The Persecuted Church | Acts 6:8–15; 7:54–8:3

TA walked through the story of Stephen, the first follower of Jesus to be killed for his faith, showing us both the reality of persecution and the faithfulness of God in the middle of it. While many of us don’t experience this kind of opposition, millions of Christians around the world do. This passage invites us to see them as family, to be moved by their suffering, and to respond in a way that reflects Jesus.

Watermark’s Students Director, Jermaine Harrison, taught from Acts 7:1–53 and walked through Stephen’s defense before the religious leaders. Instead of defending himself, Stephen walked through Israel’s history to show a pattern: God continually pursued his people, and they continually resisted the Spirit.

On Sunday, Jacob Alger, Watermark’s Senior Director of Community, taught from Acts 6 and asked an important question: What if the greatest threat to the church wasn’t external pressure but internal malfunction? This passage reminds us that a healthy church is one where problems are addressed, leaders remain devoted to prayer and the Word, and every member plays their part in the mission of God.

In this message, TA teaches from Acts 5:12–42 and shows what should mark the church. In the early church, believers gathered together, prayed for those who were sick, and saw God work powerfully as people were healed and “more than ever” believed in Jesus. At the same time, the apostles faced opposition and were arrested, but they continued preaching with boldness, saying, “We must obey God rather than men.” This passage reminds us to be a church that prays for healing, prays for people to know Jesus, and lives boldly for the gospel.

In this message, TA walks through Acts 4:32–5:11 and shows that God’s vision for the church is that it would be satisfying, enjoyable, and worth telling others about. Through three specific “ingredients”, Luke shows us what must be essential if we want to be a church that is alive, unified, generous, and serious about holiness.

In this message on Acts 4, TA walks us through Peter and John’s unexpected arrest and bold defense of the hope that was in them. Instead of shrinking back, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, clearly proclaimed that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus. This passage shows us the essentials for boldly making a defense.

In this message, Trip Lee teaches from Luke 12:22–34 and calls worry what it really is: an unwelcome guest. Jesus doesn’t deny that we have real needs, but he tells us not to invite worry into the equation because it distorts reality and steals peace. Instead, Jesus gives us three reasons worry doesn’t belong.

In this message, TA walks through Acts 3 to show the difference between knowing the right information about Jesus and experiencing real transformation through him.

In this message, TA walks through Acts 2:42-47 and asks whether we want the fruit of the first-century church without the commitment that produced it. While many people desire joy, awe, and meaningful community, the early church experienced those things because they were wholeheartedly devoted. They were all in, together, and unwilling to settle for a convenient or casual version of church. The sermon calls us to stop expecting “pour over taste with Keurig effort” and instead commit ourselves fully to the kind of church God designed.

Due to inclement weather, Watermark Community Church will not be hosting in-person Sunday services. Watch this special Church at Home message as we reflect on the early church in Acts 1 and 2.