THE BIG IDEA God will overrule every evil earthly ruler to demonstrate & display his glorious fame. God allowed the of his church. Acts 12:1–4 (NLT) About that time King Herod Agrippa began to persecute some believers in the church. 2 He had the apostle James (John’s brother) killed with a sword. 3 When Herod saw how much this pleased the Jewish people, he also arrested Peter. (This took place during the Passover celebration.) 4 Then he imprisoned him, placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial after the Passover. God’s Church reacted to fear with earnest . Acts 12:5 (NLT) 5 But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him. What’s killing God’s church and when will she die? God miraculously Peter. Acts 12:6–8,10-11 (NLT) 6 The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. 7 Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, “Quick! Get up!” And the chains fell off his wrists. 8 Then the angel told him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals.” And he did. “Now put on your coat and follow me,” the angel ordered. … 10 They passed the first and second guard posts and came to the iron gate leading to the city, and this opened for them all by itself. So they passed through and started walking down the street, and then the angel suddenly left him. God’s Church reacted to Peter’s rescue with . Acts 12:14–17 (NLT) 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the door, she ran back inside and told everyone, “Peter is standing at the door!” 15 “You’re out of your mind!” they said. When she insisted, they decided, “It must be his angel.” 16 Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they were amazed. 17 He motioned for them to quiet down and told them how the Lord had led him out of prison. “Tell James and the other brothers what happened,” he said. And then he went to another place. Herod was appeased with public adoration. Acts 12:21–23 (NLT) …21 and an appointment with Herod was granted. When the day arrived, Herod put on his royal robes, sat on his throne, and made a speech to them. 22 The people gave him a great ovation, shouting, “It’s the voice of a god, not of a man!” God will not allow himself to be . Acts 12:23–24 (NLT) 23 Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sickness, because he accepted the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to God. So he was consumed with worms and died. Galatians 6:7 (NLT) 7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. God overruled the evil ruler to & multiply His church. 24 Meanwhile, the word of God continued to spread, and there were many new believers. Matthew 16:18 (NLT) 18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. John 16:33 (NLT) 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” What now ? Respond to Christian persecution with prayer instead of reacting with protest. Learn to fear your supreme God instead of your earthly kings. Rest in God‘s perfect justice. Continuing The Conversation 1. How do you tend to respond when it seems God’s church is facing persecution — prayer or panic & protest? (Or other?) 2. What are some ways you’ve feared your earthly government? 3. How might it help you to rest in God‘s perfect justice?