In the Book of Acts, we read records of men and women who fearlessly reached out with God’s Word. One such person we read about is Philip. Philip is a powerful example of how one individual can make a tremendous impact on a whole community by reaching out with God’s Word.
During the years following the day of Pentecost, there were difficult and troubling times for God’s people as seen in Acts 7 and 8:1-3. Disciples responded to these pressures by fearlessly reaching out with God’s Word.
Acts 8:4:
Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
Philip reached out to the Samaritans by preaching Christ to them.
Acts 8:5:
Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
Philip preached Christ; he preached truths regarding the resurrected and ascended one, the Lord Jesus Christ. During the Gospel times, Jesus Christ made a powerful impact as he spoke and ministered. Today, Christ is in each believer, and each of us can have a powerful impact as we walk in the fullness of all that God has made us. We are complete in Christ, and we have been given the same power and authority spiritually as the resurrected and ascended Christ who is seated at the right hand of God. Preaching Christ helps people understand what God has made available today.
The Samaritans listened to Philip. They saw him do miracles. Philip made a tremendous impact in Samaria by sharing God’s Word concerning Christ Jesus and demonstrating the power that is available through his name.
Acts 8:6-8:
And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
And there was great joy in that city.
This combination of preaching Christ and manifesting the power of God is what caused the people of Samaria to give heed to the Word Philip spoke. As they believed, the people were healed and delivered from the power of Satan. This newfound freedom gave the people of the city great joy, and they saw that God’s Word had power. They saw God confirming the words Philip spoke. They experienced God’s mighty Word coming to pass in their own lives as they believed, bringing them deliverance and joy.
Philip taught that Christ gives the believer power, and he demonstrated this power, making an impact on the whole community. We can learn from Philip’s powerful example, and we too can make a tremendous impact in our communities. We are God’s representatives, bringing His Word and His deliverance to those who seek it.
I Thessalonians 1:5:
For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost [the gift of holy spirit in manifestation], and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
We have opportunities to bring God’s power into operation as we believe who we are in Christ and share those potent truths. When we preach Christ, we are fulfilling God’s desire for our lives by exercising our sonship right of the ministry of reconciliation. It is an arrangement that is beneficial to all!
Romans 10:15:
And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
As we preach Christ, we bring the glad tidings for our day and time. Would you like to see great joy in your community? Do you want others to know about the power of God in Christ that is available to them? Reach out fearlessly with God’s Word. You be the one to show others the power a believer has in Christ; and you, like Philip, will make a tremendous impact, bringing great joy to those who believe!