The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 1:27, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” How many of us here today know that is easier said that actually done? Amen!

Reality is—things happen to us every day that solicits some type of a response. People say things, people do things—sometimes its even things that are not said or not done that initiates some type of a response. Let me ask us this question, “When the whatever happens…do we tend to have the right response?”

Think about this for a moment—I believe our Lord Jesus is more interested in the manner we respond to life’s circumstances and situations that He is to what they actually are. For example; if you learn that someone has started a rumor about you that is not true. Would it be right to respond with a false accusation of your own about them in an attempt to get even?

Certainly not! We know that Jesus would have us approach that person and seek some resolution to whatever caused them to make a statement in the first place. If for some reason resolution is not possible…then we must leave it with the Lord. “Do not repay evil with evil” Paul says in Romans 13:17. And furthermore, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you…live at peace with everyone” (v17).  In Deuteronomy 32:35 the Lord says, “It is mine to avenge, I will repay.” Perhaps the real question for us is, “Do we think He will?”

By following God’s command we have a greater opportunity to respond the right way. In a manner that is worthy of the gospel of Christ. In a manner that brings honor and glorifies Jesus.

This is what we have been learning from our study in the book of Acts. Let’s remind ourselves of how the disciples have responded to the things they’ve encountered thus far. The disciples have demonstrated a right response 1) to Jesus command to stay in Jerusalem until they received the gift of the Holy Spirit. 2) By replacing Judas with another apostle when prompted by the Holy Spirit to do so. 3) By preaching the gospel after receiving the Holy Spirit. 4) By publicly demonstrating the unity they experienced as a result of receiving the Spirit. 5) By giving an account for power of the gospel when asked. And number six—by how they have responded after facing persecution for being obedient to Christ. This is where we find ourselves today.

The only reason Peter and John were arrested was because they were willing to talk about the Jesus…the One who had changed their life. Here’s a reality that was not only true in the first century—but it’s still true twenty centuries later…the gospel is offensive to some and they will respond with persecution if they can.

Not if—but when we find ourselves facing persecution for sharing the gospel…what can we do to insure we demonstrate the right response? Our Scripture passage this morning provides us with at least 2 examples to follow.

1. Pray

After being released by the Sanhedrin—Luke says Peter and John went back to their own people (v23). I like the fact that they seek comfort and encouragement from fellow believers. When the fellowship hears all that has happened as a result of their willingness to testify for the Lord…they are all led to pray. Notice what they have to say in their prayer.        

A. They recognize His power.

“Sovereign Lord,” they said, “You made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them” (v24).  They recognize that the Lord is the One who has complete authority over all things. This fellowship of believers knows who is responsible for everything in the universe. They also know that they have the privilege to call upon His name because of their relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Like the crippled man—they too have experienced the power of God personally.

B. They recall His providence.

They realize that even the actions of rebellious people are used by God to accomplish His plans. Starting with a reference from Psalm 2 and continuing on to the actions of Herod and Pontius Pilate…the sovereign power and will of God will come to fruition (v28). Nothing happens outside the providence or permission of God’s perfect will.

C. They rejoice in His presence.

Luke says in verse 31 there’s such an affirmation of God’s presence among them it’s as if the ground shakes. This is not something that they do—it’s what God does to encourage His church. The result is a fresh new boldness to share the gospel. I can’t say that I have ever seen the Lord shake the house during a prayer meeting. But—I can say I’ve felt the Lord’s presence so strong among His people while in prayer there’s no doubt He was there. His promise to us is to not leave nor forsake us. This promise provides encouragement and comfort.

I still remember to this day a prayer meeting one evening at Highview Baptist Church back in 1990 that I felt the presence of the Spirit so strong I was sure that He had taken a seat right beside me. God impressed upon my heart something so clear it was as if He spoke in an audible voice.

Jesus said in Matthew 18:20 where two or three gather in His name He will be there. When the people of God come together in name of God—united in seeking His will…His power, His providence, and His presence will be made evident among them. The result will be a sense of boldness to testify about what He’s doing in your life.   

2. Perseverance.

Regardless of whatever happens—these early believers are focused on seeing the work of God through. Luke pauses here in verses 32-37 to provide us with a short summary of the mindset among the early church and about what is going to happen in the next few chapters. Everything he mentions here should be evident among our fellowship today as well.

A. We should commit to the community of faith.

Luke says all the believers were one in heart and mind. This is an old Hebrew expression for unity. Luke says they shared everything (v32). It gives you a sense of community among the early church. When our eyes are focused on Christ we tend to less of ourselves. Personal preferences take a back seat to the overall needs of the community of faith.

B. We should continue to share the faith.

Back in verse 18-21 the Sanhedrin told Peter and John they could no longer share the good news of Christ. They even threatened them with further punishment if they continued. Look at Peter’s response in verses 19-20, “It’s the right thing to do and we can’t help it.” Then Luke tells us here in verse 33 that they not only continued to share the faith…they do it with ‘great power.’ Antichristian groups threaten the church more and more every day. We must persevere in sharing the faith…Amen.

C. We should care for those in the community of faith.

Luke says in verse 34—there were no needy persons among them. The church took care of the needs of the church. Note; I believe it goes without saying that those who received help were expected to be responsible with they got. The idea here is not church sponsored welfare. All of our needs are met in Christ. Therefore, the people of Christ can in turn meet the needs of church.

We see an example of this in chapter 6. There are some people in the church that are in need of food and the disciples select seven men to see that they needs are taken care of. The result was the word of God spread and the church grew in number.           

Psalm 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity.” In a world that is separated and self-seeking the concept of selflessness is beyond what most can or will comprehend. But this is exactly what the people of God are called to do. As people of faith, commit to the community of faith, continue to share the faith as we care for those of faith. “Do good to all people—especially to those of the household of faith” (Gal 6:10).

Jesus had told the disciples that they would be persecuted for His name. That’s still true today. But—they would not have known exactly how it would happen. As the whatever happened in their lives and as things happen in our lives…it’s how we respond that’s important.

Two things we can learn from the early church are pray and persevere in all situations. Know that the One who called us has not left us nor forsaken us. No matter what happens.