Persecution 12/6
Sermon Series: Acts – Faith Explosion
Title: Persecution
Text: Acts 5:17-42 (excerpt from17-21 & 29-32)
“But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council and all the senate of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought.” (Acts 5:17-21, ESV)
“But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”” (Acts 5:29-32, ESV)
Introduction: The great German reformer and theologian Martin Luther was called to task by the Papal authority in 1521 at the Imperial Diet of Worms for his writings which called into question the authority of the Papacy and condemned them for their abuse of authority. As he stood before the august body which include the Holy Roman Emperor Charles his nerve almost seemed to fail him when he was asked to make a defense of himself and he asked for the night to think it over. The next morning, after a night strengthened by prayer and contemplation, he addressed the body once more and intoned these memorable words. “…I do not accept the authority of popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other – my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise. God help me amen.”
Transition: Standing up to persecution is not a new concept to Christians. From the very earliest days of the Church we have had to stand before those who would tear us down because we worship God and have relationship with Him through Jesus the Savior and Son. In today’s text we see the necessary steps to stand firm during persecution.
