Date: December 8, 2019

Bible Text: Acts 4:23–31 | Todd Dugard

Series: The Book of Acts

Bible Text: Acts 4:23–31 | Preacher: Todd Dugard | Series: The Book of Acts | Chapters 1–7 | I have been so impacted in working through Acts 3-4 and the narrative of the lame man being healed. We’re still dealing with the aftermath of that healing this Sunday as we look at Acts 4:23-31. After the council interrogated, warned, and threatened Peter and John, they responded by getting together with their believing friends and praying. They did not pray for the threats to end and the obstacles to their evangelistic efforts to be removed but that they would be even bolder in the face of the threats and obstacles; that they would feel more freedom to speak forthrightly of the gospel of Jesus Christ no matter the risk. We could use some of that same boldness, don’t you think?

As we all respond to this message on Sunday, I’ll be giving you a small card upon which you’ll be able to put the names of loved ones, friends, co-workers, and neighbours that you’re planning to invite to the Christmas Eve services. Planning to invite someone and actually inviting them are two very different things. What we need to make the invitation happen is, as we’re seeing in Acts 4, boldness. So, we’ll be praying for that as part of our response to the message.
Sermon Notes
The Book of Acts (Chapters 1–7)
Look Upon Their Threats
Pastor Todd Dugard
Acts 4:23–31

December 8, 2019

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Top 10 reasons why we, as Christians, don’t tell people about Jesus:

1. Don’t actually believe non-Christians are going to hell
2. Not my gift; not my thing; someone else’s job
3. Afraid of what people think of me; being made fun of
4. Don’t want to rock the boat
5. Don’t know how (and don’t want to know how)
6. How I live doesn’t match what I say I believe
7. Too comfortable; lazy
8. Afraid of reprisal, losing relationships
9. Don’t believe that’s our mission
10. I don’t like confrontation

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When facing obstacles in telling people about Jesus…

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1. Pray with others about it (v. 23–24a)

fellowship –κοινωνία / koinonia
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2. Pray acknowledging God’s greatness (v. 24b)

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3. Pray the Scriptures (v. 25–26)

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4. Pray the specifics of the situation (v. 27)

1 John 5:14

Psalm 116:2
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5. Pray affirming God’s control (v. 28)

Romans 8:29–30
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6. Pray according to God’s will (v. 29)

Unafraid Witness
Sharing the good news of Jesus with boldness.
Ephesians 6:19-20
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7. Pray with expectancy (v. 30–31)

Luke 10:2