Unstoppable Joy – Chris Pollard
Scripture Reference: Acts 8:1–8
Acts 8 – let’s jump right in and read a few verses to see what God wants to do this morning. I believe God wants to speak to us. His Word is alive, active, and powerful.
The Persecution of the Early Church
“Now Saul was consenting to his death.”
This is referring to Stephen’s stoning—Stephen, the first Christian martyr, who was killed for boldly witnessing for Christ. A great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem. Believers were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men carried Stephen to his burial and mourned deeply over him.
Verse 3 says: “As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, dragging off men and women, committing them to prison.” Yet verse 4 tells us: “Those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.”
Preaching Christ in Samaria
Then Philip went down to Samaria and preached Christ. The crowds listened intently, witnessing the miracles he did. Unclean spirits were cast out, and the paralyzed and lame were healed. Verse 8 says, “There was great joy in that city.”
Everyone say, “Great joy.” Now say, “Unstoppable joy.”
Avoiding the Spirit of Saul
Saul (who later became Paul) was persecuting the church. Today, there’s still a “spirit of Saul” at work—not just in the world, but often within the church itself. I’m talking about slander, bitterness, backbiting, and division among believers.
We must guard against being accomplices to this spiritual “murder” of our brothers and sisters in Christ. The church is called to unity. If we want to see the move of the Holy Spirit like never before, we must come together on the foundation of Jesus Christ and Him crucified.
The Call to Repentance and Unity
As I prayed this morning, the Holy Spirit convicted me to repent for times when I’ve spoken out of turn or allowed bitterness to influence my words. God wants His church to be a spotless bride. That means letting go of offense and choosing forgiveness.
When the church is unified, it becomes unstoppable. Persecution might come, but it cannot silence the gospel. In fact, historically, the church often flourishes the most in seasons of persecution.
Lessons From Kenya – Joy Beyond Circumstance
Recently, I traveled to Kenya expecting to pour out encouragement and ministry. Instead, I was transformed. I witnessed believers with so few resources but overflowing with the joy of the Lord. Their joy was their strength, and God told me, “Take this joy back to America.”
Here in America, we often substitute entertainment for true joy. Leonard Ravenhill once said, “Entertainment is the devil’s substitute for joy.” Many of us are walking around with our “joy meters” at zero, when God wants them filled to the brim.
Happiness vs. True Joy
There’s a difference between happiness and biblical joy. Happiness is fleeting—it comes and goes with circumstances. Joy is a deep, unshakable well-being that flows from being connected to Jesus.
When we pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done,” we’re inviting God’s reality to become our reality. His joy isn’t dependent on our circumstances, bank accounts, or possessions. It’s rooted in Him.
The Gospel Advances Through Persecution
Verse 4 of Acts 8 says: “Those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.” Persecution didn’t silence the early church—it propelled it forward.
What if persecution is the very platform God uses today to advance the gospel through us? When we boldly share Jesus—no matter the resistance—cities, workplaces, and families can be transformed. Just as there was “great joy in that city,” there can be great joy in us.
Joy as a Weapon
Joy is not just a gift; it’s a weapon against the enemy. John 10:10 tells us the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy—and one of his primary targets is your joy.
When our joy is strong, we have strength (Nehemiah 8:10). When we live in the fullness of the joy Jesus gives, we walk in a testimony that preaches Christ even louder than words.
Living a Joy-Filled Life
Are you running on fumes today? Don’t let your “joy tank” run empty. Joy is cultivated in the presence of God: “In Your presence is fullness of joy” (Psalm 16:11).
The world is watching how we respond to pressure, criticism, and trials. Will they see believers who are bitter and joyless, or those who radiate the unshakable joy of Christ? True joy can save lives—sometimes literally.
Final Encouragement
Maybe you’ve been through heartache, loss, or tragedy. Maybe offense or unforgiveness has robbed you of joy for years. Today, Jesus wants to restore your joy. The joy He gives is not temporary happiness but a deep, abiding strength.
Key Verse:
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10