Acts 4:23-37

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

God’s Power and Blessing in the Early Church

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Essential Christian doctrine includes divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

  2. Efficient Christian living includes dedicated prayer and spiritual power.

  3. Effective Christian testimony includes apologetic talk and consistent walk.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Learn some Christian Evidences.

QUESTIONS

  1. When did persecutions of the early church begin?

  2. What did Peter and John do when they were released from custody?

  3. Who was responsible for the death of Christ?

  4. Name two keys to efficient Christian living.

  5. What is Apologetics?

  6. In what ways did the early believers live a consistent walk?

ANSWERS

  1. The first persecutions of the Church were from the Jewish religious authorities because they did not and would not recognize and receive Jesus as their promised Messiah.

  2. They joined their fellow believers and prayed together that they would have continued boldness to preach.

  3. Herod and Pilate and the Gentiles and the Jews. Yet Peter says that all of this was under the hand and sovereign purpose of God.

  4. Dedicated prayer and spiritual power

  5. Apologetics is an area of study concerned with defending the Christian faith.

  6. They gave sacrificially to meet the needs of their fellow believers. They loved one another in Christ.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. When Peter and John met with fellow believers to pray, they prayed on the basis of Scripture. Have you ever prayed using Scripture? This is an excellent way to pray, recalling the promises God has made in His word.

  2. Discuss why the resurrection of Christ is crucial to the Christian faith. See Acts 1:3, 4:33 and 1 Corinthians 15:12-19. How would you use apologetics to defend the empty tomb? (Be sure your apologetic talk is backed up by a consistent walk.)

CHALLENGE

  1. Do you know the evidence available to defend the Christian faith? Learn some Christian Evidences, so that you can follow 1 Peter 3:15. Check out the Christian Evidences section on growingchristians.org!

KEY VERSES

  • “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done.” Acts 4:27-28 ”Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word.” Acts 4:29 “And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.” Acts 4:33

Acts, Talks, New TestamentDeb HarmsActs 4:23-37