Acts 8:26-40 The Eunuch Hears

Acts 8:26-40 NIV
In one visit with Philip, the Ethiopian eunuch heard the good news about Jesus and was baptized. It did not take many visits. There was no set time period for the eunuch to have to study before he was baptized. But, the eunuch did have a history. At first glance, it may appear that this is the eunuch's first introduction to the savior. But, it is not. He apparently knows the scriptures and the scriptures point to Jesus. He doesn't understand them completely. But, he has been reading them. He has been studying them. He's got a pretty good idea what they say. He just doesn't understand until Philip explains them that the prophecies have been fulfilled in Jesus the Christ.

This is my opportunity to remind you that not only do we usually need someone to help us understand scripture; but, that we actually need to know what scripture says in order to help us understand them. As I said, the eunuch knew what the scriptures said. He knew the words of the prophets. Now, he knows that the prophecies were fulfilled and he rejoices. By the power of the Holy Spirit, faith grabs hold of the eunuch and the eunuch is baptized.

There are plenty of opportunities to read, hear, and study the word of God. Zion has a Bible study open to all every Wednesday at 9 a.m. and Worship Services at 10 a.m. on Sundays and 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. On Wednesdays, the sermon is interactive so that you can ask questions and discuss the readings. Join us or your local congregation in studying and hearing the message about the word. After all; faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. (Rom 10:17) And, for those who are reading this blog, don't forget to click on the Scripture link above and actually read the passage that inspires the reading.

God's Peace - Pr. J

John 1:43-50 - Meeting God

John 1:43-50 NIV
"Follow me." Philip heard these words from Jesus and followed him. That was that. Philip then told Nathanael about Jesus. Nathanael went to meet this Jesus. He, too, ended up  following Jesus.

When I was a little child, I knew God the Father. I remember being received into God's family through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. I was about five years old. And... yes, I knew Him as my Father. He loved and He protected me. When I was lonely or afraid He would hold me in His hands. As I grew older, there were many who introduced and re-introduced me to Jesus. I was in my 20's before I really came to know Jesus as my Savior, as my God. But, God is more than Father and Son. He is also Spirit. I was in my 30's when two men who I worked with attempted to teach me who this third person of the Trinity was. They taught me during our lunch hours. But, I was stubborn and I did not know this person until the Holy Spirit decided to be introduced to me. That was an awesome day! I will not ever forget it! My own pastor, Gary Fisher, thought that maybe I was losing it; but, finally connected me with Renewal in Missouri (RIM).

Often, in the Lutheran Church, we neglect to teach about the person of the Holy Spirit. We teach and preach about God the Father and God the Son. But, we stop there. Yes, we mention the Holy Spirit just about every Sunday. But, we rarely teach anyone that we can have a relationship with the third person of the Trinity in the same way that we are in relationship with the Father and Son. Are they not one God? Then why is this third person of the Trinity so often pushed back to third place? Do we not confess in the Athanasian Creed:  "And in this Trinity none is before or after other; none is greater or less than another; But the whole three Persons are coeternal together, and coequal: so that in all things, as is aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshiped."

But, I have taken a major side-track this morning. Maybe it is because some of you don't know God as Father or Jesus as the Son of God, your Savior. Maybe you are not in a real relationship with God. Maybe, some of you have not been introduced to the Holy Spirit. Ask and it shall be given to you. Knock and the door will be opened. To those who do know God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; introduce your neighbor to our God so that they too may follow Jesus into our Father's home by the power of the Holy Spirit.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. This is a blog... so I have kept it as short as I can. Those of you who have questions (hopefully, it has left you with questions), feel free to message me, my contact info is somewhere on these pages.