Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
What Are We Praying For?
T
by Brent Goodge
he world is changing so fast, there is little doubt
Yet Peter preached in the Name of Jesus that He
that the events inspiring this article will be obsolete
was indeed the Messiah, laying the blood of Jesus on
by publishing date. Just days ago, the United States
the hands of the priests and rulers. Further, while the
Capitol building was stormed by protestors. The President
leaders pretended to be the arbiters of salvation through
of the United States has been banned from various means
the temple services, Peter boldly declared, “Nor is there
of communication. Confidence in leadership seems to be at
salvation in any other, for there is no other Name under
an all-time low.
heaven given among men by which we must be saved”
Freedom is under attack. Religious freedom, the foundational principle that above all others paved the way for the greatness of this nation, is tenuous at best. Judges
(Acts 4:12). This the temple leaders could not tolerate. The preaching of the apostles must be silenced. In terrible anger, they demanded that the apostles never again preach about or do anything in the Name of Jesus Christ again. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter replied, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20). After further threats, the two apostles were released. They joined the rest of the apostles and held a prayer service. If I were there, I would have likely been pleading with God for safety. But what did the apostles pray for instead of Divine protection? The apostles prayed for more boldness to stand for God no matter what happened (Acts 4:29-30). Their only aim was to be faithful to the
have ordered businesses to provide services against the
One who had died for them. Their only desire was to see
conscience of the provider. But looking back through
more lost souls saved through the power of His blood.
salvation history, freedom of conscience is the historical anomaly rather than the rule. Peter and John healed a crippled man outside the
As we see the world falling apart around us, as we see the principles of freedom crumble before our eyes, what are we praying for? There is nothing wrong with praying
temple through the power of the Name of Jesus Christ. The
for Divine protection. But are we praying with a burden for
rulers were stunned that Jesus’ power continued through
lost souls? Do we plead with God for boldness to share the
His disciples. The rulers knew Jesus had been raised from
Gospel regardless of the consequences? If not, maybe we
the dead, but any such admission on their part would end
are praying for the wrong thing.
to pretend that Jesus was dead in order to save themselves from political ruin.
6 // February 2021
About The Author
all their political influence. Thus, the rulers were content Brent Goodge lives in Whitfield County and prays that he will always be faithful when Jesus says, “Go.”
