Bold Faith Amidst Unbelief: Proclaiming Christ's Salvation

 

Summary

In the early days of the Christian church, Peter and John faced persecution for their faith, as recounted in Acts 4:1-12. This passage highlights the first recorded persecution of the church, where the apostles were put on trial for healing a man in Jesus' name. This event is not just a historical account but a reflection of the ongoing struggle between the church and the world. Today, Christianity faces similar opposition, with many predicting its decline. However, this narrative reminds us that unbelief is not a new phenomenon. It has existed since the beginning, and the same forces that opposed the early church continue to challenge the faith today.

Unbelief often unites unlikely allies, as seen in the collaboration of Pharisees and Sadducees against Jesus. This opposition is characterized by pride, blindness, and a refusal to acknowledge the miraculous. Despite the world's rejection, the church's response should mirror that of the apostles: bold proclamation of Jesus Christ as the only Savior. The apostles did not apologize for their faith or dilute their message. Instead, they declared Jesus as the Son of God, the Savior, and the only name by which salvation is possible.

The world may reject Christ, but it cannot escape Him. The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone. This truth challenges the arrogance of the world, which believes it can build a utopia without God. Yet, history shows that human efforts without God lead to chaos and destruction. The church must boldly proclaim the gospel, challenging the world to recognize its need for Christ. In doing so, we offer hope and salvation to a world in desperate need of redemption.

Key Takeaways:

- Unbelief is not a modern phenomenon; it has existed since the beginning of the church. The same forces that opposed the early church continue to challenge Christianity today. Understanding this helps us face opposition with confidence, knowing that our faith is rooted in a long history of perseverance. [09:12]

- Unbelief often unites unlikely allies, as seen in the collaboration of Pharisees and Sadducees against Jesus. This opposition is characterized by pride, blindness, and a refusal to acknowledge the miraculous. Recognizing this pattern helps us understand the nature of the opposition we face. [12:44]

- The church's response to opposition should be bold proclamation of Jesus Christ as the only Savior. The apostles did not apologize for their faith or dilute their message. Instead, they declared Jesus as the Son of God, the Savior, and the only name by which salvation is possible. [24:29]

- The world may reject Christ, but it cannot escape Him. The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone. This truth challenges the arrogance of the world, which believes it can build a utopia without God. [49:42]

- The church must boldly proclaim the gospel, challenging the world to recognize its need for Christ. In doing so, we offer hope and salvation to a world in desperate need of redemption. This is the only way to address the chaos and destruction that result from human efforts without God. [50:59]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Acts 4
- [01:05] - The First Persecution
- [02:08] - The Healing at the Temple Gate
- [04:22] - Peter and John on Trial
- [06:06] - Christianity on Trial Today
- [07:34] - Examining Unbelief
- [09:12] - The Nature of Unbelief
- [11:43] - Unbelief Unites Opposites
- [14:26] - The Pride of Unbelief
- [18:42] - The Blindness of Unbelief
- [24:29] - The Apostolic Response
- [32:01] - Jesus: The Only Savior
- [41:02] - The Victory Over Death
- [49:42] - The Rejected Stone
- [54:29] - A Call to Embrace Christ

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Acts 4:1-12

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#### Observation Questions
1. What was the main reason Peter and John were put on trial according to Acts 4:1-12? [01:05]
2. How did Peter and John respond to the authorities when questioned about the healing of the man at the temple gate? [25:25]
3. What does the phrase "the stone which was set at not of you Builders" refer to in the context of the sermon? [50:15]
4. How does the sermon describe the reaction of the authorities to the miracle performed by Peter and John? [21:11]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon suggest that unbelief has been a consistent challenge to the church since its inception? [09:12]
2. In what ways does the sermon illustrate the unity of unlikely allies in opposition to the gospel? [12:44]
3. What does the sermon imply about the role of pride and blindness in the rejection of Christ? [18:42]
4. How does the sermon interpret the significance of Jesus being the "cornerstone" that was rejected by the builders? [50:15]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition for your faith. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in light of Peter and John's example? [25:25]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of boldly proclaiming Jesus as the only Savior. How can you incorporate this boldness into your daily conversations about faith? [24:29]
3. Consider the ways in which pride or blindness might be affecting your own spiritual journey. What steps can you take to address these issues? [18:42]
4. The sermon challenges the idea of building a utopia without God. In what areas of your life might you be trying to "build" without relying on God, and how can you change that? [50:15]
5. How can you actively challenge the "arrogance of the world" in your own community by living out the gospel message? [43:35]
6. Identify a person or group in your life who might be united in opposition to the gospel. How can you engage them in a conversation that reflects the love and truth of Christ? [12:44]
7. The sermon calls for a recognition of the world's need for Christ. What practical steps can you take this week to offer hope and salvation to those around you? [50:59]

Devotional

Day 1: Unbelief's Ancient Roots
Unbelief is not a modern phenomenon; it has existed since the beginning of the church. The same forces that opposed the early church continue to challenge Christianity today. Understanding this helps us face opposition with confidence, knowing that our faith is rooted in a long history of perseverance. The early church faced persecution, yet they stood firm in their faith, proclaiming Jesus as the cornerstone of salvation. This historical perspective reminds us that the challenges we face today are not new, and we can draw strength from the resilience of those who came before us. [09:12]

Acts 5:41-42 (ESV): "Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus."

Reflection: In what ways can you draw strength from the perseverance of the early church when facing your own challenges today?


Day 2: Unlikely Alliances in Opposition
Unbelief often unites unlikely allies, as seen in the collaboration of Pharisees and Sadducees against Jesus. This opposition is characterized by pride, blindness, and a refusal to acknowledge the miraculous. Recognizing this pattern helps us understand the nature of the opposition we face. The world may unite against the truth of the gospel, but this should not deter us. Instead, it should encourage us to stand firm in our faith, knowing that such opposition is a testament to the power and truth of the message we carry. [12:44]

Psalm 2:1-3 (ESV): "Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, 'Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.'"

Reflection: Can you identify a situation where you have seen unlikely alliances form against the truth? How can you respond with grace and truth in such situations?


Day 3: Bold Proclamation of Faith
The church's response to opposition should be bold proclamation of Jesus Christ as the only Savior. The apostles did not apologize for their faith or dilute their message. Instead, they declared Jesus as the Son of God, the Savior, and the only name by which salvation is possible. This boldness is a call to all believers to stand firm in their faith, regardless of the opposition they face. It is a reminder that our message is not one of compromise but of truth and salvation. [24:29]

2 Timothy 1:7-8 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel hesitant to boldly proclaim your faith? How can you take a step towards boldness today?


Day 4: The Rejected Cornerstone
The world may reject Christ, but it cannot escape Him. The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone. This truth challenges the arrogance of the world, which believes it can build a utopia without God. The rejection of Christ is not the end of the story; rather, it is a testament to His enduring significance and the foundation He provides for all who believe. This cornerstone is a source of strength and stability for believers, reminding us that our faith is built on a firm foundation. [49:42]

1 Peter 2:6-7 (ESV): "For it stands in Scripture: 'Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.' So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.'"

Reflection: How does knowing that Christ is the cornerstone of your faith impact the way you view the world's rejection of Him?


Day 5: Offering Hope to a Needy World
The church must boldly proclaim the gospel, challenging the world to recognize its need for Christ. In doing so, we offer hope and salvation to a world in desperate need of redemption. This is the only way to address the chaos and destruction that result from human efforts without God. The message of the gospel is one of hope, and it is our responsibility to share it with those around us. By doing so, we become instruments of God's grace and love in a world that is searching for meaning and purpose. [50:59]

Isaiah 55:1-3 (ESV): "Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live."

Reflection: Who in your life is in need of the hope and salvation that only Christ can offer? How can you share the gospel with them in a meaningful way this week?

Quotes



"Peter and John fastened their eyes on him and addressed him in those memorable words said Silver and Gold Have I None but such as I have give I Thee in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk Peter extended his hand to him and he grasped it and immediately sprang to his feet his feet and ankle bones receive strength and in a few moments we see him not only walking into the temple but walking and leaping and prais god." [00:03:21]

"Christianity was on trial the members of the sedan were trying to exterminate Christianity they had no use for it and they were impatient with it and they were trying to do away with it completely so that's the picture the church on trial forces opposed to this message doing their utmost not only to silence the church but to extinguish the flame all together." [00:05:11]

"Christianity is at a discount what percentage of the people of this you are country so famous for its religious meetings and revivals what the percentage of the people still attend a place of worship on a Sunday and it's the same in other countries it's a the same in a sense throughout the world my friends Christianity is on trial once more the church is on trial there are forces and powers in the world today that are bitterly opposed to all this and they're intent on the extermination of Christianity." [00:06:15]

"Unbelief is always due to Pride in some shape or form man thinks he's up to date he's got a great brain or something else and so are these people this is what read here when they had set them in the midst they asked by what power or by what name have you done this that's the authorized translation but in the original it's very much more pointed and interesting it reads like this when they had set them in the midst they asked you you by what power or by what name have you done this." [00:18:46]

"Peter filled with the Holy Ghost said unto them you rulers of the people and Elders of Israel if we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent Men by what means he has made H be it known unto you all and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth whom you crucified whom God raised from the dead even by him do this man stand here before you all this is the stone which was set at not of you Builders which has become the head of the corner neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under him given amongst men whereby we must be saved." [00:25:10]

"The church must be filled with the Holy Ghost Peter filled with the Holy Ghost said unto them you rulers of the people and Elders of Israel if we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent Men by what means he has made H be it known unto you all and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth whom you crucified whom God raised from the dead even by him do this man stand here before you all." [00:25:10]

"Jesus Christ who is he well they'd already been telling the crowd who he was and they repeat it to the members of the son gedin Peter had put it like this you know in addressing the crowd in the temple on the previous day he said you men of Israel why marel at at this or why looking so earnestly on us as if by our own power or Holiness we had made this man to walk the god of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob the god of our fathers hath glorified his son Jesus whom you delivered up and denied him in the presence of pilate when he was determined to let him go but you deny the Holy One and the just and demanded a murderer to be granted unto you and killed the Prince of Life whom God hath raised from the dead whereof we Are Witnesses." [00:26:10]

"Jesus is the savior neither is there salvation in any hour for there is none other name under Heaven given amongst men whereby we must be saved what did they preach about Jesus Christ my friends we are living in an age when it's necessary to deal with these preliminary and Elementary matters what do we preach about Jesus having said he's the son of God do we just preach that he was a teacher do we say that he just came into the world to teach us how to live to teach us how to save ourselves to give us an example in the pattern which we are to follow and to emulate is that his message what is the message about Jesus well it is that he's the Christ that he is the savior." [00:28:39]

"Jesus is the savior and that means this not that he teaches us how to save himself to save ourselves but that he has done something which saves us that he came to seek and to save that which was lost that he came to give his life a ransom for many God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself this is not an exhortation to us to save ourselves it is a proclamation which tells us that he has done the one thing that can save us he's the Savior he's done what is necessary and he doesn't merely teach us how we should live and try to save ourselves." [00:30:24]

"Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under him given amongst men whereby we must be saved neither is there salvation in any other he's the only savior he's not only savior he's the only savior I rather like another translation that puts it like this neither is there salvation in any other for there is no second name no second name given under him amongst men whereby we must be saved you see what it means it says there's only one name don't put Other Name by it you're detracting from him he's alone no other name no second name." [00:31:55]

"Peter challenged the Sedin face the face and said neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under him given amongst men whereby we must be saved he and he alone are not in interested in Hinduism I don't need it I'm not interested in the Insight of confusion ISM or muhammadanism or any other kind of ism I don't need them Christ has done it all and to have a World Congress of faiths is to insult him and the Perfection of his finished work he's the Savior and he's the only Savior and that is wife he is the only savior." [00:41:42]

"This is the stone which was set at not of you Builders which nevertheless is made has become The Headstone of the corner what's he mean well he's now facing them with their a Folly and the Calamity the ultimate Calamity to which it's going to lead he said you think you can finish with him but you can't you rejected the stone God has taken it and made it The Headstone of the cor you thought by rejecting and crucifying Jesus of Nazareth that you are finishing that he'd never you'd never see him again he'd never bother you he'd never worry you he'd never detract from you your greatness as the blind teachers you crucified him you buried him you sealed the the stone that you'd put over the open mouth of that grave you put soldiers to guard it you began in your jollification you had a mutual congratulation Society you said we got rid of him we got rid of him but you haven't got rid of him he's risen God has raised him you killed him God raised him there he is the foundation started the new Humanity God's Christ savior of the world you can't get rid of him you'll meet him again he's going to come back and judge the whole world in righteousness." [00:49:42]

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Transcript
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