Stamping the Fire - Spreading the Sparks
Acts 8:1-8

When Stephen preached his famous sermon, one thing can be said for his audience: They certainly were not indifferent! In fact, his words triggered a period of persecution. However, when they tried to stamp out the fire of God in Jerusalem, they scattered the sparks all over the world! The Church spread everywhere. What was intended to stop the Church became the instrument of victory and progress. God has a way of changing what is intended for evil into good.

I. From the Ashes of Tragedy God Resurrects New Life.

A. "God used Saul's rage to accomplish two things:

1. He forced the church out of Jerusalem and
2. He made the church depend on the gifts of the Spirit.

B. The fuel of persecution spread the sparks of new life everywhere.

C. Jesus promise was being fulfilled:

II. Out of the Ashes of Tragic Persecution Came the Catalyst for the Expansion of the Church (8:1, 4).

A. Persecution resulted in proclamation!

B. Until then the Church had no concept of world mission.

C. A missionary does not necessarily go outside his own community; one needs only to go outside himself.

III. Out of the Ashes of Tragedy God Changes Lives (vv. 6-8).

A. Only counterfeit Christianity settles for an atmosphere of gloom.

B. Sharing Christ with others brings the joy of changed lives.