? “The birthday of the church” Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting

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“The birthday of the church”

Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:2-4)

The Inextinguishable Flame Acts 12:1-24

1. Enemy Action (verses1-4)

Herod’s actions against the church• the execution of James

“He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.” (verse 2)


Herod’s actions against the church• the execution of James• the imprisonment of Peter

“When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.” (verses 3-4)


The futility of fighting against God“Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:38-39)

A battle you can’t win!

1. Enemy Action (verses 1-4)

“But while God does not promise deliverance from persecution and death, at crucial times he often steps in for the honour of his name and the benefit of his people.”

2. Divine Intervention (verses 5-19a)

The Lord rescues Peter (verses 5-19a)• by sending his angel

“Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell.” (verse 7)

“Imagine waking up to a miracle and having an angel for your alarm clock!”



“Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell.” (verse 7)

Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.” (verse 11)



and• by answering the prayers of his people

“So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.” (verse 5)

“The angel fetched Peter out of prison but it was prayer fetched the angel.”

(Thomas Watson)



and• by answering the prayers of his people

… he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. (verses 12-13)

2. Divine intervention (verses 5-19a)

Herod is struck down“Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.” (verse 23)

3. The final outcome (verses 19b-24)


No one, no matter how politically or militarily powerful is a match for the Spirit-empowered progress of the Gospel.

Herod is struck downImmediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. (verse 23)

The gospel grows But the word of God continued to spread and flourish (verse 24)


“The chapter opens with James dead, Peter in prison and Herod triumphing; it closes with Herod dead, Peter free, and the word of God triumphing.”


Conclusion

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Muslim movements to Jesus Christ are taking place in numbers we’ve never seen before.

Conclusion

The Inextinguishable Flame

Documents

? “The birthday of the church” Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting