In Part II of our Acts Series, To the Ends of the Earth, we will consider the church’s expansion beyond Jerusalem into Judea, Samaria, and all the World. This series will cover Acts 9:32-20:38 and all the missionary activities of Peter, Paul, and others. In Acts 1:8 Jesus told his disciples and us that we would be spirit empowered witnesses to the ends of the Earth. I invite you to join us as we learn from the growth of the church beyond Jerusalem and into the Gentile world how we can be spirit empowered witness for Jesus today.
Today we will be in Acts 12:1-24 looking at a second wave of persecution that hits the early church through the hand of King Herod. Herod will kill James the brother of John and will imprison Peter hoping to do the same. What would you do if we suddenly faced this kind of persecution as a church? I hope we can learn from the early church in that they immediately hit their knees in prayer. Sometimes prayer is our last go to in times of trouble. But Luke will show us it ought to be the first thing we do when difficulty comes into our lives. In fact, in response to the church’s earnest prayers, God does a miracle and releases Peter from prison by the hand of an angel. Furthermore we will consider Herod’s demise, which is also likely in response to the prayer of God’s people.
Please be aware that we will not be having Discipleship Hour during the 9:15 hour. This includes our Children’s ministry and Adult small groups. We will only be having worship service at our regular time of 10:30 AM.
We will have a place for children who have completed Kindergarten and younger during the service.