Acts 12: 1-6  King Herod Agrippa leads a new wave of persecution against Christians in Jerusalem  James (brother of John) is martyred by Herod  Simon Peter is arrested

Matthew 20: “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered. 23 Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup…”

“As James was led to the place of martyrdom, his accuser was brought to repent of his conduct by the apostle's extraordinary courage. He fell down at James’ feet to beg his forgiveness and proclaimed to all that he was a Christian, resolving that James should not receive the crown of martyrdom alone. James forgave his accuser and they were then both beheaded at the same time.” - “Foxe’s Book of Martyrs”

Just like in past situations we’ve seen in Acts:  The 12 being arrested  Stephen’s martyrdom  Saul’s persecution God brings good out of a situation that seems incredibly bad.

Acts 12: 7-11 Peter’s “Great Escape” from prison… with a little help from an angel

“The Iron Gate”

John 21:22 Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” James’ Death - 44 A.D. (Martyred) Peter’s Death - 66 A.D. (Martyred) John’s Death A.D. (Natural death)

Acts 12:  Peter seeks refuge at a prayer meeting  The group is hesitant to believe the miracle  Peter wishes for the other leaders to be notified of his rescue

James, the half-brother of Jesus, was one of the key leaders in the Jerusalem church. According to church tradition, James had the peculiar nickname of “old camel knees” from his constant habit of earnest prayer.

Starting next week… our church will begin a new experiment that is as old as Christianity, itself.

Sunday Night Prayer & Communion Service  Beginning at 6:30 P.M.  Down in the Fellowship Hall

Join us as we pray for God to do a mighty and fresh work in our: Homes Friends & Family Work/School Neighborhoods Community Missions & The World

“Desert Song” by: Hillsong