2013 Acts #10: an exposition of Acts 5:17-42. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday morning, July 21, 2013.
Intro:
He is, without question, one of the greatest military minds of history. His courage is legendary. His daring unquestioned. He is a man’s man. His name is Hagar the Horrible. His epic adventures are recorded daily in the comic strips of some of the finest newspapers in the country. One of my favorites pictured Hagar, along with Lucky Edie, standing alone on the down slop of a hill with an unnumbered army coming down on them. Hagar says to Edie, “Take no prisoners!” At times I feel like Lucky Edie. The whole world seems against us and yet our Lord commands, “Take no prisoners. Conquer in my name.”
Christianity, once the dominant worldview of our culture, has fallen on hard times. Its insistence on truth that exists outside of us is considered passé. The idea of a God who created all that is and then rules over that creation, demanding that people come to him on his terms is considered foolish, narrow-minded and bigoted. Those of us who hold to such out-dated concepts are considered dangerous. We are labeled “fundamentalist” and are considered to be no different than those who brought down the World Trade Center. Let’s face it; to be a Bible believing, conservative, evangelical is just not politically correct. But politically correct or not, we are called to preach the Gospel. But preaching the Gospel in a politically correct, pluralistic culture that views truth as relative is an overwhelming task.
How are we to accomplish the task? Where will we find the strength and courage to do so? For some answers we turn again to the example of the early church as we consider the last half of Acts 5.
Text: Acts 5:17-42
Luke has been describing authentic Christianity.
We’ve already seen Peter and John before the Sanhedrin.
Remember they were told to never preach again in the name of Jesus.
They responded, “Well you be the judge as to whether we should listen to you or God.”
Acts 4:23 and following shows the response of Peter, John and the other disciples.
In 4:32-37 we find another summary statement – one heart and soul – all things in common.
That is contrasted by the acts of Ananias and Sapphira.
God came to church in judgment.
Great fear gripped the church and all those who heard of what happened.
Now look at 5:12-16 because it sets the stage for our text.
The apostles were performing many signs and wonders on a regular basis.
Note the uncertainty – 5:13!
But in spite of that – 5:14!
Wow, the Lord was adding a multitude.
Now consider our text.
This text serves to remind us that:
Thesis: Faithfulness in evangelism in a politically correct, pluralistic culture demands God-given boldness.
What is it that enabled Moses to stand before Pharaoh?
What is it that gave David courage when facing of Goliath?
How is it Elijah had the courage to stand against the prophets of Baal?
Or Peter to preach at Pentecost?
They each possessed a boldness that was born of the Spirit of God. A boldness that inspired courage and fearlessness against overwhelming odds. A boldness that can be experienced by any child of God when they dare to walk in obedience before God and dare to stand for truth in a hostile environment.
There are three things I want to call to your attention about this God-given boldness as we walk through this text.
- This boldness originates with the call and the commission of our Lord. (5:17-21)
- This God-given boldness refuses to be intimidated by the threats of men. (5:21-33)
- Such God-given boldness enables believers to emerge from tribulation with renewed strength and determination. (5:41-42)
Conclusion:
Evangelism is never “easy.” There is never a “good time” or a convenient place. In order to be faithful to the command of our Lord we must possess a God-given boldness. Such a boldness originates in God’s call and commission. It refuses to be intimidated and it emerges from tribulation with renewed strength and determination. May God grant us such boldness.