Next Part 4 - The Movement Continues

INTRODUCTION: The book of Acts is not just HISTORY, it’s a BLUEPRINT. It shows us how the early church didn’t CRUMBLE under PRESSURE but GREW through it.

When PERSECUTION came, the Gospel moved FORWARD. When ENEMIES rose, God TRANSFORMED them into ALLIES. The Church was never meant to SIT STILL. The MOVEMENT continues, and WE are part of it.

3-EXAMPLES THAT THE MOVEMENT CONTINUES:

I. PERSECUTION PRODUCED PROCLAMATION

a.  Saul’s approval of Stephen’s death sparked intense PERSECUTION.

         i. Acts 8:4 "Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word."

b.  Believers were scattered across regions, not by CHOICE, but by CIRCUMSTANCE.

II. PHILIP PREACHED PAST PREJUDICE

a. The Gospel broke through cultural, racial, and historical divisions.

    i.    Acts 8:5 “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.”

b.  Philip, one of the SCATTERED, went to Samaria, a place Jews typically AVOIDED.

III.    PAUL’S PAST PREPARED HIS PURPOSE

a. Saul, a fierce enemy of the Church, was CONFRONTED by Christ on the road to Damascus.

         i.    Acts 9:15 “But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me…”

b.  His CONVERSION was immediate, dramatic, and purposeful.