A Great Persecution

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A Great Persecution

Persecution is part of being a Christian,2 Tim. 3:12

Antioch, Acts 13:50 Iconium, Acts 14:4, 5 Derbe, Acts 14:19

A Great Persecution

Let us be ready to face oppression From society From government From religious organizations

A Great Persecution

Before It

Reason

Who’s To Blame

Result

A Great Persecution

There were many conversions 3,000, Acts 2:40-42 5,000 plus, Acts 4:4 Multitudes added, Acts 5:14

Before It

A Great Persecution

Internally the church was healthy Harmony, Acts 2:46; 4:32 Problems corrected, Acts 5; 6:1-7

Before It

A Great Persecution

Externally faced mixed reactions Common people favored, Acts 2:47 Rulers opposed, Acts 4; 5:40-42

Before It

A Great Persecution

Militant preaching, Acts 7 Bible-based teaching, Acts 7:2-4 Pointed, Acts 7:9-53 Unapologetic, Acts 7:54-60

Reason

A Great Persecution

Stephen? Smile more? Mean spirited, 2 Tim. 4:2? Remove references to the “fathers” Trouble maker, cf. Acts 17:6; 24:5? Out to make a name? Arrogant, Acts 7:60?

Who’s To Blame

A Great Persecution

The apostles? Encouraging Stephen? Not stopping him? Stirring up the leaders?

Who’s To Blame

A Great Persecution

God? Stephen filled with the Holy Spirit,

Acts 6:8-10

Who’s To Blame

A Great Persecution

Men that resisted the Holy Spirit, Acts 7:51

Sinners Hard-hearted Servants of Satan, Jn. 8:44

Who’s To Blame

A Great Persecution

The word was preached far & wide, Acts 8:4 Samaria, Acts 8:5-25 Ethiopia, Acts 8:26-39 Caesarea, Acts 8:40 Phoenicia, Cyprus, Antioch, Acts 11:19-21

Result

A Great Persecution

The church remained intact Apostles, Acts 8:1 Others, Acts 11:22 Elders, Acts 15:2, 6, 22

Result

A Great Persecution

Let us unashamedly & boldlyteach the truth

A Great Persecution

Let us see the troubles come fromThose who reject & resist the truth

A Great Persecution

This church will suffer persecutionwhen it stands for truth

A Great Persecution

Persecution purifies & strengthens

A Great Persecution

Be faithful unto death, Rev. 2:10 When made fun of When excluded When punished When cursed & despised When physically assaulted