Unstoppable Series Gathered then Scattered Acts 8:1-8 Pastor Larry Wiest May 3, 2015 God is preparing, empowering and scattering His faithful to declare the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is a three _________________________ movement in God’s climactic chapter of His plan of redemption. 1. All willing Christians are being _____________________________ for our God-ordained task. Matthew 4:19 Matthew 16:16-19 Acts 8:5 2. God _____________________________ His faithful to proclaim the message of the cross. Acts 1:8 Acts 2:41 Acts 8:1 Acts 8:4-8 3. God’s messengers are being ____________________ to fulfill their assignment. Acts 8:1, 4 MEMORY VERSE: 1 Timothy 4:8-10 The Message “Exercise daily in God - no spiritual flabbiness please! Workouts in the gymnasium are useful, but a disciplined life in God is far more so, making you fit both today and forever. You can count on this. Take it to heart. This is why we’ve thrown ourselves into this venture so totally. We’re banking on the living God, Savior of all men and women, especially believers. To listen to Las Flores sermons online, go to our website, www.lasfloreschurch.com and click on Listen. Study Notes Connect………………………………………………………………………………………………………….... In your early years, were you asked by someone, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” If so, what was your answer then? Grow…………………………………………………………………………...…………….… Read Acts 8:1-8 1. Why was Stephen’s audience so enraged? 2. Why was Saul attempting to destroy the church (8:1-3 and 9:1)? 3. Why did the apostles remain in Jerusalem, since all except them were scattered? 4. What were the “scattered’ doing as they traveled “throughout Judea and Samaria”? How does this scattering relate to Jesus’ revelation in Acts 1:8? 5. How did God validate the authenticity of Philip’s message? 6. How was the “joy” experienced by the Samaritans, a fulfillment of the angel’s revelation in Luke 2:10? 7. How did God take a man, selected to “wait on tables” (Acts 6:2-3), and significantly advance His plan of salvation? 8. Peter’s sermon lead to mass conversions; however, Stephen’s proclamation led to his death. What did the two different responses of their audiences teach us about “success” as we serve God? Share………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……. 1. When did you first hear the “gospel of Jesus Christ”, and how well did you understand it? 2. When was the last time you were able to “proclaim” the gospel to someone? What was the immediate outcome? Pray……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..….. 1. Pray for a willing dedicated heart to proclaim the message of the cross as the Holy Spirit leads you to a person in need of redemption.