of Samaria rejoice—yet Simon approaches the gospel like something to buy, control, or use for personal gain. This passage exposes how easily we can slip into treating ministry like a product and people like customers. But everyday mission is not a sales pitch; it's an announcement of a King and a Kingdom. Peter's rebuke reminds us that the Spirit cannot be purchased, manipulated, or branded. The mission belongs to Jesus, the true King, and we are simply witnesses who proclaim His reign. When the gospel is rightly understood, it leads not to control but to repentance, surrender, and joyful obedience.For more information about Integrity Church, visit our website, http://liveintegritychurch.org Connect with us on social media throughout the week to stay up to date on events and things happening at Integrity! Instagram: @integrity_church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveintegrity/
Cooperating with God for Personal Impact | Acts 8:24-40 | Pastor Ben Spalink by GraceChurchNJ
The Spirit who filled the early church is the same Spirit who sends you today. Don't cling to comfort when you were called to carry the Gospel beyond your borders. Let Him disrupt, empower, and transform you so the world can see Christ through you. For more sermons and worship music each week, be sure to subscribe to our channel so you can stay in the know. Feel free to share on social media, and don't forget to comment below to let us know where you're watching today!Invest in the mission and vision of Westside: https://westsidebaptist.org/giveFOLLOW Westside Baptist Church: ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/westsidegainesville ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/westsidegainesville ► Website | https://www.westsidebaptist.org
Acts 8:1-25 shows godly movements grow through faithful people willing to bloom where persecution plants them, as Philip transformed from serving tables to performing miracles in Samaria. Philip's encounter with Simon the magician shows that true spiritual power cannot be purchased or manipulated—it flows from hearts surrendered to Christ. When persecution intended to destroy the church instead multiplied it, God proved He uses opposition as fertilizer for growth.
“Green Lights” (Acts 8)Need Prayer? Email us at roseburgfcc@gmail.com Connect with us on social at www.facebook.com/roseburgfccTo support the ministry of First Christian Church go to www.roseburgfcc.org/giving
Preached by Allen McCluggage as part of the series "One-off guest sermons."
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The Gospel on the Move (Acts 8:26-40)
Under New Management | Acts 8:1-25 | Pastor Ben Spalink by GraceChurchNJ
In this message from Everyday Mission, we watch the church scatter under persecution and discover that this isn't a setback at all — it's the strategy of God. In Acts 8:1–8, the Holy Spirit moves Jesus' mission forward through everyday people and sends them to overlooked people, fulfilling the promise Jesus made in Acts 1:8. Philip, an ordinary servant, becomes a bold witness in Samaria, showing that the mission doesn't advance through the elite but through Spirit-filled believers willing to speak about the work of Christ in their own lives. God uses ordinary people to bring extraordinary joy to unexpected places.For more information about Integrity Church, visit our website, http://liveintegritychurch.org Connect with us on social media throughout the week to stay up to date on events and things happening at Integrity! Instagram: @integrity_church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveintegrity/
Sermon from November 9, 2025; 10:30am.
After God used Philip to save many Samaritans, he sent him to evangelize one who had come from the ends of the Earth.
A sorcerer believes and is baptized, but tries to buy power from Peter. Philip is sent to preach to an Ethiopian eunuch. And how do you get from Isaiah 53 to baptism? Have a listen. Show Notes: Support 1517 Podcast Network 1517 Podcasts 1517 on Youtube 1517 Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts 1517 Events Schedule 1517 Academy - Free Theological Education What's New from 1517: Coming Home for Christmas: 1517 Advent Devotional Face to Face: A Novel of the Reformation by Amy Mantravadi Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms by Chad Bird Remembering Your Baptism: A 40-Day Devotional by Kathryn Morales Sinner Saint by Luke Kjolhaug More from the hosts: Daniel Emery Price Erick Sorenson
Addison teaches on Acts 8-9
I. Counterfeit Competition II. Convenient conversion? III. Certain Condemnation
Acts 8: The Role of the Holy Spirit
Sermon from November 2, 2025; 10:30am.
Because of a general persecution in Jerusalem, the believers were scattered and took the gospel to Judea and Samaria, where many believed in Christ.
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.
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.
Acts 8 records that Saul accented to Stephen's stoning and sets out on a course of destruction like an enraged bull. The objects of his persecution are the faithful believers in Christ. However, the greater the persecution, the faster the gospel spreads. Philip preaches Christ in Samaria and his testimony is supported by miracles. The city of Samaria had been bewitched by Simon the Sorcerer. However, Simon recognises the difference between his tricks and the powerful workings of the Holy Spirit. The record tells us that baptism only took place for believing adult subjects. Verse 12 provides us with a definition of the gospel - "the things concerning the kingdom of God and the things concerning the name of Jesus Christ". Although Philip could perform miracles he could not bestow the gifts - that only occurred through the laying on of the Apostles' hands. Simon seeks to buy the gifts from Peter and John and is grievously condemned for attempting this. Philip is next told to join the chariot of an Ethiopian eunuch of great authority under Candace their Queen. This eunuch was a proselyte and was reading Isaiah 53. The eunuch tells Philip that he fails to understand what the prophet spoke of. Philip commences with that chapter and explains Christ to the eunuch. No doubt Philip's preaching included the blessings from God on the eunuchs who choose the ways of God (Isaiah 56). Philip and the eunuch come to sufficient water for immersion. Philip explains to the eunuch that providing he has a wholehearted belief in Christ he may be baptised. Note how the record says that they both went down into the water and came up out of it together. The eunuch continues on his way rejoicing; but Philip is immediately snatched away to Azotus some 40 kilometres distant - the Lord having further work for Philip to do there.Thanks for joining us - we pray you found these comments helpful in your appreciation of God's words, join again tomorrow
In Acts 11, we see that God uses unnamed believers from Cyprus and Cyrene to start a missionary movement that changes history. Considering that God uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes, how might He want to use your unique skills, relationships, or experiences right where you are to help advance the Gospel?
GAZA Road Lessons | His Word, His Plan, His People In today's episode, we look at Philip's unexpected call to leave a thriving ministry in Samaria for a dusty, desert road. What followed was a Spirit-ordained moment with eternal impact. Discover how listening to God, sharing boldly, and trusting His plan—even without all the details—can lead to life change for you and others. Key Takeaways: 1. Obeying without hesitation opens doors for God to move through you. 2. The Holy Spirit still speaks—our role is to slow down and listen. 3. Every believer is called to share Jesus, not just the trained or titled. 4. God's plan may lead you away from comfort and toward a single person in need. 5. Your obedience today could be the start of someone else's eternity. Key Scripture: Acts 8 (https://www.bible.com/bible/59/ACT.8.ESV) Speaker: Matt Petty Series: His Word, His Plan, His People Location: Burnt Hickory Baptist Church (https://maps.app.goo.gl/hazkR3omjk9xvxZc7) Connect with us: ° Watch this sermon on YouTube (https://youtu.be/IqFr6tuWiIc) ° Follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/bhbchome) ° Follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/burnthickorybaptist/) ° Visit our website (https://www.burnthickory.com/)