The Ripple Effect of the Gospel | Acts 8 Sermon | Ben Hays
What happens when life brings pressure, pain, and unexpected turns? In this message from Acts 8, Ben Hays explores The Ripple Effect of the Gospel at CityRise Church . Discover how God sovereignly uses ordinary people , unexpected hardships, and everyday moments to spread His grace farther than we can imagine—breaking barriers and bringing true kingdom joy to the ends of the earth.
Whether you're facing a season of transition or looking to make a lasting impact for Christ, this deep dive into the early church will encourage you to trust God's plan and let your life be a catalyst for His kingdom.
🙏 If you made a decision to follow Jesus today or want prayer, we would love to connect with you! Visit us at CityRise Church.
Chapters & Timestamps
00:00 — Introduction: The Ripple Effect of the Gospel
04:55 — Point 1: From Persecution to Scattering
17:50 — Point 2: Scattering Brings Gospel Advance
24:45 — Point 3: From Gospel Advance to Kingdom Expanse
31:21 — Point 4: Kingdom Expanse Brings Joy
33:41 — Conclusion & Invitation
11 Oct 2026
The Finish Line Is Faithfulness: The Story of Stephen | Dr. Roger Patterson
What does it look like to remain faithful to Jesus no matter the cost? In this powerful message from Dr. Roger Patterson at CityRise Church, we examine the inspiring life and martyrdom of Stephen in Acts 6 and 7. Discover how a believer's life is anchored by three essential qualities: a willingness to serve, a willingness to speak, and a willingness to suffer.
Whether you are facing personal trials, workplace pressure, or cultural opposition, this sermon will challenge you to keep running the race and fix your eyes on Jesus.
Chapter Markers (Timestamps)
00:00 — Introduction: The Target is Faithfulness
05:14 — Quality 1: The Willingness to Serve (Acts 6)
14:14 — Quality 2: The Willingness to Speak (Stephen's Trial)
25:24 — Quality 3: The Willingness to Suffer (The Stoning of Stephen)
31:43 — Application: How to Run the Play for Christ
35:20 — Closing Prayer & Invitation
4 Oct 2026
Who Will You Obey? Standing Boldly for Jesus | Dr. Roger Patterson (Acts 5)
What happens when earthly authorities demand you compromise your faith? In this powerful message on Acts 5, Dr. Roger Patterson unpacks how the early church faced legal pressure, punishment, and persecution with unwavering boldness and radical joy.
Through the story of Peter and the apostles standing before the Sanhedrin, we are challenged to wrestle with three crucial principles:
The Question of Authority: Which authority will you obey first when pressures arise?
The Reality of Resistance: How to stand firm and rely on the Holy Spirit during trials.
The Task at Hand: Embracing the mission over comfort and sharing the life-changing story of Jesus.
Whether facing cultural shifts, workplace pressures, or personal opposition, discover what it means to be fully sold out to Jesus Christ and pray for gospel boldness in your daily life.
Chapter Markers & Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction & Four Generations
03:08 - The Price of Preaching the Gospel (Pastor Wang Yi)
05:07 - Outline: Authority, Resistance, and Mission
05:50 - Background Context: The Healing at the Temple (Acts 3 & 4)
08:58 - The Momentum of the Early Church (Acts 5:12–16)
10:50 - 1. Wrestling with Authority: Whom Will We Obey?
13:12 - Historical & Modern Examples of Religious Pressure
18:12 - 5 New Testament Principles on Authority
21:47 - 2. Wrestling with Resistance: How Will We Respond?
23:42 - The Miraculous Prison Escape & Return to the Temple
26:14 - What "Obey" Really Means (Peitharcheo) 28:57 - Counting the Cost of Following Jesus
31:33 - Gamaliel's Advice & the Apostles' Beating (Acts 5:40–42)
33:24 - A Call for Mighty Men to Stand Firm
35:12 - 3. Wrestling with the Task at Hand: Sharing Jesus Continually
36:58 - Praying for Gospel Boldness
37:47 - Jesus as Our Ultimate Example
38:44 - Preparation for the Lord's Supper & How to Accept Christ
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