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A Case of ConversionIntroduction:
1. We are presently studying 13 great themes that the Bible addresses. 2. "The plan of salvation" was the eighth great Bible theme that we examined in our last lesson. 3. According to the New Testament, a conversion occurs when the plan of salvation is obeyed. 4. In Acts, Luke recorded a number of conversions. 5. For our ninth great Bible theme we are concentrating on "a case of conversion" that we read about in Acts 8:26-39. 6. These verses tell us about the conversion of the eunuch of Ethiopia. Discussion: I. (vs.26-29) PHILIP CAME IN CONTACT WITH A MAN FROM ETHIOPIA A. (vs.26) Philip was instructed to go south. 1. Philip had been a servant of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 6:5-6). 2. Because of persecution, Philip left Jerusalem and traveled north to Samaria (Acts 8:1-5). 3. Philip enjoyed great success in Samaria (Acts 8:6-12). 4. After the Christians in Samaria received the Holy Spirit, an angel directed Philip to go to a deserted area between Jerusalem and Gaza. B. (vs.27-29) Philip met the eunuch from Ethiopia. 1. (vs.27a) Philip followed the angel's instruction. 2. (vs.27b-28a) A man from Ethiopia was traveling in the area where Philip had been directed to go. 3. This man: a. had great authority--he was in charge of the queen's treasure b. was religious--he was returning to Ethiopia after worshipping in Jerusalem. 4. The Law of Moses: a. made provision for a person to be converted to the Jewish religion (Exodus 12:48-49) b. required male Jews to worship in Jerusalem three times each year (Deuteronomy 16:16-17) c. did not allow eunuchs to enter the congregation (Deuteronomy 23:1). 5. (vs.28b) The eunuch was reading from Isaiah's writings. 6. (vs.29) The Spirit instructed Philip to contact the eunuch. II. (vs.30-35) PHILIP AND THE EUNUCH DISCUSSED THE PASSAGE HE WAS READING A. (vs.30-31) The eunuch needed guidance so he could understand the Scriptures he read. B. (vs.32-33) He was reading Isaiah's prophecy of Jesus' suffering (Isaiah 53:7-8). C. (vs.34) The eunuch wanted to know who Isaiah wrote about. D. (vs.35) Philip preached Jesus to the eunuch (vs.5, 12). III. (vs.36-39) THE EUNUCH WAS BAPTIZED A. (vs.36) When they came to a body of water, the eunuch wanted to be baptized. B. (vs.37a) Philip said that he could be baptized if he believed that Jesus is God's Son. C. (vs.37b) The eunuch confessed his faith in Christ (Romans 10:9-10). D. (vs.38) Philip baptized the eunuch. E. (vs.39) Following his baptism, the eunuch "went on his way rejoicing." |