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 with Philip the Evangelist. For the believers, the Holy Spirit was In them, but He had not fallen upon ("epi" in Greek) them. They experienced visible and audible evidence that they were empowered with the Holy Spirit!
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...
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...
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 do...
