GOD

Man v God – Acts 12 Herod opposed God He turned against the Christians to curry favour with the Jews. Who calls the shots in our lives? In the face of opposition the believers mobilised to pray - v5. So why their disbelief when Peter turns up on the doorstep? v15 & 16 Because release from prison and death was not their #1 priority in their prayers.

‘If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first ‘If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you’. John 15:18-20

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must take up his cross and follow me”. Matthew 16:24

‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear . Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?’ Matthew 5.

‘For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain ‘For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.’ Philippians 1:21-24

Man v God – Acts 12 Herod opposed God He turned against the Christians to curry favour with the Jews. Who calls the shots in our lives? In the face of opposition the believers mobilised to pray - v5 So why their disbelief when Peter turns up on the doorstep? v15 & 16 Because release from prison and death was not their #1 priority in their prayers. God waited 7 days before he brought Peter out. Remember Abraham & Sarah or Elizabeth & Zechariah? Delays are not denials!

Man v God – Acts 12 Herod opposed God Herod played God There was only ever going to be one winner