Bro. Brian spoke from Acts 12, highlighting the persecution of the early church and God’s miraculous interventions. King Herod Agrippa executed the apostle James and arrested Peter, but as the church prayed earnestly, an angel freed Peter from prison. Though their prayers were not perfect, they were heard because they were prayed in faith to a perfect God, showing God’s eagerness to hear our prayers The angel guided Peter past the guards and opened the iron gate leading to the city. Once free, Peter went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where believers had gathered to pray. They were astonished to see him, having initially doubted Rhoda, the servant girl who announced his arrival.
Herod’s response to Peter’s escape was to execute the guards. He then traveled to Caesarea and delivered a public address, where people acclaimed him as a god. Herod failed to give glory to God and was struck down, dying a gruesome death. Despite Herod’s attempts to thwart the church, the word of God continued to spread and flourish. Barnabas and Saul (Paul) completed their mission in Jerusalem and returned with John Mark, marking the church’s continued growth. If only today’s church could unite in such faith to bring about much needed miracles in our dark world.
GO TO www.belmontbaptistchurch.com/sermons and listen to Sunday’s message.
CHANGE A KID’S LIFE FOR ETERNITY!
Thank you once again for your love and sacrifice, allowing our kids to attend the Arise conference. Many life-changing decisions were made, impacting their lives until Christ comes. Now, it is crucial that we continue to invest prayer for them in the days ahead, ensuring they stay true to their commitments since that they are home and the excitement of the conference has passed.
May I count on you to be a prayer warrior for these kids?
Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
Acts 12:1-3, “Now about that time, King Herod Agrippa I started to harass and harm certain members of the church. He killed James, the brother of John, with a sword. Seeing that this act pleased the Jewish leaders, he decided to arrest Peter as well. This happened during the days of unleavened bread.”
King Herod Agrippa sought to solidify his political power and gain favor with the Jewish leaders by targeting the early Christians.
His decision to execute James, the brother of John, was a strategic move to appease these influential groups.
Following James’s execution, Herod noticed the positive response from the Jewish leaders and decided to arrest Peter, intending to further his agenda.
This passage highlights the severe persecution and political manipulation the early church endured, revealing the immense pressure and dangers faced by its members.
In our lives, we may encounter situations where our faith is met with opposition, criticism, or even hostility.
These challenges can come from various sources, including society, workplace, or even within our own families.
Like the early Christians, who faced persecution from powerful authorities, we too must remain steadfast in our faith and trust in God’s overarching plan for our lives.
It’s during these trying times that our faith can become most evident, shining brightly as a testament to God’s sustaining grace and power.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of steadfast faith demonstrated by the early Christians.
Please grant me the strength and courage to stand firm in my faith amidst any opposition or criticism I may face.
Help me to trust in Your sovereign plan, knowing that You are with me in every situation.
May my faith shine as a light in the darkness, drawing others to Your truth and love.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
ASSIGNMENT:
Reflect on your life and identify one area where you feel challenged or persecuted for your faith.
This could be a situation at work, a relationship with a friend or family member, or even an internal struggle with doubt or fear.
Take time to pray specifically for strength, wisdom, and guidance in this area.
Ask God to help you remain steadfast and to provide opportunities for you to witness His power and love through your responses.
Additionally, consider sharing your experiences and struggles with a trusted friend, mentor, or member of your church community.
Their support, prayers, and encouragement can provide you with strength and perspective, helping you to navigate these challenges with faith and grace.
Until Tomorrow
With A Shepherd’s Love,
Pastor Jackson
MONDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Jane Clackum’s Family In Her Passing Yesterday On the Way To Church
Susan Bryan – Mike’s Mother
George Calhoon
Karen Lyles in passing of her mother
Joy Gilbert’s Family in her passing
Steve Michaels
Tom Graham
Gail Sparks
Ellen Boyd
Friend of Linda Hodge
Joy Gilbert
Amy Garner’s Mom & Dad
Coly/Connor – Allison’s G’sons
Dan Haines
Darlene Wiggins
David Burnette
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donnie Butler’s Dad
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ed Mays
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Freddie May’s Mom
George & Linda Alexander
James Burnette
Joanie/Jeanie Mom
Jodi Bateman
Joe Shelnutt
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Lonzo Christin
Lori Blount’s Mother
Marynell Ford
Maureen Brown
Michael Stanley
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Sarah Parker
Scott Lanier
Tom Graham (Sandra’s Husband)
Tom Witcher