From the series:  On Mission and Empowered

Back To The Original

Sunday, June 18, 2023 by Andrew Ruiz – Acts 4:23-32

About the Series

When Jesus resurrected he instructed his followers two things: You have a mission and you have the power to complete it. 2000 years later that mission is still alive and his Holy Spirit enables us to be the hands and feet of Jesus

Lesson Plan

  • English
  • Español

Main Idea

In the face of opposition we should learn to pray bold prayers, seek God’s will, and live out our faith with courage and devotion. How do we do that? We look at the first church focusing on the original purpose of the church.

Acts 4:23-32

The Believers Pray for Boldness

23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant,[a] said by the Holy Spirit,

“‘Why did the Gentiles rage,
    and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth set themselves,
    and the rulers were gathered together,
    against the Lord and against his Anointed’[b]

27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Acts 4:13-14

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition.

John 17:3

And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

Discussion Questions

  1. How can we shift our focus from inward concerns and personal needs to boldly praying for God’s will and kingdom impact in our lives and communities?
  2. In what ways can we overcome our fear and security-focused prayers, and instead pray with a deep trust in God’s sovereignty and power, seeking boldness to speak His word and pursue signs and wonders?
  3. How can we cultivate a fearless and generous spirit in our lives, realizing that true security and peace come from Jesus alone, enabling us to be bold in our prayers and actions?
  4. What steps can we take to pray big, bold prayers that go beyond our immediate needs and encompass the transformation of our families, marriages, cell groups, and even our entire city, trusting that God will respond and shake things up?

Verse to Memorize:

 31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Acts 4:31

Idea Principal

Ante la oposición, debemos aprender a orar con valentía, buscar la voluntad de Dios y vivir nuestra fe con coraje y devoción. ¿Cómo lo logramos? Observamos a la primera iglesia centrándonos en el propósito original de la iglesia.

Versículo para memorizar:

31 Cuando hubieron orado, el lugar en que estaban congregados tembló; y todos fueron llenos del Espíritu Santo, y hablaban con denuedo la palabra de Dios.

Hechos 4:31

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  • You don’t need an umbrella

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    April 23, 2023 Andrew Ruiz Message 2 of 12
  • Don’t Look Up

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