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You have a big decision to make. You’re looking for answers. You get counsel from friends, family members, and, even, experts, but for some reason you just can’t finalize it. If you’re not sure how to hear God’s voice, or to discern His will for you, join Chip as he shares four keys to knowing and living God’s agenda for your life.
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Sermon Overview
Scripture Passage: Acts 12:1-11
The Book of Acts shares numerous accounts of triumph over difficulty, as the first Christians experienced victory through prayer.
In Acts 12, the Early Church faced persecution from Herod, who unleashed violence and put the Apostle Peter in prison (v. 1-4). Yet, in verse 5, we see that “constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.”
As we fight our battle against the world, the flesh, and the devil, it is fundamental that we learn how to pray as the Early Church did.
First, we must recognize the freedom of their prayers.
Our enemy doesn’t want us to understand this. But try as he might, the devil cannot stop us from praying to our God; we are free to pray anytime, anywhere.
Second, we see their faithfulness; they never ceased to pray.
Whether God answers swiftly or there is a season of waiting, our approach to prayer should be faithful, constant, and frequent.
Their prayers were also fervent: charged with intensity.
Prayer is warfare—we should expect some opposition from the enemy; but we must pray wholeheartedly with fervor, concentration, and effort.
Their prayers also brought them together in fellowship.
Churches, which are built upon prayer, should be in the habit of drawing near to God together.
The Early Church’s prayer also revealed their faith.
They recognized that they were entering the throne room of God. And as we speak to God, we must do so with the faith that He will answer.
We should also note the focus of that prayer.
This church prayed specifically for Peter, who was in prison and set to be beheaded in the coming days. When we pray, we should avoid generalized requests and focus on specific concerns.
Finally, we must remember the force of their prayer.
God miraculously delivered Peter from prison. In the dead of night, Peter’s chains were broken, and the prison door was open. Peter walked out, just in time.
Adrian Rogers says, “When we depend upon planning, we see what planning can do. But when we depend upon prayer, we see what God can do.”
Apply it to your life
Have you experienced victory through prayer? Remember: prayer is no substitute for work or common sense. But when you begin to merge prayer with obedience, God begins to work on your behalf.
The 10 Commandments E11 — The 8th Commandment, “Do not steal,” seems straightforward enough. But why does God forbid theft in ancient Israel? What harm can come to a community where people’s property is always vulnerable? And what lies beneath the surface of our desire to take from our neighbor what doesn’t belong to us? In this episode, Jon and Tim unpack the eighth command, discovering its deeper invitations to contentment, generosity, and stewardship.
FULL SHOW NOTES
For chapter-by-chapter summaries, biblical words, referenced Scriptures, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode.
CHAPTERS
OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
View this episode’s official transcript.
THE 10 COMMANDMENTS BIBLEPROJECT TRANSLATION
View our full translation of the 10 Commandments.
REFERENCED RESOURCES
SHOW MUSIC
SHOW CREDITS
Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey and Aaron Olsen edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty writes the show notes. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie.
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"For a good time, call home!" Pastor Ted Cunningham outlines the benefits of marriage, and encourages young adults to consider marrying sooner rather than later. He offers great advice for couples of all ages to help keep the joy in your relationship.
Receive Ted Cunningham's book Fun Loving You for your donation of any amount, and receive a free audio download of this program!
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God has an agenda for you, a master plan that is more wonderful and more amazing then you could ever imagine. But in order to understand God’s agenda for YOU, you have to go back in time to discover the incredible connection between first century Christians and our modern church. Chip begins this series by exploring that fascinating connection, and showing you where you fit into the bigger picture.
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