BE THE CHURCH Part 4: How Hardship Grew The Church
May 31, 2020 / Living Word Family ChurchHave we been distracted from the things in our lives from our very purpose?
Distractions
- Temptations
- Worries
- Blessings
- Freedoms
3000 baptized
5000 men saved
10% of Jerusalem Believe
Surrounding towns impacted
Jewish leaders persecute
Christianity gains favor and freedoms
Acts 6:7
So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.
Acts 6:8
8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.
Acts 6:10-11
10 But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke. 11 Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”
Acts 8:1
…On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria.
Acts 1:8
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Mathew 13:19-23
When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in their heart. This is the seed sown along the path. 20 The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. 21 But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. 22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. 23 But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”
Acts 8:4
Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.
Romans 8:28…
in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.