The Good News Is Jesus

Two Sundays ago we left Philip sitting in a chariot on a desert road, beside an official from Ethiopia with Isaiah open in his lap. The man had just asked the question every honest reader of Isaiah 53 asks: "About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?" (Acts 8:34).

This Sunday we find out what Philip said.

Luke gives it to us in one sentence: "Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus" (Acts 8:35). That's the second step on our path, Evangelize, and the word comes straight out of this chapter. Luke uses it five times in Acts 8, and in verse 35 its object is a Person. Philip told him Jesus.

That's where a lot of us stall. We finally get close to somebody, the conversation turns, and we panic and start talking about our children's ministry. Our church, our story and a good invitation can all lead somebody to Jesus. None of them can take His place.

After that, the story picks up speed. The man sees water by the side of the road and asks, "See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?" (Acts 8:36). Then the Spirit carries Philip away, and the man goes "on his way rejoicing" (Acts 8:39). Philip had him for one afternoon. God carried him home.

Here are three ways to get ready for Sunday, church.

1. Read Acts 8:26-40 in one sitting. It only takes a few minutes.

2. Bring your one name. Two Sundays ago I asked you to think of one person who doesn't know Jesus yet. Keep that name handy. On Sunday we're going to add four more.

3. Practice the answer. If somebody asked you tomorrow what the good news is, could you tell them in a few sentences? Try it out loud on a friend from church this week.

We'll also come to the Lord's Table together. Paul says that every time we eat this bread and drink the cup, we "proclaim the Lord's death until he comes" (1 Corinthians 11:26).

One more thing. Clocks fall back Saturday night, so you get an extra hour of sleep. Use it to get here early and save somebody a seat.

The good news is Jesus. See you Sunday.