TEXT: ACTS 12:1-19
TITLE: I NEED YOU…
INTRODUCTION
A. King Herod harassed and persecuted those in the church
B. King Herod had James, the brother of John killed
C. After he saw that it pleased the Jews, he arrested Peter
1. Peter is in prison
2. Peter is guarded by four squads of four soldiers
3. King Herod planned to bring him out for public trial after the Passover
D. At times, those who are a part of our physical family are harassed and persecuted, killed (literally and figuratively), arrested (detained and hindered), imprisoned (restrained and restricted) and scheduled for public judgment
1. James is beheaded (an execution reserved for murderers)
2. Peter is arrested (because it pleased the Jews)
3. They honored a holy observance (for an unholy action)
THE CHURCH’S RESPONSE
A. While Peter was kept in prison, constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church
1. The Feast of Unleavened Bread lasted 7 days
2. Every minute that Peter was in prison, the church was praying
B. Can you imagine…
GOD’S RESPONSE
A. From an impossible situation
1. Chained between two soldiers
2. Two soldiers standing guard at the entrance
B. God lights up the darkness
C. God sends His angel
1. “Get up quickly”
a. Peter got up
b. The chains fell down
2. “Get dressed. Follow me”
a. It appears to be a dream
b. Two groups of soldiers did not see them
c. An iron gate automatically opens before them
d. The angel is no longer needed
3. Peter realized that God sent His angel to deliver him
WHILE THE CHURCH WAS PRAYING, GOD WAS WORKING
A. …Above and beyond their expectation (We have to have Faith To Proclaim Impossible Things)
B. …As a testimony to what God can do
CHALLENGE FOR THE WEEK: I UNDERSTAND THAT WHAT I DO AFFECTS YOU
