Prayer on SermonAudio

1) Jesus' prayer for believers in the world 2) The necessity for believers in the world 3) Jesus and believers, not of this world

Text: Acts 9:36-43 Theme: The Miracle at Joppa 1. A disciple named Tabitha 2. A display of God's power 3. A definite response Closing Prayer

William Tyndale's Dying Prayer: "Lord, Open the King of England's Eyes" As William Tyndale faced martyrdom in 1536, he uttered a remarkable prayer: "Lord, open the King of England's eyes." Five centuries later, we can trace the extraordinary influence of the English Bible upon the spiritual, social and constitutional history of Britain. In this illustrated Reformation Sunday lecture, Rev. Peter McIntyre takes us on a journey through nearly 500 years of history, from the Great Bible and the Protestant martyrs to the evangelical revivals, the abolition of slavery and the worldwide spread of the Scriptures. Above all, this is a reminder that true Protestantism is not defined by politics, culture or national identity, but by the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the enduring authority of God's Word. "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." — Isaiah 40:8

Acts 2:42-47 describes how the early believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, sharing what they had and caring for one another. They worshiped together with glad and generous hearts, praised God, enjoyed, the favor of the people, and saw the Lord add to their number daily those who were being saved. The church today should still look like this. Join Matt Phillips as he explains this passage of God's Word!

This sermon explores the theological foundation of the local church by examining the letter to Timothy, emphasizing that the church is a spiritual family bound by faith rather than mere association. The central message asserts that every believer has a specific, non-secular purpose within the body of Christ, whether through preaching, prayer, or service. Key themes include the necessity of sound doctrine, the vital role of fervent prayer for the community and nation, and the call for believers to actively participate in the Great Commission. The tone is pastoral and instructional, urging the congregation to move beyond passive attendance to active engagement in their local context and broader mission. By connecting the ancient context of Ephesus to the modern local setting, the sermon encourages believers to identify and fulfill their unique roles in edifying the church and reaching the community.

Biblical discernment calls Christians to stand firmly on God's Word with humility, courage, and love. Drawing from Philippians 1:9–10 and Ephesians 4:15, Dave Jenkins explains how a teachable spirit, biblical conviction, and devotion to Christ shape faithful discernment. Learn why discernment seeks to protect others from spiritual harm and point them to Christ, and consider four practical ways to exercise it faithfully. For more from Contending for the Word Q&A, please visit: https://servantsofgrace.org/contending-for-the-word-qa/