Weekend Service for November 23Scripture Readings: Acts 4:23-31As we come to the close of our series on “What is the Real Church?”, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment—moving from a season of thanksgiving into the anticipation of Advent. Today, we look to Acts 4 and the early church’s response to persecution, drawing out what it means to be a people of prayer and power. The early believers, though lacking the resources and influence we often rely on today, turned the world upside down—not by their own strength, but by the power of Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit within them.When Peter and John were confronted and imprisoned for healing in Jesus’ name, their first response upon release was not to retreat or to strategize, but to gather with fellow believers and pray. Their prayer was not for safety or ease, but for boldness—to continue proclaiming Christ and to see God’s power at work through them. This is a striking contrast to the way we sometimes approach prayer, reducing it to a passive gesture or a last resort. The early church teaches us that prayer is the starting point, the wellspring of courage and action, not a substitute for it.Their prayer was not formulaic or detached; it was specific to their situation, rooted in relationship with God, and aligned with His will. They did not ask for their troubles to be removed, but for the strength to face them with faith and boldness. This is a model for us: to pray big, bold prayers that seek God’s purposes above our comfort, trusting that His Spirit empowers us to live and speak with courage.True boldness is not about being loud or brash, but about living unashamed of Jesus, even when it is costly. The real church is not a building or a program, but a people united in love, set apart by holiness, and sent into the world with the power of Christ. We are chosen—not because God needs us, but because He delights to use us, broken as we are, to accomplish more than we could ever imagine. As we enter this season, may we be people who turn first to prayer, who are filled with the Spirit, and who step out in boldness to show the world the love and power of Jesus.[00:00] Welcome[00:26] Introduction: Advent and Thanksgiving[01:11] The Early Church’s Challenge[01:36] Modern Reliance vs. Early Church Power[02:15] Acts 3 Recap: Healing the Beggar[02:44] Peter and John Arrested[03:58] Peter’s Spirit-Filled Response[05:04] The Disciples’ Response to Persecution[05:54] The Church Turns to Prayer[07:26] The Power and Limits of Prayer[09:02] Praying Beyond Formulas[10:18] Praying for Boldness, Not Comfort[12:16] Boldness Through the Holy Spirit[13:58] Boldness in Public Witness[16:12] The Real Church: United and Sent[18:10] Ephesians 3: Power from God[20:13] Living Out the Mission[21:33] Closing Prayer