Empowered to Encourage

Secular:

Robin’s nest - encouragement

spring is here

babies time to fly

Personal:

What things have encouraged you this past week / month?

In what ways have you encouraged those closest to you?

Biblical:

Last week we saw Peter and John stand in the opposition of the religious leaders

They were threatened not to speak in Jesus’ name

They come back to the believers…what would their response be?

How would they encourage Peter and John?

Subject: How can the church be a source of encouragement?

Textual: Acts 4:23-37

Peter and John released

go to their friends

report the situation of Acts 4

Disciples pray

Sovereign Lord - creator God

Psalm 2

threats against Jesus - predestined by God

threats now - grant to your servants

CONTINUE TO SPEAK IN BOLDNESS

miracles and healings

Holy Spirit fills everyone

place of gathering shakes

they spoke the word of God with boldness

Unity of believers

one heart and soul

no individual ownership - everything in common

Apostles gave testimony to risen Lord

Great grace upon them all

Not a needy person among them

Owners of land and houses sold them

Brought money to the apostles

Apostles distributed it to needs

Positive Example: Joseph - Barnabas - “son of encouragement”

sold a field that belonged to him

Subject: How can the church be a source of encouragement?

Prayer - Come boldly

Provision - Give willingly

Illustration: Thermostat or thermometer