God's Purpose in Difficulties
Acts 8:1-8 · July 23, 2023
This message explores how God used persecution and hardship in the early church to strengthen believers and spread the gospel. Through the stories of Stephen, Saul, and Philip, it reflects on how God can bring growth and good from difficult circumstances.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:01 What Jesus said about difficulties (John 16:33; Matthew 5:11-12)
01:48 What Paul said about difficulties (Romans 8:18)
02:39 What James said about difficulties (James 1:3-4)
03:55 What Peter said about difficulties (1 Peter 4:12)
04:16 A great promise (Romans 8:28)
05:31 If God is good, why is there suffering? ("Miracles in the Book of Acts and Church Age" - https://youtube.com/live/1ulqu8N5xzY)
08:04 Saul was consenting to Stephen’s death (Acts 8:1)
11:32 Stephen is buried (Acts 8:2)
18:39 Saul made havoc of the church (Acts 8:3)
19:02 What the Bible tells us about Paul’s involvement (Acts 9:1-2; Acts 22:3-4; Acts 26:9-11)
22:09 Satan meant it for evil, but God meant it for good (Genesis 50:20)
29:24 Philip preaches Christ (Acts 8:5)
31:29 The multitudes with one accord come to Christ (Acts 8:6-8)
34:07 We never know what God is doing — Your will be done
34:45 God’s ways are as high above ours as the heavens are above the earth
35:44 God uses difficulties for our growth and character
37:00 Closing prayer
