In this message we ask a timely question: How should Christians respond when the world grows hostile? From Acts 1:8, we return to the church’s non-negotiable mission—empowered by the Holy Spirit to bear witness to Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. Drawing from the early chapters of Acts, we see that persecution doesn’t pause God’s plan—it often propels it. The Spirit equips ordinary believers with boldness, suffering becomes a seedbed for the gospel, and the church is called to “stand in the gap” with trowel and sword: building families, churches, and communities, while wielding the Word of God to demolish lies and point people to salvation in Christ.Whether you’re a Reformed Baptist believer, a seeker exploring Christianity, or someone wanting a biblical worldview on cultural turmoil, this sermon calls us to courageous faith, joyful endurance, and confident hope in the reign of Christ—world without end.If this encouraged you, please SUBSCRIBE, like, and share to help others hear the gospel. Comment below: Where do you sense God calling you to “stand in the gap” this week? Your story may inspire someone’s next step toward Jesus.

As Peter travels among the believers, God uses him in powerful ways to demonstrate the living presence of Jesus through miraculous healings. In Lydda, Peter heals Aeneas, a man paralyzed for eight years, declaring, “Jesus Christ heals you.” The result? The whole region of Lydda and Sharon turns to the Lord.Soon after, in Joppa, Peter is called to the bedside of Tabitha (Dorcas), a beloved disciple known for her good works and charity. By the power of God, Peter raises her from the dead. This miracle becomes widely known, and many in Joppa believe in the Lord.These events remind us that the healings themselves were never the final goal. Each act of mercy and power pointed people to Jesus, validated the gospel, and brought many to saving faith. The miracles of the early church weren’t mere displays of power, but works of God that opened hearts to salvation and advanced the spread of the gospel.

After his dramatic conversion, Saul immediately begins proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues, declaring that Jesus is the Son of God. The Jewish believers are astonished, since Saul had once been their fiercest persecutor. Yet his preaching grows in boldness and power, confounding those who opposed the gospel.Facing death threats in Damascus, the disciples help Saul escape by lowering him in a basket through the city wall. When he arrives in Jerusalem, believers there fear him, doubting his transformation—until Barnabas steps in, vouching for Saul’s genuine faith and ministry. Saul then preaches boldly in Jerusalem as well, but again faces threats, so the church sends him away to Tarsus for safety.Despite opposition, the passage ends on a note of encouragement: the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experiences peace, growth, and the comfort of the Holy Spirit, walking in the fear of the Lord.

In Acts 9:1–19, we see one of the most dramatic transformations in Scripture: the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Once a fierce persecutor of Christians, Saul encounters Jesus on the road to Damascus. Blinded by the glory of Christ, Saul is led into the city, where God sends Ananias to restore his sight and deliver God’s call. Saul is baptized, filled with the Holy Spirit, and set apart to proclaim the very gospel he once tried to destroy.This passage reminds us of the power of God’s grace—that no one is beyond His reach, and that He delights in turning lives around for His glory.Join us as we reflect on Saul’s encounter with Jesus and how God’s call transforms broken lives into bold witnesses.

In Acts 8:26–40, Philip is led by the Holy Spirit into a divine encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch, a man seeking truth while reading from the prophet Isaiah. Guided by God’s timing, Philip explains how the Scriptures point to Jesus as the suffering Savior, and the eunuch responds in faith by being baptized on the spot.This passage is a beautiful reminder of how God orchestrates opportunities for the gospel to spread beyond boundaries—reaching nations and hearts that are hungry for truth. It highlights the power of Scripture, the necessity of Spirit-led obedience, and the joy of salvation that cannot be contained.Join us as we reflect on how God still calls His people to be faithful witnesses, ready to share the good news wherever He sends us.

In Acts 7:54–8:3, we witness the powerful and heartbreaking account of the first Christian martyr—Stephen. After boldly confronting the religious leaders with the truth of the gospel, Stephen is filled with the Holy Spirit and receives a vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Enraged, the crowd stones him while he prays for their forgiveness, echoing the heart of Christ.This moment marks a turning point in church history: the beginning of intense persecution in Jerusalem and the rise of Saul, who approves of Stephen’s death. Yet even in suffering, God is sovereign—using persecution to spread the gospel beyond Jerusalem.

In Acts 7:37–53, Stephen continues his bold defense before the Sanhedrin by confronting the deep-rooted resistance of Israel’s leaders to God’s messengers. He reminds them that Moses foretold the coming of a prophet like himself—pointing to Jesus. Yet just as their ancestors rejected Moses and turned to idols, so too have they resisted the Holy Spirit and betrayed the Righteous One sent by God.This passage is a powerful rebuke against hardened hearts and religious hypocrisy, calling us to examine whether we are truly listening to God’s voice—or merely going through the motions.Join us as we explore Stephen’s prophetic words and what they reveal about our need for genuine faith, repentance, and Spirit-led obedience.

In Acts 7:1–36, Stephen begins his defense before the Sanhedrin by walking through the story of Israel—from Abraham’s call to Moses’ deliverance of God’s people. He traces God's sovereign hand throughout Israel’s history, emphasizing His faithfulness despite the people's rejection of His messengers. Stephen highlights that God's presence was never limited to one place, preparing the ground for the gospel to go beyond the temple and into the world.This powerful section reminds us that God has always been working His redemptive plan, and that Jesus is the fulfillment of the promises made long ago. Join us as we unpack this sweeping summary of biblical history and its powerful gospel implications.

In Acts 6:8–15, we’re introduced to Stephen—a man full of grace and power, performing signs and wonders among the people. As opposition rises, members of the synagogue begin to argue with him, but they cannot withstand the wisdom and Spirit by which he speaks. Unable to defeat him honestly, they resort to false accusations, dragging him before the council. Tehe Holy Spirit in Stephen’s empowers him to be a bold witness full of Godly character that shines in the face of slander, setting the stage for the first martyrdom in church history.

In Acts 4:32–37, we see a church unified in heart and soul, embodying radical generosity and Spirit-filled encouragement. As believers shared everything they had, the apostles proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus with great power—and God's grace rested on them all.This passage shows us that true encouragement in the church is rooted in unity, generosity, and gospel clarity. Join us as we explore how the early church’s example can inspire us today to live generously, serve boldly, and encourage one another in Christ.#Acts432 #TheChurchIsEncouraged #BiblicalCommunity #EarlyChurch #ChristianUnity #GospelLiving #GenerosityInChrist #SpiritFilledChurch #EncouragementInChrist #JesusIsAlive #ChurchUnity #ReformedTeaching #SundaySermon #LivestreamChurch #BookOfActs