Series: Sunday Sermons

Pastor Wes reflects on the transformative encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch as described in Acts 8:23-36, 38. He emphasizes the unexpected nature of their meeting, highlighting Philip’s obedience to God’s call to travel a wilderness road without a clear destination. This journey leads Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch, a high-ranking official searching for spiritual understanding. Their interaction, culminating in the eunuch’s baptism, serves as a powerful example of breaking societal and religious barriers. Pastor Wes challenges the congregation to consider their own journeys, the friendships formed along the way, and the importance of embracing inclusivity and belonging within the church community.

Pastor Wes reflects on Acts 3:1-10, where Peter and John encounter a man lame from birth at the Beautiful Gate of the temple. Pastor Wes notes that while archaeologists have identified several gates, the exact location of the Beautiful Gate remains uncertain. This uncertainty, he suggests, invites us to recognize that any doorway can be a “beautiful gate” or a “portal of faith.”

He emphasizes the importance of being present and attentive to those we encounter, as Peter and John were to the beggar. By making eye contact and offering genuine attention, we can transform ordinary interactions into opportunities for connection and healing. Pastor Wes challenges the congregation to consider how they can be “portals of faith” in their daily lives, embodying the core values of welcome, worship, justice, faithfulness, caring, and belonging.

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