Signs of a Great Church

Text: Acts 12:1-17

Introduction: The early Church exploded in the book of Acts. Luke, with pinpoint precision, carries his readers through the spreading of the gospel after the mighty outpouring on the day of Pentecost. Like a burning fire that cannot be extinguished, the path of the Holy Ghost blazed forward with Churches igniting everywhere. Souls were being saved; Saints were growing in grace; and our Savior, Jesus Christ was having the preeminence. Yet, Satan was unleashing his attacks. That is the background of Acts 12. From there, Luke gives us five (5) signs of a “Great Church”: These same Signs today indicate a “Great Church”!

1. A “GREAT CHURCH” is a Persecuted Church! (Acts 12:1-5)

“1Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. 2And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) 4And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.”

Personal Application: Is Satan trying to discourage you by having his demons to fight against you? What will you do?

2. A “GREAT CHURCH” is a Praying Church! (Acts 12:5)

“5Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.”

Personal Application: How much do you pray? Do you believe in the power of prayer? Is there someone on your heart right now that has been bound by chains of the following:

  • Addiction
  • Bitterness
  • Pride & self righteousness
  • Hypocrisy
  • Critical & Judgmental
  • Fear & insecurity
  • Worry and doubt
  • Sexual immorality
  • Greed and covetousness
  • Lying and deception

Why not intercede for them right now?

3. A “GREAT CHURCH” experiences HOLY GHOST POWER! (Acts 12:6-12)

“6And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. 7And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. 8And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. 9And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. 10When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. 11And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.”

Personal application: Has our Lord ever delivered you from the power of Satan? Have you ever been bound with chains of fear? Fear of death? Fear of losing your health? Fear of being homeless? Fear of another 911? Fear of a nuclear war? Fear of panic attacks? Fear of not being able to live up to everybody else’s expectations?

4. A “GREAT CHURCH” is a Praising Church! (Acts 12:14)

“12And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. 13And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. 14And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. 15And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. 16But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished. 17But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.”

Personal Application: Do you ever pray for something and then doubt God is going to do it? Do you PRAISE the Lord daily?

Conclusion: Do you want to be a part of a “GREAT CHURCH”? Be a “GREAT CHRISTian! Will you purpose in your heart to be PRAYERFUL when persecuted, expect HOLY GHOST POWER when praying in faith, and be determined to PRAISE the Lord Jesus because of His dynamite POWER in your life? If so, that will make a GREAT CHURCH!

Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese