NOTE: There will be no church services on Sunday, December 29. We always give our many volunteers a well deserved week off at the end of each year. THANK YOU SO MUCH and MERRY CHRISTMAS to you wonderful VIPs who make ministry happen at The Orchard Church!
Mark 11:24 ESV
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
What is the most outlandish request you or one of your children have made to Santa Claus? What would have happened if you or your children had actually gotten what you asked for?
What did your request reflect about what you (or your children) were thinking at the time? Do our requests reveal what’s in our hearts?
Acts 4:12–14 (NLT)
There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
13 The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the council could say.
Why was Simon Peter so adamant at the end of his answer to the religious leaders?
What had Peter and John done that was courageous? How did Peter and John’s actions back up their beliefs?
Acts 4:23-24 NLT
As soon as they were freed, Peter and John returned to the other believers and told them what the leading priests and elders had said. When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God…
When have you had great news that you could not wait to get back and share with those you love?
Why was prayer an appropriate response by the group?
Acts 4:24–28 (NLT)
When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God: “O Sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—you spoke long ago by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant, saying,
‘Why were the nations so angry?
Why did they waste their time with futile plans?
26 The kings of the earth prepared for battle;
the rulers gathered together
against the Lord and against his Messiah.’
27 “In fact, this has happened here in this very city! For Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were all united against Jesus, your holy servant, whom you anointed. 28 But everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will.
What is the theme of their prayer so far? Why would this have been an important topic to address in prayer?
Have there been times in your life that you have had to stop and remind yourself that our God is faithful?
Acts 4:29–30 (NLT)
And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30 Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
Why do you think that was the only request they made of God? Why was this a priority to the people? What does this say to us about needing to speak boldly about Christ? What keeps us from doing that today?
What is an example of an audacious prayer? What do you think would happen in our church if we prayed audacious prayers?
What is the significance of the place shaking? How do you think the people interpreted that phenomenon?
Exodus 19:18 (NLT)
All of Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the Lord had descended on it in the form of fire. The smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a brick kiln, and the whole mountain shook violently.
Take a look at Exodus 19:18. (much better to read it in context.) What kind of light does this verse shed on the Acts 4:31 event?
Acts 4:32–35 (NLT)
All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. 33 The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. 34 There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them 35 and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.
What excuses do some Christians give for not sharing their financial resources? What obligations do we have to help other believers? How is helping others materially an expression of Christian stewardship?
How do our prayers reflect our concern for our church and its ministry in the community? Do our prayers reflect that we have a passion for fulfilling what Jesus instructed us to do?
What would happen if we prayed audacious prayers, both individually and corporately?