Verse 5, "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him."
Verse 24, "But the word of God continued to increase and spread."
Persecution was often used to stop a movement. Throughout Acts we see that the persecution of the church, whether it was of her leader (Peter) or others, didn't work. In fact, the church grew and more and more people became followers of Jesus.
I love that the entire church prayed earnestly for Peter. How powerful of an image that is for me as the pastor of Charter Oak Church. The result of that prayer is nothing short of extraordinary! Many probably want to discount this story, but I believe it demonstrates what can happen when the people of God join their hearts and voices together in unity through prayer.
When this happens, God moves. And when God moves the number of people who become believers and followers of Jesus increases.
5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
How many of our parishoners are in this same spot? Satan may have some of our own church body in his prison. Are we praying for our church members circumstances so that they may be freed from the chains that Satan has them in ?
Paul wrote in 1 thessalonians, " Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children."
We are to help our congregation, there are many hurts, pains and sufferings, are we giving it our all ? Are we loving with a full heart the way Jesus instructs us to ?
Pastor Chris is right about the persecution. We must endure many things in this world, whether we try to do it our selves, or choose to let God be our pilots. 11 Timothy chapters 2 and 3 say " Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ shall suffer persecution [but] if WE SUFFER, we shall also reign with HIM.
24 But the word of God continued to increase and spread.
The ministry of the spoken word is probably the most efficient methods of instruction today, both in the church and in books. Remember to do as 11 Timothy 2:15 says and to study the bible daily in order to avoid frustration. We must prove ourselves as Titus 2:14 says as God's "peculiar people, zealous of good works."
Our nursemaid abilities come out in our faithfullness to our Lord and Savior, when Jesus shines his love on us and in us, then it is easier to give it out to others. The only way to let God into our lives is to ask him and then to increase our faith every day thru his word.
Thank you Father for putting the 40 day challenge in Pastor Chris's heart. Thank you for allowing us to grow closer to you and to know you on a more personal level. Thank you for helping to increase our faith, our strength, our incouragement, our patience, our knowledge and our love. Help us to become more faithful servants, and give us a prayerful heart.
Charter Oak Church is a family of Jesus followers who want to reach out to those who are searching and equip believers to become fully devoted followers of Jesus.
Verse 24 - "But the word of God continued to increase and spread."
ReplyDeleteDespite all our problems - as a nation, community, household, and individuals; God is still at work. That brings me great comfort and hope.
Verse 5, "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him."
ReplyDeleteVerse 24, "But the word of God continued to increase and spread."
Persecution was often used to stop a movement. Throughout Acts we see that the persecution of the church, whether it was of her leader (Peter) or others, didn't work. In fact, the church grew and more and more people became followers of Jesus.
I love that the entire church prayed earnestly for Peter. How powerful of an image that is for me as the pastor of Charter Oak Church. The result of that prayer is nothing short of extraordinary! Many probably want to discount this story, but I believe it demonstrates what can happen when the people of God join their hearts and voices together in unity through prayer.
When this happens, God moves. And when God moves the number of people who become believers and followers of Jesus increases.
5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.
ReplyDeleteHow many of our parishoners are in this same spot? Satan may have some of our own church body in his prison. Are we praying for our church members circumstances so that they may be freed from the chains that Satan has them in ?
Paul wrote in 1 thessalonians, " Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children."
We are to help our congregation, there are many hurts, pains and sufferings, are we giving it our all ? Are we loving with a full heart the way Jesus instructs us to ?
Pastor Chris is right about the persecution. We must endure many things in this world, whether we try to do it our selves, or choose to let God be our pilots. 11 Timothy chapters 2 and 3 say " Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ shall suffer persecution [but] if WE SUFFER, we shall also reign with HIM.
24 But the word of God continued to increase and spread.
The ministry of the spoken word is probably the most efficient methods of instruction today, both in the church and in books. Remember to do as 11 Timothy 2:15 says and to study the bible daily in order to avoid frustration. We must prove ourselves as Titus 2:14 says as God's "peculiar people, zealous of good works."
Our nursemaid abilities come out in our faithfullness to our Lord and Savior, when Jesus shines his love on us and in us, then it is easier to give it out to others. The only way to let God into our lives is to ask him and then to increase our faith every day thru his word.
Thank you Father for putting the 40 day challenge in Pastor Chris's heart. Thank you for allowing us to grow closer to you and to know you on a more personal level. Thank you for helping to increase our faith, our strength, our incouragement, our patience, our knowledge and our love. Help us to become more faithful servants, and give us a prayerful heart.