The Reporter     Volume 46 # 20,  --  May 19, 2006

Biblical Examples Of Conversion
– Acts Eight –

 

   In Acts chapter eight we begin to observe the spread of the gospel into Judea and Samaria. Jesus had said, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." (Acts 1:8) As this chapter begins we learn that Saul was present giving his approval to Stephen's death. The death of Stephen was the beginning of the third Jewish persecution. Saul was prominent in this persecution. He drug Christians from their homes and put them into prison. (Acts 8:3)

 

   This persecution led to the church being scattered. "They that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word." (Acts 8:4) The apostles remained at Jerusalem and other Christians went every where preaching the word. Persecution must never keep us from our work, but it can possibly cause us to work somewhere else.

 

   Those that know the gospel and have Christ in their lives cannot be put to silence. "Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them." (Acts 8:5) Many Samaritans believed and were baptized. Simon was among that number. Peter and John went to Samaria and  passed  on  spiritual  gifts  by  laying  on of hands. Simon tried to buy the power to be able to do the same. Peter told him that his heart was not right in the sight of God. He encouraged Simon to repent and pray to God for forgiveness. 

 

   Following the great events in Samaria Philip was told to go down on the road from Jerusalem and Gaza. There he met the treasurer of Queen Candace of Ethiopia. The man was reading a passage from Isaiah 53 but he did not understand what he read. He invited Philip to teach him concerning this Scripture. Philip proceeded to preach Jesus to him. (Acts 8:35) When they came to a certain water, the eunuch desired to be baptized. Upon a simple confession of faith in Jesus he was baptized into Christ. The eunuch came up out of the water rejoicing as a saved man. Philip came up to continue to preach Jesus to others. (Acts 8:39-40)  

 

   The third Jewish persecution – Acts 8:1-4: Saul consented to Stephen's death. He led a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem. The persecution that followed the death of Stephen caused the church to scatter to Samaria and Africa. The church is now forced to do what it had been reluctant to do. The church is now forced to get the gospel out to the surrounding areas. During the persecution the apostles remained in Jerusalem.

 

   It is amazing to observe the difference in what people do. Observe: (1) Devout men buried Stephen and lamented his death, while (2) Saul made havoc of the church, putting men and women in prison, and (3) The scattered disciples went everywhere preaching the word. Christian men and women were persecuted to prison and to death. No Christian is exempt from persecution and sometimes it is wise to flee.                                             

               

   The conversion of the Samaritans – Acts 8:5-25: Philip went to Samaria and preached Christ and the gospel of His kingdom. (Acts 8:12) Signs and wonders confirmed the message Philip preached. As the gospel was preached many obeyed the gospel and the Lord’s church grew rapidly. Jesus had sown in Samaria and now Philip reaps a harvest there. (John 4)                                  

 

   The preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ centered in the message of His death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and His eventual return to receive the obedient! Salvation from sin comes through obedience to the word of God. The result of preaching Jesus is always (1) Faith in Jesus as Lord and Christ (Acts 8:36), (2) repentance from sin (Acts 3:19), and (3) baptism for the remission of sins. (Acts 8:38-39) People that obey the gospel become the most joyful people on earth.      

   

   Philip preached things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ. Those that believed were baptized both men and women. A man named Simon believed and he was baptized. "He continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done." Upon hearing of the conversion of the Samaritans the apostles sent Peter and John to impart to them spiritual gifts. Simon tried to buy this power with money. His heart was not right with God!

 

   Was Simon converted? The Bible says, "Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done." (Acts 8:13) He did exactly what the other Samaritans did. Simon is an example of how fallen Christians can be restored. He was told to “repent” and “pray.” (Acts 8:22) Christians that sin will be lost unless they repent and pray to God for forgiveness.

 

   Christ is preached to an Ethiopian – Acts 8:27-35: This account is the story of a preacher (Philip) and a sinner (the Ethiopian). When God said “go,” Philip went to do the will of the Heavenly Father. Philip was ready to teach and the eunuch was anxious to learn. He preached Christ to the man from Ethiopia. Conversion is produced by conviction that comes from hearing the word of God.       

                                     

   “Jesus” was the message that Philip preached to the Ethiopian.  We must also open our mouth with boldness and speak clearly and the message of Jesus. We must preach to people that Jesus of Nazareth is the true Messiah, and that He is the only person through whom we must be saved.

 

   The Ethiopian obeys the gospel – Acts 8:36-40: God is concerned about the redemption of one lost soul. The Lord uses people like Philip to convert other people like the Ethiopian. A part of conversion includes baptism into Christ. You cannot preach Jesus without preaching baptism "into Christ."                                                    

   The manner of baptizing in the early church was to bury the whole body in the water. The Book of Acts contains several cases of conversion. When all the case are studied we learn that those that were saved: (1) heard the word of God, (2) believed the salvation message about Jesus, (3) repented of sins, (4) confessed Jesus as Lord and Christ, (5) were baptized (immersed) into Christ, (6) received forgiveness of sins, and (7) received the ordinary gift of the Holy Spirit. The gospel of Christ, promptly and cheerfully obeyed, leads to rejoicing. The Ethiopia man rejoiced because his name was written in Heaven.       

 

   Are you willing to do whatever is necessary to go to heaven? Jesus said, "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." (Mark 16:16) Truth must be heard, understood and obeyed in order to bring salvation.  After man obeys the gospel he must remain steadfast in his service to God. "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord." (I Corinthians 15:58) Once you learn the truth of God's word hold it with all your strength and heart.     

   

  - - - - Charles Box

News & Notes

 

1. Prayer List: In Need Of Prayers: Malachi Beauchamp, Teresa Boutwell (mother of Tonya Harrell), Charles Box Sr., LeAnn Durden, Ethel Gafford, Jean Gafford, Roy Goodwin, Ramona Gravely, Ron Green, Evelyn Hargrove, Peggy Harper, Evan Hartsell, Brenda Herring (expecting triplets), Betty Hobbie, Frank John-son, Jessie Kennemore, Mary Lawrence, Evelyn Lewis, William Pierce, Mary Powell, Anna Salter, Tete Stabler, Mary Lou Terrell, Mary Tindal and Ricky White. Crowne Health Care: Laura Ellis, Kathy Johnson, Myrtle Perdue, Bertha Phelps, and Iva Lou Wright. Homewood Greenville: Marie Walton. Pine Needle: Mildred Johnson. Georgiana Nursing Facility: Wilmer Howell. Shut-Ins: Jean Hayes, and Mary Lou Phelps.

 

2. Please Pray For: (a) Alan Jackson as he serves in Iraq. (SPC Nathan A. Jackson, B-BTRY 1/117^th FA, APO AE09378, 3^rd PLT –  armydad_2006@yahoo.com) (b) Jason Godwin will go to Iraq in a few months. (c) Jerry & Joan Barr as they are in China for four weeks.

 

3. Sympathy Expressed: Our love and sympathy is expressed to the family of A.V. Gafford. He was the brother-in-law of Emma Lee Gafford and the uncle of William & Phillip Pierce and Eveyln Duke.

 

4. The Time Is Here: It is now time to turn in your gift boxes for the children at Wowetta. If you have questions or need someone to help you shop, please see Lisa Bagents.

 

5. Birthdays: Celebrating birthdays this week are: May 21^st Nell Daughtry, May 22^nd Logan Lassiter, May 25^th Agnes Hammonds, and May 26^th Lisa Garlock.

 

6. Graduation Invitations: (a) You are cordially invited to attend the Commencement Ceremony of Kayla Michele Thomas Greenville High School Tiger Stadium Friday, May twenty-sixth, Two thousand six Seven o’clock Greenville, Alabama (b) The Senior Class of Luverne High School (Lora Michelle Bagents) announces its Commencement Exercises Thursday evening, May twenty-fifth Two thousand and six at seven-thirty o’clock Glenn Daniel Stadium (c) The Board of Directors, Faculty and Senior Class (Terrell Austin Brannon) of Fort Dale Academy announce their Commencement Exercises Friday, May twenty-sixth Two Thousand Six seven p.m. Southside Baptist Church Greenville, Alabama.

 

7. Graduation Banquet: Our high school graduates will be honor on May 28^th after evening services. Everyone is invited to participate. Ladies are asked to bring finger foods. Our graduates this year are: Holly Arnold, Michelle Bagents, Terrell Brannon, Samuel Cauthen, and Kayla Thomas.

 

8. Agape Coin Cans: Your coin cans for Agape should be turned in on Sunday, May 28^th. This is a way you can join with others and do much good for some hurting children.

 

9. Thank You: Dear Walnut Street Church of Christ Friends, The GHS class of 1956 wishes to express our deepest heartfelt thanks to you for the use of your facility to work on our reunion and for the Friday night early bird get together. We truly appreciate your generosity and kindness. May God bless you and your ministry. To God be the Glory.  GHS Class of 56

 

10. Area Events: (a) May 21-24 – Gospel Meeting – College Street Church of Christ – Time: 9:45 a.m. Bible Study, 10:45 a.m.  Worship, 2:15 p.m. Singing, 3:00 p.m. Worship and each weeknight 7:30 – (see bulletin board for Speakers) (b) June 2^nd – Area Wide Singing – Prattville Church of Christ – Time 7:00 p.m. (c) June 4-8 – Gospel Meeting – Sasser Church of Christ – Speaker Garland Elkins – Time Sunday 10:00 & 11:00 a.m. worship, 12:00 lunch, 1:30 p.m. singing, 2:00 p.m. worship and week nights 7:30. (d) June 18-23 – “National Worship for the Deaf” – Niceville Church of Christ – call 850-678-2911 for details. (e) July 9-14 – Backwoods Christian Camp. (f) September 25-27 – Spiritual Enrichment Forum at Embassy Suites Hotel – Southern Christian University – (see bulletin board for speakers, topics, and time.)

 

How Can A Young Man Keep His Way Pure?

(Psalms 119:9-16 Part 2 of 2)

 

1.      “Our testimonies I delight as much as in all riches” (v. 14). What is your delight…what do you get more joy from than anything else? Hearing from God, through His word, ought to bring us as much excitement as hearing from a beloved friend or loved one. Nothing should bring us more joy than reading the Bible…our message from our creator.

2.      “I will meditate on your precepts...” (v. 15).  When you get a moment to stop and think, what is it that you think about? Do you ever meditate on God’s word that you’ve hidden in your heart? Doing this will help you to keep your way pure.

 

3.      “[I will] fix my eyes on your ways” (v. 15).  Are your eyes “fixed” on God’s ways? Do you keep your eyes from viewing things that will distract you from serving Him? Job said, “I have made a covenant with my eyes…” Have you? Your thoughts and the things you look at can be hidden from others, but not from God.

 

4.      “I will delight in your statutes;” (v. 16). The word “delight” in this passage literally means “I will skip about and jump for joy” (Adam Clarke's Commentary). So, to keep yourself pure, God’s commands must become a source of joy and happiness. When this happens you won’t be likely to forget your commitment to God.

 

5.        Finally, David stated, “…I will not forget your word” (v. 16). This statement almost seems unnecessary in light of his other words. When we grow to love God the way we should…when His word becomes as much a part of our hearts as our own thoughts…when our minds, our eyes, and our actions all reflect His will, it will be next to impossible for us to forget His word.  His word will be part of us.

 

   Are you longing to make your soul and your way of life pure? “Why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Are you a Christian who has been heading down a path of impurity?  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).

 

- - - - Darrell Powell

 

 

Don’t just own a Bible; read it!

 

Walnut Street Church of Christ

P.O. Box 551

Greenville, Alabama 36037-0551

(334-382-3001)