TEXT: Acts 4:1-22
Hebrews 11:36-38
“And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.”
Quote: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church.” Tertullian
*Persecution did not destroy the church but instead it served to strengthen, purify and mature the church.
Quote: “Persecution is an inevitable element of genuine Christian faith”. R. Kent Hughes
John 15:18-21
“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.”
Quote: “Suffering in the badge of Christianity. The disciple is not above his Lord. Discipleship means allegiance to the suffering Christ, and it is therefore not at all surprising that Christians should be called upon to suffer.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Quote: “Salvation is free but discipleship will cost you your life”. Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I. THE SAME PEOPLE AND SAME PROBLEM AS BEFORE
*Religion and religious people always run to the rules and regulations to exercise control.
II. THE POWER OF JESUS NAME
*The name of Jesus is the only name that will save!
*Is it obvious to the people around us that we have been with Jesus?
Quote: “All religions are exclusive, but Christianity is the most inclusive exclusivity there is.” Tim Keller
*The beauty of the Gospel is that it confronts us in our sin and offers us grace.
III. THE BOLD PRONOUNCEMENT
*Are we obeying the high calling and holy command by Jesus to go and make disciples?
John 12:42, 43
“Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”
*Will there be overwhelming evidence of my love for Jesus this week?