Persecution Lesson Three Response of Early Church

Persecution

Lesson Three Response of Early Church

Persecution – Review

2. Should the church ever avoid persecution?

1. Should the church seek out persecution?

3. What are two ways to respond to persecution?

Persecution – Early Response

4. When you are persecuted for whom might there be no benefit?

Acts 7:54-8:8

54 When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.


56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him,


58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

8 And Saul was there, giving approval to his death.


On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2 Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him.


3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison. 4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there.


When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7

With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.



5. What do you remember about the ministry of Stephen?

6. Did Stephen seek out persecution?

7. Did Stephen avoid persecution?

Persecution – Review8. What are the two ways that Stephen responded to this persecution?


10. Can you think of a similar situation today that would draw such a strong response as the stoning of Stephen?

9. Who benefited from the persecution of Stephen?

Jesus Muhammad

97x in Quran 25x in QuranGod-Man ManSinless SinnerPeaceful WarriorSpiritual Kingdom Earthly KingdomDied DiedRose again DeadLiving Savior Dead Lawgiver

The Difference

• God sacrifices his Son so that we may gain Paradise.

• Muhammad asks Muslims to sacrifice their sons (and daughters) so that they may gain Paradise.

Way of Salvation• No original sin. Human being is by nature

neutral, but more good than bad; we must strive to be more good than bad.• If we are more good than bad, we will be saved

by "arithmetic of grace. "• “It feels good to know you are accomplishing

your salvation.”• “Can you ever be sure of salvation?” “No, but you can hope.”

Five Pillars (Arkan)

• Confession or Testimony: There is only one God.

Muhammad is his apostle.• Ritual prayer five times a day• Fasting in the month of Ramadan• Charity of 2 1/2%• Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)

Listed in Hadith

The Shahadah: There is no God but the God

First and last words a Muslim hears in life.

Acts 5:27-42

27 Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest.


28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”


29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than men! 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead—whom you had killed by hanging him on a tree.


31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”


33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed them: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.


37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”


40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.


41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.



12. What truth does Peter use in his witness to the Jews?

13. What does Gamaliel understand that so many Christians miss when it comes to persecution?

14. How could the disciples rejoice after being persecuted and flogged?

Persecution

Lesson Three Response of Early Church

Persecution Lesson Three Response of Early Church

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