Boldly Proclaiming Jesus: Trusting in His Sovereignty
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church family. It's wonderful to gather together and focus on the singular name above all names, Jesus Christ. Our purpose in gathering is to shift our focus from ourselves to Him, the great I Am. We are a church family, and whether you're a long-time member or new, we welcome you to join us in this journey of faith.
This month, we have various activities, including the Northridge Basketball Academy summer camps, where many young lives have been touched by Jesus. We also hosted Refugee Hope Partners, emphasizing our mission to love our city well. We are called to be people of invitation, opening our doors and hearts to others.
Today, we delve into Acts 4, focusing on the name of Jesus. Peter and John healed a man in Jesus' name, causing a stir among the religious leaders. They boldly proclaimed that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus. This boldness and the miraculous healing led to their arrest and questioning. Despite threats, they continued to speak boldly about Jesus, emphasizing that He is the cornerstone, the only name by which we must be saved.
The early church's response to persecution was prayer. They prayed for more boldness and for God to continue performing signs and wonders. Their prayer was answered as the place they were meeting was shaken, and they were filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking the word of God boldly.
We are reminded that Jesus is the immovable cornerstone, and His church is the unstoppable force. Our mission is to proclaim His name boldly, with kindness, despite persecution. We are called to surrender our lives for His plan, trusting that He is sovereign and in control. Let us rest in His peace, knowing that He holds our lives securely.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Singular Focus on Jesus: Our gatherings are meant to shift our focus from ourselves to Jesus, the great I Am. He is the reason we come together, and everything we do should point to Him. This focus helps us to forget our worries and the opinions of others, centering our lives on the one who is perfect and sovereign. [24:58]
2. Boldness in Proclaiming Jesus: Peter and John’s boldness in proclaiming Jesus, even in the face of persecution, is a powerful example for us. They declared that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus, emphasizing His unique authority and power. This boldness is something we should pray for and strive to emulate in our own lives. [47:07]
3. The Power of Prayer: The early church’s response to persecution was to pray for more boldness and for God to continue His miraculous works. Their prayer was answered as they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. This teaches us the importance of prayer in seeking God’s strength and guidance in our mission. [01:10:34]
4. Surrendering to God’s Plan: We are called to surrender our lives for God’s plan, trusting that He is sovereign and in control. This means letting go of our own ideas and desires and embracing the life that God has for us. It’s a call to live a life centered on Jesus, proclaiming His name and trusting in His ultimate plan. [50:09]
5. Resting in God’s Sovereignty: Despite the chaos and uncertainties of the world, we can rest in the knowledge that God is sovereign. He is in control, and His plans will prevail. This assurance allows us to face our fears and anxieties with confidence, knowing that our lives are secure in His hands. [01:19:54]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[24:58] - The Singular Focus on Jesus
[26:29] - Church Family and Activities
[27:27] - Northridge Basketball Academy
[28:51] - Refugee Hope Partners
[30:16] - Samaritan's Purse Ministry
[31:35] - God's Sovereignty
[33:23] - The Lord's Prayer
[34:56] - Jesus, the Great I Am
[37:08] - Children's Dismissal
[41:57] - Invitation to Church
[42:53] - Acts Chapter 4
[44:27] - The Healing in Jesus' Name
[47:07] - The Name of Jesus
[48:09] - The Authority of Jesus
[50:09] - Surrendering to God's Plan
[51:46] - Jesus' Tenderheartedness
[52:47] - God's Care for Us
[53:44] - The Question of Surrender
[56:06] - Our Testimony in Jesus
[57:10] - Boldness and Truth
[59:31] - The Leaders' Response
[01:01:00] - The First Name of the Church
[01:04:57] - The Believers Pray
[01:10:34] - Praying for Boldness
[01:19:18] - Spending Your Life for His Plan
[01:19:54] - Resting in God's Sovereignty
[01:22:12] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 4:10-12 (NIV): "then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."
2. Acts 4:29-31 (NIV): "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."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of the religious leaders to the healing performed by Peter and John in the name of Jesus? ([47:07])
2. How did the early church respond to the threats and persecution they faced? ([01:05:25])
3. What specific request did the believers make in their prayer after Peter and John were released? ([01:10:34])
4. What happened immediately after the believers prayed for boldness? ([01:10:34])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Peter and John emphasized that the healing was done in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth? ([47:07])
2. How does the early church’s response to persecution (praying for boldness) challenge or inspire your own approach to difficulties in sharing your faith? ([01:10:34])
3. What does it mean for Jesus to be the "cornerstone" in the context of Acts 4:11? How does this imagery help us understand His role in our faith? ([47:07])
4. In what ways does the prayer of the early church in Acts 4:29-31 reflect their understanding of God’s sovereignty and their mission? ([01:10:34])
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasized the importance of shifting our focus from ourselves to Jesus. What are some practical ways you can make Jesus the central focus of your daily life? ([24:58])
2. Peter and John showed boldness in proclaiming Jesus despite persecution. Have you ever faced opposition when sharing your faith? How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future? ([47:07])
3. The early church prayed for more boldness and for God to continue His miraculous works. How can you incorporate similar prayers into your own prayer life? ([01:10:34])
4. The sermon called us to surrender our lives to God’s plan. What are some areas of your life where you find it difficult to surrender control to God? ([50:09])
5. Despite the chaos in the world, we are called to rest in God’s sovereignty. What specific fears or anxieties do you need to surrender to God, trusting in His control? ([01:19:54])
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of being people of invitation. Is there someone in your life you feel led to invite to church or share your faith with? How can you take a step towards that this week? ([42:53])
7. Reflecting on the early church’s boldness and prayer, what steps can you take to be more bold and kind in your witness for Christ? ([01:12:27])
Devotional
Day 1: Shifting Our Focus to Jesus
Our gatherings are meant to shift our focus from ourselves to Jesus, the great I Am. He is the reason we come together, and everything we do should point to Him. This focus helps us to forget our worries and the opinions of others, centering our lives on the one who is perfect and sovereign. When we gather as a church family, whether we are long-time members or new attendees, our primary purpose is to honor and glorify Jesus. By doing so, we align our hearts and minds with His will, allowing His peace and presence to fill our lives. This singular focus on Jesus transforms our gatherings into powerful moments of worship and spiritual growth. [24:58]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: How can you intentionally shift your focus from your worries to Jesus today? What practical steps can you take to center your thoughts on Him throughout the day?
Day 2: Boldness in Proclaiming Jesus
Peter and John’s boldness in proclaiming Jesus, even in the face of persecution, is a powerful example for us. They declared that salvation is found in no one else but Jesus, emphasizing His unique authority and power. This boldness is something we should pray for and strive to emulate in our own lives. When we face challenges or opposition, we can draw strength from their example and remember that our mission is to proclaim the name of Jesus with courage and conviction. Their unwavering faith and boldness remind us that Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith, and we are called to stand firm in our witness for Him. [47:07]
Acts 4:29-31 (ESV): "And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need more boldness to proclaim Jesus? How can you pray for and cultivate this boldness in your daily interactions?
Day 3: The Power of Prayer
The early church’s response to persecution was to pray for more boldness and for God to continue His miraculous works. Their prayer was answered as they were filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. This teaches us the importance of prayer in seeking God’s strength and guidance in our mission. When we face difficulties or feel inadequate, we can turn to prayer, asking God to empower us with His Spirit and to work through us in mighty ways. Prayer is not just a ritual; it is a powerful means of connecting with God and aligning ourselves with His purposes. [01:10:34]
Ephesians 6:18-20 (ESV): "Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine? What specific areas of your life or mission do you need to bring before God in prayer?
Day 4: Surrendering to God’s Plan
We are called to surrender our lives for God’s plan, trusting that He is sovereign and in control. This means letting go of our own ideas and desires and embracing the life that God has for us. It’s a call to live a life centered on Jesus, proclaiming His name and trusting in His ultimate plan. Surrendering to God’s plan requires humility and faith, recognizing that His ways are higher than our ways. As we surrender, we experience the freedom and peace that come from trusting in His perfect will. [50:09]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 5: Resting in God’s Sovereignty
Despite the chaos and uncertainties of the world, we can rest in the knowledge that God is sovereign. He is in control, and His plans will prevail. This assurance allows us to face our fears and anxieties with confidence, knowing that our lives are secure in His hands. Resting in God’s sovereignty means trusting that He is working all things for our good and His glory, even when we cannot see the full picture. It is a call to find peace and security in His unchanging nature and His faithful promises. [01:19:54]
Psalm 46:10-11 (ESV): "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress."
Reflection: How can you practice resting in God’s sovereignty today? What specific fears or anxieties do you need to surrender to Him, trusting in His control and care?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "People who follow Jesus belong together in a church family. And so if that's you. And if you belong here in this church family, of course, we're so glad that you're here. If this is the first time you've been here or you're new among us, we're so thankful that you came to join us today. And we hope that you feel right at home, that this would be a church family that you could see as your church family." [24:58] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We want them going away with the love for Jesus. And that's something that only God can do. No coach can do that. No program can do that. Only God can do that. So ask him to, would you please?" [27:27] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are a church that is called specifically to love our city well. And that means a whole range of things. Sometimes it just means opening the door and saying, come on in our place is your place, but it also means opening our homes and opening a conversation and opening our lives and opening an invitation." [28:51] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What if your life is really all about that story? Jesus Christ was crucified. God raised him from the dead. And it's by his name that I stand before you healed. What if that's what your life is to be all about? If you're willing, you'll keep it. If you would rather instead hold on to the life that you have, your idea of your life, then you'll lose it." [58:35] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God loves you and he's given you a wonderful life for his plan. In other words, God's mission on the earth is not for you to have a wonderful life. God's mission on the earth is the glory of his son Jesus. And he is willing for us to step into the life of his son." [01:13:45] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The point is, all of it is outshined and all of it is submissive to that one singular great name above all. Names the Lord Jesus Christ. He's the great I am. And so why we come here every time the whole purpose of our gathering is to adjust our focus again off of ourselves and onto him." [26:29] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What he's doing, as we'll talk about in a little while, is he is wrapping his arms of love and redemption and hope and truth. Around the whole world through his church. We are his arms embracing and holding this world together, not by our power, but by his. And so it's essential that we know who we are, who he is and what our relationship to him is like." [31:35] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "There is only one who is absolute like Jesus is absolute. There is only one who is victorious like Jesus is victorious. There is only one who is tender hearted like Jesus is tender hearted. What we're saying is he's completely unique, completely unlike anyone else. No one else is absolute like him. He is exclusive." [49:14] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What if this verse could be your story? What if your story was, hey, everyone, I want everyone to know, know this, it's by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who was crucified, but God raised from the dead. That I stand before you healed. That's our testimony. That's our witness to the world." [56:06] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Boldness with kindness. Understanding there will be persecution. But still receiving the attention of those who are genuinely, sincerely seeking. Seeking God. And that we would be an attractive community that they would want to be a part of because Jesus is the center and he's beautiful." [01:12:27] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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