How can we prepare to explain Jesus using Scripture like Philip in Acts 8:35? Acts 8:35 — The Model “Then Philip began with this very Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.” (Acts 8:35) Why This Matters Philip shows us that anyone who knows Scripture can connect people to Christ. He had no advance notice, no prepared sermon—just a Spirit-led moment and a heart full of the Word. Step 1: Anchor Your Heart in the Sufficiency of Scripture • Trust that “All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable” (2 Timothy 3:16). • Believe Jesus’ own words: “Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35). • Confidence in the Bible’s accuracy frees you to speak with boldness, not hesitation. Step 2: Read the Whole Bible with Jesus in View • Follow Jesus’ pattern: “Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself” (Luke 24:27). • As you read, ask, “How does this passage point to the Messiah’s person, work, or kingdom?” • Note repeated themes—sacrifice, covenant, redemption, kingship—that culminate in Christ. Step 3: Memorize and Mark Key Messianic Texts Prophecies • Isaiah 7:14; 9:6–7; 53:4-6, 11 Fulfillments • Matthew 1:22-23; 2:5-6 Gospel Summaries Having these passages ready lets you “begin with this Scripture,” whatever “this Scripture” happens to be. Step 4: Cultivate Spirit-Led Availability • Philip obeyed an angel’s command (Acts 8:26) and the Spirit’s prompt (v. 29). • Start each day surrendered: “Here am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8). • Expect divine appointments—in the grocery line, at work, online. Step 5: Listen Before You Speak • Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” (Acts 8:30). • Good evangelism starts with real interest in the other person’s questions or confusion. • Listening reveals the best entry point for Scripture. Step 6: Connect the Dots Clearly • Explain unfamiliar terms (sin, covenant, atonement) using everyday language. • Trace the storyline: Creation → Fall → Promise → Cross → Resurrection → New Creation. • Keep Jesus central: His perfect life, substitutionary death, victorious resurrection, and gracious invitation. Step 7: Share Your Testimony Through Scripture • Blend personal experience with biblical truth, as Paul did (Acts 26:22-23). • Show how promises like John 1:12 became real in your life. Step 8: Invite a Response Grounded in the Word • Use passages such as Romans 10:9–10, 13. • Let people see that the call to believe and repent comes from God, not mere opinion. Scripture Toolkit at a Glance Old Testament • Genesis 3:15 – First gospel hint • Exodus 12 – Passover lamb • Psalm 22 – Suffering Messiah • Isaiah 53 – Substitutionary sacrifice • Jeremiah 31:31-34 – New covenant New Testament • Mark 10:45 – Ransom statement • Romans 3:23-26 – Justification explained • 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 – Reconciliation • Hebrews 10:11-14 – Once-for-all sacrifice • Revelation 1:5-6 – Risen, reigning Savior Putting It into Practice This Week 1. Read Isaiah 52:13–53:12 aloud and map out how you would move from each verse to Jesus. 2. Memorize Acts 8:35 to keep the model in mind. 3. Pray for one opportunity and keep your Bible (or app) open, ready to “begin with this Scripture and tell the good news about Jesus.” |
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