You Are Not Alone
Acts 23:1-11
Why Church? (Series)
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
All roads lead to Rome.
Acts 23: (11) The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”
The outrageous way the gospel made its way to Rome, through Paul. _
Philippians 1:12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.
Romans 1:10 In my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God’s will the way may be opened for me to come to you”
Paul wanted to go to Rome as a preacher. God sent him as a prisoner.
2 Corinthians 12:10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Paul had the right attitude in his persecutions.
Three ways to properly view adversity.
Philippians 1:12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.
- Adversities assist the expansion of the gospel.
Philippians 1:13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ.
2-Adversities offer opportunities to witness.
Philippians 1:14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
3-Adversities develop courage in believers.
Philippians 1:15-18 (18) But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
