Following Jesus In Adveristy | Acts 4:1-21 | Pastor Bill Schneider

Pastor Bill Schneider preaches from the Book of Acts

Sermon: Following Jesus in Adversity

Introduction

Good morning, everyone. It's a joy to be in the house of the Lord, to sing songs of praise and worship together, and now to sit under His Word. Before we begin, I'd like to share an important announcement and request for prayer for our brother, Pastor Joe O'Brien. Joe, could you come up and share your situation with us?

Announcement and Prayer for Pastor Joe

Joe has to undergo heart surgery on June 10th in Texas. He has been struggling with a severe heart condition for the last 10 years, finally finding a surgeon who specializes in this rare procedure. Let's keep Joe in our prayers as he prepares for this surgery, asking for God's mercy and grace, and for the doctors' wisdom and skill.

Prayer for Pastor Joe

Father, we lift up Joe to you. We pray for successful pre-op tests, a smooth surgery, and a swift recovery. Strengthen and encourage him and his family. Use this situation to show your glory and grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Sermon: Acts Chapter 4

Introduction to Acts 4

As we turn to the book of Acts, specifically chapter 4, we continue the story from the previous chapter. The healing of the lame man by Peter and John at the temple has caused a great stir among the people and the religious leaders.

Context of the Miracle

Peter and John, through the power of Jesus Christ, healed a man who had been lame from birth. This miraculous healing led to a large crowd gathering, giving Peter the opportunity to preach the gospel. He proclaimed that the miracle was done through the power of the resurrected Jesus Christ, whom the religious leaders had crucified but whom God had raised from the dead.

Reaction from the Religious Leaders

As Peter spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees were greatly disturbed by their teaching and preaching about the resurrection. They seized Peter and John and put them in jail until the next day because it was evening. Despite this, many who heard the message believed, bringing the number of believers to about 5,000.

Facing the Sanhedrin

The next day, Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin, the ruling council, including high-ranking priests and elders. They asked Peter and John by what power or name they had performed the miracle. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter boldly proclaimed that it was by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom they had crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that the man was healed.

Proclaiming Jesus as the Cornerstone

Peter quoted Psalm 118, declaring that Jesus is the stone rejected by the builders but has become the cornerstone. He boldly stated that salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.

Recognizing the Apostles' Boldness

The council was astonished by the courage of Peter and John, noting that they were unschooled, ordinary men but recognized them as having been with Jesus. Seeing the healed man standing with them, the council could not deny the miracle but decided to warn them to speak no longer in Jesus' name.

The Apostles' Response

Peter and John replied that they must obey God rather than human authority, stating they could not help speaking about what they had seen and heard. The council, unable to decide how to punish them because all the people were praising God for the miracle, further threatened them and then let them go.

Application for Today

As believers, we should expect both acceptance and rejection when we share the gospel. The gospel's power can bring salvation, but it can also provoke opposition. We need to be bold in our witness, trusting God to work through us regardless of the response we receive.

Conclusion

Let us be like Peter and John, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaiming the name of Jesus, and standing firm in our faith even in the face of adversity. Let's pray for courage, wisdom, and perseverance as we follow Jesus in a world that often opposes His message.

Prayer

Father, we thank you for the example of Peter and John. Help us to be bold in our faith, to proclaim your truth with courage, and to trust you in all circumstances. Use us to spread your gospel and to glorify your name. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Let's prepare our hearts for communion, remembering the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ, who made all of this possible.