Once upon a time, a budding, young Calvinist preacher heard a guest preacher preach a sermon on a robust Text of Scripture. He was excited as he anticipated a rich, spiritual banquet on Acts 8:26-35 which consists of the hybrid textuality of a dialogue between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch concerning a Messianic prophecy in Isaiah. 

Alas, the budding young Calvinist (and the rest in the congregation, whether they recognized it or not) were instead treated to a sub-Christian sermon on that Lord's Day. Why, you may ask? Because all in attendance were exhorted to "Be in order to do."

What about God? What about the Gospel?

As you consider this passage of Scripture, keep in mind:

Both Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch were sinners. According to their fallen nature, separated from God and each other. But God's grace  overcomes man's sin. God promised that He would extend His grace towards undeserving sinners just like them regardless of their status or history. Moreover, God provided His Only Begotten One as glorious fulfillment of that promise of grace and redemption. Why? Because God and God alone saves sinners!

This is precisely the Good News we all need. Salvation is centered on Christ alone, not in any way supplemented by us. As a Puritan once said, "To supplement Christ is to supplant Christ."

Therefore, people like Philip, the Ethiopian eunuch, and YOU can receive salvation because it has been accomplished by God in Christ as foretold in the Old Testament and gloriously fulfilled in the New Testament. 

Today's episode will scratch the surface on a relatively easy entryway into a Christ centered reading and preaching of Scripture by attempting to kill multiple birds with an Ethiopian stone. Gird your loins!