Before the Joy

In preaching my sermon this morning, I faced three unique challenges. First, "sugar ants" invaded the sanctuary. The ants were all over the pulpit and in my chair. Throughout the song service, I killed 30 or more. Earlier in the week, we called our exterminators and they did come. I believe they must have sprayed sugar water, instead of insecticide. So, I'm not accustomed to preaching with ants in my pants, but I gave it a try.

Second, apparently, the amps for our sound system in the sanctuary were knocked out by lightning. Consequently, I preached without a microphone. I felt like I was at a old time camp meeting. Everyone said they could hear me fine. However, I did need a tall glass of water when I was finished.

Third, the sanctuary was decorated for Christmas. Since we are observing "Christmas in August," poinsettias and red candles adorned the church. We are collecting an offering for 5 missionary families in order to give them gift cards. Most missionaries are inundated with cards and gifts during Christmas. So, we thought we would give them a Christmas gift early. However, Christmas decorations and oppressive heat are strange companions.

Before the Joy

In Acts 8:1, the scriptures records that there was "great joy" in the city of Samaria. To understand what was going on in the early church, I think it is important to ascertain what happened before this "great joy" was experienced. Five things occurred before the joy.

The Joy was...

I. Preceded by Persecution Against the Church (v.1)

1 Now Saul was consenting to his death. At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

The Greek word translated "scattered" is connected to the sowing of seed. The trials of the early church forced them to spread throughout areas where people had not heard the Gospel. Before there could be "joy in the city," believers had to go to the city. They were forced by persecution to move away from the comforts of Jerusalem.

II. Preceded by Pain From Losses (v.2-3):

2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. ³ As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.

The early believers grieved over the death of Stephen and the incarceration of fellow Christians.

Paul is said to have made havoc of the church. Some translate this as “ravaging.” The word used here is used in the Greek translation of the Old Testament to refer to wild boars destroying a vineyard.

Paul was acting like a “wild hog.” Yet, he was only a few days away from a total transformation and conversion. Remember, the most despicable people can be transformed into warriors for God. Don't write anyone off.

III. Preceded by Proclamation of the Gospel(v.4)

4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.

Discomfort forces us to change.

IV. Preceded by Passion for Non-Believers (v.5-6)

⁵ Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them.

Everyone Deserves a Relationship with Jesus.

Jews considered Samaritans were half-breeds. They had intermarried with foreigners and were considered unclean. Jesus had made radical ventures into Samaria, demonstrating he came for all people. Do you have a passion to see people who are different from you receive Christ as Savior?

V. Preceded by Power from God (v.7-8)

⁶ And the multitudes with one accord heeded the things spoken by Philip, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. ⁷ For unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. ⁸ And there was great joy in that city.

God heals and has absolute power over Satan. God blessed the obedience of the faithful who persevered for the sake of the Gospel.

Final Thoughts

God used the horrible persecution focused upon the early church to move them into areas that needed to hear about Jesus. He blessed the obedience of Philip and others. So, if you're going through challenges to your ministry, persevere and remain obedient. God will and can use the unique opportunities that trials present to help you to meet a specific purpose for the Kingdom of God.