Rethink Church - Spiritual Discernment

Saul agreed with putting him to death. On that day a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the land of Judea and Samaria. Devout men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him.

Storms come but God’s plan is unstopped

Princes, kings, and other rulers of the world have used all their strength and cunning against the Church, yet it continues to endure and hold its own.

- John Foxe

When we understand what it means to be a disciple we can discern what God is doing

Discernment - ability to judge well

Acts 8

Spiritual Discernment shows us:

Persecution is not always a bad thing

Remember the the plan

Acts 1:8 CSB

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

They were still in Jerusalem

God will use trouble to move us

Isaiah 46:9–10 CSB

Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and no one is like me. I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: my plan will take place, and I will do all my will.

God will take the bad and use it for good

God is able to make friends out of your worst enemies

Acts 8:3 CSB

Saul, however, was ravaging the church. He would enter house after house, drag off men and women, and put them in prison.

Saul would become Paul

I wonder if Stephen was on his mind when going to Damascus

Stephen died well - how do we respond to our enemies?

Paul later wrote

2 Timothy 2:24–25 CSB

The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness. Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth.

An amazing thing happens when we are obedient and living full in

Your city and neighborhood should be glad that you are there

Acts 8:4–8 CSB

So those who were scattered went on their way preaching the word. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them. The crowds were all paying attention to what Philip said, as they listened and saw the signs he was performing. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed, and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city.

There was great joy.

Is there joy because we are here

Because we work where we work

Because we live where we live

There was great joy because of the message - the Gospel is still good news

There was great joy because of the ministry

Matthew 5:16 CSB

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Rethinking Church

On March 12th - the doors shut

The church gathered became scattered

Christianity Today -

Millions of worried people who have turned to Google with their anxiety over COVID-19 have ended up connecting with Christian evangelists in their search results—leading to a spike in online conversions in March.

How do we reach our neighbors?

Prayer walk - www.blesseveryhome.com

Find ways to serve - invite, encourage, share

“His authority on earth allows us to dare to go to all the nations. His authority in heaven gives us our only hope of success. And His presence with us leaves us no other choice.” -John Stott