Believers Pray Then Act

Peter and John had been interrogated by the Sanhedrin

They were questioned about how they healed and gained thousands of followers.

They were threatened to keep quiet, and released

Only because they could not agree on a punishment.

The believers were concerned about what might happen to them.

Threats from authorities are always serious, and possibly deadly.

The believers were afraid for their lives, but they feared disobeying God more.

Jesus gave them a rescue and recovery mission.

Transition: When we don’t recognize the power and authority of our Creator, we do not expect to accomplish our mission and fear easily overwhelms us. When we don’t respect our Creator, we don’t respect his creations.

We don’t always get the choice of what threats we face.

We can become overwhelmed by the threats that face us.

We have been told the flight or fight are the only responses to threats.

Some things to remember for the mission:

Remember and practice what we have been taught

So that in the moment it comes to us naturally.

Remember with what authority we are taking action

to maintain proper respect.

Trust that the restful mind and heart

will give us room to succeed.

Transition: Flight or Fight are not the ONLY responses we can make. These are unreflective emotional responses to threats. Jesus gave us a different way.

Only in our Creator can we find rest and the power to overcome.

Some things the disciples remembered:

God is in control.

God has all the power

God’s word is always fulfilled.

Many rage against God: but it is in vain.

God previously determined and permitted all that happened.

God’s power is expressed as the divine hand being extended.

The power of God is experienced as outwardly with signs and wonders

The whole place was shaken, like and earthquake

Many saw the love they had for each other, acting as one.

Inwardly they were all were filled—afresh with the Holy Spirit

Their prayer was granted

They spoke the word with boldness

They were all taken care of in body and soul

The result was that they were all in Communion with God and others

Every person together being of one heart and mind

They shared everything together

They made sure ALL were taken care of

“So long as that truly Christian love continued, they could not but have all things common.” – J.W.

God gave them Boldness to testify and Grace to live in loving unity.

Signs, wonders, and unity in love are all proof of God’s grace.

Barnabas was the example that Luke used.

Barnabas sold a field and gave it to the apostles to use for the care of others.

His care for them was known so well, they nicknamed him, meaning “Son of Encouragement” or “Advocate” or “Helper” (derived by the same word for the Spirit, paraklesis)

His encouragement of Paul helped bring the Gospel to the Gentiles

Transition: This is the power and grace that we need to go and make disciples of all people.

The Church is empowered to GO!

God will give us boldness and empower us to live in grace and love with everyone around us when we pray for it.

Our unity in Jesus Christ, is evidence of the reality of his resurrection.

May our life together in communion reflect the resurrection power of our Lord and God.

End: Let us pray now together that the Holy Spirit will embolden and empower us to share the love and grace of God with everyone we meet.