Pray Church Pray Series

Note: References used from Preachers Sermon and Outline Bible on Acts & Utley's Guide to the Bible on Acts 4

Title: Pray Church Pray

Theme: What happens when the church prays?

Text: Acts 4:31 – 37

Acts 4:31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. (32) Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. (33) And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. (34) Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, (35) and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. (36) And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, (37) having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Introduction

Read from Acts 4:13 – 29

Notice their testimony. The miracle working power of God. They didn't know what to do with what God had done in the lame man’s life. All they knew was that they could not keep it in.

The pressing – review what the religious leaders told them to do.

This is what Melanie talked about last week. I appreciate her sharing the study she has been doing on the Olive tree. It was very informative. The process is so important. This church had been through the very thing that Melanie was talking about last week.

“When they had prayed” – Their answer to the persecution (pressing)

This was the catalyst to what we see happening. Don’t miss this. This is was kicked it off. It is what started it all.

Prayer is our communication with God. As you have heard me say many times, prayer is two way communication. It is not only talking to God but listening to God.

If we could see the importance of prayer. Prayer is where we get in tuned with God

John 10:27, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

We could avoid a lot of trouble if we would pray. We could see a lot more accomplished if we would pray.

Zechariah 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.

Ephesians 6:13-18 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (14) Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; (15) And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; (16) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. (17) And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (18) Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

“the place where they assembled together (unity) was shaken”

G4531 - Original: σαλεύω - Transliteration: Saleuo - Phonetic: sal-yoo'-o

- Definition:

1. a motion produced by winds, storms, waves, etc

a. to agitate or shake b. to cause to totter c. to shake thoroughly, of a measure filled by shaking its contents together

2. to shake down, overthrow

a. to cast down from one's (secure and happy) state b. to move, agitate the mind, to disturb one

Acts 2:1-4 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord* in one place. (2) And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. (3) Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. (4) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Two shakings –

Outside – shaking things up

Inside - stiring

“stir up the gifts”

2 Timothy 1:1-8 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ [1] by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, (2) To Timothy, a beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. (3) I thank God, whom I serve with a pure conscience, as my forefathers did, as without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, (4) greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy, (5) when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. (6) Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. (7) For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. (8) Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,