Ray Bentley, Persecution and Fire / ACTS 5:17-42 / September 27, 2020
Study Notes: https://www.maranathachapel.org/s/ActsNotes092720.pdf
As the Apostles began preaching with power, they were persecuted by the High Priest and associates for three reasons: 1) Signs and miracles. What the world does not experience or understand it often rejects, mocks, abuses, and persecutes. 2) They refuted the doctrine of the Sadducees by provong Jesus is alive and resurrected. 3) The religious leaders were jealous of the impact of these untrained, unauthorized men. The Apostle Paul spent years in prison, but he was always witnessing and ministering. The persecutors were baffled. In spite of being heavily persecuted, the Apostles continued to preach the Resurrection of Jesus to the people. The Christian Life is not a parking lot. It is a launching pad! It is not enough to be saved. We are meant to grow spiritually. Not only do we receive a Life of joy and peace, we also get trials, tribulations and opposition, and spiritual warfare.
Crowned By God / Acts 6 / Ray Bentley / October 25, 2020
https://www.maranathachapel.org/s/ActsNotes102520.pdf
There is a calling on your life. You might ask: What is God's purpose for my life now that I am a believer? Stephen, the first martyr of the Church, was faithful in life and in death. T...
Acts 7 tells the story of Stephen, whose name means crown. Stephen had a fire and boldness for the Gospel, as he became the first martyr of the church. He began by teaching the spiritual leadership of Israel, reminding them of their spiritual roots, beginning with Abraham. Abraham was the foun...
Trials are actually good for the Kingdom of God. Persecution does for the Church what wind does to seed; it scatters it and produces a harvest! Saul, (who became Apostle Paul), persecuted men and women, often to death. But God used Saul's rage. Years later, Saul/Paul spent time in fellowship wit...