SERMON NOTES

Acts 8:1-8

The Holy Spirit Moves the Church Outward.

- After Stephen’s martyrdom, persecution scattered the believers.

- What looked like defeat became mission fuel. “Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word” (v.4).

- The Spirit used suffering to push the church beyond Jerusalem, just as Jesus said in Acts 1:8.

- Sometimes, more than we like to consider, the Holy Spirit Disrupts Our Comfort to accomplish His Mission.

Acts 8:9-25

Only The Holy Spirit, Not the Spirits of This World, Lead to Real Life

- Scripture is clear: there is one Holy Spirit who gives life, and there are counterfeit powers that lead to bondage.

- Simon the Magician displays some behaviors that look right, but he sees the Church / the Spirit as a vehicle for his own advancement.

- The Holy Spirit confronts our pride—will you humble yourself, or be drawn to personal power?

- The Holy Spirit invites real faith—will we believe with a repentant heart, not just the lips?

- The Holy Spirit cannot be bought—will you receive Him as gift, not use Him as tool?- The Holy Spirit demands repentance—will you surrender?

Acts 8:26-35

The Holy Spirit Welcomes The Outcast and Hungry

- The Ethiopian from the land furthest south of Egypt – the southern end of the Earth.

- “Candace” is a title of the Queens of the region.

- Eunuch’s were created to be trusted over harems, money, and personal matters.

- This Eunuch was either a ‘God-Fearer’ (unconverted worshipper) or a Gentile-to-Jewish convert.

- Leviticus rules kept him out of the inner courts of the temple.

- The Holy Spirit welcomed him into the family of God.

Acts 8:36-40

The Holy Spirit Can Lead Your Life – and it will be an amazing life.

- Be on the lookout for ‘divine appointments.’

- Get a handle on the basic story of the Bible so you can share it.

- Get comfortable with your own story, your testimony and be prepared to share it.

- Encourage someone, then point them to the source to encouragement..