Born To Be Bold (Chantilly Sermon)

Bold Prayers (Acts 4:23–31)

Acts 4:23–24a – “On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.”

Acts 4:24b-30 – “Sovereign Lord. You made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David,

‘Why do the nations rage
and the people plot in vain?
The Kings of the earth take their stand
and the rulers gather togethers
against the LORD
and against his Anointed One.’

Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

The believers anchor their vocation in God’s identity.

They pray for boldness.

Acts 4:29 – “Now, Lord,Consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.

Acts 4:31 – “The place where there were meting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly”

Bold Generosity (Acts 4:32–37)

Acts 4:32-37 – “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

Joseph, a levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet”

A. An amazing statement of unity

B. A profound summary of early church life

C. A little literary glue

D. Anno Domini people