One Day at a Time - Facing Difficult Days
Text: Acts 3:1 – 4:31
Preaching at the Temple (Acts 3:1-26)
A lame man healed
“What I do have I give to you in the name of Jesus: WALK”
The crowd marveled
Peter preaches
Why are you amazed?
We testify that we have seen Jesus raised from the dead
It is by faith in His name that this man walks again
Jesus is the Christ
Repent and return that your sins may be wiped away
Sermon Interrupted (Acts 4:1-12)
Peter preaches Jesus
Peter and John arrested by the Sadducees (anti-resurrection)
But many who heard also believed; the number grew to 5000 men
The rulers gathered to question them
QUESTION: “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?” (Healed the man)
RESPONSE: “By the name of Jesus Christ, crucified and risen, this man has been healed. There is salvation in no one else, there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
Before the Council (Acts4:13-22) THE COUNCIL: The council could not deny the miracle because there were too many witnesses. Instead they chose to command Peter and John not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.
THE RESPONSE: “Whether it is right in the sight of God to obey men rather than God, you be the judge; FOR WE CANNOT STOP SPEAKING OF WHAT WE HAVE SEEN AND HEARD.”
THE COUNCIL: They threatened Peter and John again about speaking of Jesus and then released them.
Report, Rejoice, and Pray (Acts 4:23-30)
Peter and John return and report the council’s action
Threat and release
The church rejoiced and worshiped
God you are in control
God you prophesied through David of opposition to the Lord and Christ
We have seen this prophecy fulfilled according to Your purposes and plans
The church prayed
Take note of the threats against us
Grant us confidence to speak Your Word
Show Your might and power through the name of Jesus
God answered their prayer (Acts 4:31)
“And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak the word of God boldly.”
SUMMATION: In the Early Church
The focus was on elevating Jesus
They faced opposition, but would not back down
They rejoiced that they were threatened but released
They celebrated God’s plan, even including opposition
They saw opposition as a sign of God’s prophetic fulfillment
They prayed for confidence to share Christ in spite of opposition
The Holy Spirit came upon them and they spoke the Word BOLDLY!
In Our Difficult Days
Keep the focus on Jesus
Honor God no matter what
Look for God’s activity and celebrate it
Pray for opportunities to share Jesus and show His love
Speak the Word of God boldly