#323 The Acts, Chapter 12
Manage episode 410255130 series 3394005
In Acts 12, God breaks Peter out of yet another jail, celebrates the faith of a slave girl named Rhoda, and passes a death sentence on the proud ruler that ordered the death of James. This chapter reminds of the mystery and goodness of providence, God’s protection, the power of prayer, and the hubris of human pride.
Big Idea: The early church carried the gospel throughout the known world in approximately 30 years and transformed an empire in 3 centuries. Now the church seems intimidated, uncertain amidst swift cultural changes. So, what did the early Christians, commanded by Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, do that we are not doing? Here are their Acts, and may they inspire our own.
Outline:
- The Family Curse
- The Escape Artist
- The Surprise Answer
- A Divine Laugh
Key Takeaways:
- A review of the Herods in the New Testament
- A reflection on why Peter was released but James was killed.
- God’s miraculous release of Peter.
- The power of prayer and how even the early church failed to fully realize it.
- The faith of Rhoda.
- The lesson from Herod.
- “We are immortal until our work on earth is done.” – George Whitefield
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