week of 3/24

Unit 31 Session 4

THE SCATTERED CHURCH

ACTS 8

Persecution did not stifle the Gospel but rather served to spread the Gospel as the church advanced its mission of proclaiming the Gospel to all people.

Back in Acts 7, Luke recorded the account of the first Christian martyr, Stephen. Saul was there to witness the execution, and persecution would only increase as the early church grew. But the Lord was not shocked by this persecution; He was still ruling and reigning over all. He had a plan and a mission to spread the Gospel beyond the borders of Jerusalem. The Lord would use this persecution to further the Gospel as the church continued to spread to the ends of the earth.

Points to consider:

✞   The church experiences persecution.

     * How do we see the Gospel spreading 

        around the world today?

     * What are some examples of those today 

        with misguided zeal for the Lord?

✞   The church continues proclaiming Jesus.

     * When in our own lives do we find it hard to 

        believe that God's plan will prevail?

     * What are some examples in your life where 

        God brought about joy in the midst of suffering?

✞   The church grows by the Spirit's power.

     * Where do you have opportunities to share the 

        gospel that you haven't?

     * What are some other tips you can think of to 

        help share the gospel effectively?