Barnabas Ministries UK

                                                         

Rev. E. Anderson

PRAYER AND PASSION FOR THE PRESENT

 

Reading     Psalm 71

 

Text           vv17, 18

 

Introduction

 

It is good to be filled with prayer and passion at a late stage in life and it is something that God is interested in. Whilst recognizing all God’s input and goodness in the past and all that He has wrought in and through us, it sets the platform for the ultimate period.

 

GRATEFULNESS FOR THE PAST: Reviewing the days and years that have gone, most, if not all, have every reason to be thankful for the tremendous amount of grace and input from God into life and ministry at every level and in all kinds of circumstances. Life and service has been of a checkered order, for all, none have trod the same pathway or been called to do the same thing, but all have tasted and experienced the amazing goodness of God in large degree. But for Him, and His sovereign workings, presence and assistance nothing really worthwhile would have been accomplished. Many can say as David: ‘O God, you have taught me from my youth’ – v17. It has lasted for quite a few decades!

 

RECOGNITION OF THE PRESENT: One has to take hold of the immediacy of the now, this present time and get some real sense and understanding into it. Whilst it is vitally linked to what has been, somehow a new threshold is in view and has to be appreciated. There is a need to be fully awake and alert and ready for what God desires to reveal and see realized, no matter how much time is left.

 

PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE: Although one may not see right to the end of the corridor, nevertheless, some things will start coming into view and perspective not seen before that beckon for action and application. It will be not a state of darkness and ignorance but newness of inspiration and possibility as to the profitability of the time to be spent. David was invigorated with a real passion and mission – ‘forsake me not; until I have shewed the strength unto this generation, and your power to every one to come’ – v18. What a truth to be galvanized and driven with! Somehow he wanted to contribute to history yet to be!

 

1/. THAT LIFE AND SERVICE IS NOT OVER IN THE LATTER STAGE AND CHAPTER OF EXISTENCE

 

Many may regard and accept life as a battery almost run down with all of its cells more or less defunct and on its way out. The result of this kind of thinking and believing creates a mind-set of negativity and also to a pessimistic way of thinking and living. It is easy to drift into this condition of mentality in the later years through others and our own attitude and by circumstances that are not altogether easy to contend with. This is an issue that has to be seriously addressed when coming to and in this period. It is a time when control has to be taken in a definite fashion.

 

·          A dynamic relationship with God must be enjoyed at this particular stage with a sense of holy and heavenly calling. What really matters at this time is the strengthening and building up of the union that one has known with God. It is the opportune moment to take advantage of the period to get to know Him in a greater and more meaningful manner, to get to understand Him in more depth and detail, to discover His ways more thoroughly so that from it what He desires will be known and be entered into. It can be something of an Enoch situation and experience – Genesis 5: 24. In a dramatic manner life takes a turn in another divine direction with a fresh impetus.

·          A real appreciation of one’s worth is essential at this point in time.  It is not the time to excuse or demean oneself and write oneself out of the equation. It is not to be the occasion that one sinks into a shell and into a state of oblivion; rather it is opportune for fresh assessment and appreciation.

·          A spiritual consciousness must prevail that there is surely something yet to be produced of immense value not only are we of value but exist to produce something of value. It is purposed to be a turning point in one’s life and career with the idea and assurance that what has been established and built upon is to be furthered in a significant and successful manner.

·          Realization must prevail that renewal of a divine order can occur of a rich and powerful order – Isaiah 40 One has learned a few vital secrets in the passage of time – one ‘it is not by might’ – Zech 4: 6.  It is absolutely imperative that we have learned how to wait on and for the Lord over the past so that there is further engagement in this spiritual exercise. One of the things to be understood is that it is not enough to be able to quote these high sounding verses but to make sure they are implemented

 

2/. THAT GOD IS VITALLY INTERESTED IN THE FINAL RUN IN TERMS OF OUR BEING AND MINISTRY

 

It cannot be that God is no longer interested at this particular point of the journey or ministry. This is totally out of accord with His nature and purposes and ability. He does not in any way cast off any of those who have shown utmost devotion to Him and He has no intention of seeing them abused or neglected in any shape or form. It is possible to receive encouragement from those who did have some generative effect upon the future in the final run in.

 

·          Joshua must have been mighty glad that Moses had been around in his 120^th year. Israel knew generally but Joshua knew particularly the amazing spiritual stature of this great leader and prophet of God’s people being an intimate. It was in that final stage that the aged patriarch made a major contribution to the future for Joshua and Israel. Joshua would never forget the moment when Moses laid his hands on him – v9; Numbers 27: 15-23. Who does the Lord want us to lay hands on with inspiration and revelation?

·          Elisha was certainly delighted that he had been under the latter influence and tutelage of an inspirational and powerful prophet, Elijah, and that this divine servant could leave such a special mantle behind – 2 Kings 2. For at least 12 years this young man had been associated with this great seer as his attendant. He had not missed the opportunity of being alongside this amazing individual and this patriarch-prophet must have been glad he was there to be tutored. What are we leaving behind for our spiritual posterity?

·          Timothy rejoiced that he had been able to be alongside Paul in the early part of his ministry and was the recipient of his letters – 1 & 2 Timothy.  This young fellow had linked up with the apostle Paul at a vital stage in his missionary career and benefited enormously from the apostle’s example and instruction. Paul had seen the potential in him and had aided in bringing it out and seeing him fulfill precious, needful ministry with him so often. What a tremendous body of truth the apostle bequeathed to him and the Christian Church in his personal writings! What about us?

 

3/. THAT A WORTHY CONTRIBUTION CAN BE MADE THAT CAN EXCEED ANYTHING THAT HAS PRECEDED

 

Instead of a winding down process taking place there can be a gentle winding up so that one is better placed to work and serve in a profitable fashion. In fact, one can be taken by surprise as to what is to be entered into and exploited in a way that is quite delightful. What is to be somehow is to surpass anything than has gone before.

 

·          The element of surprise ever needs to be entertained at this point because the unique and unusual can suddenly occur. There are particular points when the Lord can take over when certain moves are adopted that lead to some astonishing experiences and events. It may look as if is one is entering into an uncertain and negative state but in a remarkable way God’s providences work and changes everything as in the case of Naomi and Ruth.

·          The impossible can still take place as long as there is the possession of a mind and will in that direction and a looking to the Lord. When this man, Caleb, entered the Promised Land he could have thought,’ that’s it! I have done my stint. Now and can relax and let others get on with the job.’ But he was not content to accept such a philosophy and ideology; rather he believed he had still a valid contribution to make – Joshua 14: 6-12. He was not going to settle down and become ‘an has been.’ He even sought to stir and stimulate the next generation – Othniel – Judges 1; 13; 15: 17.

·          God can step in and take over even when things have denuded to the utmost degree. It could well have been that the patriarch Job was assaulted by Satan and evil at a late stage in his life having enjoyed so much. The future looked utterly black and bleak as he had been robbed of everything. His chances of any rise to something surpassing what had been looked remote but other things were envisaged by God – see Job 42: Instead of going to the grave in defeat and dismay, He is visited and overwhelmed by a fresh invasion of the favour of God and all see things from a different perspective.

·          The influence of such can go on from generation to generation as in the case of Abraham – how many have moved on and been expanded by his inspired example. Little did this man know how he was to write history and touch unborn generations in a dynamic way?  As he sets out on a new phase of life he is to leave behind a witness that would touch nations and greatly affect many lives at the personal level. There are positions and ministries to be fulfilled at the end that can be quite influential.

 

4/. THAT THOSE WITHIN THIS GENERATION WILL BE MADE TO SIT UP AND TAKE NOTICE – BE GRATEFUL TOO!

 

One of the inestimable pleasures must surely be to see the up and coming generation being visibly touched and inspired by your example and input. When those round about sit up, take notice and imbibe something spiritual and significant from you and you can see it taking effect, this is reward enough.

 

·          The Lord certainly witnessed the fact that His efforts with His disciples had not been a waste of time.  The Lord believed that His commitment and ministry to the chosen future leaders of His Church had not been a flop but that there would be much to follow following His ascension and bestowment of the Holy Spirit. He knew He had succeeded because it is born out in His High Priestly prayer – John 17: 6,811-12. He foresaw what hey would be and do after His ascent and knew they would break free from their fears and limitations – ‘and you shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem…’ – Acts 1: 8. The people of His day had been made to consider Him but then they would be made to see the impact He had made upon His leaders and followers – Acts 4: 13.

·          Even Barnabas who worked with a failure seemingly saw it completely turned around – Acts 15: 36-39 is not the end of the story – see 2 Timothy 4: 11.  John Mark’s uncle, Barnabas, being the older guy was not prepared to surrender his nephew or this young man so easily and believed he could make a valid and relevant involvement into his life that would change him and his whole future.

·          Those who are somewhat laid hold can make a much bigger contribution and others can add their inspiration. One life can be invaded in such a manner that in turn they outshine what the one who has done for them. In serving and giving of themselves but to one, such can turn out to be of an incredible nature.

 

5/. THAT IT IS POSSIBLE TO GO OUT IN A BLAZE OF DIVINE GLORY SEALING ALL THAT HAS GONE BEFORE

 

If such comes to pass, as David believed it would, he anticipated that all would end on the finest note. There would be no regrets or big sense of disappointment, only sheer thrill and joy at seeing how things had all turned out. There would be no fading away or retreat into a shell only the extreme rapture of having achieved heaven’s expectations. It was Balaam that made this statement with regard to God’s people ‘and let my end be like his!’ Number 23: 10. The indication is that the Lord desires that we finish strong and well. The end of the story should be the most exciting part.

 

·          In the case of Elijah he did not terminate his days under a broom tree but was transported home to glory in glory in a divine chariot – 2 Kings 2: 11. The Lord was not willing or prepared to allow this choice servant to end his life wallowing in despair and defeat. It was not a fit time or place for him to end up his days. Elijah must have rued the fact many times afterwards and must have overwhelmed at what the Lord had lined up for him as he made his exodus. It was superior to the royal carriage her majesty has for renowned occasions!

·          For Christ, the Cross was not the conclusion to matters because something big was envisaged for His departure – Acts 1; In the plans of the Father there was to be a remarkable exit for His Son that would leave His intimate followers aware of the glory of their Head. The angels had seen Him go but now they were to witness His glorious return having achieved the divine objective.

·          Stephen, even in martyrdom, was to terminate his days and life in resplendent fashion – Acts 7 : 60. He simply went to sleep under the stoning.  As he quits earth and the scenes of time it is not in any defeat whatsoever but with a blaze of glory he leaves a permanent witness of the glory of a divine departure.

 

John Wesley – ‘Best of all: God is with us.’

 

CONCLUSION

 

God’s Word often comes in the nature of

 

·          A challenge – the ultimate period may well present the greatest challenge to us and be rejected because we relate it may be to our physical state or other things that can negate. In some divine way we must resolve such and break free from any sense of bad imposition and fulfill a role that is most satisfying and fulfilling.

·          An encouragement – instead of being beset by doubt, dismay and defeat, the need is to encouraged ourselves in the Lord and in the awareness of what others have been able to accomplish in spite of their difficulties or infirmities. In our Golden Anniversary years lets move in on the possibilities that God is offering and still make a mark on this generation and go out in the way God desires. This will be so as prayer and passion prevail.

Rev. E. Anderson

THE DYNAMIC OF PRAYER

           

Reading              Acts 4: 23-33           

           

Text                      Acts 3: 1

 

Introduction

 

BASIC REQUIREMENT:  Most will admit that prayer is a powerful and effective ministry in the Church of Christ and that it is a basic requirement for the Church’s blessedness and progress. It will be freely ac­knowledged by Christendom that prayer should play a key role in its affairs, that it should be a priority on the agenda if there is to be any great advancement.  There can be no substitute for its presence and action.

 

It has been said so often that ‘ more is wrought by prayer than this world dreams of ‘.

 

However, what is purposed to be its strongest and most reward­ing asset is not fully and greatly attended to.  It would seem that most churches and individuals lack in this funda­mental need in life and ministry.  One of the reasons why the Church generally fails to make any great impact spi­ritually upon society can be traced to this area.  It is something that must be addressed and, where necessary, redressed.  If Satan can stop the Church and the Christian praying, he has won a substantial victory.

EVIDENT DESIRE: Amongst Christ’s first disciples there was a real desire to come to terms with this in their lives and ministries.  In observing Christ at prayer and knowing His commitment in this ministry, they felt their lack and so put in a request - Luke 11:1.  This must have gladdened the heart of Christ and He was not slow to give positive input, giving definite principles to be adopted in prayer - vv2-13.  They did not ask how to study God’s Word, how to witness for Christ or how to counsel etc., but how to pray.  The best thing that the Lord could do for them was to divinely instruct them in the dynamics of prayer.  The thing that Christ was to do was to take them into His school and inspire them with the spirit and power of prayer.

PRAYER’S POTENTIAL: It is so important to know the full potential of prayer.  There is the need to give an apt re­minder of what prayer does accomplish. There is a knowing of God in prayer and a deepening of relationship with Him. There comes the off-loading of spiritual burden and pressure by this ministry.  The ability to place into the hands of God the things that He alone can do something about is sound practice. There is the experiencing of the divine quickening of the spirit and the impartation of faith through prayer.  So many things are inwrought and out-wrought by God by this means.

PREVAILING PROCEDURE: The book of Acts undoubtedly shows and proves what influence prayer had upon the early Christian Church.  It would seem that those first disciples had learned their lesson well from Christ. Prayer was not relegated to a minor role and service.  It was not simply put as an addendum at the end of the proceed­ings, it rule and affected everyone and everything.  They would not allow it to be a side issue.  Everything was to be born and produced by prayer.

 

   1/. PRAYED BELIEVINGLY FOR THE FULLNESS OF THE SPIRIT

 

Pentecost came as a result of prayer - Acts 1:13,14.  One cannot escape the fact that there was a great contingent of believers, along with the apostles, who met to wait on God and to seek His face for this special blessing.  They really met to pray and to ask God to grant them this unique and wonderful blessing of the Holy Spirit.  None of them absent­ed themselves from the gathering to pray.  It was important for them to be there and to be in the spirit and state of praying.  This was the best condition and attitude to be in for the reception of the Holy Spirit.  It produced an essen­tial unity for this dynamic occasion.

 

Prayer was a vital factor in others receiving this blessed experience - Acts 8:14-17.  It is right that we should pray to be filled with the Holy Spirit and that others should pray for us to be filled.  There should be great concern that everyone should receive their personal Pentecost and enter into the reality of this divine blessing.  Having been baptized in the Spirit it is imperative to ask God contin­ually to daily keep us filled, overflowing and in an in­creasing state of fullness. Prayer helps in the daily con­tinuance of a Spirit-filled life and ministry.

 

   2/.  PRAYED REGULARLY IN THE GATHERINGS OF THE CHURCHES

 

It would appear that there were regular assemblies of God’s people and that they were taught the meaningfulness and im­portance of prayer - Acts 2:42 ‘and in prayers’.  Those first converts were told and shown that they needed to develop a prayer life and that they needed to congregate together to pray.  They were in on the action as soon as they came into Church.  It was to be an integral part of their faith and practice.  They had to learn to pray and develop a lifestyle in this connection.  If their Christian life was to mature and develop and their fellowship within the Christian commun­ity was to increase then prayer must figure in their sched­ule.

 

The apostles apparently gave a lead in this direction - Acts 3:1.  They went up to the temple at 3-00 p.m. to pray. They did not despise the traditional place of prayer because of the Scribes and Pharisees.  After all, it wasn’t too long since that Jesus had performed outstanding wonders in the sanctuary.  They were not to be put off from prayer.  They were in the right mind and mood as they went forth and so could answer a desperate need.  The Church could see the re­gularity of these men in their spiritual exercise.

 

   3/.  PRAYED SPONTANEOUSLY AND EXPECTINGLY WHEN THE CHURCH WAS      

BEING THREATENED

 

One of the greatest prayer meetings and prayers recorded in the N.T. is found in Acts 4:23-33 and with what outstanding results.  The apostles were by no means intimidated by the threats made against them.  They had a secret and powerful weapon that could be launched against the opposition’s miss­ile of fear.  They found their own company and they turned the gathering into a mighty prayer meeting.

 

The prayer was quite spontaneous - ‘they lifted up their voice to God with one accord’.  They simply knew what to do with this sort of thing.  They had no need to worry and get up tight.  The matter really belonged to God and so they in­stantly called on Him and placed the issue in His hands. They were quite confident of Him and His position.  There was every reason to believe that He was in charge of operations and was capable of dealing effectively with a situation of this nature.  They were certain of His vast ability and the utter folly of His opponents - vv24-26.  It was they who were in a vulnerable position.

 

 

The prayer was possessed with a blessed conviction and cer­tainty vv29, 30.  It would appear that there is a holy audac­ity embraced in their expressions.  They expect a response from God in this connection.  He is no to sit back and take no notice.  They would know that He had taken all into ac­count and answer supernaturally.  A further inflow of Holy Spirit power was to be experienced that would more than match the prevalent threat.

 

   4/.  PRAYED RELEVANTLY CONCERNING THEIR WORK

 

Although the Church grew at a rapid rate and with a certain amount of problems, they somehow knew where the emphasis had to be placed.  Difficulties arose and they needed to be dealt with so that there would be no impediment to the spiritual progress of the Church.

 

The apostles realized that their ministry could soon be sidelined v2  NEB “It would be a grave mistake for us to ne­glect the word of God ..”.  They could have gotten off line with the multiplication of the Church and the amount of prac­tical service that was arising.  No doubt they must have prayed about this matter in order to get things right.  The right sort of answer was needed so that the situation should be solved to the satisfaction of all.  This problem ought not to be neglected and neither should their priorities.  By and through prayer they perceived what should be done v3. They got the best answer vv5-7.

 

The apostles knew where their leadership, power and author­ity lay v4.  They sensed that if the Church was to make great­er impact it was only as they maintained allegiance to the things that made them strong and dynamic.  Prayer and God’s Word were the essential requisites for a divine ministry that would keep the Church in health and in an advancing role. They needed to look to God in prayer, expressing their re­liance in Him and upon the Word of God to provide the truth to feed the Church and challenge the world.

 

   5/.  PRAYED EARNESTLY FOR AN ACT OF DELIVERANCE

 

One of the most dynamic and exciting instances recorded in the N.T. that focuses attention on prayer and its power is that of Peter’s amazing deliverance from prison.  It reveals the church at prayer at a time of tremendous need and eviden­ces God’s great ability to step in and show His almighty hand.  Two things stand out in the episode.

 

There is the nature of the praying - v5.  The believers were not prepared to sit back and think that Peter should go the way of James.  It was needful to deal with this offensive that was being launched against the leadership and body of Christ.  There was something they could do in the face of what was happening.  They could pray and they could pray in the right kind of spirit and attitude - ‘prayer was made without ceasing. Weymouth ‘long and fervent prayer was offered’.  Knox ‘there was a continual stream of prayer go­ing up to go on his behalf’.  Wms ‘but earnest prayer to God was persistently made by the church’.  The idea that comes through is that these Christians were not going to let go until God resolved the issue in the church’s favour.  God would have to show who was sovereign and they were deter­mined and insistent that Peter should be released.

 

 

There is the nature of the answer vv7-11.  In this situa­tion there was to be supernatural intervention.  God was to make known His unique power to deliver.  All that was re­quired was the use of one angel.  He had all the authority and ability to deal with everything.  Soldiers, chains, prison doors and gate.  The things presented no problem to the angelic being who had been given directions from the su­preme throne.  Peter primarily was in the hands of God and not in the hands of Herod and his soldiers.  Prayer was the key in turning this evil circumstance into one of glo­rious triumph.  The eye, ear, heart and hand of God moved to effect a dramatic answer to and for His people.

 

What Herod and the Jews expected was far different from what God’s people expected.  The Church’s enemies did not get their way.  The Church saw the incredible power of God through prayer change the whole situation.  The deliverance given would be a lasting witness for all time as to what God will do in relation to real praying.

 

   6/. PRAYED INTELLIGENTLY FOR A SENSE OF DIRECTION

 

The Church did need to go forward and in the right direction. It was not only important to have movement but to have move­ment forward.  The danger is ever present of being on a roundabout or rocking horse.  There may be action but no ad­vancement.  There had been some significant moves but God was in the business of much greater goals and gains.

 

It happened when Peter decided to spend some time in wait­ing upon God - Acts 10:9-48.  As he prayed, he may well have been thinking of what God was desirous of doing next with his life.  Looking back he had seen the divine developments and, now, he was pondering on what lay ahead.  Whilst waiting for his meal he decides to spend time with God.  The natural hunger pains were on him v10 and in a trance he sees all these animals on a sheet waiting to be killed for a great feast.  Although hungry, he has his principles!  Through it, God was to show and prove to him that a new movement was afoot vl5.  In responding to the revelation God makes known it was time for a great breakthrough to the Gentiles.

 

It occurred when Paul and Barnabas decided to have a season of fasting and prayer - Acts 13:1-4.  A new and fresh enter­prise was to be birthed that would the beginning of world missions.  The church at Antioch had been blessed and grown and they must have thought, what next ?  What had God got in mind ?  It was time to find out.  The best way was through this procedure.  God responded and confirmed His will.

 

   7/.  PRAYED VICTORIOUSLY WHEN IN A CRISIS SITUATION

 

Even when doing God’s will in missionary enterprise things did not always work out to their natural advantage.  On one occasion they found themselves suffering greatly because of their loyalty to Christ and His message - Acts 16. Having performed an honourable deed in bring release to a woman) ~ to an evil spirit, they are maltreated, flogged and imprisoned v23.  This was not a favourable position to be in!

 

What were they to do ?  They could be negative or positive. They could have opted to whinge or whine or resort to prayer and praise.  What could they praise God for after such a beating and thrashing? At least they were still alive and that the Gospel had been honoured with salvation and deliver­ance.  They had seen God’s power at work in the release of the girl from demonic possession.  At least they were not fakes.  People could see that.  After all, they believed they were in God’s hands in spite of the rough treatment.

 

They realized that the Holy Spirit was up to an occasion of this nature.  No doubt they prayed for the persecutors, for the inmates in the prison, for the spread of the Gospel under these circumstances and for themselves for grace and strength to bear a good witness.  They praised God for all that had been wrought and believed that He would get them out of this terrible situation.  God could not resist moving in on this and showing His almighty power v26.  He could not stand by merely as an observer.  He must act and vindicate these prayerful and praiseful men.  The result of all this is a family is brought to faith in Christ - vv27-34.

 

CONCLUSION

 

An assembly and individual will only be as great and dynamic as its prayer factor and potential.  God shows through the history of the Church that prayer is a dominant factor that contributes to her triumph and progress.

 

He greatly re­sponds to His servants and people when they give themselves to this exercise.  Prayer must be used not as a minor inci­dental but as a major fundamental and the Church will yet see and discover what can be accomplished by its ministry.

 

The injunction that Paul gave to the church at Thessalonica still holds good today: “Pray without ceasing . . .”

 

The reason for the great move in Korea, Argentina has come through prayer.  The work in Seoul in its success can be traced to prayer - nights of prayer - prayer mountains.

 

                                            

Rev. E. Anderson

PRAYING THAT PREVAILED

 

Acts 12 1-24

 

Text      v5 ‘but prayer was made without ceasing unto God for him’.

 

Introduction

 

CHURCH EMPHASIS: It is very evident from the record in the book of Acts concerning the spiritual activities of the Christian Church where its emphases lay. Amongst them as a priority was prayer. It was never considered as an afterthought and something to be simply added at the end of Christian proceedings: it was a ministry that was to be given to with all passion and entreaty. The leaders gave a lead in this matter and the early believers were quick to put into action this spiritual exercise – ‘But we will give ourselves to prayer .  . . .’ – Acts 6: 4.

EXTREME SITUATIONS: The Church was to find itself at times placed in extreme situations where they really did need the intervention of God. Prayer was to link them with God and they were to discover His ear and arm of power in the crisis circumstances. Their backs were often against the wall and it looked as if the opposition had the advantage and it required something unique and divine to dramatically change the negative conditions. Prayer saved them from falling foul of despair and themselves and joined them to God who could work to transform matters.

EXTRAORDINARY ANSWERS: When nothing and no one else could provide the vital solutions they found out that prayer was the life-line and so glorious things were wrought and a lasting witness left behind of powerful praying. They were to find out that God was not tied to circumstance or place and that He could provide His own answer to a complicated issue. He wanted His people to know that he was in control and as they looked dependently on Him they would see Him act.

PREVAILING FACTORS: In considering this scenario it is possible to view the prevailing factors that brought about the prevailing prayer amongst the believers.

 

     1/.  THEY EXPERIENCED A MAJOR SET-BACK

 

         In vv1, 2 it is obvious that there was set-back introduced into the life and development of this new, divine community. The Church was to find that the political head was going to be an adversary and that he would put into motion that would threaten its existence and growth. In taking a leader, James, and putting him to death brought some temporary shock waves amongst the body of Christ. This evil monarch was seeking to gain the favour of the Jews and he sensed that if he dealt violently against the Christians, especially the leaders, he would curry their favour and support and make life more tolerable. In the slaying of James the Christian leaders and believers would not only have a sense of loss, they knew they were faced with a fresh terror and means of intimidation. It was a set-back to what had been current amongst them.

 

            Herod the king. Herod Agrippa, the grandson of Herod the Great - Mt 2:1. In the year 41, the Emperor Claudius had added Judea and Samaria to his former dominions, so that, at this time, Herod ruled over all Palestine. While voluptuous, and exhibiting in life none of the restraints of religion, he was a strict observer of the Jewish ceremonies, and hostile to Christianity, because it was subversive to Judaism.

 

     2/.  THEY ENCOUNTERED A MAJOR SET-UP

 

         The taking of Peter, a leading figure amongst them only intensified the issue and they could see that Herod was setting things up for a major onslaught on the newly formed, spiritual body. From what had happened it appeared as if he was in the driving seat and was controlling the situation.

 

          ‘He supposed that these two were pillars on which the infant cause rested; and that, if these were removed, the building must necessarily come down’ – A. Clarke

 

 

         From a human angle it did look as if the Church was in a ‘no win’ circumstances. Peter was in prison and was truly guarded so that there was no likelihood of escape. It was certainly known that Herod had set this up and that he had every intention of celebrating the demise of another Christian leader. It was a formidable crisis that had to be contested. There was no doubt that it required a major act of God to reverse this.

 

     3/.  THEY ENGAGED IN A MAJOR SET-TO

 

The Church did sense that it was not altogether powerless because they had a means and ministry that could be employed that could counteract what looked certain. Instead of being overcome and being a victim of Herod and his intentions, they sensed there was a throne and a power that was far greater and could bring about a glorious change. They were not going to allow him to dictate proceedings. Appealing to him would be useless but there was someone with more authority and ability, the Lord.

 

There was no readiness on the part of that fellowship to surrender this situation even though from all outward tokens they appeared to be at the mercy of this evil king. They meant business with God and the scripture affirms – ‘but prayer was made without ceasing unto God for him’ – v5. It was a non-stop appeal to God for Him to step in and prove that He could over-rule what was planned. It was a major set-to in the realm of prayer and God must have been heartened by the spirit commitment. Even at this seeming last minute God could step in and perform a miracle.

 

‘Prayer was made without ceasing; it was fervent prayer. It is the word that is used concerning Christ’s praying in his agony more earnestly; it is the fervent prayer of the righteous man that is effectual, and availeth much. Some think it denotes the constancy and continuance of their prayers; so we take it: They prayed without ceasing. It was an extended prayer; they prayed for his release in their public assemblies (private ones, perhaps, for fear of the Jews); then they went home, and prayed for it in their families; then retired into their closets, and prayed for it there; so they prayed without ceasing: or first one knot of them, and then another, and then a third, kept a day of prayer, or rather a night of prayer, for him, Ac 12:12’ – Matthew Henry

 

     4/.  THEY ENJOYED A MAJOR SET PIECE

 

         What actually occurred as a consequence shows that God was in sovereign control and it was just a set piece of His workings. Prayer was answered in the way and manner that everything was turned about. As things were quietly and powerfully worked out, everyone had great reason to rejoice.

 

·          Peter is amazingly in a composed state with the sentence of death due to be carried out the next day and has to be awakened by an angel – v6.  Prayer was being answered in the first instance in the fact that Peter was not in any way alarmed. Did he possess a secret and quiet conviction that in some unique way the Lord would get him out, after all, he had done it before – Acts 5: 18, 19. he felt that the best thing to do was to rest in God and let Him work this out.

·          An angel was able to take care of all the proceedings and difficulties and brought Christ’s servant out without any problem – vv7-11. The angel was able to waken Peter and put all the others to sleep without any problem. His guardians were completely unaware of the action that God was taking in order to prove He could perform a major work of deliverance. The divine messenger had a set piece to act on as he led Peter out into freedom. He could unlock the chains, open the prison door and showed him the way out and then left him when the job was done. The apostle must have been thrilled how easily God had worked it all out!

 

 

‘ And his chains, etc. This could have been only by Divine power. No natural means were used, or could have been used without arousing the guard. It is a sublime expression of the ease with which God can deliver from danger, and rescue his friends’ – A. Barnes

 

·          Peter is able to go to the prayer meeting and reveal that the answer had taken place and then move on to a place of safety – vv12-17.  What a choice moment and experience for him to present himself at the house where the saints were gathered praying! Everyone was surprised and staggered at first then must have been incredibly glad that their praying had all been part of the set piece. The Good News had to be circulated amongst all the Christian believers  so that all could be encouraged and rejoice – v17.

 

CONCLUSION

 

This instance in the New Testament is simply recorded to show that prayer does work in sudden crises and emergencies.

 

There has to be, however, the spirit and will not to give up until the answer shows up on the doorstep.

 

 

 

                                                     

Rev. E. Anderson

PRAYER PARTNERSHIP

 

Reading    Matthew 26: 36-46

 

Introduction

DIVINE EXAMPLE: The greatest example and pattern of all in relation to he dynamic of prayer is Jesus Christ. He is the one to look to and observe for direction and inspiration when considering it… he does not disappoint when viewing and studying Him at this divine business. In the Garden of Gethsemane He portrays in depth and detail His prayer ministry at a crucial time. He shows what prayer is all about. There is a disclosure and picture of Him demonstrating the real issues involved in prayer.

 

DIVINE ENCOURAGEMENT: He takes His three close disciples with Him – v37 in order to seek their assistance and introduce them into prayer secrets – v36 ‘Sit you here . . .’, and ‘watch with me’ –v38. he was seeking to involve them in this crucial ministry at a crisis hour. The burden of man and their salvation lay heavy upon Him and He was looking for relief and strength by this means and their partnership. The contrast is vivid. Whilst there was a prayerfulness on His part there was a prayerlessness re-His disciples, even his close ones! In the whole exercise He sought to stir them, but, alas! They missed it.

 

Looking at the incident, we do discover very vital lessons with Christ in relation to nit that must impact and ignite to prayer.

   1.  HE PRAYED PERSONALLY – vv36, 39, 42, 44

 The emphasis is that He went alone to be with the Father. There was a need on this occasion to move more from the greater and lesser group in order to pray. He had to divide and separate himself from a body of people that meant a great deal to Him so as to deal with a real pressing and spiritual issue.

 

There is a time for group praying, large and small, but the Lord is looking for prayer partners who will come aside further for more intimate praying. He looks for the person who has learned to go the extra distance into a personal and powerful exercise – See Matthews 6: 5, 6; Acts 9: 11 –‘when’ – it is expected. God is expecting people and His servants to make a break with others, business and pleasure, etc., to pray.

    2.  HE PRAYED SPECIFICALLY –vv38, 39

A real burden was weighing heavy upon His mind and heart. The issue had truly broken upon Him and He now was up to the hour when everything was to be demanded of Him. The horror and awfulness of His sufferings and death was just round the corner. It was no longer a distant prophecy and dream. It was now to be reality. A baptism of pain, anguish, separation and death was to be His experience. The thing that He wanted – ‘Your Will Be Done’.

 

Amidst the conflict of thought and feeling was the over-riding factor- ‘heaven’s purpose must be wrought out’. There was a settled objective and motivation in His being throughout. Above all, God’s eternal plan must be seen through on His life and work. In the trauma He prayed intentionally and prayer partnership takes this on board – e.g. Elijah – James 5: 17, 18. We must know what God wants us to pray about.

 

   3.  HE PRAYED PERSISTENTLY –v44

Two things are in evidence:

 

In relation to Himself – ‘He went the third time’. It is strange and seeming odd that he had to engage himself so. Had not the father always heard Him pray? – John 11: 41. The burden was so intense and the battle so powerful that it required such attention. He knew he had to pray through and settle the issue in himself prior to the ordeal. Before Calvary could become the answer to sin and the world of humanity, he had to deal with self. On each occasion there was victory over self. He taught the need of persistent praying – Luke 18: 1.

 

In relation to His disciples – v43. Having given the instructions – v38, He comes back on two occasions to stir them – v40. He sought to provoke and promote prayer and show the dangers of prayerlessness. Even if they could not enter into His trial, they needed to know they were in danger and ought to pray over their situation.

   4.  HE PRAYED EARNESTLY –LUKE 22: 43, 44

In Matthew’s record Christ’s being is overwhelmed – v38. Luke’s account adds further detail – Luke 22: 43, 44.

 

He is strengthened by an angel –v43. How sad He had not been strengthened by the prayer support of His disciples! The angelic world did not fail to lend a hand. They discerned even if those close to Christ did not, they would. See Exodus 17: 8-16 especially - v11.

 

He is an agony and in a state of earnestness – v44. This prayer is being wrung from Christ and represents His whole inward life and being. This was not mere sentiment and platitude – ‘drops of blood’. It was probably perspiration in large drops like blood, or possibly haematidrosis, the actual mingling as in cases of extreme anguish, strain or sensitivity. It cost Christ something in the entreaty.

   5.  HE PRAYED DETERMINEDLY – v44

How easily Christ could have been upset and offset by the condition of His own disciples. Here he is about to do something for them which will cost Him all, yet they are senseless and spiritually insensitive. If there was one thing that could have switched Him off it was this sight. The negative factor in the midst of the positive desire could have been a real setback. Rather than get off track He went back to His task – v44 ‘He left them’. He had 100% motivation that would not change course. He would not sleep but press on!

   6.  HE PRAYED OBEDIENTLY – v39

Though his disciples were in a state of disobedience this was not so with Him. His prayerfulness and prayer were immersed in true obedience. He knew he had to do it and how to do it and He had the will to do it.

 

Contrast the prayerlessness of His disciples. The failure to watch and pray exposed their sin and paved the way for the following disasters and defeats. The complacency opened up the way to denial and backsliding. Christ’s obedience here led to obedience to the Cross. To be a prayer partner requires obedience.

   7.  HE PRAYED VICTORIOUSLY

 He himself had victory over the flesh. He did not allow the physical, natural or carnal to dictate the proceedings. If anyone in the group needed respite and rest it was Him! There was no surrendering and succumbing to the flesh. No excuse was permitted.

 

In His praying He concentrated mind and heart upon his father’s will and would not permit His thoughts to wander. Everything had to be brought into captivity.

 

Rising from the conflict he is ready or what lies ahead –v45, 46. He can face all in calmness and spiritual confidence. Whatever is before will be dealt with in the father has willed. He is fully alert and ready to go further than Gethsemane.

 

CONCLUSION

 

      Christ comes and calls us aside to pray – vv38, 40 ‘Watch with me one hour’. Do you hear him, the summons? He is still seeking ‘prayer partners’ in this crisis hour. Will you be one?

 

      Personal renewal. It is essential for God to quicken you to pray so that you experience a real renewal of a spiritual order in your life and service. Prayer revolutionizes both.

 

      Local and national revival. There is a need for churches, ministries to be revived at a local level and for a mighty move of God throughout the nation. Christians must band together to pray and see a divine transformation.

 

                                            

Rev. E. Anderson

THE SHAKING POWER OF PRAYER

 

Reading     Acts 4

 

Introduction

Inspiration: The infant Church had a dynamic inspiration present in its beginning and it is apparent that it was directed to prayer. The apostles from the commencement sensed the importance of this ministry as they tarried for 100 days for the blessing of the baptism of the Holy Spirit – chapter 1. As many came to believe they taught the necessity and practice of prayer amongst the first disciples as they assembled together – Acts 2: 42. There was a personal and obvious commitment on the part of the leaders of the apostolic band to this spiritual exercise – Acts 3: 1. And now they are in a definite conflict and crisis they know what they are to resort to – Acts 4:24.

Illustration: In this incident and experience is revealed how they prayed and what occurred when they prayed and it is evident that there was a great deal of shaking factors evident. In viewing this early situation and so set a pattern to all of Christendom as to what should be done when things are seemingly running conversely against it and what can divinely take place if the right spiritual procedure is adopted. They were shaken in the best sense of the word by the turn of events and knew what it was to turn the adverse opposition into a glorious positive by a shaking work out in prayer and supplication. There was a dynamic at their disposal that could move on to greater divine dynamics.

 

1/.      THEY WERE PREPARED TO SHAKE HEAVEN INTO ACTION – v24

  Having reported what had happened and was intended by their opponents they knew that the next thing must do was to present the issue to the One who could do something about it. They were united in this and spiritually shaken into corporate action. It was not left to one individual to accept the task of praying, they all engaged and meant business. Heaven must respond to the situation that existed on earth and they were together it making heaven sense their spirit vibrations. The tremors they were feeling were reverberating around heaven.

 

2/.     THEY WERE SHAKEN BY THE REVELATION OF THE ONE THEY ADDRESSED – v24

        In prayer they were under no illusions as to who they were calling out to but were profoundly moved by the knowledge of who He was and His immense capabilities. If anyone could shake and shape anything, it was the One that they were speaking out to. Prayer adopts the stance of faith in God as the One who can do anything and is assured that He will not only take notice but take powerful action.

 

3/.      THEY WERE SHAKEN BY THE KNOWLEDGE OF PROPHETIC DECLARATION – vv25-28

       They were to be dynamically assisted in their presentations and supplications in what God’s Word had already recorded and were most relevant to their situation. God was fully aware of all that had and was occurring in terms of united opposition and was undisturbed as Psalm 2 makes known. Prayer led to perceive the inspired communication of the past as being most apt and appropriate in the immediate setting. God was not shaking in His shoes because of the amalgamation of forces that was set up and making their voices and views known. Everything would fall in line with His counsel and He would do the shaking that would change things. The prophetic word would shake the indifference out also and cause faith and divine assurance to be sovereign in this.

 

4/.   THEY WERE SHAKEN BY THE ASSURANCE OF WHAT COULD BE WROUGHT – v30

       They had been delighted with the way things had gone since the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and that they had witnessed the miracle of healing of one man that had brought about such a turning to God – Acts 3; 4: 4. It had also meant them being taken captive but this had provided a platform for declaring the truth about Christ in a bigger setting. What they desired in prayer to create a greater shake-up was powerful preaching of the Word of God, attested with the miraculous. What had been given previously was but a foretaste of what could be brought about on a much wider front. There were still bigger shake-ups to known!

 

5/. THEY WERE SHAKEN BY A MANIFESTATION AND MINISTRATION OF THE HOLY SPIRIT - v31

        The response from heaven was create a supernatural shake-up by causing the building where they were gathered to move without causing it to fall down and to inspire them with a dynamic inspiration so that they all felt spiritually renewed and charged. They were pretty well charged up when they prayed but this made a world of difference to them within. They knew in themselves they would more than cope with what confronted outside.

 

6/.   THEY WERE ABLE TO SHAKE THE COMMUNITY OF THEIR DAY WITH A DYNAMIC WITNESS – v 33

         If the religious and traditional thought they were going to split and divide the Christian Church they were in for a shock. It became stronger, bigger and more united than ever and the testimony to Jesus Christ in resurrection power more pronounced. They hope to turn down this message but it was more tuned up so it would have a more divine shaking impact.

 

CONCLUSION

              The early Church has clearly pointed the way for all time for Christendom. If society is to be powerfully shaken and moved spiritually then the Church must resort to the dynamic of prayer. In turning to God is the hope that He will move in and show that He is still sovereign and can and will provide

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                               

Rev. E. Anderson

Maximise Your Life with Paul Benger

 

Get into prayer, is Paul’s message this month in Chapter Nine of his book Twelve. Paul teaches the importance of prayer as part of every area of life.

Are any among you suffering? They should keep on praying about it. And those who have reason to be thankful should continually sing praises to the Lord. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will heal the sick…Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for the next three and a half years. Then he prayed for rain and down it poured. James 5:13-18 (NLT)

How many times have you heard people say, “We need to pray more.”? You might think that this statement is totally harmless but I know that it is one that can strike fear into the heart of any leader. You see, the problem is that the saying, although well meaning, often comes from a heart that is striving and frustrated rather than a heart that is full of faith and expectation.

To pray more, purely because we believe our efforts are needed, will only lead to more and more frustration and the inevitable, “We don’t pray enough,” follows on. All that said, we do need to pray! James encourages us that Elijah was a man just like us and he prayed and God answered. I wonder, “Was Elijah a man just like us?”

 A quick reading of 1 Kings 17-19 gives some insight into the personality of this man. In these chapters we find he has times of confidence and doubt, times of arrogance and humility, times of feeling weak and if Elijah was not coping with pressure, Elijah would pray; his parents were giving him trouble, he would pray; the kids were a pain, Elijah would pray; relationships were struggling, Elijah would pray; he was stressed out, Elijah would pray; friends were backsliding, Elijah would pray; there was a big decision to make, Elijah would pray; his fire for God was going out, Elijah would pray; starting, finishing or continuing something, Elijah would pray; though, ‘I don’t need to pray’, Elijah would pray; wanted an awesome church, Elijah would pray.

PRAYER WORKS

 Elijah knew that God is drawn to those who ask. As I think back to my childhood I don’t ever remember being a good asker. I can’t think of a time when people told me that it was wrong to ask, only that I felt it was wrong to ask or I was too embarrassed to ask. Jesus actively encourages asking. “Ask and it will be given to you,” he says. (Luke 11:9) He tells the story of a man who has a friend unexpectedly turn up one night only to discover that he does not have any bread to feed him. At midnight this man calls on another friend asking him to give him some bread. The friend initially refuses because he’s got the missus and the kids tucked up and asleep. Eventually he gives in and supplies the bread because of the man’s persistence. Jesus encourages this type of asking. “Keep on asking, and you will be given what you ask for.”(Luke 11:9 NLT)

We are the cheeky girls you are the cheeky boys:

 Recently my mum got angry with a young boy in our church who, whilst she was waiting for her turn to be served in the queue for coffee after the service, darted in front of her and helped himself to some biscuits. I was never that cheeky as a young boy and that’s exactly the reason that at times I have struggled to pray. Jesus really is encouraging that kind of bold and brazen audacity. God loves the attitude that is unembarrassed about being the first in the buffet queue. We’ve all been to parties where everyone is starving and the DJ announces, “The buffet is now open.” Everyone is starving but nobody moves, what’s that all about? “We’re being polite.” No we are not, we’re being stupid! Nobody moves! - Except the cheeky boys and girls.

Elijah knew what this cheekiness was all about and also what persistence was all about. When it comes to praying for rain he prays six times. Each time he sends his servant up the mountain to see if any rain is forthcoming and each time the servant sees nothing. Elijah continues to pray and on the seventh time of asking the servant sees a cloud the size of a man’s hand. I like to think that as Elijah prayed the cloud filled up. The audacity of the man! Become a cheeky boy or girl today and get thinking, “Oh no why hasn’t someone done something about this!” The prayer time is over.

PERSONALITY TYPE 4 PHLEGMATIC

To be phlegmatic is to be relaxed. So relaxed you can live life horizontal. The phlegmatic is unlikely to be cheeky because it takes too much effort and persistence. At prayer this person sounds like, “Ok God, whatever God.” Whatever personality you are, and most of us are a mix, the truth is that prayer doesn’t necessarily come easily or naturally. But if like Elijah we can grasp the vision of a God who is intimately involved in every detail of our lives then we will pray.

 We will pray because he loves us and we love him. Some things only happen through prayer: In an earlier chapter I stated that Doris Day was wrong when she sang, “Que Sera, Sera.” The trouble is that many of us still believe it, “Whatever will be, will be.” In his book, “Wild at Heart” John Eldredge talks about God being a wild man and that as such he desires three things: a battle to fight, a beauty to rescue and an adventure to share. His thoughts are that men are made in his image and therefore desire the same things.

However, we have so sanitized the idea of a “Christian Man” that this is rarely true. The adventure that God longs to share is your life and mine - A life of risk and faith. A life of pursuing what God has put in our hearts. Made in his image we too desire an adventure to share. In the same way that God comes and shares our life adventure we too, at heart, desire to share his. We long to see the lost reached and the church built. The bride that he gave his life for, won and becoming all she was meant to be. These things do not happen without prayer. Through prayer we partner with God and He