Sword for James; Jail for Peter  

Acts chapter 12 

    "King Herod ... had (the apostle) James, brother of John, put to death with the sword. When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he seized Peter, who was guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. (Wow!) 

     During the night, with Peter bound by two soldiers, an angel freed him. In the morning, there was commotion among the soldiers. Herod ordered that they be executed. 

(C)  From the book of Acts and other NT passages: 

1. A congregation is united by the Holy Spirit, seeking a personal relationship with God and Jesus Christ.

2. Sinners are saved, born again, baptized in water, partake of the Lord's Supper, and expect Christ's return.  

3. God gives five-fold leadership: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. 

4. The church stands in humility, awe and fear before holy God. 

5. Deacons are responsible for temporal, material affairs.

6. The church prays and fasts.

7. Believers separate themselves from world culture.

8. There is suffering and affliction.

9. The church sends missionaries to other lands. 

Tomorrow: Spreading the Word