Introduction

Last week, we studied from Acts 4:1-22. We saw the first persecution of the Church as a result of the healing of a certain man lame from his mother's womb in Chapter 3. Peter preached a message which led to the salvation of about five thousand souls in one day. This led to their overnight detention. We saw the boldness of Peter in the face of opposition from the council of religious leaders.

1. Their response to Persecution.  Acts 4:23, 24 (And being let go, they went to their own company, vs. 23)

     The Church must have been concerned about the fate of Peter and John in the hand of the highest religious court in the land, the same court that condemned Jesus to death. The moment they came out of detention, they met with the rest of the Church. Persecution or adverse situation should unit us with our brethren rather than isolate us.

* The reaction of the Church: When they heard this, they raised their voices to God with one mind . Vs 24

    The Church did not react to the report of persecution with fear and perplexity but resorted to prayer.           A major challenge of the Church of today is the Prayer life of the Church. Persecution and every other problem within and without the Church will melt away as the temperature of prayer rises in the Church.                                (The incident of praying Christian in Westford in 1793)

2. The Prayer Focus of the Church: Acts 4:24-30

  A. They declared the sovereignty of God over all .Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth...vs. 24

       The praise offered up by the church is grounded in Scripture. They cite from two of the Psalms. The church first praises God as the Creator in Psalm 146:6. The primary biblical truth that sustains them is a realization that God is sovereign, even in their suffering.

B. They quoted the scripture in prayer ..Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage... Vs. 25-28

They quoted from Ps.2: 1-4. The saints spoke of Jesus as God's "servant" (Acts 4:27). Surely this is a reference to Him as the "Suffering Servant" of Isaiah. Once again the opposition of wicked men to Jesus is seen as part of God's sovereign plan, accomplishing what He had foreordained long beforehand (Acts4:27,28).

C. They expressed overwhelming desire to preach the word of God despite the threatening. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word.vs 29

The saints did not ask for God's vengeance upon their opponents. Neither did they ask to be delivered from all suffering and adversity. Instead, they prayed for boldness to proclaim the gospel. We must never be vengeful in our reaction to opposition, but rather pray for our enemies. Matt. 5:43-48

d. They asked for the manifestation of signs, wonders and healing in the name of Jesus. .By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. Vs 30

Signs and wonders are normal in the preaching of the gospel. Mark 16:17, 18. We must place a demand on heaven like the apostles for the manifestation of sign and wonders.

3. The Result of prayer.. And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.Vs 31

a. The Holy Ghost manifested among them; they were all filled with the Holy Ghost vs 31

b. They spoke the word of God with boldness vs 31

c. There was uncommon unity, sacrifice and love among them vs 32

d. They gave witness of the Lord Jesus' resurrection with great power vs 33

e. Great grace was released upon all of them. Vs 33

f. Every need among them was met by uncommon giving. Vs 34

g. Submission to the Apostles' leadership vs 35

In conclusion, there was the story of a Church in America that was on the decline when the leaders no longer see the importance of prayer meeting and giving the word their priority.

Suddenly, thing began to change for the better, the pastor was asked about his secret for such turn around.

He said; "BENT KNEES"

               "WET EYES" and

               "BROKEN HEARTS"

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."  2 Chron. 7:14

If we come together to pray as a Church, the Enemies will never be able to stop the advancement of the Church.