When Push Comes To Prayer (2)

When Push Comes To Prayer (2) | Drench Series

Heavens Two Intersecting Realms Earth
God is working to restore the Union of Heavens and Earth.

Luke 19:10 “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
τὸ ἀπολωλός (to apolōlos) — literally “that which has been lost.” It hints at the whole of God’s created order.

Heavens Two Intersecting Realms Earth — CHURCH

The Community Is Formed. The Community Moves Out. The Community Has A Message.
The Community Meets Resistance.

Acts 4:3-4 “And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.”

The Christian is a holy rebel loose in the world with access to the throne of God. Satan never knows from what direction he will come. A. W. Tozer

“I’m not impressed with anyone’s life unless they have integrity. But I’m not happy with their life unless they are dangerous. As much as I have the ability to do so, I’ll not let those around me get away with just being nice people!” Bill Johnson

The Political Climate: The Sanhedrin wasn’t just a religious council; it was the supreme court of Israel, holding judicial, religious, and political weight under Rome’s oversight.

The Timing: The same power structures that collaborated to crucify Jesus were now trying to shut down this up start movement in its infancy.

Acts 4:19-20 “But Peter and John answered and said to them, ‘Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge.  For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.’” 

Acts 4:24 “So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said:”

“There is no panic in Heaven, only plans.” Corrie Ten Boom (The Hiding Place)

1. Magnify The Lord
4:24 “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them,…”
Always begin by flooding your mind with the greatness of God.

2. Reframe The Threats
Vs 25 “Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things?”
What Does God Say? The Word
What Does God Do? Testimony

3. Put A Demand On Boldness
Vs. 29 “Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness …”
Boldness is not optional!

Acts 4:23
“And being let go, they went to their own companions.” (NKJV)
“On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people.” (NIV)
“As soon as Peter and John were let go, they went to their friends.” (MSG)

Dr Dean Ornish Ornish Lifestyle Medicine
“Love and intimacy — our ability to connect with ourselves and others, is at the root of what makes us sick and what makes us well, … People who feel lonely and isolated have a 300-500 percent greater risk of premature death due to physical illness.”

“Our relationships, more than anything else, set the stage for our health, happiness, and well-being. Research indicates that the quality of our social relationships affects a range of health outcomes, such as our mental health, physical health, and mortality risk.”
Elizabeth Dixon (The Importance of Cultivating Community). Psychology Today

Harvard Study of Adult Development (1938–present): “When we gathered together everything we knew about them at age 50… it wasn’t their middle-age cholesterol levels that predicted how they were going to grow old. It was how satisfied they were in their relationships.”

“The clearest message that we get from this 75-year study is this: Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period. Not wealth, status, or professional success. Relationships are the key factor.” Dr. Robert Waldinger

Heaven on earth is most clearly manifest in community.
Ephesians 4:3 “Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of [and produced by] the Spirit in the binding power of peace.”

Eugene Peterson (The Message). "There can be no maturity in the spiritual life, no obedience in following Jesus, no wholeness in the Christian life, apart from an immersion in, and embrace of, community. I am not myself by myself."

Dietrich Bonhoeffer “The person who loves their dream of community will destroy community, but the person who loves those around them will create community.”

John 15:12 “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
Sacrificial — Unconditional —Transformative

Ephesians 4:30-32 “The Holy Spirit of God has sealed you in Jesus Christ until you experience your full salvation. So never grieve the Spirit of God or take for granted his holy influence in your life. Lay aside bitter words, temper tantrums, revenge, profanity, and insults. But instead be kind and affectionate toward one another. Has God graciously forgiven you? Then graciously forgive one another in the depths of Christ’s love.”
Luke 23:34 (TPT) “While they were nailing Jesus to the cross, he prayed over and over, ‘Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they’re doing.’”

What’s Our Response To His Revelation Of Unconditional Love?
1. Receive It
  It’s for you right now.
2. Give It Away
  It’s for you to share with others.