WHEN YOU’VE BEEN THREATENED
‘But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that that speak henceforth to no man in this name…’ Acts 4:17 (KJV)
‘So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.’ Acts 4:21 (KJV)
‘And now , Lord, behold their threatening: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word…’ Acts 4:29 (KJV)
I.YOU NEED TO HAVE A PLACE OF FELLOWSHIP
‘So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.’ Acts 4:21-23 (KJV)
… ‘they went to their own company…’
‘Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.’ Hebrews 10:25 (Message)
II. YOU NEED TO HAVE A TIME OF PRAYER…
‘And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God, with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which has made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is…’
Acts 4:24 (KJV)
‘And when they had prayed…’ Acts 4:31 (KJV)
‘PRAYER CHANGES THINGS’
‘Satan Trembles And He Flees, When The Weakest Saint Is On His Knees..’
‘Men ought always to pray, and not to faint..’ Luke 18:1 (KJV)
‘The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.’ James 5:16
‘Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seekth findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.’ Matthew 7:7-8 (KJV)
1. They Prayed First…
2. They Prayed Continually
3. They Prayed Consistently….
PRAYER WILL DO 4 THINGS FORYOU…
1. It Will Make You Wait
2. It Will Clear Your Vision
3. It Will Quiet Your Heart
4. It Will Activate Your Faith…
III. YOU NEED TO HAVE A TRUST IN GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY
‘And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:’ v.24
‘Who by the mouth of thy servant David has said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. v.25=28
‘There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.’
I Corinthians 10:13 (KJV)
‘My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.’ James 1:2-4 (KJV)
‘’And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.’ Romans 8:28-29 (KJV)
IV. WE NEED TO PRACTICE THE FINDING OF OUR PURPOSE…
‘Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’ Matthew 5:13-16
‘And now, Lord, behold their threatening: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.’ v.29-30
‘And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.’ v.31-33