Bringing the Joy of Salvation

DAY 302
8-2-10
ACTS 7-8


Good Morning!

After Stephen was stoned to death, a great persecution began against the Church. Saul was in the middle of all of it. When the Christians fled for their lives, they took their faith with them and spoke about Jesus everywhere they went.

One of Stephen’s fellow workers, Philip, met, taught, and immersed a man from Ethiopia. He went home a spirit-filled, saved man; and Philip was taken away to find more people who needed salvation.

As usual it is the hidden gems that give so much encouragement. In Acts 8:8 we read, “So there was great joy in that city.” This is what happens when Christians get into the lives of people and help others in the name of Jesus. Helping and preaching is the way we change lives and bring the joy of salvation. This is what Philip did for the Ethiopian man. Philip brought him the message of salvation and the Ethiopian went home rejoicing.

Many years later, well after Saul became a disciple of Jesus himself, he wrote about the ministry of bringing joy to people…

"I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me." (Phil. 1:25-26)

This should be our life too!

Barry