Sermon: Prayer, Unity, The Word, and Boldness

Prayer, Unity, The Word, and Boldness Acts 4:23-32 July 29, 2018 Pastor Tony Felich----more---- Acts 4:23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. [24] And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, [25] who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit,              “‘Why did the Gentiles rage,                         and the peoples plot in vain?             [26] The kings of the earth set themselves,                         and the rulers were gathered together,                         against the Lord and against his Anointed’— [27] for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, [28] to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. [29] And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, [30] while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” [31] And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness. [32] Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. The early church’s reaction to the first persecution presents a timeless pattern for believers of all ages. Prayer is the church’s response to opposition or persecution - Believing in God’s sovereignty is basis for prayer   - Desiring God’s fame/glory is outcome of prayer - God always answers such a prayer  Unity strengthens and marks the Church - Provides encouragement - Builds boldness - Promotes godly thinking and practice