“Why The Church Should Deal With Problems Through Prayer”
Acts 12
Sermon Series: “Moving Forward”
Introduction: The early church in the city of Jerusalem faced a serious problem because Herod was persecuting the church. He had killed James and imprisoned Peter. They responded with constant, earnest, corporate prayer. The church corporately and the members individually today face many different problems. Why should the church today deal with its problems through constant, corporate prayer? Because:
1. God is in control even when we feel powerless (v. 1, 20-25).
2. God is in control even when we are suffering (v. 2-4).
3. God is in control even when it looks like there is no hope (v. 5-11).
4. God is in control even when our faith is weak (v. 12-19).
Conclusion: Prayer is a mystery. I cannot explain it. However, Scripture is clear that God works through the prayers of His people. Sometimes people will say, “Since God is sovereign, why should I pray?” That is a great question, but I would remind us that if God is not sovereign there is no point in praying. We are talking to a loving Father who has the power to sovereignly answer our prayers so let’s obey Jeremiah 33:3, which says, “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”
“Why The Church Should Deal With Problems Through Prayer”
Acts 12
Sermon Series: “Moving Forward”
Introduction: The early church in the city of Jerusalem faced a serious problem because Herod was persecuting the church. He had killed James and imprisoned Peter. They responded with constant, earnest, corporate prayer. The church corporately and the members individually today face many different problems. Why should the church today deal with its problems through constant, corporate prayer? Because:
1. God is in control even when we feel powerless (v. 1, 20-25).
2. God is in control even when we are suffering (v. 2-4).
3. God is in control even when it looks like there is no hope (v. 5-11).
4. God is in control even when our faith is weak (v. 12-19).
Conclusion: Prayer is a mystery. I cannot explain it. However, Scripture is clear that God works through the prayers of His people. Sometimes people will say, “Since God is sovereign, why should I pray?” That is a great question, but I would remind us that if God is not sovereign there is no point in praying. We are talking to a loving Father who has the power to sovereignly answer our prayers so let’s obey Jeremiah 33:3, which says, “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”
