Introduction

Good morning, beloved family in Christ. As we gather together in this sacred space, bound by our shared faith and love for our Lord, let us prepare our hearts to receive the Word. We are here today, not by accident, but by divine appointment, called together to delve into the profound depths of the Scriptures, to seek wisdom and understanding, to be nourished by the Living Word, and to be drawn closer to our Savior.

Today, we turn our attention to the book of Acts, specifically Acts 4:23-31, a passage rich with lessons, insights, and encouragement for us all. Let's read it together: "When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 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, 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? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed\"— 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, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.' 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."

Power of Prayer

In the passage we read from Acts, we see the early disciples turning immediately to prayer in the face of adversity. They had just been released from the custody of the chief priests and elders, who had threatened them and warned them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But instead of being intimidated or silenced, they gathered with their friends and lifted their voices to God in prayer.

They began their prayer by acknowledging God as the Sovereign Lord, the Creator of all things. This is a powerful reminder for us that no matter what we are facing, we can bring it before the One who holds the universe in His hands. Our problems, no matter how big they may seem to us, are small in the hands of our mighty God.

The disciples didn't just pray for themselves, they prayed for boldness to continue speaking God's word. They understood that prayer was not just about asking God to change their circumstances, but about asking God to change them.

In response to their prayer, the place where they were gathered was shaken and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. This was a powerful demonstration of God's presence and power. It was a tangible reminder that God hears our prayers and responds to them.

The disciples' prayer also serves as a model for us. They didn't pray in isolation, they prayed together. They understood the power of corporate prayer. When we pray together, we are not just expressing our own needs and desires, we are joining our voices with others in a chorus of faith and trust in God. We are reminding each other of God's faithfulness and encouraging each other to keep trusting in Him.

Finally, the disciples' prayer was part of their regular practice. They understood that prayer was not just something to turn to in times of crisis, but a vital part of their daily walk with God. They knew that prayer was not just about asking for things, but about building a relationship with their Heavenly Father.

Persecution and Providence

In the face of adversity, the early believers did not cower or retreat ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO