Acts 4, showing the first persecution of the Jesus movement, serves as an example for us as we encounter a culture opposed to the way of life Jesus has called us to. Today, we look at the consideration that was offered, beginning in verse 13.

Religion is silenced by transformed lives. They see changes and don't understand it. You can be free, but if you don’t talk about who Jesus is, what he did and what he does, it’s not much of a freedom. Has NOT talking about your faith story and what you have seen God do in your life changed anything for the good? 

Today, we will focus on the revolutionary claim Peter and John made to the religious ruling council of their nation. As Peter stood and spoke, He was empowered by the Spirit. 

Sometimes we have opportunities to share our faith. At that unexpected moment, the most significant thing you can do is to be filled with the Spirit. Knowingly lean on Him and share how Christ can change their life like He's changed yours.

Today, we’ll look at what we can learn about facing opposition from examining the charges brought against Peter and John recorded in Acts 4.

These two men are acting on behalf of Jesus as He led them to give a man back his mobility, not on behalf of the ruling religious council. Peter and John are content with being the messengers of a higher authority because Jesus prepared them for this. Jesus trained his followers to put their swords down and confidently represent Him without the vitriol of emotional reactions that can actually misrepresent Him. Jesus confidently endured opposition and was never personally offended, all while still loving those who were attacking Him.

This week, we are reviewing the book of Acts, when we see the birth of the church and what will rapidly become its worldwide influence. We also are introduced to the first organized persecution against Christianity, which ironically comes from religion itself. 

This week we are going to look at 5 different aspects of this incident from Acts 4. The first aspect of the story is the context in which it all happened.

Daniel has one more lesson for standing strong in a culture of compromise: Kneeling to pray is what gives you the strength to stand. Daniel sought God not just once a day, but three times a day, no matter what. He needed His power and strength. So when Daniel was placed in the lion’s den, by the power of God, He shut the mouths of the lions.

You, too, have this secret weapon of prayer that you can unleash. What could happen this week if we all got intentional about praying for our friends, neighbors, schools, and families?

By the time we get to Daniel 6, over 67 years have passed, and Daniel was likely in his 80s. When the new king decided to promote Daniel, his colleagues were upset, so they started looking for something to use against him, but there was no corruption in Daniel.

What do you do if you’re Daniel? When you courageously stand out, you can expect people to tear you down. 

Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah stood strong together and relied on one another. 

You are not alone; everyone is fighting a battle. We can rely on one another for strength. 

Even when he was exiled as a teenager to a foreign land, Daniel remembered who he was was and knew what he would do and not do ahead of time, so he chose not to defile himself with the royal food and wine.

As a follower of Jesus, how do you stand out and stand strong in a culture of compromise? 

Culture is always shifting. Remember who God says you are: beautiful, made in My image, amazing, forgiven, loved, and a child of God. Daniel found himself in a culture that had shifted more than ours, and we’ll review his story this week.

Noah and his family were actually saved by the flood waters, because the flood waters lifted the ark up, sparing their lives. Baptism symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus that is now available to save you.

This week has been a time to look at the example of Noah in following God in extremely uncertain times. What is your door of opportunity in your faith journey? Seize the moment!