Persecution and Peace: What Really Strengthens the Church скачать в хорошем качестве

Persecution and Peace: What Really Strengthens the Church

In Acts 4 the early church faces its first real opposition. Peter and John are confronted, questioned, and threatened for proclaiming the resurrection of Jesus. What began as an act of kindness and a miraculous healing quickly turned into pressure to stay silent. Yet instead of backing down or blending in, they responded with clarity and courage. Their confidence did not come from status or education but from having been with Jesus. When Christ truly shapes a life, boldness flows from conviction, not ego. The authorities could not deny the miracle standing in front of them, but they still tried to suppress the message. This moment reveals an important truth. Opposition to the gospel does not only come from those far from faith. It can also come from religious voices that sound close to truth but drift from grace. The call of the church is not to chase culture, rage against it, or retreat from it, but to stay anchored to Jesus and speak the gospel with humility and love. This passage reminds us that faith is more than comfort or routine. Following Jesus refines our motives, clarifies our message, and shapes how we respond when pressure comes. God often uses seasons of tension and uncertainty to deepen conviction and reveal what we truly believe. The world is not changed by perfect people, but by ordinary people who have clearly been with Jesus. Key Takeaways • Everyone is being formed by something • Opposition reveals the depth of our conviction • Boldness grows from spending time with Jesus • The gospel must remain clear and uncompromised • Ordinary people can reflect Christ in extraordinary ways —— NEXT STEPS Did you say “yes” to Jesus? That’s the best decision you’ll ever make—and we’re celebrating with you! You don’t have to figure out what’s next alone. We’d love to walk with you as you grow in your faith. Start here: https://foundationschurch.org/nextsteps When you give to Foundations Church, you're helping real people experience the life-changing love of Jesus—right here in Northern Colorado and beyond. Learn more or give today at https://foundationschurch.org/give —— WHO WE ARE At Foundations Church, we’re all about real people, real faith, and real transformation. Located in Northern Colorado, we’re a down-to-earth, multigenerational church where you’ll find grace and honest biblical teaching. Whether you’re new to church, coming back after a break, or just searching for something more—there’s a place for you here. We don’t just go to church, we live out our faith every day, together. Come as you are, and discover the extraordinary life of Jesus. https://foundationschurch.org —— STAY CONNECTED Foundations Church Facebook:   / foundationschurch   Foundations Church Instagram:   / foundationschurch   Foundations Church Twitter:   / foundationsnoco   #foundationschurch #foundationsnation #2025sermon #onlinechurch #churchonline 00:00 Introduction and Dead Man’s Conference Invitation 02:00 A Chaotic Culture and the Need for True Formation 03:15 First Moments in Acts and the First Persecution 05:00 Persecution Is Part of God’s Design 06:30 Jesus Warns His Followers About Opposition 09:35 Acts 4 The Arrest of Peter and John 13:40 Does the Gospel Need Religious Freedom 17:00 What Persecution Reveals About Our Faith 23:00 Ordinary People Who Had Been With Jesus 30:50 Opposition Syncretism and Guarding the Gospel 39:20 Go Be the Church and Share Real Hope