Believers Pray Then Act
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Peter and John had been interrogated by the Sanhedrin
Peter and John had been interrogated by the Sanhedrin
They were questioned about how they healed and gained thousands of followers.
They were questioned about how they healed and gained thousands of followers.
They were threatened to keep quiet, and released
They were threatened to keep quiet, and released
Only because they could not agree on a punishment.
The believers were concerned about what might happen to them.
The believers were concerned about what might happen to them.
Threats from authorities are always serious, and possibly deadly.
The believers were afraid for their lives, but they feared disobeying God more.
The believers were afraid for their lives, but they feared disobeying God more.
Jesus gave them a rescue and recovery mission.
Jesus gave them a rescue and recovery mission.
Transition: When we don’t recognize the power and authority of our Creator, we do not expect to accomplish our mission and fear easily overwhelms us. When we don’t respect our Creator, we don’t respect his creations.
We don’t always get the choice of what threats we face.
We don’t always get the choice of what threats we face.
We can become overwhelmed by the threats that face us.
We can become overwhelmed by the threats that face us.
We have been told the flight or fight are the only responses to threats.
We have been told the flight or fight are the only responses to threats.
Some things to remember for the mission:
Some things to remember for the mission:
Remember and practice what we have been taught
Remember and practice what we have been taught
So that in the moment it comes to us naturally.
Remember with what authority we are taking action
Remember with what authority we are taking action
to maintain proper respect.
Trust that the restful mind and heart
Trust that the restful mind and heart
will give us room to succeed.
Transition: Flight or Fight are not the ONLY responses we can make. These are unreflective emotional responses to threats. Jesus gave us a different way.
Only in our Creator can we find rest and the power to overcome.
Only in our Creator can we find rest and the power to overcome.
Some things the disciples remembered:
Some things the disciples remembered:
God is in control.
God has all the power
God’s word is always fulfilled.
Many rage against God: but it is in vain.
God previously determined and permitted all that happened.
God previously determined and permitted all that happened.
God’s power is expressed as the divine hand being extended.
God’s power is expressed as the divine hand being extended.
The power of God is experienced as outwardly with signs and wonders
The power of God is experienced as outwardly with signs and wonders
The whole place was shaken, like and earthquake
Many saw the love they had for each other, acting as one.
Inwardly they were all were filled—afresh with the Holy Spirit
Inwardly they were all were filled—afresh with the Holy Spirit
Their prayer was granted
They spoke the word with boldness
They were all taken care of in body and soul
The result was that they were all in Communion with God and others
The result was that they were all in Communion with God and others
Every person together being of one heart and mind
They shared everything together
They made sure ALL were taken care of
“So long as that truly Christian love continued, they could not but have all things common.” – J.W.
“So long as that truly Christian love continued, they could not but have all things common.” – J.W.
God gave them Boldness to testify and Grace to live in loving unity.
God gave them Boldness to testify and Grace to live in loving unity.
Signs, wonders, and unity in love are all proof of God’s grace.
Barnabas was the example that Luke used.
Barnabas was the example that Luke used.
Barnabas sold a field and gave it to the apostles to use for the care of others.
His care for them was known so well, they nicknamed him, meaning “Son of Encouragement” or “Advocate” or “Helper” (derived by the same word for the Spirit, paraklesis)
His encouragement of Paul helped bring the Gospel to the Gentiles
Transition: This is the power and grace that we need to go and make disciples of all people.
The Church is empowered to GO!
The Church is empowered to GO!
God will give us boldness and empower us to live in grace and love with everyone around us when we pray for it.
God will give us boldness and empower us to live in grace and love with everyone around us when we pray for it.
Our unity in Jesus Christ, is evidence of the reality of his resurrection.
Our unity in Jesus Christ, is evidence of the reality of his resurrection.
May our life together in communion reflect the resurrection power of our Lord and God.
May our life together in communion reflect the resurrection power of our Lord and God.
End: Let us pray now together that the Holy Spirit will embolden and empower us to share the love and grace of God with everyone we meet.