Acts 4:23-35 KJV — “And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. [24] And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:”
[25] Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, And the people imagine vain things? [26] The kings of the earth stood up, And the rulers were gathered together Against the Lord, and against his Christ. [27] For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,”
[28] “for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. [29] And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, [30] by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. [31] And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.”
[32] “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. [33] And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.”
[34] “Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, [35] and laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.“
I have no doubt that it is possible to advance the kingdom and win souls even in the face of threats and afflictions. You can flourish in difficult times when you engage the right keys. The narration we just read above reveal very useful keys to engage in times of trouble.
In the face of persecution and affliction; the church require four things to advance:
- To stay united at heart and in purpose. The early church was able t advance in the face of persecution because they stood united.
- Intense prayer. The early church was able to advance in the face of affliction, because they engaged in intense prayer. They prayed with one accord and were united both in voice and in purpose. A common goal kept them unified. They rallied round the cause of Christ. There are three things the early church did.
- Bold and spirit-filled outreach. The more affliction arise then did they preach and gave witness with boldness and power. We must learn how to defend what you believe.
- They gave to support missions and for distribution to the needs of the saints. Money is so important in advancing the kingdom agenda.
These are four keys to advance the cause of the kingdom even in difficult times and in the face of persecution. The four key things are Prayer, Evangelism, Unity, and Giving. The church in the face of persecution stood together in Prayer, the apostle preached boldly and gave witness to the resurrection, the church was united, and the gave to missions and charity. If the enemy can not find a friend within, the enemy can not fight from without. Unity is important in times of persecution.
- Pray that the Lord will keep the church united and crush any scheme to cause division and bickering. Pray that God will keep us united.
- Pray that the Lord will stretch forth his hand and heal the sick and work miracles. Pray that signs and wonders and miracles will follow our preaching.
- Pray that the Lord will fill and refill us with the Holy Ghost and power. Open up and receive the fresh anointing. Pray for the release of great power! Pray!! Pray!!! Pray that the Lord will give us utterance and grace us to preach with great boldness. Pray!
- Pray that the Lord will bles the work of our hands and cause us to make wealth. Pray for the work of your hands.
Stay blessed
