May 2, 2021

Breaking Open the Scripture Scripture for May 2nd: Acts 8:26-40, Psalm 22:25-31, 1 John 4:7-21, John 15:1-8, Theme: the power of evangelism, Song: Joyful Joyful We Adore thee UMH 89 Acts: This book is intentionally written to be dramatic and over the top. And this story does not disappoint. A man is reading scripture, but he does not understand what he is written. The disciple, Philip is willing to break it down for him. When they both realize that the book of Isaiah is talking about the savior, they both get the holy spirit. Phillip disappears, and the man is so convicted that he goes throughout the countryside telling others what he heard. Have you ever got that excited reading the bible? Perhaps you should. But the lesson for us is to not be afraid to share our faith with others. And when we do, to look for the power of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit in us that brings understanding to the other person. We may not have the same results that Phillip did, but eventually we will make a difference in others. 1 John: We continue to learn about the power of love. God loves us so that we can show others love. Love is the foundation of our faith. We come to church in order to learn love. This book teaches us that we cannot love God and hate people. We cannot see God, but we can see the people in our lives. When we show love – that is when God is apparent, not in person but in our attitude. We have not been given a spirit of Fear. Love gives us the power to step out of our comfort zone. It gives us the power to put up with things from other people that we would not tolerate otherwise. Perfect love drives out fear. Questions: Have you ever been willing to share your faith with someone? When have you felt the power of God in your spirit? In your life? What are your afraid of? How can love help you overcome that fear?