BaptistWay Bible Series for October 14: The gospel under the Budweiser sign

 • Download a powerpoint resource for this lesson here.

There he sat at the bar. Watching a Ranger’s baseball game. Little did he know what the Holy Spirit was doing in his soul.  But, I didn’t know what God was about to do in my soul either.  Not looking for the leadership of the Holy Spirit, but led none the less, I, a Baptist pastor 250 miles away from home, sat down next to him.  God showed up just beneath the Budweiser sign.  

When the Holy Spirit told Philip to “go to that chariot and stay near it” I wonder what Philip thought (v. 29). It seems like a strange request, and a little bit random.  

Philip was led by the Holy Spirit with clear directions. So was Jesus: “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert” (Luke 4:1). Seems a bit random doesn’t it? “Go to the desert.”  

God to Noah: “Build an ark by very exacting measurements. What is buoyancy? Noah, have we had the physics talk yet? Sit down.  You won’t believe this one!” Build an ark: Seems a bit random doesn’t it?

God to Abram: “Go to someplace I will show you and start a country. Yes, I’m aware you are old, and Sarah is barren. No Abram, I haven’t invented fertility drugs yet. … Give me some time though.” Start a nation: Seems a bit random, doesn’t it?

God to David: “Forget about the spear. Pick up some rocks. After all, rocks are a deadly weapon. No, I’m not allowing you to use a blow dart gun even though that sounds more fun … rocks!” Kill a giant with a rock: Seems a bit random, doesn’t it?

Jesus to the Twelve: “Leave your careers and walk around with me for three years. Now, you are going to catch people. No, no, Peter … we don’t need bigger poles!” Fish for me: Seems a bit random, doesn’t it?

We have elevated these biblical characters to superhuman status. They were not superhuman. In fact, some of them were super messed up. As we’ve already studied in Acts, they were “simple and uneducated.”

Nonetheless, the Lord found it fitting to use them in amazing ways.  And these characters, even though they failed, were quick to follow the Lord’s direction in their lives. This is what makes them super duper. If you read carefully, you will discover it is God who is the hero of each story.

I quote Proverbs 16:9 almost daily. It reads in the New American Standard Bible: “The mind of man plans his ways, but the LORD directs his steps.”

And so it was in Philip’s life. It was the same in Jesus’ life. It can be the same in your life, even when it seems a bit random. Just like Philip, if you are in Christ, you constantly are being led by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Everyone? Yes, everyone. And that exactly is why you feel prompted by the Holy Spirit. He is leading you to people.

Inspiration and application
I had been attending a conference in Dallas while living in Houston. It was late. I was hungry. Pappadeaux’s was next to my hotel. (If you read Revelation properly, you will discover that Pappadeaux’s fried shrimp will be served at the marriage feast of The Lamb). The restaurant was packed. I told myself a table for one would not take long.

The hostess told me I could be seated immediately in the bar. Now, I don’t know how many times you have seen your pastor eat a lemon, but that’s the face I make when I’m offered to sit “at the bar.” A million questions zip through a pastor’s mind. Do they really mean the bar? Will it be near the bar, but at a table? What ZIP code am I in? Do I know anyone within a 50-mile radius?

My normal response is “no thanks, I will wait.” For some reason, I just assumed I would be seated in the bar area at a table. Nope! She put me right there with the “belly up” crowd … whatever that means.  

I didn’t realize it yet, but the Lord was directing my steps. I ordered a wild and crazy drink called “iced tea.” I watched the game. The fellow to my left started a conversation about baseball. Out of my comfort zone, I didn’t have much to say. He kept talking. I kept listening. Seemed like a nice enough guy.  

Then he asked the worst question: “So what do you do?” Oh boy! Here we go. “I’m a pastor.” He didn’t look at me strange at all. But when he asked the next question, I wondered if the Holy Spirit might be at work. “So, what’s up with the Christian talking vegetables?” Not exactly a deep theological question. “They are teaching children to love Jesus Christ.”

Then the Holy Spirit kicked the door down! He said: “I went to church when I was a kid. But I quit going. Do you think God is mad at me?” I proceeded to share the gospel. He listened but didn’t ask any questions.  

We shook hands. I gave him my card. A week later, he called. He intentionally called a Christian friend to ask more questions about Christ. That friend led him to Christ.  

Now, I don’t want to suggest you go to a bar anytime soon, but I do want to suggest you be like Philip. When the Holy Spirit says something random like “go to that chariot and stand near it,” do it. God is with you. You don’t have to be afraid anymore.  

Since we are morphing your Bible study group into a “Bible-doing” group, here are a few ideas for this week:

1. As a group, commit to actively listen for the Holy Spirit’s prompting for one week. You will share some great stories next week.
2. Print Proverbs 16:9 on a card and give to each person in your class. Ask them to put it in a prominent place for the week. Next week, discuss the impact this card made.
3. If you want to be radical, go door to door in your church’s neighborhood. It’s an old technique, but God will lead you to some people to invite to church.