Ministry isn't exclusive to pastors. God intends to accomplish a work in and through our lives that will ultimately reflect the character of Jesus to a world that doesn't know Him. We participate in this through availability, reception of His Spirit, and faithfulness even in the little things He's called us to be a part of.

1. Nothing less than the finished work of Jesus Christ saves us or preserves our salvation.

2. Works for God will fail. Works through God will succeed.

3. God won't give up on us until we truly reflect the character of the Son.

Philip the Deacon earns his second title as Philip the Evangelist. In his divine appointment with the Ethiopian eunuch, we understand what faithful ministry looks like. With an awareness of God's intention for our lives and a willingness to be used when and how He sees fit, we will also be available for the kind of ministry Philip was regularly a part of.

1. Always remain available to what God may have you to do every morning.

2. Baptism is meaningless without a relationship with Jesus already intact.

3. If you have something better to share with people than God's Word, share it. Until then, stick to God's Word.

In the midst of the persecution of Saul, God is unhindered. As Jesus instructed His disciples to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Samaria, and the utmost parts of the earth, we see phase two of that project begin. Philip, one of the seven deacons, fled Jerusalem to Samaria and witnesses to whoever would listen. The Samaritans receive God's Word and prove the truth that there isn't a group of people that God can't reach. In dealing with potential false teachers and teachings, the truth continues to go out regardless of the opposition to it.

1. God is willing to make us uncomfortable if it gets us out of our comfort zone and where He wants us.

2. If we have something better to share with people than God's Word, we need to share it. Until then, stick to the word.

3. Revivals will take place in their own time. Don't miss an opportunity to be a revival of one every day.

Stephen is documented as the first martyr of church history. To be a martyr isn't simply to die for making claims about Christ. It literally means to be a witness. Stephen's love for God's Word and his faithfulness in sharing it continued to be what people saw all the way to the end of his life. And even in giving his life for speaking the truth those in power didn't want to hear, he also got to witness the reward we all hope for when our time in this life is fulfilled.

1. Acting and talking like Jesus is going to gain the same attention and responses He experienced.

2. Words can impact minds. God's Word is what impacts hearts.

3. A martyr doesn't seek a long life, but one that gives a witness of who Jesus is.

The Apostles raised up a group of men for the ministry they were called to. The Holy Spirit's work in their hearts called them to it. The example of Jesus informed them of how and why to do it. And their faithfulness in that ministry equipped them with the ability to answer challenges to it.

1. Ministry is service to people through God.

2. The Holy Spirit and the Word of God are the only reasons we have anything meaningful to offer in ministry.

3. The Christian life doesn't have an off-switch.

Jesus said that the greatest commandment was to love the Lord with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength. Jesus didn't speak this to an audience that didn't understand exactly what was meant. In scripture, we're told exactly what this looks like in action.

1. The heart of God was demonstrated when His Son was sent to the world for the redemption of people that hated Him.

2. The love of God is unique from the love of this world if for no other reason than the fact it lasts forever.

3. Understanding the love of God is founded on understanding the character of Jesus.