The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot [carrying an Ethiopian official] and stay near it."
—Acts 8:29 NIV
As in a previous Key Thought section, we are reminded again that reaching the ends of the earth with the good news of Jesus is the Holy Spirit's work. Throughout the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit inspires, convicts, empowers, emboldens, directs, guides, and leads God's servants in sharing the story of Jesus in much of the Roman Empire. In the book of Acts, we see that four great cities become major touch points for the advancement of the good news: Jerusalem is the heart of the Jewish faith; Antioch, Ephesus, and Rome are among the largest cities in the world at that time. Another large city, Alexandria, is not mentioned in Acts. However, the conversion of the Ethiopian reminds us that the message of God spread to Africa just as it had elsewhere. Wherever Jesus' followers go, they take the message of Jesus (Acts 8:1-4; Acts 11:19-21). The Holy Spirit made sure Philip, a servant full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:1-7), found the Ethiopian at just the right place and time (Acts 8:26-40). Let's ask the Holy Spirit to be at work opening doors to new peoples and cultures for the good news to spread, and let's ask for the Holy Spirit to get the right people to those who are seeking!
O God of the nations, please use me in any way you choose to share the message of Jesus with those who do not know him. I also pray that you will bless each one of your servants who is seeking to share Jesus across cultural boundaries. Please make your word successful through their efforts. Please, dear Father, renew our world through the movement of the Holy Spirit! In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
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—Acts 8:29 NIV
Key Thought
As in a previous Key Thought section, we are reminded again that reaching the ends of the earth with the good news of Jesus is the Holy Spirit's work. Throughout the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit inspires, convicts, empowers, emboldens, directs, guides, and leads God's servants in sharing the story of Jesus in much of the Roman Empire. In the book of Acts, we see that four great cities become major touch points for the advancement of the good news: Jerusalem is the heart of the Jewish faith; Antioch, Ephesus, and Rome are among the largest cities in the world at that time. Another large city, Alexandria, is not mentioned in Acts. However, the conversion of the Ethiopian reminds us that the message of God spread to Africa just as it had elsewhere. Wherever Jesus' followers go, they take the message of Jesus (Acts 8:1-4; Acts 11:19-21). The Holy Spirit made sure Philip, a servant full of the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:1-7), found the Ethiopian at just the right place and time (Acts 8:26-40). Let's ask the Holy Spirit to be at work opening doors to new peoples and cultures for the good news to spread, and let's ask for the Holy Spirit to get the right people to those who are seeking!
Today's Prayer
O God of the nations, please use me in any way you choose to share the message of Jesus with those who do not know him. I also pray that you will bless each one of your servants who is seeking to share Jesus across cultural boundaries. Please make your word successful through their efforts. Please, dear Father, renew our world through the movement of the Holy Spirit! In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
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