WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:14.080 Our text for this morning is going to be verses 23 through 31, but before we get into that, let me set the scene for you a bit and talk a little about the last two weeks and what we've discussed together in chapter 4. 00:00:14.660 --> 00:00:19.660 In chapter 3, you'll note that Peter and John are going up to the temple at the hour of prayer. 00:00:19.859 --> 00:00:23.359 They encounter a lame man who's been lame since birth. 00:00:23.460 --> 00:00:26.960 We find out later in chapter 4 that he's more than 40 years old. 00:00:27.060 --> 00:00:31.240 For a significant amount of time, he sat at this gate and he's begged. 00:00:31.299 --> 00:00:35.100 He's begged for alms, for his daily sustenance. 00:00:35.219 --> 00:00:38.939 And they come by him and Peter looks at him and he's healed. 00:00:39.859 --> 00:00:42.539 This sets a great stage up. 00:00:42.539 --> 00:00:46.820 God ordains this, that they're able now in the temple to preach. 00:00:46.899 --> 00:00:48.679 A great crowd has gathered. 00:00:48.859 --> 00:00:55.539 We find out in chapter 4 that the number of the church is now 5,000 men. 00:00:55.539 --> 00:01:01.780 So many more, many more responses of faith to Peter's preaching. 00:01:02.239 --> 00:01:07.359 So many responding favorably, but some not so much. 00:01:07.359 --> 00:01:11.760 We see at the beginning of chapter 4, their arrest. 00:01:12.840 --> 00:01:20.359 We saw that they were imprisoned overnight and that they then stood a trial before the Sanhedrin, 00:01:20.480 --> 00:01:23.879 which were the ruling Jews of the day. 00:01:24.599 --> 00:01:28.780 It's the first picture of Christian persecution. 00:01:28.780 --> 00:01:36.439 This is the first time that a member of the church has been arrested and imprisoned because of the gospel. 00:01:37.659 --> 00:01:44.740 And I spoke to you over the past two weeks of the normalcy of Christian persecution. 00:01:45.520 --> 00:01:51.280 The fact that it should be the regular experience of the Christian. 00:01:51.280 --> 00:02:21.259 Christian persecution. 00:02:21.259 --> 00:02:30.739 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 00:02:30.740 --> 00:02:39.480 We have taken persecution and we have narrowed it down to a particular type of persecution. 00:02:39.700 --> 00:02:42.500 And that is the persecution of the body. 00:02:42.700 --> 00:02:44.300 It's what we witness here. 00:02:44.780 --> 00:02:50.240 The imprisonment, arrest and imprisonment of Peter and John. 00:02:50.920 --> 00:02:54.400 And we have made persecution a far-off thing. 00:02:54.560 --> 00:02:56.900 A maybe one day thing. 00:02:56.900 --> 00:03:02.520 If we live in another place or if suddenly the political environment in our country changes, 00:03:02.719 --> 00:03:05.800 maybe then we'll deal with persecution. 00:03:06.120 --> 00:03:13.159 But it's very difficult to get around what Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3.12. 00:03:14.060 --> 00:03:16.000 And so there are varying kinds of persecution. 00:03:16.319 --> 00:03:18.580 Certainly the persecution of the body. 00:03:18.580 --> 00:03:24.780 It is something to be considered around the world as believers are beheaded for their faith in Christ. 00:03:24.940 --> 00:03:27.100 And imprisoned and tortured. 00:03:28.060 --> 00:03:32.820 The church has a great history of physical persecution. 00:03:33.760 --> 00:03:38.200 But there is also a persecution of the ego. 00:03:38.400 --> 00:03:39.700 And I'm not trying to equate the two. 00:03:39.699 --> 00:03:44.500 And I'm not trying to suggest that ours would be the same as others. 00:03:44.599 --> 00:03:49.479 But what I'm simply trying to say to you is that it ought not be a thing that we don't experience. 00:03:50.339 --> 00:03:58.039 Some form of objection to the gospel of Jesus Christ boldly proclaimed in this world. 00:03:58.839 --> 00:04:04.399 The more we, as the people of God, push against the system of this world, 00:04:04.599 --> 00:04:08.139 the more this world will push back. 00:04:08.139 --> 00:04:14.000 I would love to think that as we boldly go forth and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, 00:04:14.099 --> 00:04:18.699 that everyone we proclaim it to will accept it with open arms. 00:04:19.459 --> 00:04:23.319 The scripture consistently tells us this will not be the case. 00:04:24.019 --> 00:04:27.139 Many will, but many will not. 00:04:28.399 --> 00:04:34.199 Don't let American religious freedom numb you to this reality. 00:04:34.199 --> 00:04:39.019 If you preach the good news of Jesus Christ boldly, 00:04:39.420 --> 00:04:46.319 you may lose your reputation, your status, some position, possibly your job. 00:04:47.300 --> 00:04:52.219 People may think you strange or narrow-minded, judgmental. 00:04:53.560 --> 00:04:55.439 People may not like you. 00:04:55.939 --> 00:05:00.419 They may not want to have you around because you talk about sin. 00:05:00.420 --> 00:05:03.480 And you present to them God's holy standard. 00:05:03.699 --> 00:05:10.640 And with great love, you ask them to repent, turn from their sin, and turn to God. 00:05:10.699 --> 00:05:14.340 They may not want to hear that message. 00:05:15.580 --> 00:05:22.660 The problem of us not experiencing this type of persecution is not because of where we live. 00:05:22.660 --> 00:05:26.520 It's because of a lack of boldness on our part. 00:05:27.340 --> 00:05:31.340 And I am not suggesting that we go out and we seek out this type of thing. 00:05:31.640 --> 00:05:35.640 But what I am saying is that we need to be boldly proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:05:36.200 --> 00:05:39.320 And then not surprised when the persecution comes. 00:05:39.580 --> 00:05:43.760 And so, because persecution of one kind to another, 00:05:43.879 --> 00:05:47.820 if you live here in the States or someday God takes you across this world, 00:05:47.819 --> 00:05:51.779 it will happen, it should be the normative experience, 00:05:52.540 --> 00:05:56.120 we begin to prepare for it by considering from our text 00:05:56.120 --> 00:06:01.180 seven ways to honor God in the midst of persecution. 00:06:02.699 --> 00:06:06.620 But I hope you're hearing that this shouldn't be a far-off thing for you. 00:06:07.459 --> 00:06:11.899 That this is a thing you need to be hearing for this week. 00:06:12.379 --> 00:06:14.819 That if you are a follower of Jesus Christ, 00:06:14.819 --> 00:06:19.500 you will go and be about the work of Jesus Christ in the world. 00:06:19.899 --> 00:06:23.159 He came to seek and to save the lost. 00:06:23.219 --> 00:06:26.240 He came to give His life as a ransom for many. 00:06:26.379 --> 00:06:28.639 And just as the Father sent Him into the world, 00:06:28.740 --> 00:06:31.920 in the same way He sends us into the world 00:06:31.920 --> 00:06:33.740 to proclaim the good news 00:06:33.740 --> 00:06:38.519 and to call people to respond in faith to that good news. 00:06:39.139 --> 00:06:41.759 So this has bearing for this week. 00:06:42.379 --> 00:06:43.779 This has bearing for today. 00:06:43.779 --> 00:06:46.799 And I hope you hear it as such. 00:06:47.699 --> 00:06:48.679 In the past two weeks, 00:06:48.699 --> 00:06:51.899 we've considered the first four of these seven ways to honor God 00:06:51.899 --> 00:06:53.199 in the midst of persecution. 00:06:53.339 --> 00:06:54.479 The first week, the first three. 00:06:54.759 --> 00:06:56.719 Last week, an additional one. 00:06:56.799 --> 00:06:59.019 Let me recap those quickly for you 00:06:59.019 --> 00:07:00.699 and then we'll look at our text. 00:07:00.959 --> 00:07:03.619 The first was to be expendable, 00:07:03.799 --> 00:07:05.959 which is implicitly taught in the text, right? 00:07:06.000 --> 00:07:07.459 You have Peter and John. 00:07:07.599 --> 00:07:09.419 Peter, the great ear lopper, 00:07:09.420 --> 00:07:13.300 as Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane, 00:07:13.439 --> 00:07:14.879 like rebelling against, 00:07:15.300 --> 00:07:18.500 now willfully accepting, right? 00:07:18.540 --> 00:07:20.819 His seizure and His imprisonment, 00:07:21.280 --> 00:07:23.800 willing to lay His life down. 00:07:23.920 --> 00:07:26.080 That was the possible eventual outcome 00:07:26.080 --> 00:07:27.660 of being arrested by these men 00:07:27.660 --> 00:07:29.480 and standing trial before them. 00:07:29.480 --> 00:07:33.540 These are the men that were intrinsically involved 00:07:33.540 --> 00:07:35.900 in seeing Christ put to death. 00:07:37.280 --> 00:07:39.800 So being expendable, 00:07:40.259 --> 00:07:41.800 verse 4, chapter 4, 00:07:41.900 --> 00:07:44.460 but many of those who had heard the word 00:07:44.460 --> 00:07:45.580 believed, 00:07:46.140 --> 00:07:47.460 and the number of the men came 00:07:47.460 --> 00:07:50.080 to about 5,000, 00:07:50.280 --> 00:07:52.160 willing to boldly proclaim 00:07:52.160 --> 00:07:54.180 the gospel of Jesus Christ. 00:07:54.180 --> 00:07:55.879 In Solomon's portico, 00:07:56.000 --> 00:07:57.840 the very place where Jesus gave 00:07:57.840 --> 00:08:00.740 the good shepherd dialogue, right? 00:08:01.759 --> 00:08:03.879 The lamb that was led to slaughter. 00:08:04.639 --> 00:08:06.040 This is where they're standing 00:08:06.040 --> 00:08:07.180 and He's preaching. 00:08:08.079 --> 00:08:09.579 So hold your life, 00:08:10.180 --> 00:08:10.960 your reputation, 00:08:11.259 --> 00:08:12.040 your position, 00:08:12.360 --> 00:08:14.139 your job loosely 00:08:14.139 --> 00:08:16.560 for the sake of others. 00:08:17.560 --> 00:08:18.180 Be expendable. 00:08:19.519 --> 00:08:21.480 Second, be filled with the Spirit. 00:08:21.620 --> 00:08:22.060 Verse 8, 00:08:22.120 --> 00:08:24.000 as Peter stands before the Sanhedrin, 00:08:24.000 --> 00:08:25.740 we see that He was filled 00:08:25.740 --> 00:08:26.740 with the Spirit. 00:08:27.079 --> 00:08:29.379 And I fear that summary statements 00:08:29.379 --> 00:08:30.120 on this matter 00:08:30.120 --> 00:08:31.879 cause a lot of confusion. 00:08:32.840 --> 00:08:33.700 So at this point, 00:08:33.740 --> 00:08:34.519 I'm just going to say, 00:08:34.679 --> 00:08:36.279 please go back and listen to part 2 00:08:36.279 --> 00:08:37.340 of Acts 2, 1-12. 00:08:37.500 --> 00:08:38.799 If you want to know more about this, 00:08:38.820 --> 00:08:39.860 if you haven't been here, 00:08:40.200 --> 00:08:41.559 let me encourage you to that. 00:08:41.799 --> 00:08:43.139 We will talk more about 00:08:43.139 --> 00:08:44.340 what it means to be filled with the Spirit 00:08:44.340 --> 00:08:46.860 as we work through the book of Acts. 00:08:47.100 --> 00:08:48.279 But number 1, be expendable. 00:08:48.480 --> 00:08:50.759 Number 2, be filled with the Spirit. 00:08:51.080 --> 00:08:52.639 Number 3, be bold. 00:08:52.639 --> 00:08:56.699 Here is Peter standing before the Sanhedrin 00:08:56.699 --> 00:08:58.899 and he presses forward 00:08:58.899 --> 00:09:01.220 instead of shrinking back. 00:09:02.340 --> 00:09:03.699 And it's so difficult for me 00:09:03.699 --> 00:09:05.519 to think myself in his shoes 00:09:05.519 --> 00:09:07.879 and to wonder what I might do. 00:09:09.000 --> 00:09:10.279 I hope by the power of the Spirit 00:09:10.279 --> 00:09:11.679 I would do what he did. 00:09:11.799 --> 00:09:13.080 He presses in. 00:09:14.019 --> 00:09:15.519 Boy, they ask him a question. 00:09:16.019 --> 00:09:17.200 Under whose authority 00:09:17.200 --> 00:09:19.120 or by whose name do you do this? 00:09:19.120 --> 00:09:19.960 And it's as if he says, 00:09:20.060 --> 00:09:21.519 well, since you asked. 00:09:22.060 --> 00:09:23.379 And he launches into 00:09:23.379 --> 00:09:26.139 this third sermon he preaches 00:09:26.139 --> 00:09:28.220 as recorded by Luke. 00:09:28.960 --> 00:09:31.259 He doesn't remove any offense 00:09:31.259 --> 00:09:33.100 of the Gospel from his preaching, 00:09:33.560 --> 00:09:36.560 but he rather boldly indicts them. 00:09:37.259 --> 00:09:38.279 These are the men. 00:09:38.759 --> 00:09:40.039 These are the builders 00:09:40.039 --> 00:09:42.100 who have rejected the cornerstone, 00:09:42.259 --> 00:09:42.740 he says, 00:09:42.740 --> 00:09:44.019 who have put to death 00:09:44.019 --> 00:09:45.600 the Christ. 00:09:46.320 --> 00:09:48.180 In verse 12 of chapter 4, 00:09:48.259 --> 00:09:48.560 he says, 00:09:48.680 --> 00:09:51.000 there is salvation in no one else, 00:09:51.299 --> 00:09:52.740 for there is no other name 00:09:52.740 --> 00:09:54.860 under heaven given among men 00:09:54.860 --> 00:09:57.580 by which we must be saved. 00:09:57.680 --> 00:09:58.820 He's saying to these men, 00:09:58.960 --> 00:10:00.279 this is the Messiah. 00:10:00.419 --> 00:10:01.879 This is the anointed one of God. 00:10:01.980 --> 00:10:04.600 This is the one you've been waiting for. 00:10:05.320 --> 00:10:06.100 And you killed him. 00:10:06.100 --> 00:10:08.060 If you don't hang 00:10:08.060 --> 00:10:09.759 all of your hope of salvation 00:10:09.759 --> 00:10:12.440 in the personal work of Jesus Christ, 00:10:12.659 --> 00:10:14.120 you will be destroyed. 00:10:14.800 --> 00:10:16.240 It's a narrow path. 00:10:17.500 --> 00:10:18.420 To be expendable, 00:10:18.540 --> 00:10:19.820 be filled with the Spirit, 00:10:20.300 --> 00:10:21.279 be bold, 00:10:21.460 --> 00:10:23.259 and last week, 00:10:23.519 --> 00:10:24.259 be obedient. 00:10:25.240 --> 00:10:25.980 I added to that, 00:10:26.040 --> 00:10:27.840 be obedient at all costs, 00:10:28.240 --> 00:10:29.240 despite the cost. 00:10:29.580 --> 00:10:31.200 We obey God 00:10:31.200 --> 00:10:34.080 before we obey men. 00:10:34.080 --> 00:10:36.340 So in summary, 00:10:36.920 --> 00:10:37.440 we could say, 00:10:37.759 --> 00:10:41.020 be humbly and boldly obedient 00:10:41.020 --> 00:10:42.740 by the power of the Spirit. 00:10:43.600 --> 00:10:46.800 Be humbly and boldly obedient 00:10:46.800 --> 00:10:48.940 by the power of the Spirit. 00:10:49.240 --> 00:10:50.620 Let me give to you an example 00:10:50.620 --> 00:10:52.060 from history 00:10:52.060 --> 00:10:54.200 of humble, 00:10:55.139 --> 00:10:56.000 bold obedience 00:10:56.000 --> 00:10:58.660 in the missionary 00:10:58.660 --> 00:11:00.020 John G. Patton. 00:11:00.700 --> 00:11:02.540 One of my favorite missionaries 00:11:02.539 --> 00:11:05.059 lived in the 19th century, 00:11:05.379 --> 00:11:08.919 just barely into the 20th century. 00:11:09.579 --> 00:11:10.399 He was a missionary 00:11:10.399 --> 00:11:12.000 from Glasgow, Scotland, 00:11:12.259 --> 00:11:13.839 to a group of islands 00:11:13.839 --> 00:11:15.500 that were then known as 00:11:15.500 --> 00:11:16.899 the New Hebrides. 00:11:17.240 --> 00:11:18.459 The Hebrides are a group of islands 00:11:18.459 --> 00:11:19.459 off the coast of Scotland, 00:11:19.620 --> 00:11:20.279 so they called it 00:11:20.279 --> 00:11:21.319 New Hebrides 00:11:21.319 --> 00:11:22.539 if you want to look it up on a map. 00:11:23.039 --> 00:11:24.279 It's in the South Pacific. 00:11:24.439 --> 00:11:25.839 It's now called Vanuatu. 00:11:26.599 --> 00:11:27.779 If you care to see 00:11:27.779 --> 00:11:29.379 where he served 00:11:29.379 --> 00:11:30.480 in the 19th century. 00:11:30.480 --> 00:11:32.300 And these islands 00:11:32.300 --> 00:11:33.060 were known 00:11:33.060 --> 00:11:35.000 for their cannibalism. 00:11:36.100 --> 00:11:37.519 The very first missionaries 00:11:37.519 --> 00:11:39.000 to go to Vanuatu 00:11:39.000 --> 00:11:40.120 in 1839, 00:11:40.379 --> 00:11:40.980 John Williams 00:11:40.980 --> 00:11:42.340 and James Harris 00:11:42.340 --> 00:11:43.620 were clubbed to death 00:11:43.620 --> 00:11:45.700 and eaten on the shore 00:11:45.700 --> 00:11:47.279 in the sight of the ship 00:11:47.279 --> 00:11:48.720 that had dropped them off. 00:11:49.120 --> 00:11:51.580 They stood on the ship 00:11:51.580 --> 00:11:52.899 and watched this happen. 00:11:53.399 --> 00:11:55.240 The first two missionaries there. 00:11:55.740 --> 00:11:56.840 And John G. Patton, 00:11:57.100 --> 00:11:58.200 moved by God, 00:11:58.200 --> 00:11:59.600 decides to go. 00:11:59.820 --> 00:12:00.800 And from his journal, 00:12:02.379 --> 00:12:03.100 let me read to you 00:12:03.100 --> 00:12:03.860 one of the objections 00:12:03.860 --> 00:12:04.520 to him going. 00:12:04.980 --> 00:12:05.379 He wrote, 00:12:05.480 --> 00:12:06.140 Amongst many 00:12:06.140 --> 00:12:07.720 who sought to deter me, 00:12:08.379 --> 00:12:10.040 one was a dear old 00:12:10.040 --> 00:12:11.160 Christian gentleman 00:12:11.160 --> 00:12:13.240 whose crowning argument 00:12:13.240 --> 00:12:14.640 always was, 00:12:15.020 --> 00:12:15.840 the cannibals. 00:12:16.400 --> 00:12:17.340 You will be eaten 00:12:17.340 --> 00:12:18.340 by cannibals. 00:12:19.340 --> 00:12:21.000 At last I replied, 00:12:21.960 --> 00:12:22.640 Mr. Dixon, 00:12:23.220 --> 00:12:24.620 you are advanced 00:12:24.620 --> 00:12:25.560 in years now 00:12:25.559 --> 00:12:27.299 and your own prospect 00:12:27.299 --> 00:12:28.839 is soon to be laid 00:12:28.839 --> 00:12:29.439 in the grave, 00:12:29.979 --> 00:12:31.059 there to be eaten 00:12:31.059 --> 00:12:31.859 by worms. 00:12:32.619 --> 00:12:34.019 I confess to you 00:12:34.019 --> 00:12:34.979 that if I can but live 00:12:34.979 --> 00:12:35.919 and die serving 00:12:35.919 --> 00:12:36.739 and honoring 00:12:36.739 --> 00:12:37.599 the Lord Jesus, 00:12:37.599 --> 00:12:38.819 it will make no difference 00:12:38.819 --> 00:12:40.099 to me whether I am 00:12:40.099 --> 00:12:41.059 eaten by cannibals 00:12:41.059 --> 00:12:42.319 or by worms. 00:12:43.099 --> 00:12:44.139 And in the great day, 00:12:44.399 --> 00:12:45.379 my resurrection body 00:12:45.379 --> 00:12:46.119 will arise 00:12:46.119 --> 00:12:47.119 as fair as yours 00:12:47.119 --> 00:12:48.519 in the likeness 00:12:48.519 --> 00:12:49.799 of our risen Redeemer. 00:12:51.559 --> 00:12:52.500 Then he records, 00:12:52.500 --> 00:12:53.200 the old gentleman, 00:12:53.860 --> 00:12:54.980 raising his hands 00:12:54.980 --> 00:12:56.220 in a deprecating attitude, 00:12:56.840 --> 00:12:58.360 left the room exclaiming, 00:12:58.480 --> 00:12:59.019 After that, 00:12:59.100 --> 00:13:00.480 I have nothing more to say. 00:13:01.759 --> 00:13:03.700 The boldness on his part 00:13:03.700 --> 00:13:04.840 and his account goes on 00:13:04.840 --> 00:13:05.740 to talk about how 00:13:05.740 --> 00:13:07.799 these cannibals 00:13:07.799 --> 00:13:09.179 would come to kill him 00:13:09.179 --> 00:13:11.059 and he would get in arguments 00:13:11.059 --> 00:13:11.779 with the chief 00:13:11.779 --> 00:13:12.820 with a machete in his hand. 00:13:12.879 --> 00:13:13.700 He'd hold him by the wrist 00:13:13.700 --> 00:13:14.639 and he would lecture him 00:13:14.639 --> 00:13:15.139 on how evil 00:13:15.139 --> 00:13:16.659 the thing he was trying to do was 00:13:16.659 --> 00:13:18.639 and the man would finally feel 00:13:18.639 --> 00:13:19.340 some conviction 00:13:19.340 --> 00:13:20.220 for the evil of it 00:13:20.220 --> 00:13:21.180 and they'd flee back off 00:13:21.180 --> 00:13:23.200 into the jungle. 00:13:23.700 --> 00:13:25.340 A great deal of boldness, 00:13:25.440 --> 00:13:27.160 holding his life loosely 00:13:27.160 --> 00:13:29.879 for the sake of others. 00:13:30.680 --> 00:13:31.340 And so this week, 00:13:31.360 --> 00:13:31.779 we will address 00:13:31.779 --> 00:13:32.560 the final three ways 00:13:32.560 --> 00:13:33.160 to honor God 00:13:33.160 --> 00:13:35.300 in the midst of persecution. 00:13:35.500 --> 00:13:39.700 So Acts 4, 23-31. 00:13:41.820 --> 00:13:45.139 Beloved, this is God's Word to us. 00:13:45.200 --> 00:13:46.220 It was written for His glory 00:13:46.220 --> 00:13:47.680 and our good. 00:13:47.679 --> 00:13:49.539 We would all do well 00:13:49.539 --> 00:13:50.539 to listen to it 00:13:50.539 --> 00:13:51.839 in order to believe 00:13:51.839 --> 00:13:52.759 its promises 00:13:52.759 --> 00:13:54.719 and obey its commands. 00:13:56.739 --> 00:13:58.639 When they were released, 00:13:59.379 --> 00:14:00.719 they went to their friends 00:14:00.719 --> 00:14:01.319 and reported 00:14:01.319 --> 00:14:02.479 what the chief priests 00:14:02.479 --> 00:14:03.199 and the elders 00:14:03.199 --> 00:14:04.079 had said to them. 00:14:04.819 --> 00:14:05.819 And when they heard it, 00:14:05.819 --> 00:14:06.719 they lifted their voices 00:14:06.719 --> 00:14:07.620 together to God 00:14:07.620 --> 00:14:08.219 and said, 00:14:08.739 --> 00:14:09.500 Sovereign Lord, 00:14:09.559 --> 00:14:10.319 who made the heaven 00:14:10.319 --> 00:14:11.059 and the earth 00:14:11.059 --> 00:14:11.839 and the sea 00:14:11.839 --> 00:14:13.179 and everything in them, 00:14:13.620 --> 00:14:14.500 who through the mouth 00:14:14.500 --> 00:14:15.599 of our Father David, 00:14:15.759 --> 00:14:16.299 your servant, 00:14:16.299 --> 00:14:17.699 said by the Holy Spirit, 00:14:18.399 --> 00:14:20.259 why did the Gentiles rage 00:14:20.259 --> 00:14:21.659 and the people's plot 00:14:21.659 --> 00:14:22.459 in vain? 00:14:23.099 --> 00:14:24.319 The kings of the earth 00:14:24.319 --> 00:14:25.199 set themselves 00:14:25.199 --> 00:14:25.899 and the rulers 00:14:25.899 --> 00:14:27.019 were gathered together 00:14:27.019 --> 00:14:27.939 against the Lord 00:14:27.939 --> 00:14:29.979 and against His anointed. 00:14:30.719 --> 00:14:32.059 For truly in this city 00:14:32.059 --> 00:14:33.000 they were gathered together 00:14:33.000 --> 00:14:34.620 against your holy servant Jesus, 00:14:35.099 --> 00:14:35.979 whom you anointed, 00:14:36.199 --> 00:14:38.339 both Herod and Pontius Pilate, 00:14:38.740 --> 00:14:39.919 along with the Gentiles 00:14:39.919 --> 00:14:41.219 and the peoples of Israel, 00:14:41.679 --> 00:14:43.059 to do whatever your hand 00:14:43.059 --> 00:14:44.000 and your plan 00:14:44.000 --> 00:14:44.799 had predestined 00:14:44.799 --> 00:14:45.699 to take place. 00:14:46.579 --> 00:14:47.319 And now, Lord, 00:14:47.379 --> 00:14:48.779 look upon their threats 00:14:48.779 --> 00:14:50.039 and grant to your servants 00:14:50.039 --> 00:14:51.159 to continue to speak 00:14:51.159 --> 00:14:51.759 your word 00:14:51.759 --> 00:14:53.279 with all boldness 00:14:53.279 --> 00:14:54.639 while you stretch out 00:14:54.639 --> 00:14:55.519 your hand to heal 00:14:55.519 --> 00:14:57.279 and signs and wonders 00:14:57.279 --> 00:14:57.959 are performed 00:14:57.959 --> 00:14:58.619 through the name 00:14:58.619 --> 00:15:00.099 of your holy servant Jesus. 00:15:01.099 --> 00:15:01.919 And when they had prayed, 00:15:02.039 --> 00:15:02.679 the place in which 00:15:02.679 --> 00:15:03.599 they were gathered together 00:15:03.599 --> 00:15:04.219 was shaken 00:15:04.219 --> 00:15:05.599 and they were all filled 00:15:05.599 --> 00:15:06.419 with the Holy Spirit 00:15:06.419 --> 00:15:07.939 and continued to speak 00:15:07.939 --> 00:15:09.079 the word of God 00:15:09.079 --> 00:15:10.500 with boldness. 00:15:10.500 --> 00:15:13.860 And so the fifth way 00:15:13.860 --> 00:15:14.960 to honor God 00:15:14.960 --> 00:15:17.539 in the midst of persecution 00:15:17.539 --> 00:15:20.460 is to be committed 00:15:20.460 --> 00:15:22.259 to fellowship. 00:15:23.299 --> 00:15:25.220 Be committed to fellowship. 00:15:25.820 --> 00:15:26.919 Verse 23 00:15:26.919 --> 00:15:29.039 and the first part of 24, 00:15:29.399 --> 00:15:32.639 notice that the very first thing 00:15:32.639 --> 00:15:33.419 that they did 00:15:33.419 --> 00:15:35.879 was go to their friends 00:15:35.879 --> 00:15:38.059 and report what the chief priests 00:15:38.059 --> 00:15:39.459 and the elders 00:15:39.459 --> 00:15:40.579 had said to them. 00:15:41.779 --> 00:15:43.459 I find it so fascinating 00:15:43.459 --> 00:15:44.959 that they've gone through now 00:15:44.959 --> 00:15:48.779 this epic trial, 00:15:49.279 --> 00:15:51.179 spent a night in prison, 00:15:51.979 --> 00:15:53.599 and the very first thing 00:15:53.599 --> 00:15:54.059 that they do 00:15:54.059 --> 00:15:56.639 is they go to their friends. 00:15:57.799 --> 00:15:59.059 And it seems to me, beloved, 00:15:59.139 --> 00:16:00.279 that when we have trouble 00:16:00.279 --> 00:16:01.599 in this world, 00:16:02.059 --> 00:16:03.879 we are less likely 00:16:03.879 --> 00:16:05.719 to gather with believers. 00:16:05.720 --> 00:16:07.680 Something just doesn't go 00:16:07.680 --> 00:16:09.779 quite right in our day. 00:16:09.920 --> 00:16:11.240 The morning starts out 00:16:11.240 --> 00:16:12.920 a little rough 00:16:12.920 --> 00:16:14.180 and we choose 00:16:14.180 --> 00:16:16.759 to not gather together. 00:16:18.200 --> 00:16:19.160 Beloved, when things 00:16:19.160 --> 00:16:19.840 aren't going well 00:16:19.840 --> 00:16:20.399 in our lives, 00:16:20.500 --> 00:16:21.800 that's all the more reason 00:16:21.800 --> 00:16:24.060 to be with the people of God. 00:16:24.720 --> 00:16:25.779 And this speaks 00:16:25.779 --> 00:16:27.940 to the plasticity 00:16:27.940 --> 00:16:29.639 of our environment. 00:16:30.259 --> 00:16:31.660 All of us as people 00:16:31.660 --> 00:16:33.360 have a front stage 00:16:33.360 --> 00:16:34.800 and a backstage. 00:16:36.120 --> 00:16:37.600 We hang a great curtain 00:16:37.600 --> 00:16:39.000 between the two 00:16:39.000 --> 00:16:40.180 and we have the front stage 00:16:40.180 --> 00:16:40.980 all neat 00:16:40.980 --> 00:16:42.659 and all tidied up. 00:16:43.019 --> 00:16:43.860 And when something 00:16:43.860 --> 00:16:45.240 spills out of the backstage 00:16:45.240 --> 00:16:46.360 onto the front stage, 00:16:46.440 --> 00:16:48.080 we're so quick 00:16:48.080 --> 00:16:49.200 to run people 00:16:49.200 --> 00:16:49.899 out of the theater. 00:16:50.360 --> 00:16:51.200 Are we not? 00:16:51.940 --> 00:16:52.899 The very best thing 00:16:52.899 --> 00:16:53.440 for all of us 00:16:53.440 --> 00:16:54.320 would be if the curtain 00:16:54.320 --> 00:16:56.320 would be torn down. 00:16:56.759 --> 00:16:57.620 That you would truly 00:16:57.620 --> 00:16:59.220 know me. 00:16:59.940 --> 00:17:00.580 And what better way 00:17:00.580 --> 00:17:01.100 to do that 00:17:01.100 --> 00:17:01.639 than when things 00:17:01.639 --> 00:17:02.480 aren't going well, 00:17:02.480 --> 00:17:05.099 we get together. 00:17:06.500 --> 00:17:08.539 If you have a fever 00:17:08.539 --> 00:17:10.480 or you're throwing up, 00:17:11.500 --> 00:17:12.819 don't come to church 00:17:12.819 --> 00:17:13.460 on Sunday. 00:17:14.980 --> 00:17:15.839 Don't meet 00:17:15.839 --> 00:17:16.640 with your community 00:17:16.640 --> 00:17:17.860 outreach group. 00:17:18.079 --> 00:17:19.500 But if you're in town, 00:17:20.460 --> 00:17:21.099 otherwise, 00:17:21.380 --> 00:17:22.059 you should be 00:17:22.059 --> 00:17:23.660 with the people of God 00:17:23.660 --> 00:17:24.740 when the people of God 00:17:24.740 --> 00:17:26.299 gather. 00:17:27.339 --> 00:17:28.299 Think about the way 00:17:28.299 --> 00:17:29.000 I would have felt 00:17:29.000 --> 00:17:29.960 after having spent 00:17:29.960 --> 00:17:31.640 a night in prison. 00:17:31.640 --> 00:17:32.380 This is not 00:17:32.380 --> 00:17:34.020 a fancy accommodation 00:17:34.020 --> 00:17:35.160 that they spent. 00:17:35.259 --> 00:17:35.800 It was likely 00:17:35.800 --> 00:17:36.880 not much more 00:17:36.880 --> 00:17:37.440 than a hole 00:17:37.440 --> 00:17:38.140 in the ground 00:17:38.140 --> 00:17:38.820 where they spent 00:17:38.820 --> 00:17:39.900 their time. 00:17:41.480 --> 00:17:42.300 I think I could have 00:17:42.300 --> 00:17:43.259 gone for a shower 00:17:43.259 --> 00:17:43.960 and a nap 00:17:43.960 --> 00:17:45.440 before I showed up 00:17:45.440 --> 00:17:45.920 to fellowship 00:17:45.920 --> 00:17:47.280 with the people of God. 00:17:47.440 --> 00:17:48.660 But they go 00:17:48.660 --> 00:17:49.500 immediately. 00:17:49.740 --> 00:17:51.240 They desired 00:17:51.240 --> 00:17:52.220 fellowship 00:17:52.220 --> 00:17:53.600 after leaving 00:17:53.600 --> 00:17:54.820 the council. 00:17:55.780 --> 00:17:56.480 And they go 00:17:56.480 --> 00:17:57.120 to see their 00:17:57.120 --> 00:17:57.980 friends. 00:17:57.980 --> 00:17:58.140 friends. 00:17:58.860 --> 00:17:59.700 This should not 00:17:59.700 --> 00:18:00.099 be limited 00:18:00.099 --> 00:18:00.700 to the apostles. 00:18:01.259 --> 00:18:02.240 I also don't think 00:18:02.240 --> 00:18:03.140 it should be expanded 00:18:03.140 --> 00:18:04.860 to the entire church. 00:18:05.000 --> 00:18:05.900 There wasn't really 00:18:05.900 --> 00:18:06.660 a great place 00:18:06.660 --> 00:18:07.259 for them all 00:18:07.259 --> 00:18:08.680 to meet together. 00:18:09.220 --> 00:18:09.940 It could have been 00:18:09.940 --> 00:18:10.579 that initial 00:18:10.579 --> 00:18:11.880 120 that received 00:18:11.880 --> 00:18:12.240 the Spirit 00:18:12.240 --> 00:18:13.200 on the day of Pentecost 00:18:13.200 --> 00:18:14.920 or some subset 00:18:14.920 --> 00:18:16.299 of that number. 00:18:16.440 --> 00:18:17.240 But they were 00:18:17.240 --> 00:18:19.299 their friends. 00:18:20.019 --> 00:18:21.120 It's a single word 00:18:21.120 --> 00:18:22.160 in the Greek. 00:18:22.160 --> 00:18:23.880 the NASV 00:18:23.880 --> 00:18:25.040 renders that phrase 00:18:25.040 --> 00:18:27.040 their own companions 00:18:27.040 --> 00:18:28.019 which helps give 00:18:28.019 --> 00:18:28.800 more meaning 00:18:28.800 --> 00:18:29.820 to the idea. 00:18:30.480 --> 00:18:31.140 We could say 00:18:31.140 --> 00:18:32.500 in the ESV 00:18:32.500 --> 00:18:32.920 we could add 00:18:32.920 --> 00:18:33.300 the word 00:18:33.300 --> 00:18:34.960 own their own 00:18:34.960 --> 00:18:35.980 friends. 00:18:36.100 --> 00:18:37.000 It signifies 00:18:37.000 --> 00:18:38.440 that they belonged 00:18:38.440 --> 00:18:39.700 to one another. 00:18:40.400 --> 00:18:42.400 Here not many days 00:18:42.400 --> 00:18:43.779 into the birth 00:18:43.779 --> 00:18:45.259 of the Christian church 00:18:45.259 --> 00:18:46.560 and because of what 00:18:46.560 --> 00:18:47.519 Christ had done 00:18:47.519 --> 00:18:48.460 on their behalf 00:18:48.460 --> 00:18:49.620 they already saw 00:18:49.620 --> 00:18:50.180 themselves 00:18:50.180 --> 00:18:51.600 as belonging 00:18:51.600 --> 00:18:52.680 to one another. 00:18:52.820 --> 00:18:53.600 They were a 00:18:53.600 --> 00:18:55.019 faith family 00:18:55.019 --> 00:18:56.100 as I love Kyle 00:18:56.100 --> 00:18:58.120 says so often. 00:18:58.580 --> 00:18:59.279 They went to 00:18:59.279 --> 00:19:00.500 their own 00:19:00.500 --> 00:19:01.960 friends 00:19:01.960 --> 00:19:02.460 and they 00:19:02.460 --> 00:19:04.220 shared the news 00:19:04.220 --> 00:19:05.259 and the first part 00:19:05.259 --> 00:19:06.120 of verse 24 00:19:06.120 --> 00:19:07.140 what did they do 00:19:07.140 --> 00:19:07.820 when they gathered 00:19:07.820 --> 00:19:08.240 together? 00:19:08.440 --> 00:19:10.120 They prayed. 00:19:10.500 --> 00:19:11.440 They did spiritual 00:19:11.440 --> 00:19:12.779 things together. 00:19:12.940 --> 00:19:13.779 When they heard it 00:19:13.779 --> 00:19:14.720 they lifted their 00:19:14.720 --> 00:19:15.720 voices together 00:19:15.720 --> 00:19:17.480 to God. 00:19:18.279 --> 00:19:19.120 So persecution 00:19:19.119 --> 00:19:21.079 draws the church 00:19:21.079 --> 00:19:21.719 of God 00:19:21.719 --> 00:19:22.859 together. 00:19:23.359 --> 00:19:23.939 And we should be 00:19:23.939 --> 00:19:24.799 experiencing that 00:19:24.799 --> 00:19:25.139 beloved. 00:19:25.319 --> 00:19:25.819 We should be 00:19:25.819 --> 00:19:27.419 feeling so strange 00:19:27.419 --> 00:19:28.239 out in the world 00:19:28.239 --> 00:19:29.839 rejected so often 00:19:29.839 --> 00:19:30.479 by the world 00:19:30.479 --> 00:19:31.059 that we come 00:19:31.059 --> 00:19:31.599 together 00:19:31.599 --> 00:19:32.939 when we can 00:19:32.939 --> 00:19:33.839 whenever we can 00:19:33.839 --> 00:19:35.019 to just not feel 00:19:35.019 --> 00:19:35.839 crazy. 00:19:36.899 --> 00:19:37.559 Other people 00:19:37.559 --> 00:19:38.899 believe in this 00:19:38.899 --> 00:19:39.500 Christ. 00:19:39.939 --> 00:19:40.459 Other people 00:19:40.459 --> 00:19:41.419 have been changed 00:19:41.419 --> 00:19:42.339 by Him. 00:19:43.599 --> 00:19:44.439 We come together 00:19:44.439 --> 00:19:45.299 to rejoice. 00:19:45.799 --> 00:19:46.399 Our singing 00:19:46.399 --> 00:19:47.139 together should be 00:19:47.140 --> 00:19:48.020 so warming to 00:19:48.020 --> 00:19:48.620 your heart 00:19:48.620 --> 00:19:49.540 because you go 00:19:49.540 --> 00:19:50.480 I'm not losing 00:19:50.480 --> 00:19:51.200 my mind. 00:19:51.660 --> 00:19:52.440 Other people 00:19:52.440 --> 00:19:53.960 believe this. 00:19:55.340 --> 00:19:56.200 It creates 00:19:56.200 --> 00:19:57.040 solidarity 00:19:57.040 --> 00:19:58.000 amongst 00:19:58.000 --> 00:19:59.160 God's people. 00:19:59.920 --> 00:20:00.860 You might not 00:20:00.860 --> 00:20:01.420 care to meet 00:20:01.420 --> 00:20:02.120 with God's people 00:20:02.120 --> 00:20:03.560 because you don't 00:20:03.560 --> 00:20:04.680 need God's people. 00:20:05.060 --> 00:20:05.600 Because you don't 00:20:05.600 --> 00:20:06.400 experience 00:20:06.400 --> 00:20:07.820 the hatred 00:20:07.820 --> 00:20:09.100 of God's people 00:20:09.100 --> 00:20:10.740 in the world. 00:20:11.259 --> 00:20:11.800 It creates 00:20:11.800 --> 00:20:12.240 solidarity. 00:20:12.440 --> 00:20:12.880 We can see an 00:20:12.880 --> 00:20:13.480 example of that 00:20:13.480 --> 00:20:14.320 in a very practical 00:20:14.319 --> 00:20:15.480 way on into 00:20:15.480 --> 00:20:16.419 chapter 4 00:20:16.419 --> 00:20:17.319 verses 32 00:20:17.319 --> 00:20:18.139 through 35. 00:20:18.319 --> 00:20:18.879 The way in which 00:20:18.879 --> 00:20:19.639 they come and 00:20:19.639 --> 00:20:20.819 share their 00:20:20.819 --> 00:20:21.899 possessions together 00:20:21.899 --> 00:20:22.579 and meet each 00:20:22.579 --> 00:20:23.879 other's needs. 00:20:24.019 --> 00:20:24.579 It creates 00:20:24.579 --> 00:20:26.319 solidarity. 00:20:27.200 --> 00:20:27.679 On the front 00:20:27.679 --> 00:20:28.299 of your bulletin 00:20:28.299 --> 00:20:30.099 is a Charles 00:20:30.099 --> 00:20:30.859 Spurgeon 00:20:30.859 --> 00:20:31.819 quotation. 00:20:32.339 --> 00:20:33.079 Some Christians 00:20:33.079 --> 00:20:33.839 try to go to 00:20:33.839 --> 00:20:34.679 heaven alone 00:20:34.679 --> 00:20:35.679 in solitude, 00:20:36.159 --> 00:20:36.879 but believers 00:20:36.879 --> 00:20:37.819 are not compared 00:20:37.819 --> 00:20:38.439 to bears 00:20:38.439 --> 00:20:39.419 or lions 00:20:39.419 --> 00:20:40.859 or other animals 00:20:40.859 --> 00:20:41.399 that wander 00:20:41.399 --> 00:20:41.960 alone, 00:20:41.960 --> 00:20:43.019 but those 00:20:43.019 --> 00:20:43.420 who belong 00:20:43.420 --> 00:20:44.000 to Christ 00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:44.720 are sheep 00:20:44.720 --> 00:20:45.660 in this respect 00:20:45.660 --> 00:20:47.019 that they love 00:20:47.019 --> 00:20:47.900 to get 00:20:47.900 --> 00:20:48.799 together. 00:20:49.700 --> 00:20:50.400 Sheep go in 00:20:50.400 --> 00:20:50.940 flocks 00:20:50.940 --> 00:20:52.039 and so do 00:20:52.039 --> 00:20:52.519 God's 00:20:52.519 --> 00:20:53.620 people. 00:20:55.539 --> 00:20:56.420 So the fifth 00:20:56.420 --> 00:20:57.759 way to honor 00:20:57.759 --> 00:20:58.620 God in the 00:20:58.620 --> 00:20:59.400 midst of persecution 00:20:59.400 --> 00:21:00.120 is to be committed 00:21:00.120 --> 00:21:01.400 to fellowship. 00:21:01.980 --> 00:21:02.680 The sixth way 00:21:02.680 --> 00:21:03.200 is to be 00:21:03.200 --> 00:21:04.160 thankful. 00:21:05.299 --> 00:21:05.720 It's to be 00:21:05.720 --> 00:21:06.019 thankful. 00:21:07.019 --> 00:21:07.819 Last part of 00:21:07.819 --> 00:21:08.920 verse 24 00:21:08.920 --> 00:21:10.279 through 28. 00:21:10.420 --> 00:21:10.660 This is the 00:21:10.660 --> 00:21:11.720 beginning of 00:21:11.720 --> 00:21:13.720 their prayer. 00:21:14.779 --> 00:21:15.040 They were 00:21:15.040 --> 00:21:15.820 thankful for 00:21:15.820 --> 00:21:16.640 the fulfillment 00:21:16.640 --> 00:21:18.519 of God's 00:21:18.519 --> 00:21:19.160 eternal 00:21:19.160 --> 00:21:20.860 plan. 00:21:21.740 --> 00:21:22.440 Thankful for 00:21:22.440 --> 00:21:23.000 the fulfillment 00:21:23.000 --> 00:21:24.140 of God's 00:21:24.140 --> 00:21:24.880 eternal 00:21:24.880 --> 00:21:25.860 plan. 00:21:26.060 --> 00:21:26.800 The persecution 00:21:26.800 --> 00:21:27.380 of Peter and 00:21:27.380 --> 00:21:28.420 John was no 00:21:28.420 --> 00:21:29.980 surprise to 00:21:29.980 --> 00:21:30.300 them. 00:21:30.360 --> 00:21:30.580 And they 00:21:30.580 --> 00:21:31.940 start out 00:21:31.940 --> 00:21:33.380 this prayer, 00:21:34.160 --> 00:21:35.040 Sovereign 00:21:35.040 --> 00:21:36.180 Lord. 00:21:36.720 --> 00:21:37.300 Some of your 00:21:37.300 --> 00:21:38.060 translations might 00:21:38.059 --> 00:21:38.859 simply say, 00:21:39.500 --> 00:21:40.839 O Lord. 00:21:41.500 --> 00:21:42.220 It's one 00:21:42.220 --> 00:21:42.859 word, 00:21:43.119 --> 00:21:43.559 which is why 00:21:43.559 --> 00:21:44.079 it's translated 00:21:44.079 --> 00:21:44.539 that way in 00:21:44.539 --> 00:21:45.220 some translations. 00:21:45.659 --> 00:21:46.399 ESV tries to 00:21:46.399 --> 00:21:46.859 give us a little 00:21:46.859 --> 00:21:47.559 more meaning 00:21:47.559 --> 00:21:48.099 to what they 00:21:48.099 --> 00:21:48.480 meant by 00:21:48.480 --> 00:21:48.779 Lord. 00:21:49.339 --> 00:21:49.940 Sovereign 00:21:49.940 --> 00:21:51.000 Lord. 00:21:51.539 --> 00:21:52.099 It's only 00:21:52.099 --> 00:21:52.940 used five 00:21:52.940 --> 00:21:53.519 other places 00:21:53.519 --> 00:21:54.099 in the 00:21:54.099 --> 00:21:55.119 entirety of 00:21:55.119 --> 00:21:55.539 the New 00:21:55.539 --> 00:21:56.599 Testament. 00:21:57.919 --> 00:21:58.599 So ESV 00:21:58.599 --> 00:21:59.319 is weighting 00:21:59.319 --> 00:21:59.659 it, 00:22:00.200 --> 00:22:00.639 giving it 00:22:00.639 --> 00:22:01.000 this 00:22:01.000 --> 00:22:03.139 larger 00:22:03.139 --> 00:22:03.740 title, 00:22:03.839 --> 00:22:04.240 because it 00:22:04.240 --> 00:22:04.940 denotes 00:22:04.940 --> 00:22:05.600 an 00:22:05.600 --> 00:22:06.519 absolute 00:22:06.519 --> 00:22:07.799 master, 00:22:08.039 --> 00:22:08.600 sovereign 00:22:08.600 --> 00:22:09.860 Lord. 00:22:10.380 --> 00:22:10.700 They were 00:22:10.700 --> 00:22:11.279 thankful for 00:22:11.279 --> 00:22:11.779 God's 00:22:11.779 --> 00:22:12.460 complete 00:22:12.460 --> 00:22:13.240 control 00:22:13.240 --> 00:22:13.940 of 00:22:13.940 --> 00:22:14.980 all 00:22:14.980 --> 00:22:16.620 things. 00:22:17.660 --> 00:22:18.180 They go 00:22:18.180 --> 00:22:18.860 on to say, 00:22:19.400 --> 00:22:20.000 who made 00:22:20.000 --> 00:22:21.320 the heaven 00:22:21.320 --> 00:22:22.140 and the 00:22:22.140 --> 00:22:22.559 earth 00:22:22.559 --> 00:22:23.380 and the 00:22:23.380 --> 00:22:23.720 sea 00:22:23.720 --> 00:22:24.039 and 00:22:24.039 --> 00:22:25.059 everything 00:22:25.059 --> 00:22:26.180 in them. 00:22:26.720 --> 00:22:27.759 You are 00:22:27.759 --> 00:22:28.740 creator. 00:22:29.140 --> 00:22:29.940 You created 00:22:29.940 --> 00:22:30.720 all things 00:22:30.720 --> 00:22:31.320 and you 00:22:31.320 --> 00:22:32.299 sustain all 00:22:32.299 --> 00:22:32.740 things 00:22:32.740 --> 00:22:33.700 by your 00:22:33.700 --> 00:22:34.200 sovereign 00:22:34.200 --> 00:22:35.599 hand. 00:22:36.599 --> 00:22:37.460 I don't 00:22:37.460 --> 00:22:38.259 understand how 00:22:38.259 --> 00:22:38.880 Christians who 00:22:38.880 --> 00:22:39.519 don't believe in 00:22:39.519 --> 00:22:39.920 the sovereignty 00:22:39.920 --> 00:22:40.799 of God go 00:22:40.799 --> 00:22:41.779 through difficult 00:22:41.779 --> 00:22:42.220 times. 00:22:42.799 --> 00:22:43.180 It makes 00:22:43.180 --> 00:22:44.460 absolutely no 00:22:44.460 --> 00:22:45.299 sense to me 00:22:45.299 --> 00:22:46.259 whatsoever. 00:22:47.640 --> 00:22:48.099 God is 00:22:48.099 --> 00:22:48.960 fully in 00:22:48.960 --> 00:22:49.759 control of 00:22:49.759 --> 00:22:50.700 everything and 00:22:50.700 --> 00:22:51.660 nothing 00:22:51.660 --> 00:22:52.920 escapes 00:22:52.920 --> 00:22:54.160 his grasp. 00:22:54.279 --> 00:22:54.539 They have 00:22:54.539 --> 00:22:55.599 great reason 00:22:55.599 --> 00:22:56.039 to be 00:22:56.039 --> 00:22:56.700 thankful, 00:22:57.019 --> 00:22:57.799 to see 00:22:57.799 --> 00:22:58.740 his sovereign 00:22:58.740 --> 00:22:59.279 purposes 00:22:59.279 --> 00:23:01.200 working out. 00:23:01.620 --> 00:23:02.339 They understood 00:23:02.339 --> 00:23:02.819 that what 00:23:02.819 --> 00:23:03.639 was happening 00:23:03.639 --> 00:23:04.819 was the 00:23:04.819 --> 00:23:05.659 fulfillment of 00:23:05.659 --> 00:23:06.159 what God 00:23:06.159 --> 00:23:06.799 had said 00:23:06.799 --> 00:23:07.679 would 00:23:07.679 --> 00:23:08.619 happen. 00:23:09.699 --> 00:23:10.039 And they 00:23:10.039 --> 00:23:10.899 cite Psalm 00:23:10.899 --> 00:23:12.079 chapter 2 00:23:12.079 --> 00:23:13.619 verses 1 00:23:13.619 --> 00:23:14.379 through 2. 00:23:15.579 --> 00:23:16.099 See the 00:23:16.099 --> 00:23:16.539 sovereign 00:23:16.539 --> 00:23:17.000 Lord, 00:23:17.159 --> 00:23:17.899 verse 25, 00:23:18.000 --> 00:23:18.459 who through 00:23:18.459 --> 00:23:19.240 the mouth 00:23:19.240 --> 00:23:20.139 of our 00:23:20.139 --> 00:23:21.119 father David, 00:23:21.379 --> 00:23:22.199 who penned 00:23:22.199 --> 00:23:22.839 Psalm 2, 00:23:23.980 --> 00:23:24.399 you, 00:23:24.720 --> 00:23:25.299 your servant, 00:23:25.459 --> 00:23:26.500 said by the 00:23:26.500 --> 00:23:27.639 Holy Spirit. 00:23:29.179 --> 00:23:30.099 So they 00:23:30.099 --> 00:23:31.079 recognized that 00:23:31.079 --> 00:23:31.799 God wrote 00:23:31.799 --> 00:23:32.460 by the 00:23:32.460 --> 00:23:33.199 inspiration of 00:23:33.199 --> 00:23:33.679 the Spirit 00:23:33.679 --> 00:23:34.539 and the 00:23:34.539 --> 00:23:35.419 pen of 00:23:35.419 --> 00:23:35.819 David, 00:23:36.259 --> 00:23:36.819 Psalm 2, 00:23:37.279 --> 00:23:38.299 1 and 00:23:38.299 --> 00:23:38.539 2. 00:23:38.539 --> 00:23:39.359 Why did 00:23:39.359 --> 00:23:39.899 the Gentiles 00:23:39.899 --> 00:23:40.319 rage? 00:23:40.819 --> 00:23:41.000 And the 00:23:41.000 --> 00:23:41.879 people's plot 00:23:41.879 --> 00:23:42.439 in vain. 00:23:42.579 --> 00:23:43.119 The kings 00:23:43.119 --> 00:23:43.539 of the earth 00:23:43.539 --> 00:23:44.159 set themselves 00:23:44.159 --> 00:23:44.460 and the 00:23:44.460 --> 00:23:44.939 rulers were 00:23:44.939 --> 00:23:45.259 gathered 00:23:45.259 --> 00:23:45.720 together 00:23:45.720 --> 00:23:46.740 against the 00:23:46.740 --> 00:23:47.059 Lord, 00:23:47.439 --> 00:23:47.839 against 00:23:47.839 --> 00:23:48.779 His 00:23:48.779 --> 00:23:50.179 anointed. 00:23:50.439 --> 00:23:50.679 In 00:23:50.679 --> 00:23:51.379 Hebrew, 00:23:52.139 --> 00:23:52.740 Messiah. 00:23:53.000 --> 00:23:53.199 In 00:23:53.199 --> 00:23:53.759 Greek, 00:23:54.519 --> 00:23:55.079 Christ. 00:23:55.539 --> 00:23:56.039 Against 00:23:56.039 --> 00:23:57.319 God and 00:23:57.319 --> 00:23:59.079 Christ. 00:24:00.339 --> 00:24:00.939 So they 00:24:00.939 --> 00:24:01.759 reference 00:24:01.759 --> 00:24:03.099 canonized 00:24:03.099 --> 00:24:03.460 Scripture. 00:24:03.799 --> 00:24:04.419 They knew 00:24:04.419 --> 00:24:05.000 to be the 00:24:05.000 --> 00:24:05.980 Word of 00:24:05.980 --> 00:24:06.279 God, 00:24:06.339 --> 00:24:06.779 to see 00:24:06.779 --> 00:24:07.220 this 00:24:07.220 --> 00:24:08.759 fulfillment. 00:24:09.819 --> 00:24:10.119 Now we 00:24:10.119 --> 00:24:10.379 have a 00:24:10.379 --> 00:24:10.659 broader 00:24:10.659 --> 00:24:11.819 canon now, 00:24:12.179 --> 00:24:13.039 do we not? 00:24:13.879 --> 00:24:14.200 We have 00:24:14.200 --> 00:24:14.700 John's 00:24:14.700 --> 00:24:15.000 writing, 00:24:15.099 --> 00:24:15.460 which came 00:24:15.460 --> 00:24:16.720 after the 00:24:16.720 --> 00:24:17.240 record of 00:24:17.240 --> 00:24:17.480 what's 00:24:17.480 --> 00:24:17.899 happening 00:24:17.899 --> 00:24:18.819 here. 00:24:18.919 --> 00:24:19.039 They 00:24:19.039 --> 00:24:19.799 didn't have 00:24:19.799 --> 00:24:20.179 John's 00:24:20.179 --> 00:24:21.000 writing yet, 00:24:21.119 --> 00:24:21.480 but let's 00:24:21.480 --> 00:24:21.980 think about 00:24:21.980 --> 00:24:22.539 together 00:24:22.539 --> 00:24:23.379 some 00:24:23.379 --> 00:24:24.079 broader 00:24:24.079 --> 00:24:24.919 canon. 00:24:24.920 --> 00:24:26.019 John 15, 00:24:26.140 --> 00:24:26.960 18-20. 00:24:27.240 --> 00:24:27.920 Jesus says, 00:24:28.759 --> 00:24:29.039 If the 00:24:29.039 --> 00:24:29.720 world hates 00:24:29.720 --> 00:24:30.140 you, 00:24:30.700 --> 00:24:30.980 know that 00:24:30.980 --> 00:24:31.160 it has 00:24:31.160 --> 00:24:31.320 hated 00:24:31.320 --> 00:24:31.720 me before 00:24:31.720 --> 00:24:32.039 it hated 00:24:32.039 --> 00:24:32.400 you. 00:24:33.019 --> 00:24:33.320 If you 00:24:33.320 --> 00:24:33.560 were of 00:24:33.560 --> 00:24:34.000 the world, 00:24:34.080 --> 00:24:34.400 the world 00:24:34.400 --> 00:24:34.880 would love 00:24:34.880 --> 00:24:35.420 you as 00:24:35.420 --> 00:24:35.960 its own. 00:24:36.019 --> 00:24:36.320 But because 00:24:36.320 --> 00:24:36.519 you were 00:24:36.519 --> 00:24:36.900 not of 00:24:36.900 --> 00:24:37.340 the world, 00:24:37.640 --> 00:24:38.000 but I 00:24:38.000 --> 00:24:38.380 chose you 00:24:38.380 --> 00:24:38.660 out of 00:24:38.660 --> 00:24:39.080 the world, 00:24:39.560 --> 00:24:39.900 therefore 00:24:39.900 --> 00:24:40.380 the world 00:24:40.380 --> 00:24:41.060 hates you. 00:24:41.920 --> 00:24:42.300 Remember 00:24:42.300 --> 00:24:42.860 the word 00:24:42.860 --> 00:24:43.220 that I 00:24:43.220 --> 00:24:43.580 said to 00:24:43.580 --> 00:24:43.720 you, 00:24:43.759 --> 00:24:44.300 a servant 00:24:44.300 --> 00:24:44.759 is not 00:24:44.759 --> 00:24:45.039 greater 00:24:45.039 --> 00:24:45.360 than his 00:24:45.360 --> 00:24:45.740 master. 00:24:46.340 --> 00:24:46.680 If they 00:24:46.680 --> 00:24:47.120 persecute 00:24:47.120 --> 00:24:47.360 me, 00:24:47.480 --> 00:24:47.700 they will 00:24:47.700 --> 00:24:47.980 also 00:24:47.980 --> 00:24:48.480 persecute 00:24:48.480 --> 00:24:48.759 you. 00:24:49.140 --> 00:24:49.480 If they 00:24:49.480 --> 00:24:49.660 kept 00:24:49.660 --> 00:24:50.259 my word, 00:24:50.860 --> 00:24:51.160 they will 00:24:51.160 --> 00:24:52.039 also keep 00:24:52.039 --> 00:24:52.420 yours. 00:24:53.420 --> 00:24:54.100 So they're 00:24:54.099 --> 00:24:54.539 remembering 00:24:54.539 --> 00:24:54.859 these 00:24:54.859 --> 00:24:55.279 things, 00:24:55.459 --> 00:24:55.659 right? 00:24:55.759 --> 00:24:55.859 It's 00:24:55.859 --> 00:24:56.119 yet to 00:24:56.119 --> 00:24:56.259 be 00:24:56.259 --> 00:24:56.839 canonized. 00:24:56.959 --> 00:24:57.240 They're 00:24:57.240 --> 00:24:57.679 citing 00:24:57.679 --> 00:24:58.039 from 00:24:58.039 --> 00:24:58.399 Psalm 00:24:58.399 --> 00:24:58.759 2, 00:24:59.279 --> 00:24:59.699 1 and 00:24:59.699 --> 00:24:59.959 2, 00:25:00.019 --> 00:25:00.359 but they're 00:25:00.359 --> 00:25:00.939 bringing 00:25:00.939 --> 00:25:01.359 to their 00:25:01.359 --> 00:25:02.079 remembrance 00:25:02.079 --> 00:25:02.859 the things 00:25:02.859 --> 00:25:03.779 that Jesus 00:25:03.779 --> 00:25:04.879 had spoken 00:25:04.879 --> 00:25:05.579 to them. 00:25:06.379 --> 00:25:06.719 So the 00:25:06.719 --> 00:25:07.119 persecution 00:25:07.119 --> 00:25:07.980 of Peter 00:25:07.980 --> 00:25:08.599 and John 00:25:08.599 --> 00:25:09.199 serves 00:25:09.199 --> 00:25:10.639 as further 00:25:10.639 --> 00:25:11.639 confirmation 00:25:11.639 --> 00:25:12.779 that Jesus 00:25:12.779 --> 00:25:13.819 is the 00:25:13.819 --> 00:25:14.299 Christ. 00:25:15.379 --> 00:25:16.399 A great 00:25:16.399 --> 00:25:17.679 deal to 00:25:17.679 --> 00:25:18.579 rejoice in 00:25:18.579 --> 00:25:19.699 at this 00:25:19.699 --> 00:25:20.139 point. 00:25:21.379 --> 00:25:21.819 So they 00:25:21.819 --> 00:25:22.259 go on to 00:25:22.259 --> 00:25:22.919 simply say 00:25:22.919 --> 00:25:23.259 in verses 00:25:23.259 --> 00:25:23.919 27, 00:25:23.920 --> 00:25:25.500 28, 00:25:25.759 --> 00:25:26.640 that there 00:25:26.640 --> 00:25:27.019 were in 00:25:27.019 --> 00:25:27.500 fact people 00:25:27.500 --> 00:25:27.720 in the 00:25:27.720 --> 00:25:28.240 city gathered 00:25:28.240 --> 00:25:28.759 against your 00:25:28.759 --> 00:25:29.200 holy servant 00:25:29.200 --> 00:25:29.600 Jesus. 00:25:30.279 --> 00:25:30.759 Fulfillment 00:25:30.759 --> 00:25:31.380 of 2, 00:25:31.440 --> 00:25:31.700 1 through 00:25:31.700 --> 00:25:31.980 2, 00:25:32.080 --> 00:25:32.279 Psalm 00:25:32.279 --> 00:25:32.480 2, 00:25:32.480 --> 00:25:32.600 1, 00:25:32.620 --> 00:25:32.700 2, 00:25:32.700 --> 00:25:32.920 through, 00:25:33.539 --> 00:25:34.000 whom you 00:25:34.000 --> 00:25:34.400 anointed, 00:25:34.660 --> 00:25:34.940 your 00:25:34.940 --> 00:25:35.320 anointed 00:25:35.320 --> 00:25:35.500 one, 00:25:35.539 --> 00:25:35.640 your 00:25:35.640 --> 00:25:36.019 Messiah, 00:25:36.120 --> 00:25:36.220 the 00:25:36.220 --> 00:25:36.700 Christ, 00:25:37.160 --> 00:25:37.480 Herod and 00:25:37.480 --> 00:25:37.759 Pontius 00:25:37.759 --> 00:25:38.400 Pilate with 00:25:38.400 --> 00:25:39.240 the Gentiles 00:25:39.240 --> 00:25:40.140 and the 00:25:40.140 --> 00:25:41.660 peoples of 00:25:41.660 --> 00:25:42.800 Israel to 00:25:42.800 --> 00:25:43.120 do what 00:25:43.120 --> 00:25:43.759 your hand 00:25:43.759 --> 00:25:44.660 and your 00:25:44.660 --> 00:25:45.800 plan had 00:25:45.800 --> 00:25:46.519 predestined 00:25:46.519 --> 00:25:47.100 to take 00:25:47.100 --> 00:25:47.580 place. 00:25:49.320 --> 00:25:49.880 Christ was 00:25:49.880 --> 00:25:50.720 crucified by 00:25:50.720 --> 00:25:52.039 the preordained 00:25:52.039 --> 00:25:53.140 purpose 00:25:53.140 --> 00:25:54.700 of God. 00:25:55.660 --> 00:25:55.860 Their 00:25:55.860 --> 00:25:56.300 thanksgiving 00:25:56.300 --> 00:25:56.540 in the 00:25:56.540 --> 00:25:56.840 midst of 00:25:56.840 --> 00:25:57.380 persecution 00:25:57.380 --> 00:25:59.440 reminds me 00:25:59.440 --> 00:25:59.820 of the 00:25:59.820 --> 00:26:00.580 instruction of 00:26:00.580 --> 00:26:01.160 Paul in 00:26:01.160 --> 00:26:01.680 Philippians 00:26:01.680 --> 00:26:02.660 chapter 4, 00:26:03.280 --> 00:26:04.060 verses 4 00:26:04.060 --> 00:26:04.560 through 7. 00:26:05.040 --> 00:26:05.340 So here 00:26:05.340 --> 00:26:05.759 they are 00:26:05.759 --> 00:26:07.040 rejoicing, 00:26:07.259 --> 00:26:07.940 being thankful 00:26:07.940 --> 00:26:08.300 for the 00:26:08.300 --> 00:26:09.520 thing that 00:26:09.520 --> 00:26:10.100 has happened. 00:26:11.480 --> 00:26:12.360 Verse 4, 00:26:12.580 --> 00:26:13.380 Philippians 4, 00:26:13.480 --> 00:26:14.460 rejoice in 00:26:14.460 --> 00:26:14.980 the Lord 00:26:14.980 --> 00:26:16.440 always. 00:26:17.120 --> 00:26:17.680 Again, I 00:26:17.680 --> 00:26:18.080 will say 00:26:18.080 --> 00:26:18.820 rejoice. 00:26:19.480 --> 00:26:19.980 Let your 00:26:19.980 --> 00:26:20.660 reasonableness 00:26:20.660 --> 00:26:21.360 be known 00:26:21.360 --> 00:26:22.500 to everyone. 00:26:23.220 --> 00:26:23.820 The Lord 00:26:23.820 --> 00:26:24.140 is at 00:26:24.140 --> 00:26:24.640 hand or 00:26:24.640 --> 00:26:25.420 He is 00:26:25.420 --> 00:26:26.200 present. 00:26:27.259 --> 00:26:27.540 Do not 00:26:27.540 --> 00:26:28.080 be anxious 00:26:28.080 --> 00:26:28.660 about anything 00:26:28.660 --> 00:26:28.960 but in 00:26:28.960 --> 00:26:29.620 everything by 00:26:29.620 --> 00:26:30.560 prayer and 00:26:30.560 --> 00:26:31.279 supplication. 00:26:31.660 --> 00:26:31.940 With 00:26:31.940 --> 00:26:33.000 thanksgiving, 00:26:33.160 --> 00:26:33.460 let your 00:26:33.460 --> 00:26:34.220 requests be 00:26:34.220 --> 00:26:34.640 made known 00:26:34.640 --> 00:26:35.259 to God 00:26:35.259 --> 00:26:36.000 and the 00:26:36.000 --> 00:26:36.440 peace of 00:26:36.440 --> 00:26:36.960 God which 00:26:36.960 --> 00:26:37.800 surpasses all 00:26:37.800 --> 00:26:38.300 understanding 00:26:38.300 --> 00:26:38.840 will guard 00:26:38.840 --> 00:26:39.900 your hearts 00:26:39.900 --> 00:26:40.620 and your 00:26:40.620 --> 00:26:41.360 minds in 00:26:41.360 --> 00:26:41.980 Christ Jesus. 00:26:43.040 --> 00:26:43.380 They're 00:26:43.380 --> 00:26:44.240 recognizing the 00:26:44.240 --> 00:26:45.000 presence of 00:26:45.000 --> 00:26:46.440 God in 00:26:46.440 --> 00:26:47.040 fulfilling 00:26:47.040 --> 00:26:47.759 His 00:26:47.759 --> 00:26:49.200 promises. 00:26:49.200 --> 00:26:50.000 and they're 00:26:50.000 --> 00:26:51.640 thankful for 00:26:51.640 --> 00:26:51.920 it. 00:26:52.740 --> 00:26:53.340 So be 00:26:53.340 --> 00:26:54.039 committed to 00:26:54.039 --> 00:26:54.700 fellowship. 00:26:55.960 --> 00:26:56.600 Be thankful. 00:26:56.799 --> 00:26:57.240 And finally, 00:26:57.460 --> 00:26:57.840 the seventh 00:26:57.840 --> 00:27:00.019 way to 00:27:00.019 --> 00:27:00.480 honor God 00:27:00.480 --> 00:27:00.680 in the 00:27:00.680 --> 00:27:01.460 midst of 00:27:01.460 --> 00:27:01.940 persecution 00:27:01.940 --> 00:27:03.340 is to 00:27:03.340 --> 00:27:03.960 be prayerful. 00:27:05.420 --> 00:27:05.960 Now, they've 00:27:05.960 --> 00:27:06.340 already been 00:27:06.340 --> 00:27:06.640 praying. 00:27:06.759 --> 00:27:07.220 I recognize 00:27:07.220 --> 00:27:08.420 that previously 00:27:08.420 --> 00:27:09.160 in our text. 00:27:09.840 --> 00:27:10.380 I want to 00:27:10.380 --> 00:27:10.779 pick up in 00:27:10.779 --> 00:27:11.620 verse 29 00:27:11.620 --> 00:27:12.900 through the 00:27:12.900 --> 00:27:13.340 end 00:27:13.340 --> 00:27:16.460 through 31 00:27:16.460 --> 00:27:16.860 through the 00:27:16.860 --> 00:27:17.140 end of our 00:27:17.140 --> 00:27:17.519 text. 00:27:19.200 --> 00:27:20.200 be 00:27:20.200 --> 00:27:20.720 prayerful. 00:27:21.620 --> 00:27:22.660 Verse 29, 00:27:23.539 --> 00:27:24.240 And now, 00:27:24.400 --> 00:27:25.080 Lord, look 00:27:25.080 --> 00:27:25.660 upon their 00:27:25.660 --> 00:27:26.920 threats and 00:27:26.920 --> 00:27:27.680 grant to 00:27:27.680 --> 00:27:28.120 your servants 00:27:28.120 --> 00:27:28.779 to continue 00:27:28.779 --> 00:27:29.340 to speak 00:27:29.340 --> 00:27:29.940 your word 00:27:29.940 --> 00:27:31.160 with all 00:27:31.160 --> 00:27:31.680 boldness 00:27:31.680 --> 00:27:32.640 while you 00:27:32.640 --> 00:27:32.980 stretch out 00:27:32.980 --> 00:27:33.240 your hand 00:27:33.240 --> 00:27:33.660 to heal 00:27:33.660 --> 00:27:34.140 and signs 00:27:34.140 --> 00:27:34.539 and wonders 00:27:34.539 --> 00:27:34.920 are performed 00:27:34.920 --> 00:27:35.160 through the 00:27:35.160 --> 00:27:35.340 name of 00:27:35.340 --> 00:27:35.660 your holy 00:27:35.660 --> 00:27:36.100 servant, 00:27:37.340 --> 00:27:37.620 Jesus. 00:27:38.420 --> 00:27:38.920 Be 00:27:38.920 --> 00:27:39.980 prayerful. 00:27:40.180 --> 00:27:40.660 Certainly be 00:27:40.660 --> 00:27:41.059 prayerful 00:27:41.059 --> 00:27:41.940 independently. 00:27:42.900 --> 00:27:43.259 Closet 00:27:43.259 --> 00:27:43.660 prayer is an 00:27:43.660 --> 00:27:44.160 important part 00:27:44.160 --> 00:27:44.340 of the 00:27:44.340 --> 00:27:44.580 Christian 00:27:44.580 --> 00:27:44.920 life, 00:27:45.019 --> 00:27:45.120 but 00:27:45.120 --> 00:27:45.720 specifically 00:27:45.720 --> 00:27:46.400 the 00:27:46.400 --> 00:27:46.900 exhortation 00:27:46.900 --> 00:27:47.559 here is to 00:27:47.559 --> 00:27:48.859 be prayerful 00:27:48.859 --> 00:27:50.259 corporately. 00:27:51.539 --> 00:27:52.259 The example 00:27:52.259 --> 00:27:53.159 of corporate 00:27:53.159 --> 00:27:54.099 prayer is 00:27:54.099 --> 00:27:55.079 found in 00:27:55.079 --> 00:27:55.980 a multitude 00:27:55.980 --> 00:27:56.720 of places 00:27:56.720 --> 00:27:57.799 in the 00:27:57.799 --> 00:27:58.119 book of 00:27:58.119 --> 00:27:58.480 Acts. 00:27:58.980 --> 00:27:59.299 I just 00:27:59.299 --> 00:27:59.519 want to 00:27:59.519 --> 00:27:59.799 show you 00:27:59.799 --> 00:28:00.139 a few. 00:28:00.779 --> 00:28:01.079 Ready? 00:28:02.659 --> 00:28:03.200 Chapter 1 00:28:03.200 --> 00:28:03.960 verse 14 00:28:03.960 --> 00:28:04.799 and chapter 2 00:28:04.799 --> 00:28:05.559 verse 42 00:28:05.559 --> 00:28:07.000 see the 00:28:07.000 --> 00:28:07.379 church 00:28:07.379 --> 00:28:08.079 devoted 00:28:08.079 --> 00:28:09.179 to prayer. 00:28:10.200 --> 00:28:10.700 Today's 00:28:10.700 --> 00:28:11.059 text, 00:28:11.220 --> 00:28:11.720 424, 00:28:11.839 --> 00:28:12.359 they lifted 00:28:12.359 --> 00:28:12.879 their voices 00:28:12.879 --> 00:28:13.980 together 00:28:13.980 --> 00:28:15.339 to God. 00:28:15.799 --> 00:28:16.779 Chapter 6 00:28:16.779 --> 00:28:17.860 verse 6 00:28:17.860 --> 00:28:18.799 the church 00:28:18.799 --> 00:28:19.259 chooses 00:28:19.259 --> 00:28:19.839 seven 00:28:19.839 --> 00:28:20.380 deacons 00:28:20.380 --> 00:28:21.220 and they 00:28:21.220 --> 00:28:22.039 pray 00:28:22.039 --> 00:28:22.900 for them. 00:28:23.539 --> 00:28:24.180 Chapter 12 00:28:24.180 --> 00:28:25.039 verse 5 00:28:25.039 --> 00:28:25.720 Peter is 00:28:25.720 --> 00:28:26.220 in prison 00:28:26.220 --> 00:28:27.480 and earnest 00:28:27.480 --> 00:28:28.240 prayer is 00:28:28.240 --> 00:28:28.980 made for 00:28:28.980 --> 00:28:29.500 him to 00:28:29.500 --> 00:28:29.920 God 00:28:29.920 --> 00:28:30.599 by the 00:28:30.599 --> 00:28:31.059 church. 00:28:31.440 --> 00:28:31.620 And when 00:28:31.620 --> 00:28:32.220 he escapes 00:28:32.220 --> 00:28:32.759 from prison 00:28:32.759 --> 00:28:33.680 he finds 00:28:33.680 --> 00:28:34.559 many gathered 00:28:34.559 --> 00:28:35.039 together 00:28:35.039 --> 00:28:35.839 and praying. 00:28:36.059 --> 00:28:36.120 That's 00:28:36.120 --> 00:28:36.860 chapter 12 00:28:36.860 --> 00:28:37.799 verse 12. 00:28:38.960 --> 00:28:39.860 Chapter 13 00:28:39.860 --> 00:28:40.579 verse 3 00:28:40.579 --> 00:28:41.700 after fasting 00:28:41.700 --> 00:28:42.140 and praying 00:28:42.140 --> 00:28:42.579 the church 00:28:42.579 --> 00:28:43.139 in Antioch 00:28:43.139 --> 00:28:44.099 sends Paul 00:28:44.099 --> 00:28:44.740 and Barnabas 00:28:44.740 --> 00:28:46.019 on the 00:28:46.019 --> 00:28:46.639 first missionary 00:28:46.639 --> 00:28:47.139 journey. 00:28:47.699 --> 00:28:48.319 Chapter 14 00:28:48.319 --> 00:28:49.419 verse 23 00:28:49.419 --> 00:28:50.500 elders are 00:28:50.500 --> 00:28:50.899 appointed 00:28:50.899 --> 00:28:51.399 and committed 00:28:51.399 --> 00:28:51.699 to the 00:28:51.699 --> 00:28:51.919 Lord 00:28:51.919 --> 00:28:53.220 with prayer 00:28:53.220 --> 00:28:54.359 and fasting. 00:28:54.720 --> 00:28:55.779 Chapter 16 00:28:55.779 --> 00:28:56.720 verse 25 00:28:56.720 --> 00:28:57.839 Paul and 00:28:57.839 --> 00:28:58.460 Silas 00:28:58.460 --> 00:28:59.319 are imprisoned 00:28:59.319 --> 00:29:00.000 and they're 00:29:00.000 --> 00:29:00.619 praying 00:29:00.619 --> 00:29:01.259 and singing 00:29:01.259 --> 00:29:01.839 hymns 00:29:01.839 --> 00:29:02.720 while in 00:29:02.720 --> 00:29:03.019 jail. 00:29:04.099 --> 00:29:05.139 Chapter 20 00:29:05.139 --> 00:29:06.419 verse 36 00:29:06.419 --> 00:29:07.799 Paul prays 00:29:07.799 --> 00:29:08.659 with the 00:29:08.659 --> 00:29:09.199 Ephesian 00:29:09.199 --> 00:29:09.619 elders 00:29:09.619 --> 00:29:11.079 when departing 00:29:11.079 --> 00:29:12.159 from them. 00:29:12.160 --> 00:29:12.900 So we're 00:29:12.900 --> 00:29:13.480 seeing a 00:29:13.480 --> 00:29:14.360 clearly 00:29:14.360 --> 00:29:16.380 prescriptive 00:29:16.380 --> 00:29:16.920 pattern 00:29:16.920 --> 00:29:18.220 of corporate 00:29:18.220 --> 00:29:19.259 prayer 00:29:19.259 --> 00:29:20.720 just in 00:29:20.720 --> 00:29:21.100 the book 00:29:21.100 --> 00:29:22.220 of Acts 00:29:22.220 --> 00:29:22.540 and it's 00:29:22.540 --> 00:29:23.220 commanded of 00:29:23.220 --> 00:29:23.540 us 00:29:23.540 --> 00:29:24.800 elsewhere. 00:29:25.080 --> 00:29:25.400 So they're 00:29:25.400 --> 00:29:26.080 praying 00:29:26.080 --> 00:29:26.820 together. 00:29:26.960 --> 00:29:27.220 Be 00:29:27.220 --> 00:29:28.420 prayerful. 00:29:28.640 --> 00:29:29.360 And what 00:29:29.360 --> 00:29:29.700 is it that 00:29:29.700 --> 00:29:30.400 they request 00:29:30.400 --> 00:29:31.019 of God? 00:29:32.200 --> 00:29:32.880 More 00:29:32.880 --> 00:29:33.500 boldness. 00:29:33.600 --> 00:29:33.779 And that 00:29:33.779 --> 00:29:34.640 just astounds 00:29:34.640 --> 00:29:34.980 me. 00:29:35.380 --> 00:29:36.180 On the 00:29:36.180 --> 00:29:36.660 heels of 00:29:36.660 --> 00:29:37.420 such great 00:29:37.420 --> 00:29:38.000 boldness 00:29:38.000 --> 00:29:39.579 they ask 00:29:39.579 --> 00:29:39.920 for 00:29:39.920 --> 00:29:41.140 more 00:29:41.140 --> 00:29:42.660 boldness. 00:29:43.279 --> 00:29:44.099 They know 00:29:44.099 --> 00:29:44.420 that they 00:29:44.420 --> 00:29:44.799 need the 00:29:44.799 --> 00:29:45.339 power of 00:29:45.339 --> 00:29:45.740 God 00:29:45.740 --> 00:29:47.059 to fulfill 00:29:47.059 --> 00:29:48.240 the purposes 00:29:48.240 --> 00:29:49.579 of God. 00:29:50.000 --> 00:29:50.279 Grant 00:29:50.279 --> 00:29:50.700 to your 00:29:50.700 --> 00:29:51.160 servants 00:29:51.160 --> 00:29:52.599 to continue 00:29:52.599 --> 00:29:53.619 to speak 00:29:53.619 --> 00:29:54.420 your word 00:29:54.420 --> 00:29:55.920 with all 00:29:55.920 --> 00:29:57.200 boldness. 00:29:58.000 --> 00:29:58.480 And interestingly 00:29:58.480 --> 00:29:59.180 they ask 00:29:59.180 --> 00:29:59.900 that while 00:29:59.900 --> 00:30:00.680 God works 00:30:00.680 --> 00:30:01.220 miracles 00:30:01.220 --> 00:30:02.160 notice verse 00:30:02.160 --> 00:30:02.460 30 00:30:02.460 --> 00:30:03.039 while you 00:30:03.039 --> 00:30:03.640 stretch out 00:30:03.640 --> 00:30:03.980 your hand 00:30:03.980 --> 00:30:04.380 to heal 00:30:04.380 --> 00:30:05.359 and signs 00:30:05.359 --> 00:30:05.720 and wonders 00:30:05.720 --> 00:30:06.200 are performed 00:30:06.200 --> 00:30:06.599 through the name 00:30:06.599 --> 00:30:06.980 of your 00:30:06.980 --> 00:30:07.519 holy servant 00:30:07.519 --> 00:30:08.039 Jesus 00:30:08.039 --> 00:30:10.559 give us 00:30:10.559 --> 00:30:11.119 boldness 00:30:11.119 --> 00:30:11.980 to speak. 00:30:12.719 --> 00:30:13.379 Amidst the 00:30:13.379 --> 00:30:13.759 miracles 00:30:13.759 --> 00:30:14.279 amidst the 00:30:14.279 --> 00:30:14.679 things that 00:30:14.679 --> 00:30:14.959 are going 00:30:14.959 --> 00:30:15.859 on around 00:30:15.859 --> 00:30:16.279 us 00:30:16.279 --> 00:30:18.319 grant us 00:30:18.319 --> 00:30:20.099 boldness. 00:30:21.099 --> 00:30:21.500 And you 00:30:21.500 --> 00:30:21.939 can see 00:30:21.939 --> 00:30:22.279 that this 00:30:22.279 --> 00:30:22.519 is a 00:30:22.519 --> 00:30:22.859 prayer 00:30:22.859 --> 00:30:23.279 that's 00:30:23.279 --> 00:30:23.480 within 00:30:23.480 --> 00:30:23.799 the will 00:30:23.799 --> 00:30:24.199 of God 00:30:24.199 --> 00:30:24.439 because 00:30:24.439 --> 00:30:24.859 in verse 00:30:24.859 --> 00:30:25.459 31 00:30:25.459 --> 00:30:26.299 it says 00:30:26.299 --> 00:30:26.459 at the 00:30:26.459 --> 00:30:26.799 very end 00:30:26.799 --> 00:30:27.039 of verse 00:30:27.039 --> 00:30:27.459 31 00:30:27.459 --> 00:30:27.819 they were 00:30:27.819 --> 00:30:28.159 filled 00:30:28.159 --> 00:30:28.399 with the 00:30:28.399 --> 00:30:28.859 Holy Spirit 00:30:28.859 --> 00:30:29.759 and continued 00:30:29.759 --> 00:30:30.459 to speak 00:30:30.459 --> 00:30:31.259 the word 00:30:31.259 --> 00:30:31.740 of God 00:30:31.740 --> 00:30:33.240 with boldness. 00:30:33.539 --> 00:30:34.059 They have 00:30:34.059 --> 00:30:34.939 been commanded 00:30:34.939 --> 00:30:35.359 by the 00:30:35.359 --> 00:30:35.879 Sanhedrin 00:30:35.880 --> 00:30:36.340 to no 00:30:36.340 --> 00:30:36.720 longer 00:30:36.720 --> 00:30:37.260 speak 00:30:37.260 --> 00:30:37.840 in the 00:30:37.840 --> 00:30:38.180 name 00:30:38.180 --> 00:30:39.200 of Jesus. 00:30:39.780 --> 00:30:40.120 And before 00:30:40.120 --> 00:30:40.740 the Sanhedrin 00:30:40.740 --> 00:30:41.240 Peter and 00:30:41.240 --> 00:30:41.500 John 00:30:41.500 --> 00:30:42.260 collectively 00:30:42.260 --> 00:30:42.940 have said 00:30:42.940 --> 00:30:43.520 for we 00:30:43.520 --> 00:30:43.820 cannot 00:30:43.820 --> 00:30:44.720 but speak 00:30:44.720 --> 00:30:45.060 of what 00:30:45.060 --> 00:30:45.420 we have 00:30:45.420 --> 00:30:45.940 seen 00:30:45.940 --> 00:30:47.540 and heard. 00:30:49.620 --> 00:30:50.000 And I 00:30:50.000 --> 00:30:50.340 think that 00:30:50.340 --> 00:30:50.860 they know 00:30:50.860 --> 00:30:52.760 how sheepish 00:30:52.760 --> 00:30:53.140 their own 00:30:53.140 --> 00:30:53.560 hearts 00:30:53.560 --> 00:30:54.440 could be. 00:30:55.260 --> 00:30:55.460 And so 00:30:55.460 --> 00:30:56.200 they pray 00:30:56.200 --> 00:30:57.540 for more 00:30:57.540 --> 00:30:58.080 boldness 00:30:58.080 --> 00:30:58.860 and God 00:30:58.860 --> 00:30:59.420 grants it 00:30:59.420 --> 00:30:59.900 to them 00:30:59.900 --> 00:31:00.640 and they 00:31:00.640 --> 00:31:01.040 act 00:31:01.040 --> 00:31:02.160 accordingly. 00:31:02.160 --> 00:31:04.220 So we're 00:31:04.220 --> 00:31:04.440 to be 00:31:04.440 --> 00:31:05.080 bold 00:31:05.080 --> 00:31:06.200 proclaimers 00:31:06.200 --> 00:31:06.779 of the 00:31:06.779 --> 00:31:07.220 gospel 00:31:07.220 --> 00:31:08.560 of Jesus 00:31:08.560 --> 00:31:09.040 Christ. 00:31:10.040 --> 00:31:10.800 And we're 00:31:10.800 --> 00:31:11.019 to be 00:31:11.019 --> 00:31:11.500 prepared 00:31:11.500 --> 00:31:12.440 and expect 00:31:12.440 --> 00:31:13.840 that some 00:31:13.840 --> 00:31:14.620 people will 00:31:14.620 --> 00:31:15.320 respond 00:31:15.320 --> 00:31:16.519 unfavorably 00:31:16.519 --> 00:31:17.279 to that 00:31:17.279 --> 00:31:17.860 message. 00:31:19.240 --> 00:31:20.060 John writes 00:31:20.060 --> 00:31:20.700 in 1 John 00:31:20.700 --> 00:31:21.400 3.13 00:31:21.400 --> 00:31:22.220 Do not be 00:31:22.220 --> 00:31:23.019 surprised 00:31:23.019 --> 00:31:24.100 for others 00:31:24.100 --> 00:31:24.540 that the 00:31:24.540 --> 00:31:25.060 world 00:31:25.060 --> 00:31:27.000 hates you. 00:31:28.540 --> 00:31:29.100 So when you 00:31:29.100 --> 00:31:29.560 are hated 00:31:29.560 --> 00:31:30.980 for the message 00:31:30.980 --> 00:31:31.500 of Christ 00:31:31.500 --> 00:31:31.940 as you go 00:31:31.940 --> 00:31:32.240 out from 00:31:32.240 --> 00:31:32.880 this place 00:31:32.880 --> 00:31:34.339 and you 00:31:34.339 --> 00:31:34.740 preach it 00:31:34.740 --> 00:31:35.220 boldly 00:31:35.220 --> 00:31:35.680 to people 00:31:35.680 --> 00:31:36.480 who desperately 00:31:36.480 --> 00:31:37.099 need it 00:31:37.099 --> 00:31:38.720 remember 00:31:38.720 --> 00:31:39.900 these seven 00:31:39.900 --> 00:31:40.220 ways to 00:31:40.220 --> 00:31:40.680 honor God 00:31:40.680 --> 00:31:41.200 in the midst 00:31:41.200 --> 00:31:42.360 of persecution. 00:31:42.559 --> 00:31:43.380 Be expendable. 00:31:43.920 --> 00:31:44.400 Be filled 00:31:44.400 --> 00:31:44.720 with the 00:31:44.720 --> 00:31:44.960 Spirit. 00:31:45.120 --> 00:31:45.819 Be bold. 00:31:46.180 --> 00:31:46.779 Be obedient 00:31:46.779 --> 00:31:47.759 at all 00:31:47.759 --> 00:31:48.259 cost. 00:31:48.579 --> 00:31:49.160 Be committed 00:31:49.160 --> 00:31:49.720 to fellowship. 00:31:50.240 --> 00:31:50.700 Be thankful 00:31:50.700 --> 00:31:52.279 and be 00:31:52.279 --> 00:31:53.779 prayerful. 00:31:55.140 --> 00:31:55.380 And I 00:31:55.380 --> 00:31:55.640 want to 00:31:55.640 --> 00:31:56.039 conclude 00:31:56.039 --> 00:31:57.099 with another 00:31:57.099 --> 00:31:57.500 quotation 00:31:57.500 --> 00:31:58.279 from C.T. 00:31:58.420 --> 00:31:58.700 Studd. 00:31:58.759 --> 00:31:59.140 He was a 00:31:59.140 --> 00:32:00.140 late 19th 00:32:00.140 --> 00:32:00.860 early 20th 00:32:00.859 --> 00:32:01.199 century 00:32:01.199 --> 00:32:01.939 contemporary 00:32:01.939 --> 00:32:03.079 of John 00:32:03.079 --> 00:32:03.279 G. 00:32:03.579 --> 00:32:03.879 Patton 00:32:03.879 --> 00:32:04.179 on the 00:32:04.179 --> 00:32:04.359 front of 00:32:04.359 --> 00:32:04.459 your 00:32:04.459 --> 00:32:04.839 bulletin. 00:32:04.959 --> 00:32:05.159 Some 00:32:05.159 --> 00:32:05.519 want to 00:32:05.519 --> 00:32:05.859 live 00:32:05.859 --> 00:32:06.319 within 00:32:06.319 --> 00:32:06.559 the 00:32:06.559 --> 00:32:06.919 sound 00:32:06.919 --> 00:32:07.119 of 00:32:07.119 --> 00:32:07.559 church 00:32:07.559 --> 00:32:08.059 or 00:32:08.059 --> 00:32:08.459 chapel 00:32:08.459 --> 00:32:08.839 bell. 00:32:09.319 --> 00:32:09.519 I 00:32:09.519 --> 00:32:09.859 want to 00:32:09.859 --> 00:32:10.240 run 00:32:10.240 --> 00:32:10.439 a 00:32:10.439 --> 00:32:10.939 rescue 00:32:10.939 --> 00:32:11.419 shop 00:32:11.419 --> 00:32:12.139 within 00:32:12.139 --> 00:32:12.339 a 00:32:12.339 --> 00:32:12.659 yard 00:32:12.659 --> 00:32:13.299 of 00:32:13.299 --> 00:32:13.559 hell. 00:32:14.039 --> 00:32:14.259 Let's 00:32:14.259 --> 00:32:14.399 pray 00:32:14.399 --> 00:32:14.699 together.