WHEN THE CHURCH GET INVOLVED
Acts 12.5
THE CHURCH — THE CHURCH — THE CHURCH
Jesus Declared it (Upon this rock. . .
Jesus Purchased it (His death, burial, resurrection
Jesus’s Blood sanctified it
Somewhere along the line of life. . People have become fascinated, infatuated, captivated by what is going on in the world – but through this false picture of life — people have lost sight of the mission of the church. . . .
There was a time when the church was the center of all activity – especially in the lives of black people. . . .
The evil of our times have taken advantage of our negligence and have battered, bruised and broken our world – retarded out civilization – wasted our resources —- spilt the blood of our youth – and destroyed the structure of the family. . . .
While the lives of people are under attack by satan – society is brags on technology – riches – diet and lifestyles. . . .
1. The church must have purpose:
The church must light the way for the lost
The church must present salvation for the sinner
The church must love the loveless
The church must teach the spiritually unlearned
The church must set itself as a refueling station for those who have spent themselves executing the ministry of the gospel.
2. The church must have concern:
Time and time again we hear of those that have become drop-out. . . . for one reason or another those that have dropped out of school. . . . Those that have dropped out of job production and has become a social liability. ... . Those that has dropped out of life and become a citizen of the penal system. . . . But no ever talk about those that has become spiritual drop-outs. . . For whatever reason – came into God program – had their name added to the church roll – but has become spiritual drop-out. . . . Just has the church pray and involve itself in other issues – the church should have a special concern for those not fully committed to the cause of Christ. . .
3. The church must have identity:
Who is the church? — Believers of all ages complete this congregation of blood bought redeemed people. . . When the church is given identity – it is identified by the children – it is identified by the youth – it is identified by the adults –
Despite what folk may whisper in your ear – you cannot be the church by yourself. . . The church does not operate around or through you. .. Your money can’t buy – your name can’t keep it.. .
Jesus commissioned the church – giving it authority to operate
Jesus gave the church activity – (Jhn 10.10b) to be alive with power and praise
Jesus gave the church organization – He fixed it so that the body can only function correctly as a whole. . .
“O” ye household of God – built up of living stones by the Holy Spirit – be not dismayed – Jesus has proven that vines can grow out of a Rock. . . . It’s time for the vine to grow
Church – Wrap yourself around these children
Church – Wrap yourself around the handicapped
Church – Wrap yourself around the sick
Church – Wrap yourself around the weary
Church – Wrap yourself around the heart-broken
Church – Wrap yourself around the sin sick – and allow the power of the Blood of Jesus to flow. .
In our text this hour we find the Church in the power of Prayer – What gave the church this power — Careful reading of Acts 2 – the church was foundationed with power at Pentecost. . .
Herod having found that the murder of James pleased the Jews – arrested Peter and put him in prison. . . Peter was kept by 16 soldiers – for four watches – two kept the gate and two were chained to Peter. . . . I need to pause here to encourage the discouraged – Just because you come to Christ or join the church – does not mean that you are free from attack. . .
This Peter of whom our text refers is the same Peter that recognized Jesus as Messiah – the same Peter that was first called apostle – the same Peter that witnessed the resurrection – the same Peter that proclaimed salvation to the gentiles. — the same Peter that was the first Pope in Rome.
Peter healed a lame man in Acts 4 – A paralytic in Acts 9 – and raised a maid from the dead . .
Not here it is that this man of God is in Jail. . .
It does not matter your position or status in life – there will be times when you will feel spiritually incarsarated. . .
Peter was a great instrument of God – but the focus here is not on Peter – but on the church. . .
Prayer was the breath of the early church – each time the church prayed – something happened. .
It is interesting to know that the martyr of James merit only eleven words — but the deliverance of Peter by the Prayers of the church requires seventeen verses. . . .
The details are delicious as Peter was rescued the very night herod intended to bring him out for execution. . .
My brothers and sisters look what prayer will do.. . . Prayer was prayed – To God — By the Church – for Peter. . . . . While Peter slept between two guards – bound by two chains – the church was wide awake – bound in prayer. . . .
How many here today know that God is listening — The church prayed — God sent and Angel–
The Angle woke up Peter without arousing the guards – told him to get up – gird thyself – put on your sandals and follow me. .. . You see prayer requires two elements – the unity of intercession by the pray-er and the obedience of the prayee. . . God processed the prayer by sending the angel – but is Peter had not obeyed. ..
Look what prayer will do. . . They went past the first and second guard — then came to the iron gate of the city – which opened on it’s own accord. . .
When Peter realized what had just happened – he headed straight for Mary’s House – where prayer was being prayed. . .
When the Church get involved – something will happen
When the church get involved – there is deliverance
When the church get involved – there is victory
that victory is in Jesus. . . .
