The Bridge Church

Earnest Prayer – in the original language it is a reference to the stretching of a muscle to its limits.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray without ceasing

- Romans 12:2 - Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer

“Prayer doesn’t prepare us for the greater work. Prayer is the greater work.” – Oswald Chambers in My Utmost For His Highest

“When God opens a door, it will be in His way, not yours. And when you walk through it, you’ll know it was Him who made the way.”
– David Jeremiah

“Faith is not just trusting God when He opens doors, but trusting Him when He closes them too.”
– A.W. Tozer

Mark 9:24
“I believe; help my unbelief!”

Justinian Code – “According to this code, if a prisoner escaped, that prisoner’s sentence-beating, scourging, crucifixion, or beheading-became that of the guards under whose watch the prisoner had escaped”
– R.C. Sproul

“He put on a garment made wholly of silver, and of a contexture truly wonderful, and came into the theatre early in the morning; at which time the silver of his garment, being illuminated by the fresh reflection of the sun’s rays upon it, shone out after a surprising manner, and was so resplendent as to spread a horror over those that looked intently upon him; and presently his flatterers cried out, one from one place, and another from another that he was a god…A severe pain also arose in his belly, and began in a most violent manner… when he had been quite worn out by the pain in his belly for five days, he departed this life.”
- Josephus

MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time.
https://thebridgevenice.churchcenter.com/people/forms/500390

I need to be baptized.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a serve team.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve

I need to join a small group.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups

Dig Deeper:
1. What does prayer time look like for you? When and where do you find yourself praying the most?
2. Why did God give us the gift of prayer?
3. Do you consider what a church’s collective prayer life is like? Why or why not?
4. Define the term “spiritual battle.” Discuss why spiritual momentum always brings spiritual resistance. Look up Ephesians 6:12 and 1 Peter 5:8 as you discuss.
5. Read Acts 12:1-2. Who is ruling at this time? What is he doing to those who belonged to the church?
6. Read Acts 12: 3-4. Why did this “please the Jews”?
7. Why do you think Herod decided to arrest Peter during the Festival of the Unleavened Bread? What happens during that time?
8. Why do you think he wanted that many guards around Peter?
9. Read Acts 12:5. What synonyms can you find for the word earnest? Would you define your prayer life in this way? Why or why not?
10. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and Romans 12:2. What does it mean to constantly be praying or praying without ceasing?
11. Read Acts 12:6-7. What was Peter initially doing? What are the many factors as to why this is unusual in this circumstance? Why do you think he was struck on his side?
12. Look up other passages where “an angel of the Lord” was present. What happens when an angel of the Lord is present?
13. Read Acts 12:8-11. Discuss the many miracles taking place in this passage.
14. Are the guards’ actions mentioned in this section? Why or why not?
15. Why did the angel leave him at that exact moment?
16. Read Acts 12:12-15. Why did Peter go to this house? What was happening there at the time?
17. What did Rhoda do when she saw Peter? Have you ever been so overcome with joy, or pleasantly surprised, that you must first share it with others before doing anything else?
18. Even though they were praying, what was lacking?
19. What did they mean when they said, “it is his angel”?
20. Read Acts 12:16-17. Who does Peter say brought him out of the prison?
21. What does Peter tell them to do? Why does he leave?
22. Why are people’s stories about what God has done in their life so impactful to others? Describe a time when you’ve been impacted by hearing or witnessing God’s work in the life of someone you know.
23. Read Acts 12:18-19. What happened to the guards? Why?
24. Read Acts 12:20-23. Why are they calling Herod a god? Read Isaiah 42:8 and 48:11 for reference.
25. Who shows up again in this passage?
26. Read Acts 12:24. What continues to happen despite the persecution?
27. What did Jesus tell Peter in Matthew 16:18? How do we see this lived out in this passage?
28. Why is God unstoppable? How does this truth change your perspective?
29. What is one step to deepening your prayer life that you can take today?


Live It Out:

Prayer is a powerful gift God has given the church. Do you believe God can answer the prayers you pray?

We pray because…

1. We are in a spiritual battle, and we need God. List out areas of your life where you feel like a spiritual battle is taking place. How are you praying during these battles? What are you praying during these battles? Even if your circumstances do not change, what is your prayer? Write down how you plan to deepen your prayer life through, and despite, difficulty.
2. We need to be encouraged through testimonies. What is a testimony? What is your testimony? We pray because we need obstacles turned into gospel opportunities. When was the last time you shared your story of God’s work in your life? If you have never shared your faith with others, but want to learn how, consider signing up for the Sharing Your Faith class beginning June 16. https://thebridgevenice.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2946170

Reading Plan:
Monday: Ephesians 6:12, 1 Peter 5:8
Tuesday: Acts 12:1-5, John 15:18-20, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Romans 12:2
Wednesday: Acts 12:6-11, Philippians 4:6-7, John 14:27
Thursday: Acts 12:12-19, Mark 5:19-20, John 4:39
Friday: Acts 12:20-24, Isaiah 42:8, 48:11
Saturday: Matthew 16:18