After Peter and John are told not to preach in the name of Jesus anymore, the church “lifted their voices together to God” (v. 24). Often when we are faced with difficulties of life, such as persecution, trial, or crisis, our immediate reaction is to pray for relief. The early church shows us otherwise. Flowing from their view of God who is so high, so powerful and so sovereign comes a prayer for boldness to press on proclaiming Christ despite all opposition. In this sermon Pastor Craig outlines four things that marked the early church, that will help us pray such a radical prayer when under fire:
- They had conviction of the absolute sovereignty of God (v. 24b)
- They had confidence in the futility of man’s rebellion (vv. 25-26)
- They had assurance of God’s complete rule (v. 27-28)
- They had clarity as to their calling (vv. 29-30)