Acts 8:36-40

Marks of a Genuine Conversion

Introduction:

As we come to a close of this 8th chapter of Acts we learn of the success of the gospel through the ministry of the evangelist Philip. The success of the gospel undoubtedly came to Philip because the Holy Spirit had done the necessary preparatory work of conviction so that when Philip preached Jesus; the Ethiopian Eunuch latched on to Christ and believed in His provision of redemption.


  1. Faith – v. 37

    1. Comes by hearing the Word – Rom. 10:17

    2. What makes a good evangelist?

      1. Know your Bible thoroughly – Psa. 119:97

      2. Be ready to speak – v.30

      3. Begin where the people are – v.30

      4. Keep your eyes on the primary subject, Jesus –v.32-35

    3. Faith is joined to a confession – v. 37


  1. Baptism – v.38

    1. Word and Sacrament

      1. Saving Faith – Westminster Confession – chap. XIV

      2. Shorter catechism – Question 92

      3. Joining the church – Acts 2:41

    2. Mode of Baptism

      1. They were on a desert road – v.26

      2. It appears that Philip and the Eunuch went to this water. They both went down into the water. (a problem for immersionists)

      3. We may translate: “They went to the water and from the water” v.38

(Acts 22:12-16; Acts 9:17-18)


  1. Joy – v.39

    1. Rapture by the Holy Spirit – (I Kings 18:12; II Kings 2:16; Ezek. 3:14; 8:3)

    2. Joy must not be confused with happiness

      1. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit – (Joy used 21 times by Paul and 9 times by John)

      2. Joy joins us to Christ – Turn To: John 17:12-16 (John 15:11) Turn Back to John 16:20-22 ( Acts 13:52; Rom. 12:12; 14:17; 15:13; Gal. 5:22; Phil. 1:25; I Thess. 1:6; I Pet. 1:8; Jude 24)





Pastor Nick Iamaio

Reformed Presbyterian Church

207 First Street, Fulton, NY 13069

Web Site fultonrpc.org

1/24/2010