Bold Proclamation Amidst Opposition

In Acts 4, we see the Apostles presenting the gospel with tremendous courage in the face of intense opposition. The contrast between God and His people and their enemies is a theme found throughout the Scriptures, particularly in the psalms that make up much of our service this morning. The nations rage and plot vainly, but the voice of the Lord thunders over the waters and shakes the wilderness (Psalm 2:1; Psalm 29:3-4). While the wicked can be found “speaking lies with serpents’ tongues” (Do You Decree, O Earthly Gods—Psalm 58), the church is an “army bold” that “stand[s] against the devil’s lies” (O Church, Arise). Though our enemies may be terrifying, we pray for God to fill our hearts with courage as we wait on Him (O Lord, Teach Me To Follow You—Psalm 27), trusting that He will keep us secure (I Lift My Eyes And See The Hills—Psalm 121) even when we walk through the “shades of death” (My Shepherd Will Supply My Need—Psalm 23). We can rest on the firm foundation of His Word (How Firm A Foundation), secure in the knowledge that all the opposition we may encounter will serve to consume our dross and refine us like gold in the fire. —Henry C. Haffner