Acts 12, 12:1-5

· James the brother of John, one of the 12, son of thunder, first martyr of the apostles Matthew 4:21-22, 20:23

· James here is the apparent leader of the church in Jerusalem, the brother of the Lord Jesus, author of the book of James 12:17

· Beginning of the ministry of John Mark—gospel writer 12:25

I. Let your requests be made known unto God Philippians 4:6-7

a. Rather than worry we are to pray

i. Financial problems in Jerusalem 11:28

ii. Certain of the church were being persecuted 12:1

iii. James has been killed 12:2

iv. Peter has now been arrested 12:3

b. Make the requests known 12:5

c. Beg God to meet the need 12:5

d. Give God thanks for what He is going to do—though they doubt 12:15-16

e. Trust Him to do the best thing

i. The church was suffering in Jerusalem and rather than complain they helped

ii. James was dead and others persecuted but they remained firm and faithful

iii. We must believe that God will work out the best even if we do not understand what He is doing II Corinthians 12:8-10

II. Pray without ceasing Acts 12:5

a. We should continue praying and not to be discouraged Luke 18:1

b. We are commanded to pray all the time I Thessalonians 5:17

c. Constantly praying Romans 12:12

d. Take every thing to the Lord in prayer

III. Pray together and in agreement Matthew 18:19-20

IV. Real goal of all the chapter is the glory of God

a. Their faith in spite of persecution and even death brings glory to God

b. Their faithfulness in the face of persecution and need

c. God will not share his glory with Herod

d. The word of God grew and multiplied

e. God is glorified when we fulfill the work or ministry that He has given us 12:25

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