“Prayer in Persecution”

  READ

Background & Context: Acts 4:1-22

Sermon Passage: Acts 4:23-31

 THINK

In a world of hostile opposition, God is the sovereign master of creation and time.

None can thwart His predetermined, redemptive plan. And none can stop His almighty power directed toward His people for a bold and clear witness.

 APPLY

In a world of hostile opposition, we must devote ourselves, with one accord, to pray: praising God for Who He is and petitioning God for what only He can and will give.

• We must devote ourselves:
  • Based on your priorities, how important is your regular gathering with the body of Christ at FBC Pflugerville? What would an outsider looking in at your priorities conclude?
  • What are the oppositions and/or distractions that challenge you the most? How might you take one step to overcome them this week?
• We must Devote ourselves WITH one accord:
  • What is our purpose and mission as a Church?
  • What are your purposes and missions for us as a Church?
  • Do your purpose(s) and mission(s) line up with God’s?
  • How might we bring our expectations, preferences, and purposes more in line with God’s?
• We must devote ourselves WITH one accord to pray!
  • Are you walking in a lifestyle marked by consistent and persistent prayer?
  • What steps might you take this week to pray more regularly?
  • What things has God called you to pray that might pray with more persistence?
  • What is one way you can praise God for who He is today?
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 PRAY

• Pray and praise God for who He is: the Sovereign Master of all Creation and Time.
• Pray and praise God for who He is: the Victorious One.
• Pray for God to fill each of us with the Holy Spirit that we would be bold in declaring the Gospel.
• Pray for doors to open before us to proclaim the hope of Jesus to our families, friends, neighbors, and more.
• Pray that we would resist the discouragement of the world’s opposition but would set our eyes firmly on Jesus.
• Pray that we would walk in the unity and fellowship of the Holy Spirit – seeking to glorify Jesus and do what He says, how He says, wherever and whenever He leads.