LESSON 12*September 13 - 19
Gifted for Service:
Philip
SABBATH AFTERNOON Read for This Week's Study:
Acts 6:3; 8; Rom. 12:6-8; 1 Cor. 12:1-11, 27-31; 1 Tim. 3:8-12.
Memory Text:
"And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did" (Acts 8:6, NIV).
Key Thought: Through Philip's ministry, Samaria is turned upside down by the good news, and an influential Gentile Ethiopian comes to Jesus. When we surrender our lives to God, there is no limit to what He may choose to do through us to advance His kingdom.
Fleeing persecution, confronting a sorcerer, casting out demons, healing those crippled and paralyzed, converting a rich Ethiopian from the royal court, being physically transported long distances by the Holy Spirit—life for Philip was anything but dull.
When many people think of Christianity, they picture long sermons in church, lists of do's and don'ts, and bored-looking people with long faces. These stereotypes, of course, could not be further from the truth. Following Jesus is the most exciting life possible.
For example, this week we will be looking at the exciting life and mission of Philip, a man whose world took on a totally new dimension when he was ordained for service. Chosen as one of the seven deacons for the early church, Philip took a course he could never have predicted. He personally shared the good news of Jesus in Samaria and, indirectly, with the continent of Africa.
What can we learn from his story?
*Study this week's lesson to prepare for Sabbath, September 20.
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