Looking Good

Intro: How many of you can make fruit? I know I sure can’t. I do not have the power to walk out to my peach trees and say bear fruit. I might be able to do some things that would encourage fruit production, but I cannot make them bear fruit no matter how hard I try. I might try fertilizing the tree, to see if that would help. I could also try to find ways to keep the squirrels out of the peaches when they are small and unripe. There might be other things that I have not thought of, but no matter how much I might aid the tree in making fruit, I cannot make my fruit trees bear fruit!

The first thing that made the early church fruitful is found in Acts 11:27 – 30.

Acts 11:27–30 NIV84

During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

I. Benevolent Giving

A. Offering in Antioch

1. Response to prophetic utterance

- How many needs do we miss not because we are not made aware, but because we just aren’t paying attention?

2. Willingly given

- So different than today when we think we need a giving program to gather needed funds.

B. Recipients in Jerusalem

1. Brothers and sisters in Christ

2. Needy affected by the famine

3. In relationship with the church

Trans – The second thing that made the Church fruitful is found in Acts 12:1 – 5

Acts 12:1–5 NIV84

It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

II. Committed Prayer

A. Prayer meeting

1. Many gathered

2. Not specifically to what, but at least for Peter

3. Many times, we miss the opportunity because:

a. We think we are too busy

b. We don’t pay enough attention

c. we don’t pay attention

B. In spite of not understanding

1. Lack of belief

2. Just not what they expected

3. How many times does God answer and we miss