WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:16.160 Thank you Lisa and let me add my welcome to Lucas. As has been said my name is Alistair. I have the privilege of being the assistant here at the church and this morning it is my privilege to open up Acts 4 for us. So please do keep that passage open in front of you as we look through it this morning. 00:00:16.160 --> 00:00:29.219 Now many of you will know that my wife Sabina and I in 2019 took a six week trip to the Middle East to help serve a local church reach Muslim refugees with the gospel. 00:00:29.560 --> 00:00:38.379 And it was an eye-opening time for us to see what ministry looked like in that setting where it is illegal to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:00:38.380 --> 00:00:47.520 We met many faithful men and women who were serving the Lord at great risk to themselves and to their families. 00:00:48.200 --> 00:00:57.079 We'd heard stories of missionaries who'd been found out by the government that they were sharing the gospel and so they were sent home from one day to the next. 00:00:58.200 --> 00:01:06.079 And one night a group of us sat with a missionary couple as they talked about their stories and their experiences of their time there. 00:01:06.079 --> 00:01:12.239 And someone in this group asked the couple if it was a hard decision for them to move to the Middle East. 00:01:12.459 --> 00:01:17.920 To intentionally move and live under the persecution for the gospel. 00:01:19.319 --> 00:01:22.759 And his response really challenged all of us that night. 00:01:23.439 --> 00:01:29.400 This man who was the same age as me, was newly married, had a son who was one year old, 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:32.840 said that it wasn't a hard decision at all to move to the Middle East. 00:01:32.840 --> 00:01:40.480 Because every single Christian counts the cost to follow Jesus when they become a Christian. 00:01:41.400 --> 00:01:48.340 And one of those costs is persecution and potentially death for our faith. 00:01:49.280 --> 00:01:55.340 The decision, he said, had already been made years ago when he decided to follow Jesus. 00:01:55.340 --> 00:02:01.760 And what we learned in our time there, and what we see through the book of Acts, 00:02:02.060 --> 00:02:06.320 is that the gospel grows as it is opposed. 00:02:07.240 --> 00:02:15.300 Throughout history, nations and rulers have sought to silence the voices of those calling people to believe in Jesus. 00:02:15.300 --> 00:02:24.180 But with every single attempt to quench the gospel, to suppress the good news of Jesus, 00:02:24.180 --> 00:02:27.439 the exact opposite has happened and it has grown. 00:02:28.719 --> 00:02:30.500 Take Iran, for example. 00:02:31.580 --> 00:02:38.860 Which, according to Open Doors, is eighth on the list of countries where Christians are extremely persecuted. 00:02:38.860 --> 00:02:50.100 In Iran, it is estimated that there are one million Christians who meet every week in small, underground, illegal house churches. 00:02:51.160 --> 00:02:56.440 Constantly under the threat of imprisonment, violence and death. 00:02:57.540 --> 00:03:04.960 But despite that persecution, it's estimated that the church in Iran grows about 20% every single year. 00:03:04.960 --> 00:03:09.500 The gospel grows as it is opposed. 00:03:11.200 --> 00:03:13.900 That's what we see happening in the book of Acts. 00:03:14.260 --> 00:03:20.540 This morning, we're going to see how the early church faced persecution and how they responded to it. 00:03:21.560 --> 00:03:24.920 We're going to see how the gospel grows as it is opposed. 00:03:25.340 --> 00:03:28.400 As we consider three things from Acts chapter 4. 00:03:29.439 --> 00:03:33.060 Persecution, proclamation and prayer. 00:03:33.060 --> 00:03:40.259 So the first thing we see in this passage is the persecution of God's people in verses 1 to 7. 00:03:40.520 --> 00:03:43.199 The persecution of God's people. 00:03:44.180 --> 00:03:47.640 Now think back with me to the story in Acts chapter 3. 00:03:48.219 --> 00:03:51.020 Peter and John there, they're going up to the temple to pray. 00:03:51.219 --> 00:03:54.420 And they come across this beggar who's sitting at the gate. 00:03:54.719 --> 00:03:56.159 Lame, unable to walk. 00:03:57.020 --> 00:04:00.120 And he's been that way for his entire life of 40 years. 00:04:00.120 --> 00:04:04.759 And he asks Peter and John for some money to get him by through the day. 00:04:04.939 --> 00:04:07.379 But boy, does he get more than he bargained for. 00:04:07.980 --> 00:04:13.080 Because by the power of the Holy Spirit within them, they heal him in the name of Jesus Christ. 00:04:14.420 --> 00:04:19.319 And this man immediately jumps to his feet and starts walking and leaping and praising God. 00:04:20.319 --> 00:04:24.100 Without a doubt, a mahusive grin on his face. 00:04:24.100 --> 00:04:27.700 And people in the temple are completely amazed. 00:04:28.939 --> 00:04:30.960 And so Peter stands up in front of this crowd. 00:04:31.680 --> 00:04:33.700 And he gives them a belter of a sermon. 00:04:34.160 --> 00:04:35.439 Of who Jesus is. 00:04:36.280 --> 00:04:41.640 And that it was through the power of the resurrected Jesus that this man can now walk. 00:04:42.400 --> 00:04:48.040 You can almost feel the excitement and the buzz as this guy is walking around praising God. 00:04:48.120 --> 00:04:50.100 Never been able to walk in his life before. 00:04:50.100 --> 00:04:55.640 And the crowd hanging on every single word that comes through Peter's mouth. 00:04:55.700 --> 00:04:57.600 You can feel the buzz. 00:04:58.080 --> 00:05:01.520 The tension and the excitement in the air is unbelievable. 00:05:04.140 --> 00:05:06.740 But then we turn to Acts chapter 4 and it's all over. 00:05:08.080 --> 00:05:12.760 Instead of cheers of happiness and excitement, you can hear heckles in verse 1. 00:05:12.759 --> 00:05:20.539 As the priests, the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees storm through the crowd in anger. 00:05:21.139 --> 00:05:22.920 Because they are greatly disturbed. 00:05:24.039 --> 00:05:27.420 They don't like the message being proclaimed. 00:05:27.599 --> 00:05:30.219 Which Luke summarizes in verse 2. 00:05:30.339 --> 00:05:36.039 That Peter was proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 00:05:36.040 --> 00:05:39.640 And so Peter and John are seized in verse 3. 00:05:39.780 --> 00:05:41.439 Thrown into jail for the night. 00:05:41.540 --> 00:05:45.160 Waiting to go on trial in the morning before the Sanhedrin. 00:05:45.920 --> 00:05:51.080 A kind of religious supreme court of the Jewish elite. 00:05:52.860 --> 00:05:54.700 Now imagine how they're feeling in that moment. 00:05:55.820 --> 00:05:57.300 They could have thought this is it. 00:05:57.720 --> 00:05:58.780 We're done for. 00:05:59.420 --> 00:06:00.939 It's all over. 00:06:00.939 --> 00:06:07.680 Sitting in prison because they'd healed a man and told people about Jesus. 00:06:08.639 --> 00:06:14.660 What a contrast to that excitement and awe that they experienced just moments earlier. 00:06:15.879 --> 00:06:17.759 But all is not lost. 00:06:19.220 --> 00:06:21.220 Even in this persecution. 00:06:21.399 --> 00:06:24.300 Because look at the amazing news in verse 4. 00:06:25.199 --> 00:06:27.879 Many who heard the message believed. 00:06:27.879 --> 00:06:33.180 So the number of men who believed grew to about 5,000. 00:06:34.759 --> 00:06:38.040 The gospel grows as it is opposed. 00:06:39.000 --> 00:06:43.860 So whilst these religious leaders were fighting through the crowd to get to Peter and John. 00:06:44.620 --> 00:06:46.740 And lock them in a cell for the night. 00:06:46.800 --> 00:06:50.800 Maybe they overlooked the fact of what was actually happening before their eyes. 00:06:52.000 --> 00:06:56.519 Whilst they're trying to stop the spread of the good news of Jesus Christ. 00:06:56.519 --> 00:06:58.919 It's having the opposite effect. 00:06:59.339 --> 00:07:02.120 As the Holy Spirit is at work in people's lives. 00:07:02.259 --> 00:07:04.379 Many who heard believed. 00:07:07.039 --> 00:07:10.039 If you remember back to the beginning of Acts. 00:07:11.019 --> 00:07:12.979 In chapter 1 verse 15. 00:07:13.680 --> 00:07:17.599 The local church began with just 120 men and women. 00:07:18.879 --> 00:07:19.979 And then at Pentecost. 00:07:20.120 --> 00:07:22.740 A further 3,000 men are added to the church. 00:07:22.740 --> 00:07:24.339 In chapter 2 verse 41. 00:07:24.339 --> 00:07:32.000 And now we see that the number of men in this group of Christians has grown to 5,000. 00:07:32.939 --> 00:07:35.339 Now that is exponential growth. 00:07:36.199 --> 00:07:38.120 And that's only the men being counted. 00:07:38.339 --> 00:07:41.539 So taking into account that women and children there as well. 00:07:42.120 --> 00:07:44.299 The number would be much higher. 00:07:46.879 --> 00:07:50.759 Friends, regardless of what the world throws at the church. 00:07:50.759 --> 00:07:58.180 Regardless of how the devil tries to silence the voices of those calling people to repent and believe in Jesus. 00:07:58.819 --> 00:08:02.279 The gospel grows as it is opposed. 00:08:04.360 --> 00:08:07.699 Now we might not be thrown in jail for sharing Jesus with people. 00:08:08.699 --> 00:08:13.800 But the persecution of the Lord's people comes in all different ways. 00:08:13.800 --> 00:08:24.240 It can be uncomfortable and scary to stand up and proclaim Jesus to a world that rejects him and refuses to acknowledge him. 00:08:25.800 --> 00:08:30.840 It's difficult to be shunned in the workplace because people know you're a Christian. 00:08:30.840 --> 00:08:33.659 So they don't invite you to things because of your views. 00:08:33.659 --> 00:08:41.459 It's hard to think of friends and family members rejecting you because of your faith in Christ. 00:08:43.959 --> 00:08:45.639 The Bible is crystal clear. 00:08:46.539 --> 00:08:49.259 Christians will be opposed and persecuted. 00:08:50.719 --> 00:08:54.719 But we are also told that the gospel grows as it is opposed. 00:08:54.720 --> 00:08:59.560 So how did Peter and John respond to this persecution? 00:09:00.420 --> 00:09:02.879 Well, that's the second thing we see in this passage. 00:09:02.980 --> 00:09:06.879 The proclamation of God's word in verses 8 to 22. 00:09:07.200 --> 00:09:09.700 The proclamation of God's word. 00:09:10.800 --> 00:09:12.320 Now imagine the scene. 00:09:13.060 --> 00:09:19.860 You have two fishermen from Galilee standing before the most religious and important group of people in all of Israel. 00:09:19.860 --> 00:09:24.300 These fishermen have little to no education at all. 00:09:24.659 --> 00:09:32.700 And they're going to be cross-examined by people who have spent their whole lives dedicated to understanding the Old Testament. 00:09:33.060 --> 00:09:35.300 And understanding the things of God. 00:09:36.680 --> 00:09:41.800 But all of their learning has amounted to absolutely nothing because they ask in verse 7, 00:09:42.240 --> 00:09:44.820 By what power or what name did you do this? 00:09:44.820 --> 00:09:50.940 They can't even discern a work of God that happens before their very eyes. 00:09:51.980 --> 00:09:54.440 They refuse to believe the truth. 00:09:56.260 --> 00:10:00.140 And I'll contrast that with Peter who filled with the Holy Spirit, verse 8, 00:10:00.540 --> 00:10:03.620 Speaks boldly and clearly about who Jesus is. 00:10:04.360 --> 00:10:08.379 And he even has a better grasp of the Old Testament than these learned men do. 00:10:09.740 --> 00:10:12.140 Peter answers their question in verse 10. 00:10:13.040 --> 00:10:13.760 Read with me. 00:10:13.759 --> 00:10:18.220 It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, 00:10:19.220 --> 00:10:23.200 But whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 00:10:25.419 --> 00:10:30.899 Now do you see that boldness that the Spirit gives Peter to speak with such authority? 00:10:31.939 --> 00:10:35.960 To men much more educated, much more trained than he is. 00:10:35.960 --> 00:10:46.100 He even beats them at their own game in verse 11 by quoting from the Old Testament in Psalm 118, verse 22. 00:10:47.980 --> 00:10:51.379 Peter tells these men that thought they were wise, 00:10:52.420 --> 00:10:55.840 That they have actually no idea what they've just done. 00:10:55.840 --> 00:11:02.940 They have fulfilled what the Old Testament said would happen hundreds of years before it took place. 00:11:03.800 --> 00:11:05.560 That Jesus would be rejected. 00:11:05.559 --> 00:11:11.959 But that God made him the cornerstone of the church. 00:11:12.019 --> 00:11:13.919 That's what verse 11 means. 00:11:13.919 --> 00:11:20.899 Now we don't make buildings like this anymore, so we maybe don't understand exactly what Peter is saying, 00:11:21.000 --> 00:11:25.159 But these guys would have known exactly what he was illustrating. 00:11:25.159 --> 00:11:30.079 Back then the cornerstone bore the entire weight of a building. 00:11:30.519 --> 00:11:37.419 It was the standard, it was the spirit level, if you will, of how straight and safe the building was going to be. 00:11:37.500 --> 00:11:42.500 If the cornerstone was off, if you had the wrong cornerstone, the building would crumble. 00:11:42.500 --> 00:11:51.700 Now the religious leaders thought Jesus was just a random teacher who went against the status quo. 00:11:52.659 --> 00:11:55.580 But he is the foundation of the church. 00:11:57.179 --> 00:12:03.700 And if you imagine this entire court scene as a boxing match, the Sanhedrin are definitely on the ropes. 00:12:04.519 --> 00:12:07.779 Fighting for air, looking for a free seconds to come out. 00:12:07.860 --> 00:12:11.440 But Peter is just about to deliver the final blow. 00:12:11.440 --> 00:12:13.920 Verse 12, Peter says this. 00:12:14.820 --> 00:12:17.760 Salvation is found in no one else. 00:12:18.500 --> 00:12:25.520 For there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved. 00:12:27.280 --> 00:12:29.400 Now remember who Peter is speaking to. 00:12:30.300 --> 00:12:37.880 A group of the religious elite who thought that their religiosity was enough for them to be right with God. 00:12:37.879 --> 00:12:46.439 A group of people who assumed because they were born into the people of Israel that they were automatically in God's good books. 00:12:48.659 --> 00:12:50.539 Well Peter gives them a wake up call. 00:12:51.379 --> 00:12:53.159 And it's one that we need to hear too. 00:12:53.159 --> 00:12:57.779 We cannot earn our way into heaven. 00:12:57.779 --> 00:13:02.899 No amount of religious living will save you. 00:13:03.899 --> 00:13:09.059 You can have absolutely perfect Sunday morning attendance and still not know Jesus. 00:13:09.059 --> 00:13:14.059 You can have all the right answers to the difficult questions. 00:13:14.719 --> 00:13:21.500 But if you do not believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and God raised him from the dead. 00:13:22.339 --> 00:13:24.439 You are not saved. 00:13:24.440 --> 00:13:31.360 Salvation is found in no other name than Jesus Christ. 00:13:33.260 --> 00:13:35.240 Now maybe you are here and you are not a Christian. 00:13:36.420 --> 00:13:37.860 Listen to that message. 00:13:37.860 --> 00:13:46.539 There is nothing and no one else in this world that can save you but Jesus. 00:13:47.539 --> 00:13:49.659 There are not multiple ways to God. 00:13:50.779 --> 00:13:53.019 Jesus isn't a good option among many. 00:13:54.440 --> 00:13:56.899 Jesus is the only way to the Father. 00:13:58.480 --> 00:14:00.960 Will you come to Jesus and be saved? 00:14:01.080 --> 00:14:03.879 It is an exclusive message but it is an invitation. 00:14:03.879 --> 00:14:07.179 Will you listen? 00:14:09.559 --> 00:14:14.620 And so Peter has just stood up and he has taken this group of religious elite to school. 00:14:15.639 --> 00:14:18.580 They see Peter's boldness and his courage. 00:14:18.720 --> 00:14:24.480 They recognize that he is just an ordinary unschooled man as verse 13 says. 00:14:24.700 --> 00:14:26.679 But something is different. 00:14:28.639 --> 00:14:33.440 Once someone's been through a life altering moment everything about them can change. 00:14:34.299 --> 00:14:35.799 Their perspective on life. 00:14:36.200 --> 00:14:38.100 The way they interact with others. 00:14:38.179 --> 00:14:41.720 The way they perceive everything going on around them. 00:14:42.379 --> 00:14:45.919 And you can't quite put your finger on it but something just seems different. 00:14:47.700 --> 00:14:50.600 That's exactly what the Sanhedrin see in Peter and John. 00:14:50.840 --> 00:14:54.740 But they know exactly what the cause for it is. 00:14:55.259 --> 00:14:56.179 Verse 13. 00:14:56.179 --> 00:15:02.739 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled ordinary men. 00:15:02.879 --> 00:15:08.739 They were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 00:15:08.740 --> 00:15:17.340 Now that verse should be a huge encouragement for every single Christian because we are ordinary. 00:15:19.039 --> 00:15:21.399 We fail all the time. 00:15:21.940 --> 00:15:24.940 We make mistakes every single day. 00:15:25.460 --> 00:15:27.860 We don't have all the knowledge in the world. 00:15:27.980 --> 00:15:30.180 We don't always have the right words to say. 00:15:30.179 --> 00:15:35.179 We don't have the ability to convince people to become Christians. 00:15:35.839 --> 00:15:38.939 We are sinful broken human beings. 00:15:39.139 --> 00:15:39.419 But. 00:15:40.439 --> 00:15:41.079 But. 00:15:41.539 --> 00:15:42.679 Like Peter. 00:15:43.239 --> 00:15:45.819 We are filled with the Holy Spirit. 00:15:45.959 --> 00:15:47.219 And the wonderful news. 00:15:47.599 --> 00:15:50.419 Is that God can take ordinary people. 00:15:50.599 --> 00:15:51.239 Like you. 00:15:51.519 --> 00:15:52.379 And like me. 00:15:52.639 --> 00:15:55.319 And do extraordinary things for his kingdom. 00:15:55.320 --> 00:15:57.020 And he does it every single day. 00:15:57.180 --> 00:15:58.379 All over the world. 00:16:00.960 --> 00:16:03.500 Do you know what my prayer has been this entire week. 00:16:03.580 --> 00:16:04.720 As I've prepared this sermon. 00:16:06.060 --> 00:16:07.560 Do you know what I want people. 00:16:07.660 --> 00:16:09.540 I would like people to be able to say. 00:16:09.700 --> 00:16:12.000 About my life after I'm dead and gone. 00:16:13.180 --> 00:16:15.080 I want people to be able to say. 00:16:15.600 --> 00:16:17.520 That they knew I'd been with Jesus. 00:16:19.380 --> 00:16:20.300 That's my prayer. 00:16:21.640 --> 00:16:24.300 And this should characterize every aspect. 00:16:24.299 --> 00:16:26.059 Of every Christian's life. 00:16:27.539 --> 00:16:29.279 People should know. 00:16:29.279 --> 00:16:30.379 That we are Christians. 00:16:31.279 --> 00:16:32.899 Based on how we speak. 00:16:33.659 --> 00:16:34.679 How we act. 00:16:35.199 --> 00:16:36.919 And how we face persecution. 00:16:37.419 --> 00:16:38.179 For the gospel. 00:16:39.959 --> 00:16:41.099 People should know. 00:16:41.339 --> 00:16:42.639 That we have spent time. 00:16:42.939 --> 00:16:43.399 With Jesus. 00:16:45.419 --> 00:16:46.659 What did that look like. 00:16:46.740 --> 00:16:47.599 For Peter and John. 00:16:48.679 --> 00:16:49.879 What does that have to do. 00:16:49.939 --> 00:16:51.659 With the fact that the gospel grows. 00:16:51.699 --> 00:16:52.599 As it's opposed. 00:16:52.600 --> 00:16:54.779 Well the Sanhedrin refused. 00:16:55.139 --> 00:16:56.639 To acknowledge the truth. 00:16:56.840 --> 00:16:58.019 That the lame man was healed. 00:16:58.080 --> 00:16:59.399 A wonderful miracle done. 00:16:59.440 --> 00:17:00.279 In the name of Jesus. 00:17:01.019 --> 00:17:02.500 They wanted to reject. 00:17:02.639 --> 00:17:03.659 All of the evidence. 00:17:03.840 --> 00:17:04.680 But they couldn't. 00:17:06.220 --> 00:17:07.460 They had all the evidence. 00:17:07.559 --> 00:17:08.620 Right in front of them. 00:17:08.700 --> 00:17:09.200 They wanted. 00:17:09.880 --> 00:17:11.000 To refuse it. 00:17:12.620 --> 00:17:13.579 And that's what they do. 00:17:13.660 --> 00:17:15.079 In verses 14 to 16. 00:17:15.079 --> 00:17:19.619 And in verses 17 to 21. 00:17:19.619 --> 00:17:21.139 They threaten the disciples. 00:17:21.519 --> 00:17:23.639 Never to speak about Jesus again. 00:17:25.039 --> 00:17:26.059 But remember. 00:17:26.679 --> 00:17:28.099 The gospel grows. 00:17:28.220 --> 00:17:29.179 As it is opposed. 00:17:29.980 --> 00:17:31.079 The tighter their fist. 00:17:31.159 --> 00:17:32.059 Gets in anger. 00:17:32.240 --> 00:17:33.019 And frustration. 00:17:33.019 --> 00:17:34.799 That these men are sharing Jesus. 00:17:35.439 --> 00:17:36.359 The more. 00:17:36.679 --> 00:17:38.099 They attempt to stop. 00:17:38.199 --> 00:17:39.299 The gospel spreading. 00:17:40.279 --> 00:17:42.039 The harder the disciples fight. 00:17:42.379 --> 00:17:43.579 The harder they go out. 00:17:43.659 --> 00:17:44.319 And tell Jesus. 00:17:44.619 --> 00:17:45.399 To the world. 00:17:45.599 --> 00:17:46.039 Nothing. 00:17:46.819 --> 00:17:47.299 Nothing. 00:17:48.039 --> 00:17:49.119 Will stop them. 00:17:49.659 --> 00:17:50.460 Sharing the gospel. 00:17:50.599 --> 00:17:51.940 As they say in verse 20. 00:17:52.059 --> 00:17:53.240 We cannot help. 00:17:54.319 --> 00:17:56.319 Speaking about what we have seen. 00:17:56.740 --> 00:17:57.399 And heard. 00:17:58.839 --> 00:17:59.879 Now we get this. 00:17:59.940 --> 00:18:00.299 Don't we? 00:18:00.960 --> 00:18:01.960 We do the same. 00:18:02.039 --> 00:18:02.919 If we like something. 00:18:03.019 --> 00:18:03.799 We get enthusiastic. 00:18:03.799 --> 00:18:05.599 With people. 00:18:05.799 --> 00:18:07.339 And we want to share it with them. 00:18:08.460 --> 00:18:09.019 For example. 00:18:09.159 --> 00:18:09.839 Two months ago. 00:18:09.980 --> 00:18:10.740 Sabina and I. 00:18:11.180 --> 00:18:12.279 Got a new cooking gadget. 00:18:12.539 --> 00:18:13.559 And it has changed. 00:18:13.559 --> 00:18:14.480 Our lives completely. 00:18:14.700 --> 00:18:15.440 And it has changed. 00:18:15.500 --> 00:18:15.940 The food. 00:18:16.240 --> 00:18:16.940 That we eat. 00:18:17.079 --> 00:18:18.359 And if you've spoken to me. 00:18:18.440 --> 00:18:19.359 In the last two months. 00:18:19.359 --> 00:18:20.839 You've probably already heard. 00:18:20.980 --> 00:18:21.839 Quite a bit about it. 00:18:21.960 --> 00:18:22.539 So I apologize. 00:18:22.539 --> 00:18:23.639 For bringing it up again. 00:18:24.899 --> 00:18:25.940 But that's normal. 00:18:26.180 --> 00:18:26.639 Isn't it? 00:18:27.859 --> 00:18:28.460 For you. 00:18:28.559 --> 00:18:29.279 It might be the new. 00:18:29.359 --> 00:18:30.220 Netflix series. 00:18:30.299 --> 00:18:31.319 Or TV program. 00:18:31.980 --> 00:18:33.119 It might be the hobby. 00:18:33.119 --> 00:18:34.259 Or the sports you play. 00:18:34.319 --> 00:18:35.399 It may be a new skill. 00:18:35.599 --> 00:18:37.179 You picked up during lockdown. 00:18:37.599 --> 00:18:39.859 When we find something we love. 00:18:40.199 --> 00:18:41.779 Something that changes our life. 00:18:41.899 --> 00:18:42.939 We cannot help. 00:18:43.000 --> 00:18:44.559 But tell everyone about it. 00:18:46.399 --> 00:18:47.939 So why don't we do the same. 00:18:48.259 --> 00:18:48.859 With Jesus. 00:18:51.459 --> 00:18:52.819 We're all evangelists. 00:18:52.819 --> 00:18:53.459 Of something. 00:18:55.119 --> 00:18:56.199 Let's make it the thing. 00:18:56.259 --> 00:18:57.199 That really matters. 00:18:58.079 --> 00:18:58.859 The good news. 00:18:59.179 --> 00:18:59.919 About Jesus. 00:19:01.279 --> 00:19:02.279 So these men. 00:19:02.279 --> 00:19:03.200 Had been with Jesus. 00:19:03.200 --> 00:19:04.799 Their lives were never the same. 00:19:05.079 --> 00:19:05.599 Again. 00:19:06.960 --> 00:19:07.660 And that meant. 00:19:07.779 --> 00:19:09.220 That in the face of persecution. 00:19:09.220 --> 00:19:10.039 And threats. 00:19:10.139 --> 00:19:10.839 Their response. 00:19:10.839 --> 00:19:11.960 Was to continue. 00:19:12.299 --> 00:19:13.099 To proclaim. 00:19:13.319 --> 00:19:14.180 The word of God. 00:19:15.160 --> 00:19:15.899 And friends. 00:19:15.980 --> 00:19:16.720 That should be us. 00:19:18.279 --> 00:19:20.220 That should be our response too. 00:19:21.680 --> 00:19:23.180 We will want to back down. 00:19:23.279 --> 00:19:24.399 When opposition comes. 00:19:25.059 --> 00:19:26.039 Because it's easier. 00:19:26.139 --> 00:19:26.859 To shy away. 00:19:26.859 --> 00:19:29.859 We are called. 00:19:29.859 --> 00:19:31.159 To suffer for Christ. 00:19:32.679 --> 00:19:33.939 When we follow Jesus. 00:19:34.619 --> 00:19:35.819 We are signing up. 00:19:35.919 --> 00:19:36.979 For a life of suffering. 00:19:37.139 --> 00:19:38.439 But it is a life of suffering. 00:19:38.579 --> 00:19:39.839 With Jesus. 00:19:41.079 --> 00:19:42.659 It is a life of sharing. 00:19:42.779 --> 00:19:43.879 The greatest news. 00:19:43.879 --> 00:19:44.619 In the world. 00:19:45.039 --> 00:19:46.299 That the world can ever hear. 00:19:47.059 --> 00:19:48.359 That God sent his son. 00:19:48.419 --> 00:19:49.619 To die in our place. 00:19:49.719 --> 00:19:50.719 To make forgiveness. 00:19:51.399 --> 00:19:51.839 Possible. 00:19:52.039 --> 00:19:53.179 And give us new life. 00:19:53.279 --> 00:19:54.639 The life that we were created. 00:19:54.640 --> 00:19:55.759 To live. 00:19:59.340 --> 00:20:00.700 We cannot keep that news. 00:20:00.700 --> 00:20:01.259 To ourselves. 00:20:03.460 --> 00:20:04.600 But even in the face. 00:20:04.620 --> 00:20:05.420 Of persecution. 00:20:05.580 --> 00:20:07.540 Regardless of how severe it is. 00:20:08.240 --> 00:20:09.680 We must proclaim. 00:20:09.920 --> 00:20:11.580 The word of God. 00:20:12.140 --> 00:20:13.500 The gospel grows. 00:20:14.040 --> 00:20:15.180 As it is opposed. 00:20:17.380 --> 00:20:18.240 And the last thing. 00:20:18.600 --> 00:20:19.840 That we see in this passage. 00:20:19.980 --> 00:20:20.620 Is the prayer. 00:20:20.920 --> 00:20:22.460 For godly boldness. 00:20:22.960 --> 00:20:24.620 In verses 23 to 31. 00:20:24.640 --> 00:20:25.460 The prayer. 00:20:25.860 --> 00:20:27.480 For godly boldness. 00:20:28.700 --> 00:20:29.920 So Peter and John. 00:20:29.980 --> 00:20:30.900 Are released from jail. 00:20:31.360 --> 00:20:32.480 They've been through. 00:20:32.680 --> 00:20:33.580 A tough ordeal. 00:20:33.700 --> 00:20:35.140 As they were cross-examined. 00:20:35.320 --> 00:20:36.880 By the religious elite. 00:20:36.880 --> 00:20:37.640 Of their day. 00:20:39.140 --> 00:20:39.840 And now. 00:20:39.960 --> 00:20:40.600 They might be tempted. 00:20:40.600 --> 00:20:41.240 To head home. 00:20:41.980 --> 00:20:43.200 To put their feet up. 00:20:43.520 --> 00:20:44.300 To rest. 00:20:44.520 --> 00:20:45.300 I know that's what. 00:20:45.560 --> 00:20:46.800 I would be tempted to do. 00:20:48.500 --> 00:20:49.880 But Peter and John's. 00:20:49.880 --> 00:20:50.720 First response. 00:20:50.820 --> 00:20:51.800 Is that they want to go. 00:20:51.880 --> 00:20:53.200 And gather with the Lord's people. 00:20:53.200 --> 00:20:54.080 They want to see. 00:20:54.080 --> 00:20:54.799 Their church. 00:20:55.299 --> 00:20:55.700 Family. 00:20:56.779 --> 00:20:58.120 So they immediately go. 00:20:58.360 --> 00:20:59.539 To their church community. 00:20:59.539 --> 00:21:00.559 And tell them everything. 00:21:00.559 --> 00:21:01.640 That's been going on. 00:21:03.120 --> 00:21:04.160 But from the reading. 00:21:04.160 --> 00:21:06.000 Of verses 23 to 24. 00:21:06.140 --> 00:21:06.559 It doesn't. 00:21:06.860 --> 00:21:07.840 You don't get the sense. 00:21:07.900 --> 00:21:08.559 That they're grumbling. 00:21:09.539 --> 00:21:10.680 You don't get the sense. 00:21:10.759 --> 00:21:11.500 That they're angry. 00:21:12.880 --> 00:21:13.840 Or complaining. 00:21:13.839 --> 00:21:17.959 Well their response. 00:21:17.959 --> 00:21:18.659 Is the right one. 00:21:18.740 --> 00:21:19.059 And man. 00:21:19.220 --> 00:21:20.039 I wish I was. 00:21:20.319 --> 00:21:21.519 As I was writing this. 00:21:21.639 --> 00:21:22.279 I was convicted. 00:21:22.279 --> 00:21:23.319 By their prayer. 00:21:23.740 --> 00:21:24.720 Because that's what they do. 00:21:24.779 --> 00:21:25.939 They gather with the Lord's people. 00:21:26.039 --> 00:21:26.679 And they pray. 00:21:26.759 --> 00:21:27.699 As they're persecuted. 00:21:27.980 --> 00:21:29.259 In verse 24. 00:21:29.259 --> 00:21:29.859 They say. 00:21:30.099 --> 00:21:30.819 Sovereign Lord. 00:21:31.639 --> 00:21:32.919 You made the heavens. 00:21:32.919 --> 00:21:33.599 And the earth. 00:21:33.639 --> 00:21:34.119 And the sea. 00:21:34.220 --> 00:21:35.199 And everything in them. 00:21:35.779 --> 00:21:37.339 You spoke by the Holy Spirit. 00:21:37.339 --> 00:21:38.779 Through the mouth of your servant. 00:21:39.079 --> 00:21:39.980 Our father David. 00:21:40.299 --> 00:21:41.839 Why do the nations rage. 00:21:42.099 --> 00:21:43.619 And the peoples plot in vain. 00:21:44.500 --> 00:21:46.079 The kings of the earth. 00:21:46.199 --> 00:21:46.659 Rise up. 00:21:46.759 --> 00:21:47.299 And the rulers. 00:21:47.459 --> 00:21:48.259 Band together. 00:21:48.359 --> 00:21:49.199 Against the Lord. 00:21:49.259 --> 00:21:50.839 And against his anointed one. 00:21:53.679 --> 00:21:54.619 Often I find. 00:21:54.719 --> 00:21:55.399 Our response. 00:21:55.519 --> 00:21:56.179 To persecution. 00:21:56.379 --> 00:21:57.000 Is to ask God. 00:21:57.039 --> 00:21:57.779 To take it away. 00:21:59.819 --> 00:22:00.719 We don't want. 00:22:00.719 --> 00:22:01.479 To be mocked. 00:22:01.500 --> 00:22:02.419 For being Christians. 00:22:03.099 --> 00:22:03.919 We don't want. 00:22:03.959 --> 00:22:04.659 To be shunned. 00:22:04.699 --> 00:22:05.439 By our family. 00:22:05.819 --> 00:22:06.559 And our friends. 00:22:07.399 --> 00:22:08.239 We don't want. 00:22:08.319 --> 00:22:09.039 The emotional. 00:22:09.479 --> 00:22:10.119 Or maybe even. 00:22:10.219 --> 00:22:11.279 The physical scars. 00:22:11.479 --> 00:22:12.439 Of persecution. 00:22:12.599 --> 00:22:13.379 So we ask God. 00:22:13.380 --> 00:22:14.620 To just take it away. 00:22:15.460 --> 00:22:16.300 It's hard. 00:22:18.380 --> 00:22:19.860 But we would do far better. 00:22:20.400 --> 00:22:21.220 To respond. 00:22:21.300 --> 00:22:21.840 As they do. 00:22:23.000 --> 00:22:23.400 Recognizing. 00:22:23.400 --> 00:22:24.660 That God is in control. 00:22:25.480 --> 00:22:26.720 And that he can use. 00:22:26.760 --> 00:22:27.880 Even the most painful. 00:22:28.420 --> 00:22:29.520 Things in our lives. 00:22:29.520 --> 00:22:30.960 For his purposes. 00:22:30.960 --> 00:22:32.420 The gospel grows. 00:22:32.980 --> 00:22:34.040 As it is. 00:22:34.320 --> 00:22:34.800 Opposed. 00:22:34.799 --> 00:22:38.000 And on top of that. 00:22:38.079 --> 00:22:39.000 Verses 25. 00:22:39.000 --> 00:22:39.859 To 28. 00:22:39.859 --> 00:22:41.359 Show that the early church. 00:22:41.359 --> 00:22:42.379 Saw this opposition. 00:22:42.599 --> 00:22:43.379 This persecution. 00:22:43.819 --> 00:22:45.379 As a direct fulfillment. 00:22:45.379 --> 00:22:46.259 Of Psalm 2. 00:22:47.220 --> 00:22:48.139 The nations. 00:22:48.419 --> 00:22:49.399 The Gentiles. 00:22:49.480 --> 00:22:50.480 The nation of Israel. 00:22:50.960 --> 00:22:51.500 Rulers. 00:22:51.579 --> 00:22:52.079 And leaders. 00:22:52.079 --> 00:22:53.200 All gathered together. 00:22:53.200 --> 00:22:53.980 In opposition. 00:22:53.980 --> 00:22:54.899 Against God. 00:22:55.659 --> 00:22:57.240 Against his anointed one. 00:22:57.279 --> 00:22:58.079 As of the cross. 00:22:58.079 --> 00:22:58.879 They crucified. 00:22:58.879 --> 00:22:59.799 The Messiah. 00:23:00.419 --> 00:23:01.879 Sent to save them. 00:23:02.799 --> 00:23:04.259 And they are continuing. 00:23:04.439 --> 00:23:05.000 Even now. 00:23:05.000 --> 00:23:06.240 To rage against God. 00:23:06.319 --> 00:23:07.919 By persecuting the church. 00:23:10.659 --> 00:23:11.240 Friends. 00:23:11.299 --> 00:23:12.099 We are promised. 00:23:13.159 --> 00:23:13.720 Suffering. 00:23:13.799 --> 00:23:14.919 If we follow Christ. 00:23:14.920 --> 00:23:15.000 Christ. 00:23:16.279 --> 00:23:16.920 But the Bible. 00:23:17.279 --> 00:23:17.980 Encourages us. 00:23:18.060 --> 00:23:18.700 With two truths. 00:23:18.700 --> 00:23:19.060 When that. 00:23:19.240 --> 00:23:19.740 Two truths. 00:23:19.800 --> 00:23:20.500 When that happens. 00:23:20.620 --> 00:23:21.300 First of all. 00:23:21.620 --> 00:23:22.940 God is in control. 00:23:23.840 --> 00:23:25.420 Regardless of what your situation. 00:23:26.039 --> 00:23:27.060 May feel like. 00:23:27.220 --> 00:23:27.900 God is. 00:23:28.180 --> 00:23:28.960 In control. 00:23:30.200 --> 00:23:30.840 And secondly. 00:23:30.840 --> 00:23:31.600 When we suffer. 00:23:31.600 --> 00:23:32.240 For the gospel. 00:23:32.400 --> 00:23:33.259 We are partaking. 00:23:33.440 --> 00:23:34.019 In the suffering. 00:23:34.100 --> 00:23:35.060 Of Jesus Christ. 00:23:35.560 --> 00:23:36.460 And somehow. 00:23:36.720 --> 00:23:37.080 Somehow. 00:23:37.800 --> 00:23:38.820 God will use it. 00:23:38.880 --> 00:23:39.560 For his glory. 00:23:40.720 --> 00:23:41.580 The gospel. 00:23:41.800 --> 00:23:42.220 Grows. 00:23:42.580 --> 00:23:43.340 As it is. 00:23:43.600 --> 00:23:44.100 Opposed. 00:23:45.580 --> 00:23:46.100 Now. 00:23:46.160 --> 00:23:46.660 What we do. 00:23:46.740 --> 00:23:47.660 When we are persecuted. 00:23:47.660 --> 00:23:48.440 Is important. 00:23:49.240 --> 00:23:50.300 We should learn. 00:23:50.300 --> 00:23:51.300 From the early church. 00:23:51.340 --> 00:23:52.000 And put prayer. 00:23:52.000 --> 00:23:53.240 As our priority. 00:23:53.980 --> 00:23:54.980 It's so easy. 00:23:54.980 --> 00:23:55.580 To forget. 00:23:55.580 --> 00:23:56.420 About prayer. 00:23:56.580 --> 00:23:57.500 Until we've tried. 00:23:57.500 --> 00:23:58.220 Everything else. 00:23:58.220 --> 00:23:59.019 In our ability. 00:24:00.779 --> 00:24:02.220 But our first port of call. 00:24:02.279 --> 00:24:03.000 Should always be. 00:24:03.100 --> 00:24:03.840 To run to God. 00:24:03.900 --> 00:24:04.340 In prayer. 00:24:05.560 --> 00:24:06.320 And what we pray. 00:24:06.400 --> 00:24:07.140 Is also important. 00:24:08.440 --> 00:24:09.000 They pray. 00:24:09.140 --> 00:24:09.640 Look with me. 00:24:09.700 --> 00:24:10.080 In verse. 00:24:10.560 --> 00:24:11.039 29. 00:24:11.460 --> 00:24:11.940 Now Lord. 00:24:12.019 --> 00:24:13.340 Consider their threats. 00:24:13.340 --> 00:24:14.620 And enable your servants. 00:24:14.920 --> 00:24:16.259 To speak your word. 00:24:16.259 --> 00:24:18.080 With great boldness. 00:24:18.960 --> 00:24:20.080 Stretch out your hand. 00:24:20.140 --> 00:24:20.600 To heal. 00:24:20.940 --> 00:24:22.060 And perform signs. 00:24:22.060 --> 00:24:22.759 And wonders. 00:24:22.759 --> 00:24:23.640 Through the name. 00:24:23.640 --> 00:24:25.240 Of your holy servant. 00:24:25.400 --> 00:24:25.700 Jesus. 00:24:27.380 --> 00:24:28.259 They pray. 00:24:28.259 --> 00:24:29.200 For boldness. 00:24:30.340 --> 00:24:31.160 They pray. 00:24:31.160 --> 00:24:32.320 That even in the face. 00:24:32.360 --> 00:24:33.200 Of threats. 00:24:33.420 --> 00:24:34.539 That by the power. 00:24:34.539 --> 00:24:35.519 Of the Holy Spirit. 00:24:35.519 --> 00:24:36.360 They would be bold. 00:24:36.440 --> 00:24:37.500 To proclaim Christ. 00:24:37.660 --> 00:24:38.440 To the world. 00:24:38.500 --> 00:24:38.980 And share. 00:24:39.380 --> 00:24:39.860 Jesus. 00:24:41.920 --> 00:24:42.400 Friends. 00:24:42.400 --> 00:24:43.200 That should be our prayer. 00:24:43.200 --> 00:24:44.160 Every single day. 00:24:45.060 --> 00:24:46.640 Every single day. 00:24:47.440 --> 00:24:49.019 This is exactly how. 00:24:49.080 --> 00:24:49.980 Ordinary people. 00:24:49.980 --> 00:24:50.860 Like you and me. 00:24:50.860 --> 00:24:52.640 Do extraordinary things. 00:24:52.640 --> 00:24:53.340 For the gospel. 00:24:54.280 --> 00:24:56.240 By relying on the Holy Spirit. 00:24:56.240 --> 00:24:57.480 Not by our own intellect. 00:24:58.019 --> 00:24:59.440 Not by any skills. 00:25:00.400 --> 00:25:02.180 And not by human enthusiasm. 00:25:02.180 --> 00:25:04.100 But by a work of the Holy Spirit. 00:25:04.100 --> 00:25:04.980 In our lives. 00:25:05.180 --> 00:25:06.360 Who empowers. 00:25:06.519 --> 00:25:07.259 And enables us. 00:25:07.320 --> 00:25:07.860 To go out. 00:25:08.060 --> 00:25:09.019 To a lost world. 00:25:09.019 --> 00:25:10.220 And tell them. 00:25:10.299 --> 00:25:11.079 How to be saved. 00:25:14.019 --> 00:25:14.960 Why not start. 00:25:15.019 --> 00:25:15.539 Every morning. 00:25:15.539 --> 00:25:16.039 This week. 00:25:16.039 --> 00:25:17.099 With that simple prayer. 00:25:18.180 --> 00:25:18.619 Lord. 00:25:18.680 --> 00:25:19.519 Enable your servant. 00:25:19.519 --> 00:25:19.980 Today. 00:25:20.279 --> 00:25:21.339 To speak your word. 00:25:21.379 --> 00:25:22.160 With boldness. 00:25:23.460 --> 00:25:24.279 Pray that. 00:25:24.980 --> 00:25:26.079 And act on it. 00:25:27.099 --> 00:25:28.039 And act. 00:25:28.039 --> 00:25:28.779 In anticipation. 00:25:28.779 --> 00:25:29.619 That the Lord. 00:25:29.740 --> 00:25:30.420 Will equip you. 00:25:30.519 --> 00:25:31.139 And enable you. 00:25:31.240 --> 00:25:31.740 With boldness. 00:25:31.799 --> 00:25:32.460 To proclaim. 00:25:32.879 --> 00:25:33.279 Jesus. 00:25:33.460 --> 00:25:34.440 To a dying world. 00:25:37.119 --> 00:25:38.240 In verse 31. 00:25:38.240 --> 00:25:38.859 We see. 00:25:39.019 --> 00:25:39.819 That by God's grace. 00:25:39.920 --> 00:25:40.299 Their prayer. 00:25:40.400 --> 00:25:40.900 Is answered. 00:25:41.460 --> 00:25:41.859 Immediately. 00:25:42.700 --> 00:25:43.660 After they prayed. 00:25:43.660 --> 00:25:44.180 The place. 00:25:44.180 --> 00:25:44.960 Where they were meeting. 00:25:44.960 --> 00:25:45.539 Was shaken. 00:25:45.920 --> 00:25:46.839 And they were all filled. 00:25:46.839 --> 00:25:47.799 With the Holy Spirit. 00:25:47.799 --> 00:25:49.039 And spoke the word. 00:25:49.319 --> 00:25:49.880 Of God. 00:25:49.960 --> 00:25:50.480 Boldly. 00:25:52.720 --> 00:25:53.220 Friends. 00:25:53.259 --> 00:25:54.200 When we come to God. 00:25:54.240 --> 00:25:54.799 And we pray. 00:25:54.799 --> 00:25:55.579 For boldness. 00:25:55.599 --> 00:25:56.380 By his spirit. 00:25:56.819 --> 00:25:58.079 To proclaim the gospel. 00:25:58.220 --> 00:25:59.359 Despite persecution. 00:25:59.539 --> 00:25:59.940 The Lord. 00:26:00.019 --> 00:26:00.720 Is not. 00:26:01.319 --> 00:26:01.839 Reluctant. 00:26:01.920 --> 00:26:02.460 At all. 00:26:03.000 --> 00:26:03.700 To grant us. 00:26:03.779 --> 00:26:04.339 That prayer. 00:26:06.539 --> 00:26:07.059 Because. 00:26:07.220 --> 00:26:08.120 Such boldness. 00:26:08.240 --> 00:26:09.620 Goes in perfect. 00:26:09.680 --> 00:26:10.059 According. 00:26:10.059 --> 00:26:11.059 With his will. 00:26:11.420 --> 00:26:12.420 That his people. 00:26:12.420 --> 00:26:13.519 Would share the gospel. 00:26:15.160 --> 00:26:16.180 So let's pray. 00:26:16.180 --> 00:26:17.039 For boldness. 00:26:17.480 --> 00:26:18.359 Because the Lord. 00:26:18.420 --> 00:26:18.900 Will give it. 00:26:18.960 --> 00:26:19.700 By his spirit. 00:26:20.319 --> 00:26:21.500 And let's act on it. 00:26:24.299 --> 00:26:25.120 I think back. 00:26:25.120 --> 00:26:26.180 To my missionary friend. 00:26:26.480 --> 00:26:27.380 In the Middle East. 00:26:27.539 --> 00:26:28.539 And how spot on. 00:26:28.640 --> 00:26:29.140 He was. 00:26:30.099 --> 00:26:31.160 That when we become. 00:26:31.259 --> 00:26:31.620 Christians. 00:26:31.620 --> 00:26:32.460 We have already. 00:26:32.579 --> 00:26:33.059 Decided. 00:26:33.180 --> 00:26:33.680 To willingly. 00:26:33.920 --> 00:26:34.200 Suffer. 00:26:34.259 --> 00:26:35.339 For the sake of Christ. 00:26:36.339 --> 00:26:37.099 We will. 00:26:37.180 --> 00:26:37.980 Be persecuted. 00:26:37.980 --> 00:26:39.819 But we must. 00:26:39.819 --> 00:26:40.299 Continue. 00:26:40.299 --> 00:26:40.960 To proclaim. 00:26:40.960 --> 00:26:41.880 God's word. 00:26:42.000 --> 00:26:43.120 And to pray. 00:26:43.120 --> 00:26:44.360 For godly boldness. 00:26:44.360 --> 00:26:46.079 By the Holy Spirit. 00:26:46.079 --> 00:26:47.400 Who enables us. 00:26:47.400 --> 00:26:48.180 To act. 00:26:48.420 --> 00:26:49.480 In the face of opposition. 00:26:50.640 --> 00:26:51.180 Friends. 00:26:51.240 --> 00:26:52.279 The wonderful truth. 00:26:52.420 --> 00:26:53.920 That should spur us on. 00:26:53.960 --> 00:26:55.099 As we are persecuted. 00:26:55.759 --> 00:26:57.420 Is that the gospel grows. 00:26:57.420 --> 00:26:58.400 As it is opposed. 00:27:00.039 --> 00:27:01.579 We just have to be ready. 00:27:02.160 --> 00:27:02.779 To act. 00:27:03.420 --> 00:27:04.500 And do the mission. 00:27:04.599 --> 00:27:05.620 God has given us to do. 00:27:05.619 --> 00:27:06.619 God has given us. 00:27:06.619 --> 00:27:07.619 God has given us. 00:27:07.619 --> 00:27:08.379 God has given us. 00:27:08.379 --> 00:27:08.919 Let's pray together. 00:27:12.299 --> 00:27:12.859 Father. 00:27:12.959 --> 00:27:14.019 Anytime we face. 00:27:14.119 --> 00:27:14.879 Persecution. 00:27:15.899 --> 00:27:16.939 And opposition. 00:27:16.939 --> 00:27:17.919 To the gospel. 00:27:18.439 --> 00:27:19.000 Our temptation. 00:27:19.000 --> 00:27:20.239 Is to shy away. 00:27:22.579 --> 00:27:23.500 To hide. 00:27:25.759 --> 00:27:26.539 But father. 00:27:26.639 --> 00:27:27.279 We ask now. 00:27:27.379 --> 00:27:28.439 That by your Holy Spirit. 00:27:28.539 --> 00:27:29.019 You would give. 00:27:29.139 --> 00:27:30.039 Each and every. 00:27:30.139 --> 00:27:30.619 One of us. 00:27:30.779 --> 00:27:31.339 Boldness. 00:27:31.339 --> 00:27:33.639 Give us. 00:27:33.639 --> 00:27:34.259 The desire. 00:27:34.259 --> 00:27:35.459 To take the gospel. 00:27:35.459 --> 00:27:36.619 Out to the world. 00:27:36.980 --> 00:27:37.679 To reach. 00:27:37.679 --> 00:27:38.799 Our family members. 00:27:38.799 --> 00:27:39.720 Our friends. 00:27:39.819 --> 00:27:40.839 Our work colleagues. 00:27:41.779 --> 00:27:43.059 Everyone around us. 00:27:43.059 --> 00:27:43.679 With the gospel. 00:27:43.679 --> 00:27:44.839 Because they are lost. 00:27:45.500 --> 00:27:46.539 And on a path. 00:27:46.599 --> 00:27:47.119 That is leading. 00:27:47.119 --> 00:27:47.879 To an eternity. 00:27:47.879 --> 00:27:48.859 Of God's judgment. 00:27:49.099 --> 00:27:49.439 And yet. 00:27:49.539 --> 00:27:50.559 We have the message. 00:27:51.519 --> 00:27:52.720 We have the good news. 00:27:52.720 --> 00:27:53.179 Of Jesus. 00:27:54.899 --> 00:27:55.679 That God. 00:27:56.119 --> 00:27:57.099 Has made forgiveness. 00:27:57.299 --> 00:27:57.659 Possible. 00:27:57.660 --> 00:27:59.640 That salvation. 00:28:00.240 --> 00:28:01.500 Has been made possible. 00:28:01.500 --> 00:28:01.980 Through. 00:28:02.500 --> 00:28:04.040 The work of Jesus Christ. 00:28:04.300 --> 00:28:05.100 On the cross. 00:28:07.680 --> 00:28:08.460 Holy Spirit. 00:28:08.540 --> 00:28:08.920 We ask. 00:28:08.960 --> 00:28:09.600 That you would give us. 00:28:09.840 --> 00:28:10.200 Boldness. 00:28:12.100 --> 00:28:13.060 And we ask. 00:28:13.220 --> 00:28:13.680 That you would. 00:28:13.820 --> 00:28:14.340 Help us. 00:28:14.440 --> 00:28:15.140 Act on it. 00:28:15.779 --> 00:28:16.860 To share the gospel. 00:28:17.000 --> 00:28:17.500 With the world. 00:28:18.380 --> 00:28:18.980 We ask this. 00:28:19.060 --> 00:28:19.840 In Jesus name. 00:28:20.400 --> 00:28:21.420 And for the upbuilding. 00:28:21.580 --> 00:28:22.720 Of the kingdom of God. 00:28:23.580 --> 00:28:23.940 Amen.