Stand Regardless

The Christian Community Comes Alive
Giving Bold Testimony

The Spirit Is Not for Sale

Acts: The Message

¹ Saul was right there, congratulating the killers.

Simon the Wizard

8 ^1-2 That set off a terrific persecution of the church in Jerusalem. The believers were all scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. All, that is, but the apostles. Good and brave men buried Stephen, giving him a solemn funeral—not many dry eyes that day!

^3-8 And Saul just went wild, devastating the church, entering house after house after house, dragging men and women off to jail. Forced to leave home base, the followers of Jesus all became missionaries. Wherever they were scattered, they preached the Message about Jesus. Going down to a Samaritan city, Philip proclaimed the Message of the Messiah. When the people heard what he had to say and saw the miracles, the clear signs of God’s action, they hung on his every word. Many who could neither stand nor walk were healed that day. The evil spirits protested loudly as they were sent on their way. And what joy in the city!

 

For Reflection 

What have you to fear?  In death there is no sting!  In life in Christ there is no shame.  The Gospel will survive any onslaught.  God will work miraculously!

Pray

for those who preach the Gospel in the face of danger.  Pray that those who hear will carry the word and multiply the number of disciples exponentially.  Pray for the courage to speak and to act in the unconventional ways that God will move you.