Pursue Faith
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Jul 13
- 2 min read
Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city. (Acts 8:5-8)
Titles help us manage a church, but you don’t have to be called an “apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor, or teacher” (Ephesians 4:11) to share the Gospel and move in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 8:5-8, Philip was still operating under the title of “deacon.” However, his qualifications for that position included being a man full of faith and the Holy Ghost (Acts 6:5). He didn’t go to Samaria with impressive credentials, best-selling books, or a marketing department. He simply went with God’s Word and the Holy Ghost.
The Lord captured the Samaritans’ attention by performing miracles through Philip, and they listened to the Word. People were being freed from unclean spirits, the lame began to walk, and other incurable diseases vanished. You can imagine the joy that followed!
Remember, in those days, access to medical care for severe conditions was limited. More often than not, if someone had a life-limiting condition, they remained with it for the rest of their days. But everything changed when Philip brought the Good News to Samaria!
The Gospel is what saves people, but the miracles serve as a billboard to the lost that says, “Hey! Listen to this! It will change your life!” Miracles do not build faith; the Word does. Therefore, don’t seek signs; seek God and His Word. The miracles will follow.
Practical Application
Don’t chase miracles; pursue faith. Faith comes by hearing and hearing God’s Word.
