The Church Prevails

The Church has continued to grow and the word of God is increasingly spreading in spite of the war the devil is wagging against the gospel. Acts 12:24 - The word of God grew and multiplied. The followings are discussed. Delivered by Unified Prayer; Surprised by Answered Prayer, and Arrogance Judged; the Church Expands.

Delivered by Unified Prayer: Matters that require divine intervention should be taken to God with a strong belief that He will solve the problems. Acts 12 narrated what Peter passed through in the prison and how God delivered him. Herod Agrippa sent him to the prison with the intention of killing him in the public to please the Jew religious leaders and their followers as he did to James, the brother of John (Acts 12:1-4). He was so determined in getting rid of Peter that he assigned 16 soldiers to watch over him; four  soldiers were to guard him on six-hour shifts.

The members of Jerusalem Church didn't allow the killing of James to stop them from praying earnestly for the freedom of Peter even though it was glaring that the king was determined to kill him. With resilient faith they so much believed in the saving power of God. They had prayed for days but the prayer was answered the night before Herod wanted him executed (Acts 12:5-12). God sent an angel who took Peter out of the prison and made the soldiers unaware of what was happening. Peter thought he was dreaming until the angel led him to the street of Jerusalem and left him to go alone. God is still at work and will answer earnest prayer of the righteous. Christians today must follow the example of the early Christians to keep on trusting God and believe He will answer prayer.

Surprised by Answered Prayer: The believers were so surprised by the way God answered their prayer. Rhoda recognized Peter's voice and was so excited that she went to tell others about his arrival. While others doubted and couldn't believe her faith did not waver (Acts 12:13-15). They said Rhoda must have seen Peter's angel, thinking he had been killed. This kind of belief was according to tradition; it wasn't established in the Bible. God used Peter's miraculous release to strengthen the early Christians who had grappled with life-threatened challenges from enemies of the gospel.  Whatever the challenges Christians are to depend fully on God. He is able to deal with the evil and see us through difficult circumstances.

The Christians testified to God's faithfulness for answering their prayer when they saw Peter waiting at the door. They were full of joy and celebration for answered prayer. Peter didn't see his release as a miracle that should be taken for granted. He was cautious of his stay in the house of the believers and movement through the city of Jerusalem so that he would not be easily pursued and arrested again by the enemies (Acts 12:16-18). Christians must not abuse God's saving grace as they walk through dangers and remain persistent in sharing faith with others.

Arrogance Judged; the Church Expands: God has several ways of dealing with people and getting rid of enemies of His people. Saul was a persecutor of the people of God before Christ met, saved and used him for God's work. The King gave the order for execution of soldiers who guarded Peter but were not aware of his release (Acts 12:19-23). While settling a political dispute Herod couldn't caution the people who were hailing and praising him as a god until an angel of God struck him down. It was recorded that maggots were coming out his body before he died of severe pains. It is sinful for anyone to claim God's authority. God is sovereign and will judge any person claiming His glory.

God empowered the early Church and blessed early Christians for their unwavering faith despite various attacks. Christ had stated that he would build his Church and the gate of hell will never prevail against it. Enemies of the gospel might be trying all they could to stop the Church and greatly increased their evils close to Christ's return but they would not succeed. All that is expected of the Church is to be alive in Christ and active in spreading gospel to save lives. The Church will continue to prevail as we spread the gospel. Lesson text: Acts 12:1-24.