He was a religious man, unashamed of his convictions. As Treasurer of a mighty nation he was a man of great authority, holding a prominent position in the Queen’s court. Yet he had taken leave of his official duties, and journeyed far in order to worship God as he believed he should.
Nor was his worship an empty ceremonial matter, forgotten as soon as he shook hands with the preacher and walked out of the door. As he traveled homeward he read the words of God’s prophet, Isaiah, and pondered their meaning.
“He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: (Isa. 53:)
Having no knowledge of Jesus, the fulfillment of this prophecy, nor of the New Testament (Covenant) he could not fully appreciate such passages. A “veil was upon the hearts of those who would not receive Christ (2 Cor. 3:12-f.) but in this man’s case it seems he simply lacked opportunity to see and make proper application. This emphasizes the honesty and sincerity of the man. He was anxious and ready to know, and receive truth.
He knocked, and the door opened; he sought, and he was given opportunity to find. An angel sent an evangelist to the road the nobleman traveled, and the Holy Spirit brought him beside the chariot. But neither the angel nor the Spirit operated directly or miraculously upon the truth seeker. In keeping with God’s plan in this Christian age, he had to hear truth, believe it, and obey. (Jn. 6:44-45 Rom- 10,13-17) So the preacher got into the chariot and “began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.” On previous occasions, when this preacher had “preached Jesus” he preached “the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name (authority, rft) of Jesus Christ, and baptized those who “gladly received his word.” (Acts 8:5-12) There is no reason to believe his preaching tactics had changed. He evidently told the nobleman of the coming of Jesus Christ, his personal ministry, death, burial, and resurrection — showing the fulfillment of prophecy in that He died for the remission of our sins.
“As they went on their way, they came unto a certain waters and the eunuch said, ‘See, here is water; what doth hinder m to be baptized?’ Upon being assured that if he believed that Jesus is the Son of God he could, the chariot was stopped, and the two of them “went down both into the water, and the nobleman was baptized. When they were come up out of the water the preacher was taken away, and the nobleman “went on his way, rejoicing.”
This remarkable account of conversion is found in Acts 8:26-40. It teaches us that a sincere religious person is not necessarily acceptable before God, but that one with such an attitude is suited to become a Christian. It shows us the limitations of Old Testament passages, but their use and application to New Testament truth. It tells you how to be saved.
Robert F. Turner
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Sure, You Can Plug It!
In my boyhood days my hometown in Kentucky was a “trade center”. Each Saturday, and on “County Court Monday” farmers brought their produce to town and used the opportunity to trade knives, hound dogs, “$2. Pistols” and hard liquor.
Most farmers were proud of their products. They guaranteed fresh eggs; and if you wanted a watermelon you could “plug it” before you paid for it. That deep red sliver from deep inside the melon, was your earnest of things to come.
And even today a reputable dealer stands behind his merchandise. He is happy to have you investigate his wares, for he believes in them. What would you think of a store that refused to allow its weights and measures to be checked against the standards? Who is angered by your desire to “plug” his product? Hmmmmm.!!
But you and I know churches that are angered if their practice is questioned in the light of God’s word, the admitted standard in religion. Is a preacher or elder to be trusted who by sheer weight of position or popular approval states his case then denies all appeals for proof from the scriptures? And what of those who refuse to read or study any other view? We hold that TRUTH is verified by an appeal to the STANDARD OF TRUTH. My conceptions of the church, its organization and work, will shine more brightly when investigated in the light of God’s word — if my conclusions are right. If I am wrong, yet truly desirous of serving God, the uncovering of my error is my gain — something devoutly desired.
A proper attitude (humility) welcomes investigation and correction. But the arrogant, puffed with “party” pride, and those uncertain and fearful of their position — these can not afford to have their doctrines “plugged.” Plunge the sword of the Spirit into this melon, and its source of human tradition or “social gospel” is revealed. “Come Let Us Reason Together” is an empty slogan, for decoration of Bulletins, etc., but not for use. They are few who welcome the cry:
“Sure, You Can Plug It.'”
Robert F. Turner