Acts
Jesus commanded his disciples to proclaim the gospel to all nations. Yet, when the good news of Christ first began to spread, this command would be fulfilled, but it was not immediately clear. The earliest believers were Jewish, and it would take time and the Lord’s own confirmation to show that salvation through Christ was for Samaritans and Gentiles as well. In Acts 8, we see the gospel breaking new ground as it reaches Samaria. But how could the church be sure that these outsiders truly belonged to the same body of Christ? The answer came through a second “Pentecost-like” outpouring of the Holy Spirit—God’s seal that the Samaritans were included in His kingdom.
This same question comes to us today in a more personal way: How do I know that I have received the gospel? The witness of Scripture is clear—we must hear the gospel, believe the gospel, and bear the fruit of the gospel. True faith is never mere words or empty confession; it shows itself in the new life given by the Spirit of God. To come prepared for the sermon, take time this week to read and to meditate upon Acts 8:1-25, John 1:11-13, Romans 10:13-17, Galatians 5:22-25, 1 John 5:11-13, and this article on Assurance.
As we gather to worship our loving Father this Lord’s Day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” the Acclamation of Praise “And Can It Be That I Should Gain?” and the Hymn of Response “How Great Thou Art.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: Acts 8:1-25
Title: And Samaria?
Outline:
- You Must Hear the Gospel (vv. 1-5)
- You Must Believe the Gospel (vv. 6-13)
- You Must Bear the Fruit of the Gospel (vv. 14-25)