This week we will look at one of the most important chapters in the book of Acts, chapter 10. This chapter marks a major changing point in the life of the early church, one that makes it possible for world at large become part of the family of God.

It seems that in every generation there are always famous people who we believe cannot be reached. In our generation you might name Osama Bin Laden, or some other well-known terrorist. In the generation that came before me, they might have jumped right to Adolf Hitler. It does not have to be any one so famous you might think that your boss, co-worker, or a member of your family is beyond reach. They may say and do things that lead you to believe that. They may even curse God.

When we left Philip last week he was leading a large and successful movement in Samaria. Our text does not give any numbers, but it is likely that thousands were becoming Christians. His success was so great the Church sent Peter and John to help out. When we start this week we see him and the others out of the city preaching to the suburbs. It is in this atmosphere of success that God calls Philip away.

Last week we looked at Saul and his zeal to serve God by crushing His church. Through his example we learned that there are some absolute truths and one of those is that the path to heaven can only be through Jesus. This week we will shift our focus to Philip, and his efforts to evangelize an unreached people group.

Before we move in to this week section, it would be good to ask ourselves a question and that is “What is the purpose of the church?” Is the purpose of the church to grow big buildings and big budgets? Obviously it is not, but if we ask that a different way the answer might not be so obvious. Is the purpose of the church to help the needy? Is the purpose of the church to be a political action committee? Is the purpose of the church to grow disciples?