Anointing

The Need of A Fresh Anointing

Acts 4:23-31

Emphasis - Power for Evangelism

I. They Went To Their Own Company - v. 23

 A. Here you find encouragement

 B. Here you find Strength - Jonathan strengthened David in the wilderness (I Sam. 23:16)

II. Corporate Prayer   -

 A. The Church lifted up its voice in one accord - vs. 24

  1. Ps. 133:1-3  {READ}

   a. the “precious ointment” - speaks of consecration; a readiness for service

   b. the “dew” = so plentiful that it takes the place of rain and is mentioned as a prime source of fertility...unity is the “breeding ground” for Divine unction

III. The Enemy Is Meeting and Plotting Against the Church - v. 27

 A. Mat. 27:1 the Saducees/Pharisees took counsel against Jesus to put Him to death

 B. shapeTypefff18b98942dbee203aa605447781151- Satan, the prince of the world, uses small things throughout the day to wear the Christian out. [like the battery that is used all day long in fishing; doesn’t have enough power to crank the motor to go home and you’re stranded down the river.]

IV. Now is the Time for Boldness and Power  - v. 29

 A. It would naturally seem to be a time to lie low

 B. Daniel & the 3 Hebrew Children stood with boldness in the day of persecution

 C. Stephen was beset by the mob, yet, he didn’t relinquish preaching...preached more fervently

  1. Gay Day coming to the Myr. Bch. - need boldness to stand and preach without compromise

V. Persecution Will Follow You - vs. 29 - 30

 A. The Apostles didn’t pray for God to remove the sufferings...we’re partakers of that suffering

  1. That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his  sufferings , being made conformable unto his death;  (Phil. 3:10)

VI. The Fresh Anointing - v. 31

 A. They were refilled with the Holy Ghost

 B. They acted upon what they had prayed earnestly for

  1. they spake the word of God with boldness