Your April 28th, Sermon & Ministry Resources

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Lectionary Readings — Fifth Sunday of Easter — April 28, 2024

Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 22:25-31; 1 John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8

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Call to Worship (based on Acts 8:26-40)

Leader: As Philip was led by the Spirit to meet the Ethiopian on a desert road, so are we gathered here by the Spirit to encounter God in worship.

People: We come open-hearted, ready to understand the scriptures and embrace the truth.

Leader: In the wilderness, the Ethiopian sought understanding of God's Word, and Philip was there to guide him.

People: Lead us, O Lord, in our understanding, and help us to embrace the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Leader: The waters of baptism awaited the Ethiopian, marking a new beginning in faith and joy.

People: May we also find renewal and joy in God's presence as we worship today.

Leader: Let us celebrate the Spirit's work among us, guiding, teaching, and transforming us as we follow the path of Christ.

People: With thankful hearts, we gather to worship and to praise, ready to be changed and to rejoice in our journey with God.

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Opening Prayer (based on John 15:1-8)

Let us pray,

Heavenly Father, we come before You today drawn by Your call to abide in Your Son, the true vine. In John 15, Jesus teaches us that apart from Him we can do nothing, and so we seek to deepen our connection to Him, that we might bear fruit that glorifies You.

Lord, You are the vinedresser, caring for each branch with precision and love. We ask for Your pruning hands to work in our lives, removing whatever is barren or unfruitful. Help us to embrace this pruning, though it may be painful, trusting that it prepares us for greater growth and more abundant life in You.

We confess, Lord, that too often we try to live independently of the vine. We pursue our plans and our comforts without rooting ourselves in Your empowering grace. Forgive us, renew our spirits, and draw us closer to Your nourishing presence.

As branches of the one true vine, let Your life flow through us, bringing vitality and strength. Teach us to abide not just superficially, but deeply—rooted in Your Word, sustained by prayer, and nurtured by the fellowship of the church.

May our lives be so intertwined with Christ that we bear much fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Let these fruits be evident to all, that they may see Your work in us and give glory to You.

As we continue in worship, cultivate in us a joyful obedience and a heart that remains in Jesus. Guide us by Your Spirit, that in everything we do, we might bear witness to the truth of the vine and branches, dependent on You and fruitful in all things.

In the name of Jesus, our source and sustainer, we pray. Amen.

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Sermon Outline: [NOTE to Paid subscribers — scroll down for the full manuscript sermon].

Sermon Outline: Divine Detours (Acts 8:26-40)

Introduction:

• Set the scene with Philip, one of the early church's evangelists, who is prompted by an angel of the Lord to go south on the desert road from Jerusalem to Gaza. This divine setup leads to a life-changing encounter for an Ethiopian eunuch, a high official under Queen Candace, who is returning from worship in Jerusalem.

I. Prompted by Providence (Acts 8:26-27)

• Point: The narrative begins with Philip being divinely prompted to head towards Gaza, where he encounters the Ethiopian eunuch.

• Application: Reflect on how God’s providence guides us in our daily lives, often leading us to unexpected encounters. Consider how we can be more attentive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, recognizing that God’s plans may call us to step out of our routine and comfort zones.

II. Proclamation of Prophecy (Acts 8:28-35)

• Point: Philip hears the Ethiopian reading from the prophet Isaiah and seizes the opportunity to explain the scriptures, pointing him to Jesus.

• Application: Explore the importance of Scripture in witnessing and evangelism. Discuss how familiarity with the Bible can equip us to share the gospel effectively when opportunities arise, just as Philip used Isaiah’s prophecy to introduce the eunuch to Jesus.

III. Precious Baptism (Acts 8:36-38)

• Point: Moved by Philip’s explanation of the Scriptures, the eunuch expresses his desire to be baptized immediately upon seeing water.

• Application: Consider the significance of baptism in the Christian faith as an acceptance of Jesus’ invitation to be in a relationship with Him. Discuss the readiness to act upon newfound faith, emphasizing the importance of not delaying our response to God’s call.

IV. Parting Blessing (Acts 8:39-40)

• Point: After the baptism, the Spirit suddenly takes Philip away, and the eunuch goes on his way rejoicing, while Philip continues to preach in all the towns until he reaches Caesarea.

• Application: Highlight the joy and transformation that follows obedience to God’s will. Encourage the congregation to spread the joy of their faith, just as the eunuch did, and to consider how each encounter, guided by God, has the potential to bless others and expand the kingdom of God.

Conclusion:

• Summarize the journey of the Ethiopian eunuch from curiosity to conversion, all facilitated by Philip’s obedience to divine prompting. Emphasize how the story of Philip and the Ethiopian teaches us the power of divine appointments and the joy of embracing God’s guidance in our lives. Encourage the congregation to be open to God’s leading, ready to share the gospel, and quick to respond in faith, knowing that each step of obedience leads to greater joy and fulfillment in Christ.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word that guides us and the Holy Spirit that prompts us to follow Your divine paths. Just as Philip was led to a moment of transformation for the Ethiopian eunuch, guide us in our daily lives to recognize and seize the opportunities You place before us to share Your love and truth.

Lord, grant us the wisdom to understand the scriptures deeply and the boldness to proclaim Your Word clearly and effectively. May we be ready, like Philip, to respond immediately to Your call, knowing that each encounter is an opportunity to extend Your kingdom.

In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Full Manuscript Sermon Below for Paid Subscribers