BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST: NO ONE LEFT BEHIND
Acts 8:26–40 Pastor Calvary deJong
May 11th, 2025
Introduction: Loitering with Gospel Intention
When I started in campus ministry, I asked my national coordinator how to best connect with students. His advice? “Don’t sit in your office — get out on campus and loiter with intent.” I laughed at first. Loitering usually brings to mind teens hanging out by a convenience store. But he meant something deeper: loitering with gospel intention — being present, attentive, and open to the Spirit’s leading to serve others in Jesus’ name. That idea stuck with me. And it’s exactly what Philip does in Acts 8. The Spirit doesn’t send him to a stadium of seekers but to a single man on a desert road — someone who had long wondered if there was a place for someone like him. The eunuch wasn’t just curious; his background, body, and beliefs had left him on the margins. Yet the Spirit was already working in both lives — prompting Philip to go and stirring the eunuch to seek. All Philip had to do was show up and sit beside him.
1. The Spirit Sends Us from the Crowd to the One - (Acts 8:26–29)
Philip is in the middle of a thriving ministry in Samaria when God calls him away — not to more crowds, but to a quiet desert road. Not to many, but to one. It’s a reminder that the gospel doesn’t depend on crowds. It flourishes in conversation. It moves through everyday people who listen and obey the Spirit’s promptings. We often think in terms of reach and numbers. But God’s mission moves at the speed of relationship. He chooses presence over spectacle — sending us to the one, not just the many.
2. The Gospel Meets People Where They Are - (Acts 8:30–33)
The Ethiopian eunuch is a person of status — educated and influential — yet still an outsider:
•Racially distinct — a Black African from Ethiopia.
•Physically altered — a eunuch, likely castrated for royal service.
•Religiously excluded — barred from entering the temple’s inner courts.
Though he had gone to Jerusalem to worship, he remained on the edges. On his way home, he’s reading Isaiah 53 — a passage about one cut off, denied justice, left without descendants. It mirrors his own story of exclusion. And he’s reading not the Hebrew Scriptures but the Septuagint — the Greek translation commonly used by outsiders. He hears God’s Word not in the language of the temple, but in a language he understands.
That’s the beauty of the gospel. God doesn’t wait for us to change our language, culture, or condition. He meets us where we are — and speaks in the language of our lives.
3. Jesus Is the Suffering Servant Who Makes Us Family - (Acts 8:34–38)
When the eunuch asks, “Who is the prophet talking about?” Philip shares the good news of Jesus.
Jesus, too, was cut off. He bore shame. He died without descendants — yet through His resurrection, He became the firstborn of a new family. For the eunuch — a man with no lineage, no children, and no temple access — this is deeply personal. Because Jesus was excluded, I can be included. Because He died without a family, I can belong to one. Then the eunuch sees water and says, “What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” The answer is simple: nothing. The barriers are gone. And so, he is baptized — a visible sign of his welcome into God’s family.
Application: Widening the Circle
This story invites us to widen the circle. We live in a diverse city where people carry stories and identities that don’t always fit our categories. Acts 8 reminds us: people don’t need to fit before they’re met. As a church, we’re called to stay rooted in our identity while remaining radically open in posture. RJC offers a powerful example. For much of its history, it was a Mennonite school for Mennonite families. But as fewer families enrolled their children, the school had to ask: What if we opened our doors wider — not by leaving our roots, but by reimagining our reach?
Today, RJC is an Anabaptist school for the world. Students come from across the globe — many with no faith background — and are encountering Jesus in community. RJC didn’t lose its identity. It clarified its mission. That’s our calling, too.
Questions to Consider:
•Who are the spiritual outsiders in your life?
•Who needs someone to walk beside them?
•What barriers — theological, cultural, or relational — can we help lower?
The Spirit still sends us — not just to the familiar, but to the forgotten. Will we follow?
Reflection: What Stands in the Way?
The eunuch asks, “What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” For most of his life, the answer had been: everything — his race, his body, his religious status. But in Jesus, those walls come down. Maybe you’ve asked the same question. Maybe you’ve stood on the edge of faith, unsure if there’s room for you. The gospel answer is clear: because of Jesus nothing stands in the way anymore.
Gospel Invitation: A New Family, A New Name
In Isaiah 56, God promises: “To the eunuchs who keep my covenant… I will give them a name better than sons and daughters — an everlasting name that will not be cut off.” That promise is fulfilled in Jesus. Baptism is not a box to check. It’s an invitation to belong — to be named, known, and welcomed into the family of God. If you believe Jesus is the Suffering Servant and risen Lord — who died for your sin and rose to give you new life — and you’ve never been baptized, come. The invitation is open. Jesus still welcomes outsiders. And He still sends insiders to find them. And when they meet Him — they never walk away the same.
Prayer of Response
Lord Jesus, thank You for welcoming those the world often leaves out. Thank You for meeting us where we are and calling us into Your family. Help us to follow Your Spirit to those who feel forgotten. Make us a church that widens the circle, just like You do.
Amen.
MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU
Acts 8:26–40 Pastor Calvary deJong
May 4th, 2025
Introduction: The Spirit Is Not Fiction
May 4th each year is “Star Wars Day.” Years ago, on our honeymoon, Lacey and I watched Star Wars together in a quiet cabin in the woods. What stuck with me wasn’t the sci-fi—it was the idea of the Force: an invisible power that enables people to stand, speak, and act with courage. But what Star Wars imagines as fiction, Scripture presents as fact. Not an impersonal energy—but the personal presence of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 1:8, Jesus doesn’t say, “May the Force be with you.” He says, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you… and you will be my witnesses.”
Many of us want to live meaningfully, speak courageously, and know God’s presence in real ways. But we often feel unsure how. That’s why Luke’s two-part story—his Gospel and the book of Acts—matters. Luke doesn’t just tell us what to believe. He shows us what it looks like when the Spirit of God fills everyday people to speak, serve, and sacrifice in the name of Jesus.
1. The Spirit Was Promised from the Beginning (Luke 3:16; 11:13; 12:12; 24:49)
Acts isn’t a disconnected sequel—it’s part two of the same story. From the very beginning of Luke’s Gospel, the Spirit’s coming was anticipated.
•John the Baptist says Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
•Jesus promises the Spirit as the Father’s best gift—not just for leaders, but for all who ask.
•Jesus prepares His disciples for opposition by assuring them the Spirit will give them words to speak.
•Finally, in Luke 24, the risen Jesus tells His followers: “I am sending the promise of my Father upon you… Wait until you are clothed with power from on high.”
The Spirit’s arrival in Acts 2 isn’t random—it’s the fulfillment of Jesus’ ongoing work. Luke frames the story so we see: Jesus didn’t stop working when He ascended. He continues His mission through the Holy Spirit and through us.
2. The Spirit Empowers Ordinary People to Witness - (Acts 1–2)
Before ascending, Jesus gives His disciples a roadmap: “You will receive power… and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” That isn’t just a mission—it’s a pattern. The whole book of Acts follows that outline. In Acts 2, that promise explodes into reality. Wind. Fire. Speech. The Spirit fills the room and fills the disciples—and they begin declaring the wonders of God in many languages. The miracle isn’t about sensation. It’s about proclamation.
Then Peter stands. The same man who denied Jesus now preaches with boldness. He explains what’s happening, points to Scripture, and calls people to repentance and baptism.
This is the Spirit’s power on display: not vague emotion, but Spirit-enabled witness. The Holy Spiri is not given for show, but for service.
3. Stephen: A Spirit-Filled Life, Speech, and Death - (Acts 6–7)
Stephen is the first person in Acts described as “full of the Holy Spirit.” His life paints a vivid picture of what it means to live as a Spirit-empowered witness.
•In service: He’s appointed to care for widows—not because of charisma, but because he’s full of the Spirit and wisdom.
•In speech: He begins teaching, debating, and speaking truth. His opponents “could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him.”
•In sacrifice: When falsely accused, Stephen gives the longest sermon in Acts—a bold retelling of Israel’s history that reveals their pattern of resisting God.
His words are piercing: “You stiff-necked people… You always resist the Holy Spirit.” That’s the charge—loving the system more than the Spirit. As Stephen is stoned, he sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God—a powerful image of Christ’s advocacy. His last words echo Jesus on the cross: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit… Do not hold this sin against them.” Stephen dies with boldness and with peace. He doesn’t just imitate Christ’s courage—he reflects Christ’s compassion.
4. Spirit Power + Peace Witness
Maybe you’ve seen spiritual emotionalism that lacks depth—or a cautious faith that keeps the Spirit at arm’s length. But Stephen shows us a better way. His words were bold, his death was peaceful. He was both fiery and forgiving. What we need is both: the power of the Holy Spirit and the peace of Christ. Spirit-filled courage and Christ-shaped love. Not spectacle, not passivity—but a Spirit-empowered witness that points to Jesus through word, service, and sacrifice.
Gospel Invitation: The Good News Behind the Witness
Sin matters—not just because of what we do, but who we sin against. As a kid, if I hit my sister, it was bad. If I hit a police officer, it’s worse. Sin against an all-holy God is infinitely serious. That’s why we don’t just need improvement—we need grace. The good news is that Jesus, whom Stephen saw standing in glory, came down. He lived the life we couldn’t live. He died the death we deserved. On the cross, He said, “Father, forgive them.” And then, “Father, into Your hands I commit my spirit.” Because of Jesus, we can be forgiven. Because of Jesus, we can be filled with the Spirit. Because of Jesus, we can be witnesses—not just to what happened then, but what He’s doing in us now.
Prayer of Response
Gracious God, Thank You for the gift of Your Son and the power of Your Spirit. Make us bold like Stephen—faithful in word, in service, and in sacrifice. Fill us with courage and compassion, and let our lives point others to Jesus. In His name we pray—Amen.
Benediction
May the same Spirit who filled Stephen—who gave him words to speak, grace to forgive, and peace in death—fill you this week. May you see Jesus clearly. May you serve humbly. May you speak boldly. Now, go in peace, and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
FROM BROKEN HOPES TO BURNING HEARTS
Luke 24:13-35
Pastor Calvary deJong
April 27th, 2025
Introduction
Have you ever realized too late that you missed something important happening right in front of you?
In the movie Big Daddy, Sonny Koufax was drifting through life. Once on track to become a successful lawyer, he gave up on ambition after a minor accident won him a big insurance settlement. Instead of building a future, Sonny settled for living aimlessly and working one day a week at a toll booth. One day, Sonny walks into his apartment — and surprise! Balloons, streamers, and a cake — except the party wasn’t meant for him. It was supposed to celebrate his hardworking roommate, Kevin. But by the time Kevin arrives, the moment has been wasted. Kevin’s fiancée glares at Sonny and says, “We wasted the good surprise on you!” They missed who the moment was really for! In a way, that’s what happens in Luke 24. Two disciples are walking away from Jerusalem, convinced the story is over — while the risen Jesus Himself walks beside them, unnoticed. They missed the miracle right in front of them.
Today, many still place their hopes in politics, success, or circumstances — and find those hopes shattered. But Luke 24 reminds us: when our hopes are broken, Jesus meets us — in Scripture, in community, and at the Table — to turn broken dreams into burning hearts. In the Emmaus story, Jesus doesn’t scold them for walking away — He walks with them. Step by step, He patiently reshapes their understanding and reignites their faith. That’s still how He meets us today.
- Jesus Meets Them in Scripture (Luke 24:25–27)
As the disciples walk away in defeat, Jesus joins them — but instead of dazzling them with power, He opens the Scriptures: "beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luke 24:27) Faith that lasts isn’t built on adrenaline or emotional highs. It’s anchored in God’s Word. Today, many think faith is believing in something that isn’t true without evidence. But in the biblical imagination, that is not what faith is. Rather, Biblical faith is trusting what has been tested and found true. Origen taught that one does not see Christ until one has been taught how to see Christ in the Scriptures. Even when Jesus Himself walked beside them, He pointed their faith back to the Scriptures — rooting their hope in the unfolding story of God’s plan. The Bible wasn’t given just to inform us, but to transform us — helping us see Jesus more clearly and trust Him more fully, especially when life feels confusing.
- Jesus Meets Them in Community (Luke 24:28–29)
As they reach Emmaus, the disciples urge Jesus to stay. They don’t fully recognize Him yet, but something is stirring in their hearts: "stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." (Luke 24:29) Faith grows stronger in fellowship. Faith and doubt were never meant to be walked alone. The journey from confusion to clarity often happens around shared tables, honest conversations, and friendships that give space for questions.
Application:
If your hopes are broken today, don't isolate yourself. Reach out. Sometimes you have to borrow someone else’s faith until your own catches fire again. Jesus often speaks clearest when we journey together.
You don't need a perfect small group, a polished Bible study, or a spiritual retreat to encounter Him. You need a willingness to stay at the table long enough for the conversation to lead you to Him. The road to burning hearts starts with shared life. Sometimes that means inviting someone over for coffee. Sometimes it’s simply showing up, even when you don’t have all the answers. The habit of gathering keeps the embers of faith alive until they burst into flame.
III. Jesus Meets Them at the Table (Luke 24:30–31)
It wasn’t through miracles or speeches, but through the simple act of breaking bread that their eyes were opened: “when he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him..." (Luke 24:30–31) The Table isn’t just a memorial service — it’s an encounter with the living Christ. Ambrose of Milan reflected on the transformation that occurs during communion. Jesus meets us in the ordinary — bread, prayers, shared life — and transforms it into sacred encounter.
Application:
Come to the Table hungry. Come expecting that God still speaks, still reveals, still restores.
When we gather around bread and cup — when we gather around God’s Word and His people — the risen Jesus steps into the room. He meets us in simple obedience and simple faith. Don't wait for a mountaintop experience to feel close to Him. He is closer than you realize — breaking bread, breaking open your heart, and building a hope that will not disappoint. Even when we don’t recognize Him at first, He is faithful to reveal Himself to those who seek Him.
Gospel Invitation: From Broken Hopes to Burning Hearts
Maybe today you’re thinking, “I’m a good person.” Imagine getting pulled over for speeding in a school zone and trying to argue, "But officer, I’m a good person!" No matter how many good things you’ve done, the law still holds. In the same way, none of us can erase our sin before a holy God by good deeds. We've all broken God's law — and the penalty stands. But the good news is that Jesus came not just to remind us of our guilt, but to rescue us. On the cross, He took our punishment. In the resurrection, He offers us new life.
Like the disciples on the road, it’s not enough just to hear about Him. We have to respond — to make a U-turn — repentance — and start walking with Him. Today, Jesus is stepping into your story too. Will you invite Him into your broken hopes, so He can give you a new heart and a new future?
Prayer
May the risen Christ meet you on the road,
mending what is broken and making you whole.
May the Scriptures ignite your heart with love and hope.
And may His peace rest upon you — today and always.
Amen.
