They Were Dogs

In this powerful sermon titled "They Were Dogs," we explore the unwavering faith and perseverance of early believers amidst relentless trials. Drawing from key passages in Acts, Ben illuminates the transformative power of God’s presence even in the darkest of times. This message serves as a reminder that God’s presence changes everything—empowering us to continue praising Him amidst adversity. "They didn’t stop. God didn’t stop. Don’t you stop!" Sermon Notes: ”The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 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 Messiah.“ Acts‬ 5‬:41‬-42‬ NIV ”Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” Acts‬ 8‬:4‬ NIV‬‬ ”The word of the Lord spread everywhere in that region. But the Jews stirred up the leading men of the city and the Gentile women of high social standing who worshiped God. They started a persecution against Paul and Barnabas and threw them out of their region. The apostles shook the dust off their feet in protest against them and went on to Iconium. The believers in Antioch were full of joy and the Holy Spirit.“ Acts‬ 13‬:49‬-52‬ GNT‬‬ ”The same thing happened in Iconium…” Acts‬ 14‬:1‬ GNT‬‬ ”Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowds to their side. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of town, thinking he was dead. But as the believers gathered around him, he got up and went back into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.“ Acts 14‬:19‬-20‬ NLT‬‬ “A mob quickly formed against Paul and Silas, and the city officials ordered them stripped and beaten with wooden rods. They were severely beaten, and then they were thrown into prison. The jailer was ordered to make sure they didn’t escape. So the jailer put them into the inner dungeon and clamped their feet in the stocks. Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.” Acts‬ 16‬:22‬-25‬ NLT