Not Because of Us, But Because of Him

I debated on what to share, and I decided to keep it short n' sweet. I know not everyone is interested in scripture, but I think you might appreciate my message. I also want to apologize on behalf of the Church and Christians, to those who were not treated as people and as brothers and sisters. We are called to stand strong in our beliefs without compromise, but not to hurt you, belittle you, and withhold love. So, I apologize and ask for your forgiveness. "Iron sharpens iron", but none of us are any better than you, and none of us deserve grace any more than you.

Act 8:30-31: "So Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, 'Do you understand what you are reading?'
And he said, 'How can I, unless someone guides me?' And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him".

This is a great example of how God uses preachers, leaders, mentors, etc., to explain & guide people in God's Word in proper context. It's not about reading words, it's about truly understanding God's message.

Act 8:38-39: "So he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing".

I love this too! People DO need to be mentored and discipled--and we are always growing in God and with one another in encouragement and accountability, but I think it's neat how God took Philip away right after the eunuch was saved and baptized, and we witness the joy and workings of God within him without Philip helping further any of it along. Sometimes Christians (or 'pretend Christians') take upon people like their little joy project either through control, or taking credit in different ways as to why the person has changed, are joyful, or new in Christ. Truth is, to God be the glory! We are called to love and disciple, but not powertrip and gloat as though we are the reason for what God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit have done in other people's lives.