Tag: Acts 8:4-8
Much joy in the city!
Scripture reading for February 2nd: Acts 8, Psalm 24, Proverbs 24
Acts 8: 4-8 “Now those who were scattered went about preaching the Word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in the city.
As a result of the persecution of Saul and other zealous Jews, believers were scattered everywhere. This did not hinder them from sharing the Gospel. Luke tells about how Phillip went down to Samaria and preached Christ there. People gathered and attentively listened and the Holy Spirit worked through him to do many miraculous signs. Demons were cast out, lame people walked and the presence of God’s power and the Good News brought joy to the city! God wants to deliver the bound and set free those headed for hell and destruction. Believers open their hearts to the King of Glory and He blesses them and uses them to bless others.
Psalm 24:9-10 “Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may come in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of Glory.”
Prayer: Praise Your Glorious Name, O Lord of Hosts! You are the King of Glory! Where You enter, lives are changed and forces of darkness must flee! Thank You for working with Your people as they fearlessly preach Jesus Christ crucified and risen from the grave! May You do today, in our time, what You did of old. Use me to rescue those being taken away to death and those stumbling to hell. Pour on the joy!
Proverbs 24:11-12 “Rescue those who are being taken away to death; but hold back those who are stumbling to slaughter. If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not He Who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not He Who keeps watch over your soul know it, and will He not repay man according to his work?”
Persecution spreads the Word
Scripture reading for May 15th: Acts 8, Psalm 97, Proverbs 4
Key Scriptures: Acts 8:4-8 “Now those who were scattered went about preaching the Word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city.”
Jesus had promised that His followers would suffer persecution. This happened after Stephen was martyred. The persecution caused the disciples to scatter out of Jerusalem into many other towns and regions. Philip, one of the first deacons, was scattered to Samaria. There he proclaimed Christ and preached the Word and God stretched out His hand in signs and healings and demonic evictions. Great joy was spread as the Word of God spread by those persecuted believers!
Faith Confession: Lord Jesus, help me to boldly proclaim Your truth wherever the Spirit takes me. I want the joy and light of Your truth and healing presence to flow among all people in my path.
Proverbs 4:18 “But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day.”