Opposition to The Church

Introduction

Revelation 12 Cosmic Battle

John 15:18-25.

Ephesians 6:10–12 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

2 Corinthians 4.

1 Peter 5:8 “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”

The Suffering of the Church (v. 1-4)

Herod (Agrippa I)

England (Windsor)

Grandfather - Herod the Great (Matthew 1:16-18) - Killed babies

Uncle - Herod Antipas (Matt 14:1-12) - Beheaded John the Baptist

Son - Herod Aprippa II (Acts 25-26) - Paul speaks in defense

Ephesians 2:1–3 “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.”

James

Mark 10:32-41.

Peter

Unlevened Bread

Heavily guarded (v. 1, 4) - Acts 5:17-19 - Escape

The Supplication of God’s people (v 5)

Don’t miss that when Herod attacks with the sword, the church counters with prayer (Exalting Jesus in Acts.)

Why Pray?

Ephesians 6:18 “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,”

The Sovereignty of God (v 6-11)

Acts 12:12 “And when he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.”

Conclusion

John 16:33 ““These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.””

Why opposition? Why suffer? Why James and not Peter?

“Our fate will all be the same according to the path that we follow...”