A Movement That Cannot Be Stopped

Scott Worthington

Acts

Sermon Only Sermon Audio

Jun 14, 2026

Acts 5:27-42

In this sermon, Pastor Scott preached from Acts 5:27-42.

As the disciples continued proclaiming the good news, they faced increasing persecution. Yet rather than obeying the demands of others to stop, they chose to obey God and remained faithful to their mission. In the same way, followers of Jesus today may face opposition when sharing their faith in places where Christ is resisted. The question we must wrestle with is this: What will we do when speaking about Jesus comes at a cost?

Check out this sermon to learn more.

Sermon Notes

Acts
A Movement that Cannot be Stopped // Acts 5:27-42

“And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, ‘We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.’ But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” Acts 5:27-32

Four Realities of Jesus Followers that we tend to forget:
1. Jesus followers have a mission that must be prioritized

“‘We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.’” Acts 5:28

“‘We must obey God rather than men.’” Acts 5:29b

“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution… Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.” 1 Peter 2:13, 16-17

“The principle is this: we are always to obey those in authority over us, unless that authority commands us to do something that God forbids, or forbids us from doing something that God commands.” R.C. Sproul

We don't create our convictions under pressure; we reveal them.

What will you do when it costs you something to speak about Jesus?

Four Realities of Jesus Followers that we tend to forget:
2. Jesus followers have a message that must be preached

“‘The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.’” Acts 5:30-32

“When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.” Acts 5:33

“But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while.” Acts 5:34

Four Realities of Jesus Followers that we tend to forget:
3. Jesus followers are caught up in a movement that cannot be stopped

“‘So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!’” Acts 5:38-39a

Where might you be opposing God in your life right now?

“So they took his advice, and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.” Acts 5:39b-41

Four Realities of Jesus Followers that we tend to forget:
4. Jesus followers have a mindset that is radical

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” 1 Peter 4:12-13

“And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.” Acts 5:42

Sermon Notes

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