Fellowship of Strength

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9.7 Gracious Father, we come before you with hearts full of gratitude for your abundant generosity. Your word in 2 Chronicles 9.7 reminds us that you love a cheerful giver. We thank you for the countless blessings you have poured into our lives. Blessings we do not deserve, but receive freely through your love. In response to all you've given us, we desire to give generously, not out of obligation, but from a heart overflowing with joy and gratitude. Help us to mirror your generosity in our lives, to give freely and cheerfully, knowing that every gift we offer is a reflection of your boundless love. Let our giving be a testimony of our trust in you and our desire to bless others as you have blessed us. In Jesus' name we pray. 00:01:16 Speaker 2: Amen. 00:01:20 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to The Jesus Podcast. remain here for our mini-series on the birth of the church. If this podcast has blessed you, we would love it if you left a review. Doing so makes a huge impact on our team. Andrew overlooked a hazy gray courtyard. Vulture circled above as a foreboding sun turned blood red, its crimson rays pouring out onto the Andrew was gripped with dread as he could see Peter standing a few yards away. His hands were chained behind his back, and his ankles dripped with blood as heavy shackles twisted themselves deeper into his flesh. He cried out in excruciating pain as the cracking of lashes rang through the frigid air. The soldier behind Peter forced him to the ground with the heel of his boot, Without a second thought, he began binding Peter's wrists in a long wooden beam. The soldier barked at Peter to stand, but the disciple could only manage to heave labored breaths out of the way. Andrew tried to call out to Peter, but couldn't find his voice. It was like he was trying to yell underwater, the pressure drowning out his words into indistinguishable moans. He looked around for something that could help him defend his brother. 00:03:00 Speaker 3: To no avail. 00:03:02 Speaker 1: He turned to search behind him and was met by the hands of another soldier. He grabbed Andrew by the tunic and hoisted him to his feet. Andrew watched the soldier draw his sword. He closed his eyes tightly, preparing. 00:03:19 Speaker 4: For the worst. 00:03:21 Speaker 1: In an instant, Andrew awoke at the table in a sudden panic. He panted with his palm firmly pressed to his chest, keeping his heart from beating out of his chest. 00:03:35 Speaker 2: Oh, praise Adonai, it was just a dream. 00:03:39 Speaker 5: Are we known for our boldness? Are we known as people of strength and courageous faith? Or, like the world, have we succumbed to anxiety and fear? Welcome to the Jesus Podcast. I'm Zach from Pray.com, here to guide you through another story inspired by the book of Acts. We've been taking time in this mini-series to go through the birth of the church. We really want to showcase how Jesus moves through his people. Empowered by the Spirit of God, empowered by the Spirit of Christ, the disciples in the early church were able to do miraculous and wonderful things. If you've been a listener of the Jesus Podcast for a while and aren't yet following us or have left a review, we would love it if you do so. If you're new to this podcast, welcome! Make sure to go back and listen to some of our previous episodes. Today we're diving into a story inspired by Acts 4, 23-37, where we find the early church fresh out of jail, filled with the Holy Spirit, and praying with the boldness that could shake the very ground they stood on. Well, literally. Peter and John had just been released after being arrested for healing a lame man and preaching about Jesus' resurrection. Instead of laying low, they head straight to their companions and launch into a prayer meeting. And let me tell you, this is no bless-the-food type of prayer. This is a powerful, earth-shaking movement of God. 00:04:59 Speaker 4: Must have been some sort of dream. I came running when I heard you screaming. 00:05:05 Speaker 1: Andrew swiveled his head around to see James standing over him, his hand lightly placed on his shoulder. Andrew looked out the window to see the late morning light pouring out onto the busy street. The population of Jerusalem was already in full swing, while the disciples... had dozed on. 00:05:24 Speaker 6: James! 00:05:25 Speaker 2: Are they back? I must have fallen asleep while praying. 00:05:28 Speaker 4: It's okay, Andrew. Your mind clearly needed the rest. No, they're not back yet. We sent Matthew and Philip to the Mount of Olives at daybreak to see if they were there. They just returned, but no sign of Peter or John anywhere. 00:05:45 Speaker 1: Andrew threw his face into his palms. His clenched teeth were trapped in the scream he had loaded in his lungs. 00:05:53 Speaker 4: Listen, Andrew, it's going to be okay. They're grown men. They'll be all right. 00:05:59 Speaker 1: Andrew knew his fears were likely an overreaction. Perhaps it was the last few years of excessive time together that made him panic over Peter's disappearance without warning. But something told him that this feeling came from somewhere deeper. Jesus had warned them that they would face trials and tribulations. Maybe this was the start. He pulled his hair back and stared at the table, as though he would somehow find the answers to his worries scrawled into the wood. But of course, he found nothing. He did his best to shake the dread with half-hearted attempts at convincing himself that his emotions were unwarranted. 00:06:47 Speaker 2: I'm sure you're right. And if you're not worried about John, I'd suppose I can do my best not to worry about Peter. 00:06:53 Speaker 4: It's a spirit? Now come. There's supposed to be a gathering of believers in the northern quarter of the city. Supposedly it's empty this time of day. I'll tell you, with the numbers growing like they have been, soon we won't have anywhere large enough to gather all together. 00:07:09 Speaker 1: Andrew pulled an apple from the bowl on the table and heartily bit into the fruit. In all of his worry, he hadn't realized how hungry he was. He silently prayed. thanking God for providing not only the food of the earth, but the spiritual food that sustained him in times like this. The other apostles paraded into the room and greeted Andrew and James with hearty smiles. 00:07:35 Speaker 4: Good morning, Andrew. How are you feeling? I'm sorry about Peter. Matthew and I looked everywhere, but I'm sure he'll show up soon. 00:07:45 Speaker 1: Andrew returned a half-hearted smile and rubbed his eyes. wiping away the last bits of sleep. Being surrounded by the other apostles calmed some of his nerves. The company was a welcome reminder of the precarious situations God had gotten them through before. He had been faithful, but he would be faithful again. Joseph wiped his brow. Beads of sweat dripped down, streaking the dirt that clung to his face. His plow lay heavy in his hands. His fingers and palms were riddled with the calluses the toughened man had earned through the years of dedicated work. Joseph cherished his fields. He could tell slight changes in the season by the smell of the wind, knew when the sun's stains on the crops were signs of over-watering or under-watering, and reaped the wheat just as the ears of grain became ripe. A wealthier man would benefit from yoked oxen to pull the plow. But Joseph lived modestly and strenuously pulled the blades of his plow by hand. He had enough money this season to hire a field hand. As they trudged down each row, he would take note of the state of the soil, pulling stones and rocks from the depths of the earth. The work was laborious but fruitful. He often allowed his mind to drift into hours of prayer under the dull humming of hymns. As Joseph cultivated the ground into fertile soil, he found his heart softened in the work. At the end of his laboring, he looked across the rows, ready for sowing. Joseph turned to his field hand and slapped him on the back. With a chuckle and smile, he praised the young. 00:09:47 Speaker 2: His faithfulness. 00:09:48 Speaker 3: You have worked hard today, Aviv. A truly outstanding job. Well done. 00:09:54 Speaker 1: The young helper found his strength renewing at Joseph's encouragement. This was all his second season as a field hand, and he spent the last few months meticulously mimicking Joseph, gleaning every lesson he could from the seasoned field owner. 00:10:12 Speaker 7: Thank you, Joseph. It's far easier when you're learning from someone like you. 00:10:16 Speaker 4: My last boss, well. 00:10:18 Speaker 7: Let's just say he wasn't as uplifting as you are. It's no wonder the apostles call you Barnabas. 00:10:27 Speaker 1: Joseph chuckled at Aviv's remark. Over the last few months, Joseph had assimilated into the community of faith, doing whatever he could to support the mission of Jesus and show love to the other believers. For all of his generous affection, he quickly earned the name Barnabas, or Son of Encouragement. 00:10:49 Speaker 6: Ah, yes. 00:10:50 Speaker 3: People are very fond of that name for me. I suppose it's about time I embrace it. 00:10:55 Speaker 7: Is there anything else that needs to get done today, Barnabas? 00:10:58 Speaker 3: No, no, no. I believe that's the day's work. Take the afternoon off. I've got a few errands to run before the assembly gathers. 00:11:07 Speaker 1: Barnabas was pleased with the work they had accomplished, comparing it to past years when he had done all the work on his own. But on this day, something stirred deep within him. For all of the time and effort the two men poured into the fields, he was wondering if there was still untapped potential in the fruitfulness it could provide to the believers. He had produced an abundance of crops this season, giving what he couldn't sell in the markets to less fortunate believers. Yet lately he noticed he would still return home with bushels of grain. With determination in his eyes, Barnabas set off for the markets. Peter and John bounded down the packed streets of Jerusalem toward the northern corridor, weaving between the swarms of people. Peter struggled to keep up, hauling his large frame behind John's leaner and ganglier strides. After their release, they had caught wind of the gathering plant and could only assume the other Apostles. would be there by now. 00:12:18 Speaker 4: If we cut through this alley, we'll get there quicker. 00:12:21 Speaker 8: James and I found the shortcut a few days ago. 00:12:23 Speaker 1: The two apostles ran as fast as their feet could take. Before long, they could see the edge of a crowd of people. 00:12:33 Speaker 4: That must be it. Come, we must tell them what's happened. 00:12:38 Speaker 1: Peter skid to a halt, just shy of the crowd. He stood on the tips of his toes and scanned the crowns of the people At the far right to the meeting space, he spotted the back of Andrew's robes. He began to nudge people left and right, steadily working towards his brother. The people didn't seem to mind. They didn't even seem to notice. They were too glad to be together with others in worship of Jesus to take Peter's scampering personally. Nearing Andrew, Peter began to cry out. 00:13:13 Speaker 6: Andrew! 00:13:13 Speaker 4: Andrew! 00:13:14 Speaker 3: Andrew! 00:13:15 Speaker 4: You won't believe what's happened. 00:13:17 Speaker 1: Andrew spun around like a soldier at attention. He opened his arms just as Peter wrapped him in a firm embrace, nearly sending them both tumbling. 00:13:28 Speaker 2: Peter, where have you been? We've been worried about you and John. After you didn't make it to prayer, Matthew and Philip searched the Mount of Olives. But obviously you weren't there either. I'm sorry. I never meant to worry you, brother. John and I have much to share with you, with everyone here. 00:13:45 Speaker 1: Peter and John began to repaint the last 24 hours for the believers. But their story wasn't a villainization of the religious leaders as cold-hearted captors. Rather, for the next few minutes, they only spoke of the Lord's faithfulness and opening doors for them to preach the gospel boldly. They were visibly excited at the opportunity that had been afforded to them. What would have shaken most only invigorated them for the mission of Jesus Christ. Once their story was completed, they urged the people to lift prayers that God would continue to spread His good news in such ways. 00:14:27 Speaker 6: Please, fellow Israelites, play with me. Sovereign Lord, You made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit to the mouth of your servant, our father David, when he said, Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 00:14:48 Speaker 4: The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band. 00:14:51 Speaker 6: Together against the Lord and against his anointed one. Indeed, Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. But what they did was all according to your power and will that you 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 signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant, Jesus. 00:15:30 Speaker 1: The people concluded Peter's prayer with a resounding amen, a shout of faith, that all that they had lifted to the Lord in the name of Jesus would be answered. For the next hour, the assembly strengthened their hearts in the Lord. The apostles taught the people. Some led the congregation in worship, while others gave offerings of coin, food, and clothing to be distributed to the needy. Barnabas waited behind the lines of people that separated him from the apostles. He clutched the purse at his side, idly sliding the metal coins inside. An opening formed, and the man hesitated before turning around. Barnabas was desperate to make his offering, but felt compelled to wait until there were fewer onlookers. As the sun began to fall below the rooftops, the apostles sent the believers back to their homes— assuring them they would continue early the next morning. The conclusion of gatherings was always bittersweet. Nobody wanted to disappoint the excited worshipers, but it was encouraging to see the unmatched love and unity that they had for one another. Just as evening trickled into dusk, the apostles made it back to their home. As they went to open the door, a figure stepped out of the shadows. They were only startled for a moment before they realized it was their dear friend Barnabas. John greeted him heartily. 00:17:10 Speaker 8: Barnabas, it's great to see you. 00:17:12 Speaker 4: I missed you at the gathering. 00:17:14 Speaker 8: Were you with us today? 00:17:15 Speaker 3: I was indeed, though I must admit I arrived a little late. I had some business to attend to. 00:17:22 Speaker 1: Barnabas held up the heavy bag of coins. He dropped it at the feet of the Apostles. The bag made a loud thud against the earth. As Barnabas dropped to his knees, the apostles' eyes widened. Without counting, they could tell by the size of the purse that it contained a small fortune. 00:17:42 Speaker 3: I pray Adonai is able to provide in abundance for many, just as he has done for me. 00:17:49 Speaker 4: Barnabas, where did you get this? 00:17:51 Speaker 1: Barnabas was visually nervous, humbly wishing the attention would turn from him. 00:17:58 Speaker 3: I went to the market today to sell one of my fields. The Lord has graced me with more than I need. The fruit of my other fields will continue to feed those who hunger. But my hope is that the money this field has brought will be able to bless the people of God in an even greater way. I would have given it at the gathering today, but I thought it best to wait, considering the amount. 00:18:23 Speaker 1: Barnabas was barely able to express his thoughts. He was only speaking the truth, but he was still worried his words would come off as vain boasts. John lifted Barnabas to his feet. The apostles bowed their heads with deep reverence for their friend's generosity. 00:18:42 Speaker 8: May the world know of the goodness of God demonstrated through you today, Barnabas. What you have done in secret, the Lord will surely use to glorify himself In. 00:18:54 Speaker 1: The light, John placed one hand on Barnabas' neck, beaming with love for Barnabas and the Lord, who was powerfully moving through him. The apostles invited Barnabas inside to break bread together. They spent the late hours of the night sharing memories, laughing and dreaming of the future. Even after the people of God scattered from their gatherings, the Spirit of God, was moving mightily to grow the Lord's people. 00:19:29 Speaker 5: When Peter and John return from prison, the first thing they do is report all that the chief priests and the elders said to them. The early church could have panicked, but instead they lift their voices together in prayer. And they don't start with a laundry list of requests. They start by acknowledging God. Lord, you are God. You made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. They remind themselves who they're praying for, the creator of everything. I love this because how often do we rush into prayer like replacing an order at a drive-thru? God, I'll take a blessing, hold the trials, and supersize my comfort. The early church doesn't pray like that. They recognize God as the despotis, the master whose power cannot be questioned. They know they're not just talking to some cosmic therapist. They're talking to the God of the universe. When we pray, we need to remember who we're talking to. That actually makes all the difference in the effectiveness of our prayers. Next, they pray scripture. They quote Psalm 2. Why did the nations rage and the people plot vain things? They see their situation through the lens of God's word. When we pray in light of scripture, we align ourselves with God's perspectives. The early church understood this. They realized that even though the rulers were gathered up against them, it was all part of God's bigger plan. Or at the very least, there's no plans that the world can have that God can be thwarted by. Friends, it's so easy to see our problems as these massive mountains when, in reality, when we put things into perspective, God is bigger than any obstacle we face. Now, I know that's a cliche thing to say, but a lot of our problems are a matter of perspective. When we have a bird's eye view of everything and we try and look at everything through God's perspective, this higher perspective in the grand standing of eternity, some of the things that seem overwhelming and small to us all of a sudden start to shift. It's not that they become any less important or pressing for our attention. It's that they affect our hearts differently and our fear differently. Are we praying with that kind of perspective? When we feel overwhelmed, we need to dig into God's word and pray his promises right back to him. When they prayed, they didn't just say, Lord, get us out of this mess. They essentially said, Lord, we see that this mess is a part of something greater. Give us a boldness to keep going. I love that type of prayer. It's not the prayer of God, take this all away. It's God, give me the strength and endurance to press through it with boldness. We've said this before on this podcast. Instead of praying that God would minimize our discomfort, we should pray that God would maximize meaning in our lives, even if it means experiencing discomfort. And then things really get interesting in our story. What do they pray for? They say, Lord, look on their threats and grant to your servants with all boldness that they may speak your word. Wait a minute. If that were us, we might be praying, Lord, keep us safe or Lord, silence our enemies. But they don't pray for safety. They pray for boldness. They're asking for more opportunities to do exactly what got them in trouble in the first place. I think a really cool prayer that we can start praying is, Lord, I know this is dangerous, but make me more dangerous than the situation. Lord, I know this is hard, but make me harder than the situation. Lord, I know that this is difficult for me, but I want you to make me difficult for the situation. It's asking God to kind of flip us. Instead of being victims to our circumstances, may we be victors towards the circumstances. The early church wanted more of the very thing that was causing them trouble. This is next level faith. And what happens when they pray that way? The place where they were assembled was shaken and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness. When was the last time our prayer shook the room? When we pray for boldness instead of comfort, God answers with power. After praying for boldness, what's the first thing we see? Well, we see radical generosity. It says that now the multitude who believed were of one heart and one soul. Neither did anyone say anything Any of these things possessed was his own, but they all had everything in common. This wasn't forced communism. This was a spirit-driven community. They cared more about each other than about their stuff. Look at the example of Barnabas. Barnabas means son of encouragement, who sold a field and brought the money to the apostles. This wasn't about patting themselves on the back for their generosity. It was about seeing a need and meeting it. The early church knew that real faith shows up in how we love each other. and how we give onto one another. A lot of the time, the power of God looks like compassion and sharing. And what was the result of all this boldness and generosity? Well, scripture tells us with great power, the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and great grace was upon them all. It says the great power and great grace, mega power and mega grace was given to them. That's what happens when we pray boldly and live generously. Friends, do we want to see that kind of power and grace in our church today? It starts with bold prayers and generous hearts. It starts with recognizing who God is, praying his word and asking not for an easier life, but for a stronger spirit. And when we do that, God shakes things up. Maybe not always with an earthquake, but definitely in our hearts and in our community. So what if we prayed like the early church? What if instead of asking for less conflict, we asked for more courage? What if we prayed for boldness to speak his word, no matter the cost? What if in our unity and generosity, It became so contagious that people couldn't help but notice. Let's be that church, friends. Let's be that people. Let's pray boldly, live generously, and expect God to shake things up.