FHBC Sermon Notes

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:4-11, Acts 4:23-31

Prayer has always been before God not just a personal practice, but a corporate one. As the one body of Christ, we are not just a smattering of individual local congregations, but the the church, the bride of Christ. Great revivals, places where were the church is persecuted, anywhere God's power is on display, prayer is present.

Three Aspects of Corporate Prayer

1. The nature of the church's prayer. (4:23-24)

. The disciples weren't gathered to pray just because of persecution, but because they were in the habit of gathering for prayer. Prayer was not random or haphazard for this church. It was how they lived daily. In this God blessed them and demonstrated his power. We are the bride of Christ, we should not just talk to our spouse when there is a problem. Share in His joy! Praise Him daily.

. We were looking at Song of Solomon Sunday School this morning. In it we discussed words of encouragement to our spouses. (Song of Solomon 1:9-14) This makes me think that while God has no "need" for our encouragement, that what we call encouragement among each other, is in the use of language very similar to how we see petitions to God in scripture. Acts 4:29-30 This encouragement to God is requesting the He makes his nature known. His justice, his mercy, him love. All of it.

. The lifted their voices in unity. V.4 On this matter, on that day, they prayed together. We cannot isolate ourselves to our own prayers and lives. Let us be together not just in body, but in one heart and one mind. Prayer results not just in personal transformation, but also in corporate transformation.

2. The content of the church's prayer. (4:24-30)
A. The church prays in accordance with the sovereign character of God. (4:24)
.. The word for sovereign here is unusual in the new testament, which means absolute power, full and established control.
.. The verse then lists things specifically done only by God's hand. Only he can create.
B. The church prays in accordance with the redemptive activity if God. (4:25-28)
.. They prayed in remembrance of God's redemptive acts. this is a remembrance, not of the mind only, but of action. As a result they pray to be bold in their words and actions. So much more than an internal unseen personal transformation, but the transformation outward and seen.
C. The church prays ub accord ce with the established mission of
God.
.. They did not pray that God would changed their circumstances, but to give them boldness in accordance to his word, which is good and true, powerful and present.

3. The results of the church's prayer.
A. God demonstrates grace.
.. This is so dramatic. He shakes the very building they are in. An immediate strong answer, and showers them with his grace.
B. God supplies power.
.. Filled with His Spirit, they are given power.
C. God provides boldness.
.. In that power, they spoke with boldness.
D. God inspires faithfulness.