First Century Power

Looking back at the first century church we will come to realize that we need the power and influence they had. So what was it? What made them so powerful?

Acts 2:42 NKJV

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Prayer Works

Perhaps the greatest source of strength they had, and we still have available to us today, was prayer. Prayer is powerful and it comes with a guarantee…it works!

John 16:24 NKJV

Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

Like Jesus, James reassures us that prayer is powerful and it works. It wasn’t just a first century thing. It’s for us today. If prayer doesn’t seem to be working for you right now, there are some things for us to consider...

James 5:15–18 NKJV

And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.

Are you clean? Is there sin in your life that you haven’t dealt with?

Are you praying unselfishly, or are your prayers all about you?

Are you praying fervently? Fervent is defined as…having or displaying passionate intensity. Is your prayer life hot and burning?

Are fasting with your prayers?

Prayer Is The Answer

It sometimes seems that prayer is a last resort. By the time we’ve turned to prayer we exhausted our energy and our faith in our efforts. At this point we decided that mountain is just too big or too small, maybe we’ve just decided that it’s no longer important and given up our faith for it. We’re often stressed and anxious over our needs and we have no peace in our hearts. What we started with prayer first. What we sought God’s wisdom before we put our hands all over it. Perhaps there would be less stress, perhaps our mountains would be in the sea!

Prayer is the answer! Give it to God and let Him work it out for you.

Philippians 4:6–7 NKJV

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

The power and influence that the first century church walked in was birthed out of their relationship with God. That relationship came through prayer and fasting.

Today we can walk in the same power and influence. It come only through a deep abiding relationship with Christ. That relationship can only be forged through prayer, fasting, and His word.

The Church is looking for better methods; God is looking for better men. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men…Men of prayer. - E.M. Bounds

Call To Action

Would you receive Christ today as Savior?

Do you have a need that we can join with you in prayer today?