Steven A. Bush - September 6, 2015
The Chariot Sermon
Following Stephen's stoning, Saul began ravaging the church. Christians fled Jerusalem in mass, taking the Good News with them. Philip, a colleague of Stephen, went to Samaria where God used him mightily. Signs and wonders affirmed the preaching of the Gospel and scores of Samaritans became believers. Soon Peter and John joined Philip as God continued to move powerfully. Then an angel directed Philip away from the scene of revival to a desert road leading towards North Africa. Without protest, Philip obeyed and soon encountered a Royal Ethiopian Official (Eunuch) riding in a chariot. Prompted by the Holy Spirit, Luke runs up beside this Official who is reading aloud from the book of Isaiah, specifically chapter 53. Philip is invited to explain the text which is all about the Messiah. The Ethiopian's heart is opened, faith in Jesus is imparted, and when they come upon water, he asks to be baptized. Philip baptizes him and is immediately transported by the Spirit twenty-some miles away to Azotus. The unknown Royal continues home to Africa and the rest of his amazing story awaits us in heaven. Philip settles down in Caesarea, fathers four godly daughters, and will eventually host the Apostle Paul in his home--yes the very Saul who drove him out of Jerusalem over two decades prior. God's roads may seem peculiar, mysterious, serendipitous, and full of detours but they all lead straight to where He wants them.