Sunday Sermon: The Works of Philip in Samaria
“4.Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.
5.Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christthere.
6.When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said.
7.With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed.
8.So there was great joy in that city.
9.Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great,
10.and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is the divine power known as the Great Power.”
11.They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic.
12.But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13.Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.”
Do you sometimes feel that your faith has weakened compared to the past, or feel anxious seeing the world's confusion and the church's seeming decline? Today’s message offers guidance on how to live in such times.
We reflect on the story of Philip in Samaria from Acts 8. After the Jerusalem church was scattered due to persecution, Philip went to Samaria to spread the gospel. He healed the sick and cast out demons, bringing joy to many.
First, Philip shared the gospel through Faithful Presence. He served not in a glamorous place but in Samaria, a challenging area. Similarly, we must live and share our faith wherever we are—in our workplaces, neighborhoods, and within our church communities.
Second, Philip shared the gospel through Faithful Witnesses. He witnessed faithfully by proclaiming Jesus Christ, not just by doing good deeds. Our lives should reflect and testify to Jesus Christ through our actions and words.
Third, Faithful Practices. We should practice our faith within the church and apply it in the world. The church is where we practice our faith, participate in each other’s lives, and show Christ’s love. By living out love within the church, it naturally extends into the world.
From Philip’s ministry in Samaria, we learn to faithfully participate, witness, and practice our faith wherever we are. Let us aim to be faithful witnesses who reveal God and share the love of Jesus Christ through our lives.
Prayer: Lord, like Philip, grant us the faith to live and testify to You in our daily lives. Help us to be faithful participants and witnesses of Your love. Amen.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)