Michael Hamline continued carrying us through our study in the book of Acts entitled "The Original Revolution". His thorough understanding of the text (Acts 4:1-22) and excellent application left us with much to think about. B. Trusting the Word of God (v.4)
1. Jesus is the Source (v.9-10)
3. Jesus is the Way of Salvation (v. 12)
III. The Persevering Witness of God's Saints (v. 13-22)
B. It is Christ-centered (v.15-19)
C. It is Unafraid (v. 20-22)
- Acts 5:25, 33, 40-- arrested the apostles, wanted to kill them, beat them
- Acts 6:12-15; 7:1; 58-60-- dragged Stephen before the Sanhedrin; questioned by the council and then stoned by sanction of the council
- Acts 8:1-3--Saul persecuting the church and dragging believers off to prison
- Acts 9:1-2--Saul going abroad to Damascus to arrest believers and bring them back to Jerusalem.
Here are the implications/applications
1) As Christians, we will face opposition and persecution from unbelievers, those opposed to the truth.
2) It is through God's Word that change is brought about in the human heart (Acts 4:4).
3) God's plan can't be thwarted by men. He will accomplish what he has purposed.
4) We must proclaim salvation in Christ alone. No other name or person can save, but Jesus. This is not popular but it is true and we must be faithful to proclaim it without reservation or shame.
5) We must confront people with their sin and we should realize this is the most loving thing we can do. The results are up to God.
6) Study our Old Testament and see how it points to Jesus.
7) Fear God and not man. Realize we must obey God over human authority if the government is calling on us to disobey God.
8) Praise God for the way He transforms our lives through the work of the Spirit
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