Sermon Handout
- Acts 22:4
- Acts 26:11
- Acts 8:3-8
- Matthew 28
Main Points
The sermon centers on the theme that persecution and opposition cannot stop the spread of the gospel; in fact, God can use such challenges to advance His kingdom, leading to supernatural deliverance and widespread joy. The message is built on the following key points:
- Persecution Propels the Gospel:
- The message begins by setting the historical context from the Book of Acts: Saul’s intense persecution of the early church, which caused believers to be scattered from Jerusalem.
- Instead of silencing their faith, this dispersion became the catalyst for the gospel to spread. The scattered believers “went everywhere preaching the word.”
- This serves as a challenge to the modern listener, prompting them to consider what might be silencing their own witness for Christ and how they would respond if faced with similar opposition.
- The Gospel Transcends Barriers:
- The sermon focuses on the ministry of Philip, who took the message to Samaria. This was significant because of the deep-seated historical and religious animosity between Jews and Samaritans.
- Philip’s willingness to preach in Samaria demonstrates that the gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone, breaking down cultural, racial, and theological divides.
- The core of the message was Christ himself, which drew the people together with “one accord” to listen with expectation.
- The Power of the Gospel Brings Deliverance and Joy:
- Philip’s preaching was not just with words but was accompanied by a powerful demonstration of the Holy Spirit. Miracles, healings (of paralysis and lameness), and the casting out of unclean spirits occurred.
- This supernatural power is presented as being greater than any worldly or demonic force, making believers “more than conquerors” (hupernikao) who can achieve a “super overwhelming victory.”
- The ultimate result of this powerful preaching and miraculous deliverance was not fear or confusion, but “great joy in that city.” The message concludes by applying this principle, suggesting that the same joy can be experienced in modern cities if the gospel is preached with power.
Scriptures Referenced
The following scriptures were cited or alluded to during the message:
| Scripture Reference | Context in Message |
|---|---|
| Acts 8:3-8 | The primary text for the sermon, detailing Saul’s persecution, the scattering of believers, Philip’s preaching in Samaria, the accompanying miracles, and the resulting joy. |
| Matthew 28 | Alluded to as the “Great Commission,” which the apostles were empowered to accomplish. |
| Acts 22:4 | Cited to describe the severity of Saul’s persecution, where he pursued believers “unto death.” |
| Acts 26:11 | Referenced to show that Saul compelled believers to renounce their faith. |
| Romans 8:35-39 | Quoted to emphasize that no trial, including persecution, can separate believers from the love of Christ. |
| Acts 1:8 | Referenced as the command from Jesus for the disciples to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth, which the scattered believers began to fulfill. |
| 1 John 2:15 | Alluded to when describing the binding forces of the world, such as materialism and self-centeredness. |
| 1 John 4:4 | Quoted to affirm the believer’s power over evil: “greater is he that’s in me than he that is in the world.” |
| Romans 8:37 | Referenced through the Greek word hupernikao to explain the concept of being “more than conquerors” and having a complete, overwhelming victory in Christ. |
Overall Message
The central message of the sermon is that the gospel of Jesus Christ is an unstoppable force that brings transformation and joy, even in the most hostile environments. Using the example of the early church in Acts 8, the message teaches that God can sovereignly use opposition and persecution not to destroy the church, but to disperse it and cause its message to spread beyond its original borders. When the gospel is preached faithfully, its power is demonstrated through supernatural deliverance from spiritual and physical bondage. The ultimate fruit of this powerful proclamation is not just individual salvation, but a collective, city-wide joy that can be replicated in any community today that embraces the message of Jesus Christ.