Fourth Sunday of Easter

Stand Firm in Faith

Imagine the bustling streets of Jerusalem, still reverberating with the awe-inspiring miracle of the lame man healed at the Beautiful Gate. Amidst this backdrop of wonder, we find ourselves in the midst of a pivotal moment as Peter and John, emboldened by the Holy Spirit, stand before the formidable Sanhedrin, ready to defend their faith.

Today, we delve into the profound narrative of Acts 4:5-12, a passage teeming with spiritual truths and timeless lessons for our lives. Here, we witness the boldness of Peter and John as they stand before the religious authorities, unyielding in their faith and unwavering in their proclamation of the gospel.

As we dissect this passage, let us first contemplate the courage displayed by Peter as he fearlessly informs the Sanhedrin of the source of the miraculous healing. Despite the hostility and opposition they faced, Peter did not cower in fear. Instead, he boldly proclaimed that it was through the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom they crucified, that the lame man was made whole.

In our lives, we too are called to exhibit such courage in our witness for Christ. Whether in the face of opposition or in the corridors of power, we must never shy away from proclaiming the name of Jesus. For it is by His name alone that lives are transformed and souls are saved.

Moreover, let us reflect on the humility of Peter as he attributes all glory to Jesus Christ. In a world that often seeks recognition and praise for its own achievements, Peter’s example serves as a humbling reminder that all honor and glory belong to our Savior. Just as Peter refused to take credit for the miraculous healing, so too must we acknowledge that every good and perfect gift comes from above.

Furthermore, Peter leaves no room for doubt regarding the identity of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that Jesus of Nazareth, the one whom they crucified, is the very same whom God raised from the dead. In doing so, Peter underscores the undeniable truth of Christ’s resurrection—a truth that lies at the heart of our faith.

For it is the resurrection of Jesus Christ that validates our faith and secures our hope. Without it, our faith would be in vain, and our preaching futile. Therefore, let us cling to this foundational truth and proclaim it boldly to the world.

In conclusion, my dear brothers and sisters, let us heed the lessons gleaned from Acts 4:5-12. Let us exhibit courage in our witness, humility in our service, and unwavering faith in the resurrected Christ. Remember that Jesus is the cornerstone of our salvation. May we, like Peter and John, boldly declare the name of Jesus Christ to a world in desperate need of His saving grace.

Call to Worship (based on Acts 4:1-12)

Leader: Gathered here, we draw inspiration from the boldness of the apostles, who fearlessly proclaimed the risen Lord.

People: Their courage, rooted in the truth of Christ's resurrection, challenges us to speak with the same conviction.

Leader: They stood firm, asserting, "This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.”

People: In His resurrection, we find not just a cornerstone, but the very essence of our hope and salvation.

Leader: “There is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved.”

People: Empowered by this truth, we worship Jesus Christ, risen and reigning, the basis of our faith and our proclamation.

Leader: Let our voices rise in praise of the One who was raised from the dead, emboldening us to declare the wonders of His love.

People: In the power of His name, we stand together, bold and resolute, to celebrate the life and victory of our risen Lord!

Opening Prayer (based on 1 John 3:16-24)

Let us pray,

Loving God, we come before You in the spirit of the words from 1 John 3, where we are taught about the depth of Your love, a love so profound that Jesus laid down His life for us. This scripture not only defines love in the ultimate sense but also calls us to embody that love in our actions and truths.

We acknowledge, O Lord, that Your love is not merely in word or speech but in truth and action. As we reflect on the sacrificial love of Christ, help us to grasp the breadth and length, the height and depth of such love, and inspire us to love one another earnestly, following Jesus’ example.

Guide us, Father, to put our faith into action, caring for those in need and being bearers of Your peace and love in every aspect of our lives. Help us to live in the assurance that comes from abiding in You and You in us, through the Spirit You have given us.

We pray for the courage to face the challenges of living out this love in a world that often rejects selfless acts and sacrificial living. Strengthen us to be Your hands and feet, showing love not only in words but through our deeds and truth.

In our worship today, may we be reminded of the confidence we have before You—that if our hearts condemn us, You are greater than our hearts, and You know everything. Help us to rely not on our understanding but on Your vast, unfathomable love that transcends our doubts and fears.

As we continue to walk in the commandments of love and faith, as Jesus taught us, let our hearts be reassured in Your presence, knowing that we belong to the truth, and ensure our hearts in Your sight.

We ask all these things in the name of Jesus, who showed us the greatest love of all, laying down His life for us, that we might live through Him. Amen

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the inspiring example of Peter and John, who stood boldly before the Sanhedrin, proclaiming Jesus as the cornerstone of our faith. Grant us the same courage and conviction to declare the truth of Christ in our lives. May we rely on the strength of the Holy Spirit to face opposition with grace and to speak Your word with clarity and love. Help us to hold fast to the truth that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus. Empower us to be steadfast witnesses to Your redemptive work in the world. In the name of Jesus, our Savior and cornerstone, we pray. Amen.