This sermon was preached at WPC Belconnen’s Sunday morning service on November 21, 2021. This sermon expounds Acts 5:12-42.
Acts 5:12-42 narrates the first outbreak of persecution of the early church. This passage also teaches us that Jesus will care for and grow his church – even in the midst of persecution and hostility. The Gospel of God’s amazing grace will be preached. If we want to know the same Holy Spirit-empowered joy that the early church knew, we must also give ourselves over to the Lordship of Jesus. We too ought to have compassion for the needy – starting with our church brethren and extending to those outside the church. We ought to pray that we would walk in step with the Spirit, living lives of integrity and boldness as we seek to bear witness to Jesus.