Beyond The Comfort Zone

Acts:  Beyond the Comfort Zone Acts 8:3-25 The gospel is advanced in the midst of persecution, not destroyed by persecution. Persecution has never, and will never, eliminate the gospel; it only elevates, illuminates, and advances the gospel.   We need to view persecution as an opportunity for God to advance the gospel in us and through us. Often God will use difficulties to take us places we would never go otherwise.   The gospel is inclusive in its reach, yet exclusive in its demand. It is a gospel that is inclusive, in that it is for all people everywhere.   "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."  Acts 1:8   "And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." Matthew 24:14   It is a gospel that demands complete surrender to Christ alone as the hope for our salvation. (Luke 9:23-26)   The gospel points us to the depravity of our sin and our need for a Savior, not a "what's-in-it-for-me" mentality. One who sees the wretchedness of his heart recognizes he is in no position to negotiate or make demands when it comes to salvation.