Sermon Title: Whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on!

Observation #1: They prayed FIRST! - vs. 23-24a

Prayer was their first step, not their last resort

Observation #2: They historicized their struggle - vs. 24b-28

They knew the scripture. They knew their history. They knew this (opposition) was a part of the journey.

Observation #3: They prayed for BOLDNESS - vs. 29

Why? Because that’s what it is going to take in the face of all of this opposition.

Boldness to stand when they don’t want you to.

Boldness when they are scared or intimidated.

Boldness when the threats move from words to action.

Boldness when they will do whatever they can to keep you from it.

Boldness because it’s the preaching of the word that will change our enemies heart!

Observation #4: They prayed for God to work through them. - vs. 30

They prayed for healing power, signs and wonders.

We must not back down when threatened but rather stand firm and boldly speak the truth.

They prayed for God to use them to draw the same kind of attention that brought the crowds and the opposition that Peter and John got!

They didn’t pray to slide into seclusion or retirement and let someone else be obedient to God’s word.

Observation #5: They were all filled with the Holy Spirit again! - vs. 31

God moves when we pray bold prayers!

They prayed for power - GOD showed off his power by shaking the ground, and answered their prayer by filling them again!

What does this mean for us today?

If all your prayers were answered, all the prayers you’ve prayed over the last three days, what would change? When we are dedicated to God, and dedicated to prayer, God loves to shake things up!

He will shake us up and He will shake the world around us up!