Jesus builds His church in the face of Satan's Subversion, Man's Mistreatment, and Cruel Circumstances. 

1. Satan's Subversion

Paul commands the spirit of divination out of the fortune telling slave girl. (Acts 16:18)

Many who claim to be with Christ are not.

Have nothing to do with the occult. (2 Corinthians 6:14)

2. Man's Mistreatment

Her owners seize Paul & Silas, beat them and put them in prison. (v19-24)

They were treated as Jesus forwarned. (John 15:18-20)

But God builds his church through the suffering of his people. (Acts14:22)

At midnight Paul & Silas were singing hymns and praying. An earthquake opened the prison. (V25-27)

The Jailer and his family are saved. (v 28-36)

3. How to respond to suffering and persecution.

Rejoice in the Lord, pray, give your requests to God (Philippians 4:4-7)

- Sing hymns to the Lord.

- Share your suffering with other believers for encouragement.

- Submit to God's providence. He is in control, working through the circumstances for your good and His glory. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)