THE EVER-PRESENT GOD
ACTS 12 – 07 May 2023
Narrate full passage of Acts 12
Name the persons involved in this passage…
Herod arrests some – persecuting – James put to death by the sword – pleased Jews – arrested Peter – put in jail – festival of unleavened bread – public trial post Passover – church prays – the night before trial – angel appears – light shines – wakes Peter – doors open – shackles fall – peter thinks its vision – comes to himself – goes to Mary m/o John Mark’s house – people praying – peter knocks – it must be his angel – peter describes – peter then leaves to another place – soldiers killed – Herod goes from Judea to Caesarea – audience with Tyre and Sidon – needed food – voice of God – stuck down – Word of God continued – meanwhile Paul, Barnabas, John Mark return from their first missionary journey.
God? We see two stunning instances that could be because of none but God
Introduce the title : The Ever-Present God
Going through the passage, now: Previous persecution – Stephen – Paul – Mission
Herod – Tetrarch grandson of Herod 1 who tried Jesus
Power hungry – got the Tetrarchy through influence
Believed to be a proselyte to Judaism – according to Josephus the historian
Received the kingdom from Claudius, still under his rule. Had to go to any lengths to keep the kingdom – killing of James son of Zebedee – one such act of appeasement. Pleasing Jews to maintain peace in kingdom. Because reports went back to Claudius
James he couldn’t kill in full display – he died a death of honour – because that’s what Jews wanted. He tries to kill Peter in front of people
GOD DELIVERS PETER
Peter’s sleep | Jesus slept on the boat [Matthew 8]
Lesson learnt.
What’s this sleep And what’s not?
Assurance Anxiety
Rest Escapism
Faith Coping mechanism
Slept so much that angel had to give a thud. And so much that he thought he was still dreaming –
Dream come true 😉
The deliverance of Peter:
God who listens | God who intervenes – An active participant in the affairs of the world. To them who ask “What is God doing in the midst of all this?” – God is listening. So speak wisely
Response of the Church
Direct opposite – Believers didn’t believe?!
How should our faith look like? Apart from believing in the existence of God…
- James 2:19
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder
Faith without action is dead. Example of Abraham. Day to day activities of faith – giving, obedience.
- Hebrews 11:6
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
DEATH OF HEROD
People in need supply – words of deception
He knew God [proselyte background] but failed to acknowledge
Difference between Saul and Herod in zeal (even wrong)
It is a very short description of James’ death – almost looks so abrupt. Might even look like it didn’t seem as a significant event. But the continuity of that story is here in this passage.
God avenged his blood. He stuck down in a strikingly similar fashion bringing herod’s intent to public shame/disgrace
James he couldn’t kill in full display – he died a death of honour. He tries to kill Peter in front of people. God stuck him down in front of the audience who called him a god
God who shows up | God who completes
WHAT DOES IT MEAN NOW FOR US TO HAVE AN EVER PRESENT GOD?
God who listens – so pray like He’s listening!
God who intervenes – so share your life with Him!
God who shows up – so be at rest in Him, do not fret!
God who completes – nothing is over until God finishes it, so keep trusting!
Sam Melbon is a Civil engineer by profession and worships at Renewed Hope Community. The Renewed Hope Community is situated in the heart of the city between Old and New Panvel. We can confidently share that Renewed Hope Community is a Church in Kamothe, Church in Khandeshwar, Church in Khanda Colony, Church in Karanjade, Church in Panvel, Church in New Panvel, Church in Karanjade because we are centrally located and these places surround our church Venue.
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