Philip waited on tables with Stephen and five other godly men. Stephen was stoned to death, the first martyr, because of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. After Stephen was killed there was a great persecution headed up by Saul in Jerusalem. Many followers of Christ fled to other areas of Judea and north into Samaria. Philip went to Samaria.
And because of the persecution, the Gospel of Jesus Christ was spread. The Lord God uses many means to spread the Good News of salvation through faith in Jesus. How is the Lord using the COVID-19 to spread the Good News of Jesus? Are you rejoicing that the Lord is using this Pandemic for His glory?
(NASB) Acts 8:6-8 “The crowds with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing.
7 For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed.
8 So there was much rejoicing in that city.”
Crowds were hearing the truths of God; they were being delivered and healed. They were rejoicing! When you hear the word of God read, do you rejoice? When you are delivered from your sins, do you rejoice? When you are given healing and delivered, do you rejoice? When the political climate in your country is contrary to God’s word, we are to rejoice! No matter what is going on in your country and during COVID-19, Rejoice!
Do not stop proclaiming Jesus and God’s words. Philip didn’t, even when he fled to Samaria.
Do not stop pointing others to the salvation found in Christ alone. Philip didn’t when he left his home in Jerusalem.
Do not stop… no matter your circumstances… and Rejoice!
(NASB) 2 Timothy 4:1-5 “I SOLEMNLY charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom:
2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,
4 and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.”
Rejoice! Those of you who are faithfully proclaiming, preaching and pointing others to the living Lord Jesus, for God has given you that responsibility.
Rejoice! Those of you who are faithfully listening and putting into practice what you hear from the word of God.
Rejoice! Do not stop… for our God is being proclaimed and He has called you to tell others of His Son and their need of His salvation… even in this Pandemic!
~ Take it to heart ~
“Do not stop… Rejoicing!”