Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Bible Readings Luke 4:16-30
Worship Folder

Pastor John Melke
Sermon text: Acts 4:23-31

The Church Speaks God’s Word Boldly

23 After Peter and John were released, they went to their own friends and reported everything the high priests and the elders had said. 24 When they heard this, with one mind they raised their voices to God and said, “Master, you are the God who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them. 25 By the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David, your servant, you said:

Why do the nations rage

and the peoples plot in vain?

26 The kings of the earth take their stand,

and the rulers are gathered together

against the Lord

and against his Anointed One.

27 “For certainly, in this city both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and people of Israel, were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did whatever your hand and your plan had decided beforehand should happen.

29 “Now Lord, look at their threats and give to your servants the ability to keep on speaking your word with all boldness 30 as you stretch out your hand to heal and as signs and wonders take place through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

31 After they prayed, the place where they were gathered was shaken. Also, everyone was filled with the Holy Spirit, and they continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

The Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version®, EHV®, © 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved.

Take a Moment to recall something from today’s message.

Ask Jesus to create for you opportunities to use your words,

activities and thoughts to glorify Him this week.

We value your friendship and the opportunity to share the love of Jesus together with you!