Power In Community Series

January 7, 2018

Morning Worship

Text: Acts 4:30

Subject: Revive Us – Part 2

Title: Power in Community

As we strive to be the church that Jesus has called us to be I think sometimes we struggle with the idea. How in the world can we be that kind of church when we are surrounded by such a wicked society – one that doesn’t seem to want to have anything to do with God, much less respond to the name of Jesus. We get so concerned about what people will say if we stand up for biblical principles. And I kind of get it when people get upset at us because we are telling them things that they don’t want to hear because it might involve change on their part. But you know, the bible is the bible – the inspired word of God – and it doesn’t need you or me to defend it. It stands by itself. What is required of us is to stand in faith upon biblical principles and know that this word is true and that we have no reason to apologize for what it says about what is right and what is wrong.

Our responsibility is to become like the early church so that every time we come together we can expect God to show up in a powerful way. That is what we see as an example in the early church in the book of Acts. After being chastised by the Jewish ruling council Peter and John went and had a prayer meeting with other believers and when they prayed one thing jumps out at us. In Acts 4:30 (NIV2011)

30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

They were not concerned about themselves. They didn’t ask for protection or deliverance – they knew that was theirs. They prayed according to the words of Jesus. John 14:13 (NKJV)

13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

What made the early church such a source of power was this – when they came together they had one purpose and one mind. They were in agreement with what God’s purpose for the church was.

The prayer of agreement is one of the most powerful tools God has given us. It is a prayer that Jesus Himself guaranteed would bring results every time.

Jesus said, Matthew 18:19 (NKJV)

19 Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.

That is what the church is called to be. That when we call on the name of the Lord under the anointing and in agreement with one another there is no power that can stand against us.

Acts 2:1-4 (NKJV)

1 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.

I believe this is God’s word…

I believe it is for me…

I accept it as mine…

I will appropriate it to my life today…

How many times have I preached from this passage with the emphasis on the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. And while that was the significant event of the day there is something that we may overlook if we aren’t careful and that is the power of unity that I believe opened the doors for that outpouring.

1 When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Two things I want you to look at here. First they were with one accord. The Greek word translated as one accord = homothumadon (hom-oth-oo-mad-on') adv.

1. unanimous

This is a compound word that comes from homou (hom-ou`) adv.

1. at the same place or time

and thumos (thoo-mos') n.

1. passion

Unanimous Passion – That is what the Lord has called us to be as a church. A church that is like minded headed in the same direction under the leadership of a Holy Spirit anointed pastor with people who are willing to step up and be involved in ministry and carry on the work that He has called the church to do – beat down the gates of hell – in power, with authority, in love and in unity.