Seeds of Fire - Acts 8:1-8

Introduction:

(Say this) - In Acts 8:1-8 persecution begins against the Christian church. Now Christians must decide will they refute the name of Jesus or spread his story across the world. (Pause) Persecution is coming against Christians today. We now live in a post-christian world where any Christian values, thoughts, and way of life is looked down upon and there is an undeniable refusal to believe in the absolute truth we have in God. On top of this brothers and sisters in Christ are dying all across the world in this very moment as I speak because of their belief in Christ and and it’s only getting worse. With this in mind I believe there’s something to be learned from the early church and there response to persecution in Acts 8:1-8 to prepare us for the greater persecution that is coming.

Slide #1: Acts 7:57-60

Acts 7:57–60 NIV

At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

Say this:

Slide #2: Acts 8:1-8

Acts 8:1–8 NIV

And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city.

Instead of the fire of destruction the enemy tried to invoke upon the first christians through persecution the Lord used the fire of the enemy for good , the scattering of the first christians had created seeds of fire. Christians who would carry the fire of the holy spirit to spread the gospel and would change the world forever.