What happens when God allows pressure, disruption, and hardship in the life of the church? In Acts 8, we see that persecution does not stop the mission of God. Instead, it advances it. As the church is scattered, the gospel spreads, hearts are transformed, and God calls His people to pay attention to what He is truly doing. This message walks through four movements in Acts 8: 1. Pressure – How persecution fuels the mission of God rather than defeating it (Acts 8:1–3) 2. Proclamation – How the Word of God produces real fruit when Christ is preached (Acts 8:4–13) 3. Power – What it means to live in submission to the Holy Spirit, not control Him (Acts 8:14–17) 4. Purity – A warning to examine the intent of our hearts and repent where motives are misplaced (Acts 8:18–25) Through the ministry of Philip, the reception of the Holy Spirit in Samaria, and the confrontation of Simon the magician, we are reminded that God is not a power to be used, purchased, or managed. He is a King to be worshiped, trusted, and obeyed. Acts 8 challenges us to ask where our attention truly lies. Are we focused on comfort, control, and recognition, or are we attentive to God’s Word, God’s Spirit, and God’s refining work in our hearts?