The Ethiopian Eunuch

Summary

Summary of "The Ethiopian Eunuch" – The Jesus Podcast by Pray.com

Introduction

In the episode titled "The Ethiopian Eunuch," released on June 15, 2025, The Jesus Podcast by Pray.com delves into the profound encounter between Philip the Apostle and an Ethiopian eunuch, as narrated in Acts 8:26–40. This episode masterfully blends dramatized storytelling with theological insights, offering listeners a vivid portrayal of faith, obedience, and divine intervention.

Dramatized Story Overview

The episode opens with Abdi, a high-ranking Ethiopian eunuch serving as the overseer of the treasury for Queen Candace of Ethiopia. Despite his prestigious position, Abdi harbors deep feelings of humiliation and a sense of purposelessness, yearning for true freedom beyond his royal duties.

Abdi's Inner Conflict

• Abdi's Service and Yearning: Abdi has diligently served the royal family, yet he dreams of a life beyond his responsibilities, seeking solace in ancient scriptures and stories that speak of faith and purpose.

• King's Observation ([03:21]–[04:07]): Abdi's master notices his distress and suggests a reassignment, offering him the opportunity to travel and explore new lands. This gesture ignites Abdi's hope for personal freedom and purpose.

Philip's Divine Mission

• Philip's Encounter with the Divine ([09:54]–[16:04]): After a period of successful ministry in Samaria, Philip receives a divine command through a celestial vision, instructing him to journey south along the road from Jerusalem to Gaza. Obeying this urgent call, Philip sets out, trusting in God's directive despite the uncertainty it entails.

• Meeting the Ethiopian Eunuch ([16:00]–[18:52]): On his journey, Philip encounters Abdi traveling in a chariot, engrossed in reading the prophetic writings of Isaiah. Prompted by divine instruction, Philip approaches Abdi, initiating a conversation that sets the stage for a transformative encounter.

The Transformative Dialogue

• Initial Interaction ([17:21]–[19:49]): Philip engages Abdi by asking, "Do you understand the words you are reading?" This question opens the door for Philip to articulate the Gospel message, revealing the connection between Jesus and the suffering servant described in Isaiah 53.

• Abdi's Revelation and Baptism ([20:27]–[21:48]): Moved by Philip's explanation, Abdi expresses his desire for baptism, symbolizing his acceptance of Jesus's sacrifice and his commitment to a new life in faith. The baptism scene is portrayed with heartfelt emotion, emphasizing the personal transformation and liberation Abdi experiences.

Key Themes and Insights

Divine Appointments and Obedience

• Listening to the Spirit: The episode underscores the importance of being attuned to God's direction. Philip's readiness to follow the divine command, despite leaving a place of success, highlights the value of obedience in advancing the Gospel.

• Breaking Boundaries: The encounter between Philip and Abdi exemplifies how the Gospel transcends social, cultural, and geographical boundaries, reaching individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Understanding and Sharing the Gospel

• The Power of Simple Questions ([17:25]): Philip's question, "Do you understand the words you are reading?" serves as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue. It emphasizes the necessity of ensuring a genuine understanding of Scripture to foster true faith.

• Relatable Storytelling: The host reflects on the effectiveness of presenting the Gospel through engaging narratives, making theological truths accessible and memorable.

Transformation Through Faith

• Personal Liberation: Abdi's journey from feeling trapped in his duties to embracing freedom through faith illustrates the transformative power of the Gospel to change lives.

• Joy and Renewal: The baptism scene symbolizes not just a literal act of cleansing but a profound spiritual renewal, leading to enduring joy and purpose.

Notable Quotes

1. Philip's Encouragement:

   "If you believe with all your heart, you may."
   [20:42]

2. Abdi's Question:

   "What stands between me and my baptism?"
   [21:32]

3. Host's Reflection on Obedience:

   "Friends, how many of us would leave a place of great success and comfort to follow God into the unknown?"
   [25:54]

4. Emphasis on Understanding the Gospel:

   "Never underestimate the power of asking somebody, do you understand the gospel?"
   [25:54]

5. Host's Personal Testimony:

   "When we're entertained, we learn better. That's a side note."
   [25:54]

Conclusion

"The Ethiopian Eunuch" episode of The Jesus Podcast adeptly weaves a historical narrative with contemporary application, illustrating timeless truths about faith, obedience, and the far-reaching impact of the Gospel. Through the story of Abdi and Philip, listeners are encouraged to be open to divine guidance, to seek genuine understanding of Scripture, and to embrace the transformative power of a relationship with Jesus Christ.

The episode challenges individuals to consider their own readiness to respond to God's call, leaving comfort behind to pursue a life of purpose and liberation. It serves as both an inspiring story and a practical guide for living out one's faith in a meaningful and impactful way.

Final Thoughts

As the host aptly concludes, the journey of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch is a testament to God's ability to orchestrate divine encounters that lead to profound personal and communal transformation. Listeners are invited to reflect on their own spiritual journeys, questioning whether they are open to God's unexpected paths and ready to share the transformative message of Jesus with those they encounter.

---

This summary encapsulates the key elements and insights from "The Ethiopian Eunuch" episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who have yet to listen.

Transcript

[Pastor or Host]

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there's liberty. 2 Corinthians 3:17 Lord of freedom, we come before you with grateful hearts, thanking you for the gift of freedom found in your spirit. Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there's freedom. We praise you for breaking the chains that once bound us, setting us free from sin and shame, helping us to step boldly into this freedom, casting off the weight of our pasts. Give us the courage to live untethered by fear or regret, fully embracing the new life you offer. May we walk in the light of your truth, confident in the freedom that is ours. Through Christ, let our lives be a testimony to your liberating power. In Jesus mighty name, we pray. Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for another dramatized story inspired by the Book of Acts and the birth of the Church. If this podcast has blessed you, make sure to follow so you never have to miss an episode. Abdi humbly marched into his master's chamber. He had served the royal family as a eunuch for most of his life with militant submission. For his outstanding service, he was made overseer of the treasury of Kandreg, the Queen of Ethiopians. But despite what other palace officials had deemed good fortune, as the middle aged man slowly working his way up the system, he often daydreamed of freedom from his responsibilities. Though he carried an air of status, he felt humiliation and shame for the life he led. Though he would never dare admit so outwardly, he felt he had sacrificed any hope of finding his purpose in life to serve the queen. Any solace for what he felt was a wasted life had to be found on his own. He did his best to carve out time for himself, hiding the fact from his master. He saw brief moments of comfort through reading. He would let his mind get lost in counterfeit feelings of freedom as he read through tales of men and women throughout the ages. Most recently, he had stumbled upon the ancient writings of the Israelites. His mother had taught him and his siblings about the Queen of Sheba when they were children. He remembered listening to the tales of the woman who had put her faith in the Lord after seeing the splendor of Solomon's expansive kingdom. He had stowed the scrolls away in a wooden chest where he kept the rest of his belongings, tucking them away with the other works he had collected over the years. But the Word of the God of the Jews wouldn't leave his mind. He found himself pulling it out regularly hardly leaving any time to gather dust as some of the other scrolls had.

[King or Master]

Did you hear me, Abdi?

[Pastor or Host]

Abdi stared at the king, unable to hide that he had been lost in thought. His silence was palpable. The king's hardened features melted away into a caring gaze.

[King or Master]

You seem burdened of mind, nobleman. Maybe it's best to reassign you.

[Pastor or Host]

Abdi tensed. Was this where all of his life striving fell apart? The king recognized the panic set into Abdi's eyes. He gave a warm chuckle.

[King or Master]

No, not like that, Abdi. You've been a faithful steward of the Queen's riches. What I mean to say is, perhaps it would do you some good to travel, get some fresh air and explore other lands.

[Pastor or Host]

In a flash, Abdi's countenance reversed. Vivid pictures of lands from his readings filled his mind. He dreamed of adventures through new and exciting nations. Doing his best to hide his wide grin, he politely nodded to his master.

[King or Master]

I have some debts to be settled with a man in Sidon. Take what supplies you need. But before heading out tomorrow and on your way back, take some time for yourself.

[Pastor or Host]

Abdi's eyes flicked with excitement. If he traveled north, perhaps this was his chance to visit the holy city of David. With his maps charted for Sidon, but his heart set on Jerusalem, Abdi strode out of the king's chambers with a lively kick in his step.

[Ryan]

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[Matt Potter]

This is Matt Potter from Prey Radio, the global phenomenon the Chosen the series has captured audiences around the world, has arrived on Prime Video with its most powerful season yet. The table is set. The final hours are approaching. Every moment, every struggle, every sacrifice has led to this. Loyalties will be tested, pushed to the edge of faith and trust. Alliances will be broken. Families will be divided. And nothing will ever be the same again. It's a journey of faith, doubt, hope, transformation and love. Experience the incredible story of one unforgettable night that changed the course of history forever. You are about to witness a story so profound, it didn't just change lives, it changed the world. Don't miss this exciting new season, the Chosen the Last Supper. Season 5 on Prime Video streaming now.

[Narrator or Host]

If you're going to dedicate your life to the gospel, you'll find that you are going to meet people that you never thought you would meet and be taken places you never thought you would ever go. Welcome to the Jesus Podcast, a year of stories showcasing the depth of Christ's love and the glory of God's truth through cinematic storytelling and honest reflection. We've been going through a miniseries on the birth of the church, showcasing stories from the book of Acts on how the Holy Spirit and Christ worked through the early church to transform the world. Today we're going on a little road trip with Philip. The trip starts on a dusty deserted road, but ends in joy, transformation and a splash of baptismal waters. Yes, we're talking about Philip's unexpected meeting with the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:26 40. This is a story that teaches us about obedience, divine appointments and the power of the gospel to reach across every boundary. Let's go.

[Pastor or Host]

Philip, Peter and John had all successfully returned to Jerusalem. They had excitedly told the believers about the move of the Spirit through the people of Samaria. They rejoiced with the angels in heaven at those who were being saved. Saul may have had his vile thumb pressed against the people of the Way, but God's hand was unfazed in painting a masterpiece across the globe. The Pharisees forceful tyranny only seemed to quicken the spread of the brushstrokes. The apostles were determined to advance through every obstacle, growing radically through the experience. Fighting the enemy's schemes had become just as fruitful to their spiritual health as it had been to jump starting the spiritual life of others.

[King or Master]

Peter and John, I must thank you again for traveling all the way to Samaria and not only that, but for continuing to preach there even after I left.

[Abdi]

We were glad to take part in the work. Plus, if I had stayed here, I would have had to listen to James grumble about not Getting to see Emma. It seems my big brother has become the baby.

[King or Master]

Hey, you said you missed her, too. Don't act like we all couldn't do with some family time. Family time or not, I'm just thankful to be able to rest for a bit between journeys.

[Pastor or Host]

The other apostles concurred with Philip. The work was fruitful, but the days were still long. They didn't admit it often, but ministry was exhausting. Even if they did, the Holy Spirit, even the followers of Jesus, whose yoke was easy, required rest just like every other human. Without adequate attention to their own relationship with God, they risked burning out.

[King or Master]

If you'll all excuse me, I'm going to take the afternoon to go to the temple and pray.

[Pastor or Host]

The temple courtyards resonated with the sound of pious worshipers. Philip happily greeted them as he passed them by. He was in no rush, for he had established the habit of praying constantly wherever he went. He found the act of doing so at the temple simply helped him remove the distractions of everyday life. But God's presence was just as near in the sanctuary of the temple as it was in the dullness of doing laundry. As he walked through the outer courtyards, he bumped the shoulder of a man whose eyes were glued to the temple's peak. He was an Ethiopian, and by the looks of his robes, Philip assumed him to be of respectable status. Philip waited willingly as the man apologized.

[Abdi]

Please excuse me. I've just never seen anything quite so magnificent, dare I say, divine. I'm sorry to have inconvenienced you.

[Pastor or Host]

The stranger smile caught Abdi off guard. It seemed that rather than being bothered by Abdi's distracted stares and meandering, he was almost pleased to have run into him.

[King or Master]

No inconvenience at all. I was just in the middle of praying. It seems the Lord would like me to add you to the list.

[Pastor or Host]

Philip strode off without another word, merrily reciting a song. Abdi tilted his head in fascination, but was soon pulled away by more sights to behold. It was Abdi's last evening in Jerusalem. Zion had surpassed the humble nobleman's lifelong expectations. He had done his best to indoctrinate himself with the culture, customs, and even cuisine of God's people. Even though he had to admit he preferred some of the traditions of home, particularly the food, his visit to the temple was unmatched by any wonder he had set his eyes on before. He couldn't help but imagine the king's jealousy if he were to see the stone beauty adorned with gold more brilliant than his own crown. As Stars began to break through the black canvas of the night sky. Abdi sat on the rooftop of the house where he was staying. He could hear the bustling of the king's servants down below, packing up before they set off for home in the early hours of the morning. He inhaled the cool air deep into his lungs, locking in the memory of the scent of freshly baked rosemary and olive bread across town. Phillips rooftop of the Apostles House he too admired the stars above. On quiet nights alone, he enjoyed the impossible challenge of counting the stars, pretending he was Abraham, obeying the Lord's rhetorical request, Philip's eyes caught a shooting star. The meteor plummeted through the earth's atmosphere with incredible blue and white rays, tails dancing behind it. Philip's face showed his confusion when the rock didn't disappear, but continued to stream through the night sky toward Earth. In an instant, the light streaked above his head. It covered his eyes as the celestial body crashed heavily before him. From the silence of the surrounding houses, he could only presume that he was the only who had seen or heard the anomaly. Through his fingers, Philip saw a glowing silhouette. The shape resembled that of a man, but any discernible features were hidden under a blanket of light. Philip debated on running into the house to retrieve the other apostles, but his decision was made for him when the figure began to speak. The voice was both elegant and strong. Philip, the Lord sends you south. Go down the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. Keep his word close at heart. Philip wasn't sure if he was supposed to respond to the angelic messenger. Questions filled his mind, but the light oscillated before ascending into the sky. Philip watched as it raced into the heavens with the same speed by which it had come to him the following day. Philip packed his bag as the disciples asked him questions about his illuminated nighttime visit. Thomas rested his elbows on the table as Philip grabbed fruit from the bowl beside him for the hundredth time.

[King or Master]

Yes. So you're saying it was an angel and all it said was go down to Gaza. Would it, though? If only every decision was made. That obvious sure would make listening to the spirit a lot easier.

[Pastor or Host]

Philip gave him a knowing look. Thomas paused to contemplate the idea. It was true that by his own stubbornness he had refused to believe Jesus had returned until he touched the scars with his own hands. Maybe Philip had a point. Such blatant signs would require little faith from Jesus followers, which wasn't something the Lord had ever been a proponent of. With a full pack and a heart strengthened by the Lord's, promise to use the apostles as witnesses to the ends of the earth. Philip set off down the desert road to Gaza. He had expected to spend more time in Jerusalem, but the Lord had other plans. Philip wasn't upset by the fact, but his extroversion was struggling with the constant travels alone. It was midday when he could see the cloudy trail of a chariot up ahead. A voice reverberated in his mind, only audible to the apostle.

[Abdi]

Go to the chariot and stay near it.

[Pastor or Host]

At first Philip thought maybe his own mind had given him these instructions to cure the onset of loneliness he was feeling. But the thought wouldn't leave his mind. He heard the voice again. He felt like a rope had been fastened around his waist and was now pulling him towards the chariot. Philip quickened his pace. The chariot laboriously trekked the stony ground, groaning over every rock and crevice, making it easy for the apostle to make light work of the distance between them. Philip ran along the left side of the chariot. The horses neighed at their new guest before bending their necks low under the weight of their carriage. Philip could hear a man reading. He inclined his ear just barely to hear over the sound of the creaking wood and straining animals. The words were familiar to the Jew. Philip closed his eyes as the man read the scroll of the prophet Isaiah. Philip smiled. The voice was familiar to him. He peered over the edge of the chariot to confirm his suspicions. He whispered to himself.

[King or Master]

Once again, the Lord has answered my prayers.

[Pastor or Host]

Philip waited for a pause in the reading before interjecting, excuse me, you fine nobleman.

[King or Master]

Do you understand the words you are reading?

[Pastor or Host]

Abdi's head poked out from behind his scroll in surprise. He peered over the edge of the chariot and took note of the apostle. It was running with unusual ease at such a swift pace.

[Abdi]

Oh, hello. I failed to see you there. I was entranced in my reading. Well, that's the funny thing about understanding such things. How can one grasp the meaning of the text unless someone explains it?

[Pastor or Host]

Suddenly, Abdi realized the absurdity of the scene and invited Philip to join him in the chariot.

[Abdi]

I'm sure this would be much easier for the both of us if you were to keep my company up here. Servants, stop the chariot.

[Pastor or Host]

The chariot came to a halt as the horses reared their hoofs. They gladly welcomed the break and had no problem telling their masters as much with abrupt shakes of their manes. Abdi dusted off the seat next to him and offered a hand of assistance to Philip. Philip climbed in and took a seat next to his new acquaintance. Abdi waved to the servants, and off they went. Philip leaned over the Ethiopian shoulder to read the scroll.

[King or Master]

Ah, yes. What a wonderful passage. If you would please read it aloud once more.

[Pastor or Host]

With pleasure.

[Abdi]

Ahem. He was led like a sheep to the slaughter. And as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. In his humiliation, he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.

[Pastor or Host]

Abdi sat in an awkward silence. As he finished. He stared at the parchment, hunting for it to reveal its hidden meaning. Philip placed his hand on Abdi's back.

[King or Master]

It is good to be in the word of the Lord. Now tell me, what do you make of the prophet's words?

[Pastor or Host]

Abdi laughed. Now that he was liberated from the watchful eyes of his master, he felt the freedom to speak openly. Ha.

[Abdi]

What do I make of it? My new friend, I do not even know if the prophet speaks of himself or of another. Please tell me if you want.

[Pastor or Host]

Philip promptly leaned in with enthusiasm. He asked Abdi to hand him the scroll and began to explain its connection to the Lord Jesus. For the next several hours, Philip outlined in great detail the specifics of the Gospel and the implications it had on anyone who believed in Jesus and his salvation. Abdi lapped up every word of the apostle. Each answer he received was the springboard for another question. Finally, he asked Peter the question that had been most burning in his heart.

[Abdi]

And if one were to believe, what must he do?

[Pastor or Host]

Philip had been waiting for this question. It wasn't often that one would delve into the depths of the Gospel with such curiosity and not find the treasure buried at the bottom.

[King or Master]

The cost the Messiah paid was great, so that the way to eternal life could be made available to all. The blood of our Lord Jesus covers the sins of all who repent, believe, and be baptized in the name of Jesus.

[Pastor or Host]

The simplicity was nearly too much for Abbey to believe. He had spent decades following his family's footsteps, serving the royal family. He had given up his own passions to pursue the path of man's respect. But now the gospel was calling him to submit himself to a new master, one that would make him freer than he could have ever dreamed. Abdi pointed a quarter mile up the road there.

[Abdi]

Up ahead, water servants stop at that spring just there.

[Pastor or Host]

Abdy gripped the scroll in his hand. He read the words in front of him once more. Tears welled up behind his eyes. He looked up at Philip.

[Abdi]

What stands between me and my baptism?

[King or Master]

Absolutely nothing.

[Pastor or Host]

The chariot stopped on the side of the road, overlooking the small pool. The two men stepped out and waded carefully into the warm reservoir. Philip explained the symbolism of baptism and his profession of faith. Abdi was eager to begin. He couldn't wait to feel his old life wash away under the still watery grave. Philip clasped his hands around Abdi's. The apostle lifted a prayer to the heavens above. With the Lord as his witness, he lowered the Ethiopian into the water. The muscles of his arms strained as he pulled him up. Abdi grasped his first breath of new life as his head broke through the water surface. He wept with a joy of freedom he had found in Jesus as the water dripped from his body. It was like his old self was dripping away. He thanked Peter and offered to travel with him as long as their roads intersected. Peter smirked, knowing he couldn't predict where his road might lead him. The two men trudged up the sandy bank and found firm footing on the road. Before Abdi could say anything else, a white light began swirling around Philip. Its velocity continued to increase until Abdi could only see white spirals which were now completely hiding the apostle from view. Abdi watched until the blinding lights disappeared and with them, the apostle himself. The nobleman looked around but found no trace of the man who had helped change his life. But Philip made a point to teach Abdi that Philip was only a witness to the man who truly changed his life. Abdi looked up to the skies and thanked his God and Savior.

[Ryan]

Are you still quoting 30 year old movies? Have you said cool beans in the past 90 days? Do you think Discover isn't widely accepted? If this sounds like you, you're stuck in the past. Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide. And every time you make a purchase with your card, you automatically earn cash back. Welcome to the now it pays to Discover. Learn [e-mail] credit card based on the February 2024 Nielsen report hey, it's Ryan.

[Ryan Seacrest]

Seacrest for Albertsons and safeway now through June 17th. Shop in store or online for your favorite personal care items and save 5 doll. Spend $15 or more. Stock up on items like Dove Body Wash, Degree Motion Sense Deodorant, Tresemme Hairspray, Dove Shampoo, Dove Bar Soap, Dove Men's Body and face Wash and Dollar Shave Club blades and save $5 when you spend $15 or more. Hurry in before these deals are gone. Offer ends June 17. Promotions may vary. Restrictions apply. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.

[Matt Potter]

This is Matt Potter from Prey Radio, the global phenomenon the Chosen, the series that has captured audiences around the world has arrived on Prime Video with its most powerful season yet. The table is set. The final hours are approaching. Every moment, every struggle, every sacrifice has led to this. Loyalties will be tested, pushed to the edge of faith and trust. Alliances will be broken. Families will be divided. And nothing will ever be the same again. It's a journey of faith, doubt, hope, transformation and love. Experience the incredible story of one unforgettable night that changed the course of history forever. You are about to witness a story so profound, it didn't just change lives, it changed the world. Don't miss this exciting new season, the Chosen, the Last Supper. Season 5 on Prime Video streaming now.

[Narrator or Host]

Let's set the scene here. Philip the Apostle has been riding high on a wave of revival in Samaria. People are getting saved, miracles are happening, and the city is full of joy. If this were a movie, we'd cue the victory music and roll the credits. But then, out of nowhere, an angel tells Philip to rise. Go south along the road which goes from Jerusalem to Gaza. Now, if you've never been on a desert road, let me paint you a picture. It's hot, it's lonely, and it's not exactly the place you'd expect to find your next big ministry moment. Yet Philip doesn't hesitate. He doesn't question it. He gets up and goes. Friends, how many of us would leave a place of great success and comfort to follow God into the unknown? How many of us would say, desert? No problem, Lord. But often the greatest blessings are found in the places that don't make any sense. At least not to us. On that dusty road, Philip encounters a man who stands out like a sore thumb. A powerful Ethiopian eunuch. An official in charge of all the treasury of Queen Candace. This guy isn't your typical traveler. Picture him in his fancy chariot, surrounded by an entourage, reading aloud from a scroll of the prophet Isaiah. This man is on a quest for something more. He had traveled all the way to Jerusalem to worship, and now he's digging into scripture on his way back. Despite his high status and wealth, he's humble enough to admit. How can I understand this unless someone guides me? And here's where it gets good. The spirit tells Philip, go near and overtake his chariot. Now, Philip could have thought, wow, Lord, are you sure that's a high ranking official? Maybe I should be a bit more diplomatic and not as abrasive. But no. Philip runs up to the chariot. Yes, it says that he runs. And then he asks a question that is as relevant today as it was then, do you understand what you're reading? You see, that's actually really key. A lot of people have heard the gospel. A lot of people have spent time reading the Bible. The church who have read plenty of the Bible, heard plenty of sermons, but go about their lives misunderstanding the point of it all, misunderstanding the gospel. They've allowed culture and their bad experiences or perhaps bad teaching to seep into their understanding of Jesus. Never underestimate the power of asking somebody, do you understand the gospel? Do you understand the Bible? Do you know what it's all about? Now, the catch with asking a question like that is that you yourself have to understand it. And that's why we here at the Jesus Podcast try and present the gospel in a way that's easily digestible. When we tell cinematic stories like these, it's not just because we like special effects and sounds and music. It's because we learn best when we're most entertained. And so if we can package the gospel in an entertaining way, it reaches the parts of our brains and our minds and our hearts that pop culture does and regular entertainment does. I know guys that can recite to you every stat line of every NFL game that they have ever watched. But if you ask them to recite scripture or tell you the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, they couldn't really tell you, even though they've probably heard it before. When we're entertained, we learn better. That's a side note. Now back to the story. Here. The Ethiopian is reading from Isaiah 53, the famous passage about the suffering servant. This is the perfect divine setup. Philip, beginning at the scripture, preaches Jesus to him. He doesn't have to complicate it. He doesn't have to over explain it. He just starts where the man is and leads him to the cross. That's the power of the word, guys. You don't have to force it, you just have to be faithful to it. Imagine this beautiful scene, the dusty road, wheels creaking, and Philip's voice rising above it all, preaching Jesus as the lamb led to the slaughter for our sins. The eunuch's heart is stirred and he sees a body of water up ahead. He says, look, here's water. What prevents me from being baptized now? What a beautiful moment of divine revelation. Philip responds, if you believe with all your heart, you may. And with a heartfelt confession, I believe that Jesus is the son of God. The eunuch orders the chariot to stop. Both Philip and the eunuch go into the water and Philip baptizes him right there. There's no fancy church building, no choir, no carefully planned service, no videographer to capture it and make it into social media reels. It's just a simple act of faith on a desert road. This is similar to the story of how I got baptized. I didn't get baptized at an illustrious church service. There was no evangelist who called people to go forward. I was walking on the beach in Carpinteria, California, beside my dad. There was a church that was baptizing people. I saw them and I said, hey, I want to get baptized. And from that day forward, I've been living for Jesus ever since. Meanwhile, the Ethiopian goes on his way, rejoicing. Much like myself, the Ethiopian goes his way, he rejoices and he lives a life for God and friends. That's the sign of a genuine encounter with Jesus, joy that nothing can take away. As we wrap up today, let's consider this Are we open to God's divine detours? Are we willing to leave the comfort of our Samarias and venture into the desert roads of obedience? Philip was ready, and because of that, the Gospel reached a new continent that day. What about us? Are we listening to the voice of the Spirit? Are we ready to run up to the chariot and share the good news with whomever God puts in our path? Let's pray for ears to hear, feet to follow and hearts to respond so that we, like Philip, can be a part of God's incredible story of redemption. To all the nations career changers, including.

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Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway now through June 17th. Shop in store or online for your favorite personal care Items and save $5 when you spend $15 or more. Stock up on items like Dove Body Wash, Degree Motion Sense Deodorant, Tresemme Hairspray, Dove Shampoo, Dove bar Soap, Dove Men's Bot Body and Face Wash and Dollar Shave Club Blades, and save $5 when you spend $15 or more. Hurry in before these deals are gone. Offer ends June 17. Promotions may vary. Restrictions apply. Visit albertsons or safeway.com for more details.

[LifeLock Representative]

You're great at protecting your own personal information. You probably even use things like two factor authentication, strong passwords and a vpn. But as much as you try to be in control of how your information is protected, there are lots of places that also have it and they might not be as careful as you are. That's why LifeLock monitors millions of data points every second for identity threats. If your identity is stolen, a LifeLock US based restoration specialist will help solve identity theft issues on your behalf, guaranteed or your money back. Plus all LifeLock plans are backed by the million dollar protection package meaning LifeLock will reimburse you up to the limits of your plan if you lose money due to identity theft. You might not be able to control how others handle your personal information but you can help protect it with LifeLock. Save up to 40% your first year. Call 1-800-LIFELock and use promo code iheart or go to lifelock.com iheart for 40% off. Terms apply.

[Ryan Seacrest]

This is an iheart podcast.