Sleeping Saints and the Unstoppable Kingdom
December 3, 2023
Acts 12:1-4 NIV
“It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3 When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 4 After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.”
Herod was the nephew of the Herod who killed John the Baptist.
They had imagined the persecution to lessen because of Saul’s conversion, instead it got worse.
Peter is in prison during Passover, the time the Jewish people celebrated their deliverance from Egypt.
There will always be those who oppose us.
Acts 12:5 NIV
“So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. (in the upper room)
Earnestly – fervently or without ceasing
When we feel powerless, we always have the power of prayer.
Here’s a simple plan for our prayers:
1. Listen carefully.
2. Ask boldly.
3. Trust completely.
Acts 12:6-7 NIV
The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists.
Peter was in prison for the third time. He has escaped before.
Notice how popular energy drinks and sleep aids have become.
We’re a culture that cannot rest.
Acts 12:24 NIV
“But the word of God continued to increase and spread.”
The kingdom of God cannot be put in prison or be stopped by shackles or irons.
In fact, the more the church is pressured, the more it grows and thrives.
The word of God will continue to increase and spread.
Despite all of this, the door for the Gospel was not shut, but was actually swung wide open.
