PRAYER For Further Study

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Series: Basics--Evangelism

PRAYER Colossians 4:2-6/Acts 4:23-31

Overview of Basics: Evangelism   

Evangelism defined Evangelism commanded: Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8 Evangelism a priority: Luke 19:10

I. The Prayer Meeting that Empowered a Movement 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, who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, ‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain?’ And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 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 4:24-25, 29-31

A. The Content of the Prayer 1. God is in control 2. God’s plan will prevail 3. Grant us boldness!

For Further Study 1. It is clear in the book of Acts that prayer was a priority of the early followers of Jesus. See Acts 1:12-14 and Acts 2:42. Where did the disciples learn to prioritize prayer? Look at these passages from the Gospels that show the disciples observing and learning from Jesus and how He prayed: Luke 5:16; 6:12; 11:1-13; Mark 1:35-38; 6:45-46; 14:32-38. 2. The Apostle Paul is a great example of being bold with the Gospel, and of having joy in the midst of hardship and trials. The book of Philippians was written by Paul while he was in a Roman prison chained to prison guards. Look at how he linked prayer with the ability to have joy even in very difficult situations in Philippians 1:12-26; 4:4-7; 10-13, 19. 3. Seeking people who were separated from God was the purpose for Jesus’ coming to earth, as He proclaimed in Luke 19:10: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost”. Take a look at these passages which demonstrate Jesus living on mission: Mark 1:35-38; Luke 5:27-32; Luke 19:1-10; Luke 15; John 4:1-42. 4. The powerful prayer meeting that we read about in Acts 4 today opened with the theme of God’s sovereignty—God’s rule over all of creation. Study these Psalms which all proclaim God’s sovereign rule over creation: Psalm 22:27; Psalm 24; Psalm 46; Psalm 47:9; Psalm 66:4; and Psalm 115:3. How would you live differently this week if you were fully aware that God is sovereign over the situations of your life?

B. The Impact of the Prayer 1. Generosity (Acts 4:32-36) 2. Joy in the midst of Suffering (5:41-43) 3. Powerful Proclamation (8:4)

IGNITE: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6: 6:15-7:45PM Prayer and Worship Night—Kicking off 2016 Parkview Church/Worship Center Child care provided.

II. Praying Specifically for our Friends who don’t know Jesus Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:2-6

Pray for: Open doors Wise living Wise words

Clarity Ready for opportunities Answers to questions

Pray for: 3 friends who need the gospel…

To Discuss: w/our families, friends, community groups… 1.

Who introduced you to Jesus? How did they help you understand who Jesus is and how you can be rescued from your sin by Him? 2. Have you had the privilege of helping someone else meet Jesus and find their salvation in Him? How did that happen? 3. Who are some people in your life today that you would love to see meet Jesus this year? 4. What is your greatest challenge in sharing the gospel with one of these people? What did you take away from today’s sermon? What truth can help you pray more effectively for your friends who don’t know Jesus? Series: Basics--Evangelism

PRAYER Colossians 4:2-6/Acts 4:23-31

Overview of Basics: Evangelism   

Evangelism defined Evangelism commanded: Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8 Evangelism a priority: Luke 19:10

I. The Prayer Meeting that Empowered a Movement 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, who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, ‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples plot in vain?’ And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 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 4:24-25, 29-31

C. The Content of the Prayer 4. God is in control 5. God’s plan will prevail 6. Grant us boldness! D. The Impact of the Prayer 4. Generosity (Acts 4:32-36) 5. Joy in the midst of Suffering (5:41-43) 6. Powerful Proclamation (8:4)

For Further Study 1. It is clear in the book of Acts that prayer was a priority of the early followers of Jesus. See Acts 1:12-14 and Acts 2:42. Where did the disciples learn to prioritize prayer? Look at these passages from the Gospels that show the disciples observing and learning from Jesus and how He prayed: Luke 5:16; 6:12; 11:1-13; Mark 1:35-38; 6:45-46; 14:32-38. 2. The Apostle Paul is a great example of being bold with the Gospel, and of having joy in the midst of hardship and trials. The book of Philippians was written by Paul while he was in a Roman prison chained to prison guards. Look at how he linked prayer with the ability to have joy even in very difficult situations in Philippians 1:12-26; 4:4-7; 10-13, 19. 3. Seeking people who were separated from God was the purpose for Jesus’ coming to earth, as He proclaimed in Luke 19:10: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost”. Take a look at these passages which demonstrate Jesus living on mission: Mark 1:35-38; Luke 5:27-32; Luke 19:1-10; Luke 15; John 4:1-42. 4. The powerful prayer meeting that we read about in Acts 4 today opened with the theme of God’s sovereignty—God’s rule over all of creation. Study these Psalms which all proclaim God’s sovereign rule over creation: Psalm 22:27; Psalm 24; Psalm 46; Psalm 47:9; Psalm 66:4; and Psalm 115:3. How would you live differently this week if you were fully aware that God is sovereign over the situations of your life?

IGNITE: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6: 6:15-7:45PM Prayer and Worship Night—Kicking off 2016 Parkview Church/Worship Center Child care provided.

II. Praying Specifically for our Friends who don’t know Jesus Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:2-6

Pray for: Open doors Wise living Wise words

Clarity Ready for opportunities Answers to questions

Pray for: 3 friends who need the gospel…

To Discuss: w/our families, friends, community groups… 1.

Who introduced you to Jesus? How did they help you understand who Jesus is and how you can be rescued from your sin by Him? 2. Have you had the privilege of helping someone else meet Jesus and find their salvation in Him? How did that happen? 3. Who are some people in your life today that you would love to see meet Jesus this year? 4. What is your greatest challenge in sharing the gospel with one of these people? What did you take away from today’s sermon? What truth can help you pray more effectively for your friends who don’t know Jesus?