The Vineyard- April 28, 2013

The Vineyard

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Acts 4:1-22

Pray for God to speak to you through the reading of his word. 

Read the passage.

-          The disturbing nature of the gospel!

o   According to Acts, why are Peter and John arrested?  When they are arrested, what are Peter and John told to do? 

o   Why do you think that rather argue than over the resurrection, the authorities simply order them to stop speaking about it? 

o   Could it be that the world knows it cannot dispute the facts of the resurrection?  Could it be that the best chance the world has of defeating the gospel is by silencing those who would speak of Jesus’ resurrection?

-          Who do you listen to?

o   The world wants to tell us to be quiet, to not speak of God, or the hope we have in Jesus Christ.  What can the world threaten you with if you fail to remain silent? 

o   Are you allowing the world to bully you into silence?  Do you care more about what the world thinks, than God?

Pray that we may be faithful to the gospel proclamation that Jesus has indeed risen from the dead.  Pray that this proclamation will be a source of hope for those around us. 

Pray that we will care more about pleasing God, and being faithful witnesses, than about pleasing the world.