Encounter Philip

PHILIP - one of The Seven men that has been elected by the Church in Jerusalem and that has been ordained by the Apostles. Men known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.

Philip has been called to minister. And for me, ministry is always a great privilege because we are serving the Most High God. It's always an opportunity to be called because we know that as we follow or obey the calling and not to be ashamed sharing the Gospel of Jesus, we are going to received that crown of glory promised by God.

Philip has been called.

Philip preached the Word of God anywhere his feet led him and the Spirit guides him. He was able to convert Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8:9-24) and was able to share the Word of God to a Eunuch and baptize the same as mentioned in Acts 8:26-38

The Lord opened an opportunity for Philip. And Philip answered the call courageously and without hesitation.Philip journeyed in a mission to minister. He shared Jesus everywhere. That would be awesome. Being not ashamed of the Gospel but instead encouraged by it and led others to it. 

How can we live that kind of life so that when God opens up an opportunity, we can courageously share the claims of Christ in our lives?

Here's some ideas:

1. Be available

The Scripture says , "many are called but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:14). Why? Because many that are called are not available. So many of us are busy with our lives - work, family, children, personal, careers, friends. It's like saying we have ears and so we should be hearing the call but then many chose not to listen.

Availability is like saying "avail the ability". We are able but are we available.

When i was called to open a Bible Study cell, i was all nervous saying to the Lord how unworthy i am. My knowledge of the Word of God are not enough. But the thought of the poor in spirit that needs to be fed not by me but by the Word of God made me answer the call. I know i am weak but then God strengthens me. I know i am unworthy but the truth that God is faithful and merciful made me obedient. I don't know or i lack wisdom but the Word of God is a guide, a sure guide into our paths and the answer to every question. Without the Lord i am truly nothing. It's only by His grace that i was able to share the Good News of salvation. Be a witness for Christ.

Romans 8:28-32 (King James Version)

 ²⁸And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 ²⁹For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

 ³⁰Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

 2. Be Attentive and Be Alert to the Spirit's Leading

We are called for a mission. And missions are always possible because the one who sent us there are the God who can make impossible possible.

Luke 1:37

For with God nothing will be impossible

Let us listen very intently to the Spirit of God, and be able to received specific instructions and then acted on it.

Every time i pray, i always desire to hear what they so-called "audible voice" and see a vision from the Lord. I have dream dreams with spiritual meaning as told by my faith friends. I always have a vision of us being "caught up" and those people being let behind in fear.

We should be alert and sensitive on times or moments that someone needed a lift. Someone who needs to be comforted. Someone who needs someone who can solve their problems. Someone who needs words that could encourage and strengthen them. We should "be prepared in season and in out of season" (2 Timothy 4:2) to stand up and present the Gospel of our Lord anywhere we go and to any person we meet.

It's not time to sleep not be lazy in the ministry. Salvation is nearer than when we first believe. Are we not burdened seeing other people who does not yet know Jesus? We should be alert to know who they are - A family member, a friend, a schoolmate, co-workers, neighbor.

3. Be accessible

Aside from the Church Service, we do Bible Study, we promote the soul winning program at Church, we have fellowships for youths, for young adult, for adults and we do visitations. We also gather together to reach out to the students and do street sharing and invitations.

In all of these, the Word of God was shared. There are so many people who read the Scripture but does not understand it. Just like the case of the Eunuch who reads the Books of Isaiah and needs someone to explain it to him. We, who knew something, can share something. We have been born again, we have a new life in Christ, we have seen the Light of God and that light brought us out of the dark.

God is good. Very blessed knowing that He is gracious and faithful.

I have encountered Philip and his willingness to serve the Lord inspires me. And i know he has been used by God mightily in the ministry. This is truly awesome.

I have seen pastors and preachers. They all have unique way of sharing the Gospel. They too have that Philip in them as they willingly serve the Lord with gladness and with all that they have.

The glory belongs to God alone.