Bold Faith and Community Support in Uncertain Times
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church. As we gather today, I want to remind us of the importance of standing strong in our faith while remaining humble. Life is full of challenges, and sometimes it feels like we're in the midst of an earthquake, both literally and metaphorically. This week, I experienced an actual earthquake while in my basement, and it reminded me of the unpredictability of life. But even in these moments, we must remember that God is in control. He created this world, and He reigns over all its natural phenomena. We don't need to fear these events but should instead embrace the reality that God is King and Lord of all. Amen? [05:17]
As we continue our journey through the Book of Acts, we focus on Acts 4:23-31. Peter and John had been held captive and were released. Upon their release, they returned to their community and shared all that had happened. The community responded by raising their voices in prayer, acknowledging God's sovereignty and asking for boldness to speak His word. They didn't ask for protection from their enemies but for the courage to proclaim God's message. This is a powerful reminder that we, too, should seek boldness in our faith, even in the face of adversity. [07:36]
In our world today, we often face chaos and uncertainty. But just as the early Christians did, we must turn to prayer. Prayer is a powerful tool that God has given us. When we pray, we open a "magic box" that allows great things to happen. I've seen countless stories of people being transformed through prayer. So, let's take a moment to close our eyes and focus on the words of Ephesians 6:1-24. This passage reminds us to obey our parents, honor our commitments, and serve wholeheartedly as if serving the Lord. It also instructs us to put on the full armor of God so that we can stand firm against the devil's schemes. [22:06]
As we reflect on these scriptures, let's remember that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil. We must be vigilant and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people. This week, I encourage you to pray for each other, for our community, and for the world. Let's be instruments of God's love, extending grace and kindness to those around us. [24:03]
Finally, let's remember that we are not alone. We have a community of believers who support and encourage us. Just as Peter and John returned to their community for support, we too should lean on each other. Share your stories of God's blessings and challenges. Let's be open and honest with each other, celebrating the victories and supporting each other through the struggles. As we go into this week, know that you are loved by God and that He is with you in every trial and triumph. Amen. [26:12]
### Key Takeaways
1. Stand Strong and Remain Humble: Life's unpredictability, like an earthquake, reminds us of our need to stand strong in our faith while remaining humble. We must acknowledge that it is through God's work that we are sustained and that we need to repent and turn from our sins. This balance of strength and humility is crucial in our walk with God. [05:17]
2. Seek Boldness in Faith: In Acts 4:23-31, Peter and John prayed for boldness to speak God's word, not for protection from their enemies. This teaches us to seek courage in proclaiming God's message, even in the face of adversity. Boldness in faith is about trusting God to use us for His purposes, regardless of the challenges we face. [07:36]
3. The Power of Prayer: Prayer is a powerful tool that opens the door for God's work in our lives. Ephesians 6:1-24 reminds us to put on the full armor of God and to pray on all occasions. Through prayer, we can experience transformation and witness God's power at work. Let's commit to praying for each other and for our community. [22:06]
4. Spiritual Vigilance: Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. We must be vigilant, always praying for the Lord's people and standing firm in our faith. This spiritual awareness helps us navigate the challenges of life with God's strength and guidance. [24:03]
5. Community Support: Just as Peter and John returned to their community for support, we too should lean on each other. Sharing our stories of God's blessings and challenges helps build a strong, supportive community. Let's be open and honest, celebrating victories and supporting each other through struggles, knowing that we are loved by God and not alone. [26:12]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:04] - Introduction and Prayer
[01:50] - Upside-Down Kingdom Living
[02:47] - Ignoring the News
[03:41] - Embracing Challenges
[04:30] - Stand Strong and Remain Humble
[05:17] - Earthquake Experience
[05:54] - Signs of God's Creation
[06:47] - Acts 4:23-31 Overview
[07:36] - Peter and John's Boldness
[08:36] - Community Prayer
[09:30] - Sharing God's Work
[10:17] - Recognizing God's Sovereignty
[10:58] - Fulfillment of Prophecy
[11:46] - Application to Our Lives
[12:46] - Acts of Kindness
[13:24] - Being Used by God
[13:57] - Facing Fears
[14:33] - Anticipation and Faith
[15:15] - Shaken by Prayer
[16:13] - Baseball Analogy
[17:37] - Facing Fear in Life
[18:29] - Team Effort in Faith
[19:22] - Proclaiming the Gospel
[19:43] - Power of Prayer for Others
[20:49] - Carrying Each Other's Burdens
[21:38] - Standing Firm on the Rock
[22:06] - Ephesians 6:1-24 Reading
[23:33] - Full Armor of God
[24:03] - Spiritual Vigilance
[25:01] - Encouragement and Peace
[25:33] - God's Love and Protection
[26:12] - Community Support
[26:40] - Engaging with Others
[27:14] - Praying for Healing
[27:46] - Instruments of Love
[28:17] - Seeing People as God's Children
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 4:23-31 (NIV)
> On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one.’ Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
2. Ephesians 6:10-18 (NIV)
> Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of Peter and John’s community when they were released from captivity? ([07:36])
2. In Acts 4:23-31, what did the community pray for after Peter and John shared their experience? ([07:36])
3. According to Ephesians 6:10-18, what are the components of the "full armor of God"? ([24:03])
4. How did the early Christians respond to threats and challenges according to Acts 4:29-31? ([11:46])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the early Christians prayed for boldness instead of protection from their enemies? ([11:46])
2. How does the concept of putting on the "full armor of God" help us in our daily spiritual battles? ([24:03])
3. What does it mean to stand strong in faith while remaining humble, as discussed in the sermon? ([04:30])
4. How can prayer transform our perspective and actions in the face of chaos and uncertainty? ([22:06])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently with a focus on standing strong in faith and remaining humble? ([04:30])
2. In what areas of your life do you need to seek more boldness in proclaiming God's message? How can you take a step towards this boldness this week? ([07:36])
3. How can you incorporate the practice of putting on the "full armor of God" into your daily routine? What specific piece of the armor do you feel you need to focus on right now? ([24:03])
4. Think of a time when prayer significantly impacted your life or the life of someone you know. Share this experience with the group and discuss how you can make prayer a more integral part of your daily life. ([22:06])
5. How can you be more vigilant in recognizing and standing against the spiritual forces of evil in your life? What practical steps can you take to stay spiritually alert? ([24:03])
6. Identify a person in your community who might need support or encouragement. How can you reach out to them this week to share God's love and kindness? ([26:12])
7. Reflect on the importance of community support as highlighted in the sermon. How can you contribute to building a stronger, more supportive community within your church? ([26:12])
Devotional
Day 1: Standing Strong in Faith and Humility
Description: Life is unpredictable, much like an earthquake, and it often challenges our faith and humility. We are reminded that God is in control of all things, including the natural phenomena that can shake our lives. In these moments, we must stand strong in our faith, acknowledging that it is through God's work that we are sustained. At the same time, we must remain humble, recognizing our need to repent and turn from our sins. This balance of strength and humility is crucial in our walk with God. [05:17]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge that shook your faith. How can you stand strong in your faith while remaining humble before God in this situation?
Day 2: Seeking Boldness in Faith
Description: In Acts 4:23-31, Peter and John, after being released from captivity, prayed for boldness to speak God's word rather than for protection from their enemies. This teaches us to seek courage in proclaiming God's message, even in the face of adversity. Boldness in faith is about trusting God to use us for His purposes, regardless of the challenges we face. We are called to be courageous and to trust that God will provide the strength and words we need to share His message with others. [07:36]
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: Identify a situation where you have felt hesitant to share your faith. How can you pray for boldness and take a step of courage in that situation this week?
Day 3: The Power of Prayer
Description: Prayer is a powerful tool that opens the door for God's work in our lives. Ephesians 6:1-24 reminds us to put on the full armor of God and to pray on all occasions. Through prayer, we can experience transformation and witness God's power at work. When we pray, we invite God into our circumstances and allow Him to move in ways we cannot imagine. Let's commit to praying for each other and for our community, trusting that God hears and answers our prayers. [22:06]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs prayer. How can you commit to praying for them consistently this week, and what specific prayers will you lift up on their behalf?
Day 4: Spiritual Vigilance
Description: Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. We must be vigilant, always praying for the Lord's people and standing firm in our faith. This spiritual awareness helps us navigate the challenges of life with God's strength and guidance. By putting on the full armor of God, we can stand firm against the devil's schemes and remain steadfast in our faith. Let's be diligent in our prayers and support for one another, recognizing the spiritual battles we face. [24:03]
1 Peter 5:8-9 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you feel spiritually attacked. How can you put on the full armor of God and remain vigilant in prayer to stand firm in your faith?
Day 5: Community Support
Description: Just as Peter and John returned to their community for support, we too should lean on each other. Sharing our stories of God's blessings and challenges helps build a strong, supportive community. Let's be open and honest, celebrating victories and supporting each other through struggles, knowing that we are loved by God and not alone. Our community of believers is a source of strength and encouragement, helping us to grow in our faith and navigate life's challenges together. [26:12]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt supported by your faith community. How can you offer that same support to someone else in your community this week?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "As the world is in chaos around us, if you notice, the people that are engaging with the man on the rock, they get to have this peaceful space and I view this as the saints and people on the earth praying for that person and there's this whole thing that goes on around prayer and I really only know it as this magic box that God has given us in prayer. When we open that box up, great things happen. Story after story, I can tell you of people getting prayed for and stuff happening." [21:38]
2. "We need to seek after the good things. So, when God says, that we have the ability to change people's lives around us with these words, we need to go after that. We need to be empowered by that and not be afraid of it. Notice in verse 30, it says, stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant, Jesus. They are asking to be used by God. They're not hiding. They're not saying somebody else's problem. Lord, take someone else, not me. No, they are engaging and saying, let's go, God. I'm ready. Put me in, coach." [13:24]
3. "Church, your Father loves you beyond compare. Just know this. As you enter into the week this week, you are not alone. You have the rock to stand firm on that even when earthquakes come, it's no big thing. As trials and tribulations come, it will be no big thing. You will feel it, but he will take care of you." [25:33]
4. "I spent time making sure to talk to people about where things were at in their lives, and to hear their stories and their encouraging words. And all of a sudden, I got this picture that the world is bleak, but it's also beautiful. And I think that is the world we live in. That there is pain and sorrow, and there is joy in the morning. Amen?" [02:47]
### Quotes for Members
1. "We must stand strong against any attempts to keep the kingdom from moving forward and remain humble enough to confess our fears and sins. Catch that part there. It's a two-way thing. We need to be able to stand strong, but we also need to be able to remain humble. Right? Right? Right? And once we stand strong, it's easy sometimes to get that cocky attitude, like everything's great, and I'm awesome, blah, blah, blah. But the reality is that when you're humbled, you need to understand that it is through God's work that allows us to be, and that we are sinners, and we need to be able to turn and repent from our spaces." [04:30]
2. "Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Okay? Notice the words were not, consider their threats and protect us, God, from the bad people. No, it was, Lord, enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Now, what is Jesus' words? They're love. They're caring. They're kindness. They're things that rise up against the junk in this world. I guarantee you an act of kindness will affect us more in our lives, and we want to remember those acts of kindness more than when we were born." [12:46]
3. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you've done everything to stand, stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." [24:03]
4. "After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. Maybe somebody in New Jersey has been praying a little hard. I mean, northern Jersey is not the place we usually think about earthquakes. Three weeks ago, they had a little one there. Now they had a bigger one. I don't know. I was picturing this lady in her little prayer closet with all her little pictures up from that one movie, remember? She's like, they're praying. I'm like, I'm thinking there's this old lady on this block and there's these kids down the street that have been a little annoying and she's been praying over them. Next thing you know, there's an earthquake, right?" [15:15]
5. "Indeed, Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant, Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs of wonders. And through the name of your holy servant, Jesus. And they prayed. The place they were meeting was shaken and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly." [08:36]
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