Knocked Down! How would YOU respond if someone criticized you for witnessing for Jesus? What if you got knocked down or threatened for your zeal for God? Acts 4v23-31 – The Believers Pray How would you respond if someone accused you of witnessing to Christ “too strongly?” Defensive? Shrink Back? Pray for more boldness? Peter and John Return Home After Facing Opposition. Like Jesus, these apostles boldly preached a gospel of repentance (Acts 2v14-36), healed the lame (Acts 3v1-10), and were arrested for their efforts (Acts 4v1-7). They returned to their community of believers (church family) and reported what happened to them. A Prayer Meeting Breaks Out! In response to the apostles’ report, a time of worship and prayer erupts. Psalm 2v1-2. “Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the LORD and against his anointed…” -Instead of praying, “Jesus just keep us all safe and happy”, they prayed for more opportunities to be used of God. -Instead of praying, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?” (Luke 9v54) as they did during Jesus’ earthly ministry, they prayed for boldness and the continuation of signs and wonders in the name of Jesus. They ask for more of the very thing that led to their arrest and interrogation! How Does God Respond? The place shakes, those gathered were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they did not shy away from speaking the word of God with boldness (Acts 4v31). What To Do When Are Rejected Or Persecuted. The good news in adversity is this: God stands with us, ready to empower us and walk with us through the hardship. 1. We report what has happened to us to our church family. 2. We remember what God has done before. 3. We request more power from God to fulfill the Great Commission. 4. We wait on God for a response. Paul Writes from Prison… “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. …stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.” Philippians 1v27-28