We Cannot Be Silent - Zeke Murley

Sunday, May 4th
SCRIPTURE: Acts 4:7–22 (ESV)

In Acts 4, Peter and John stand boldly before religious authorities after healing a crippled man in Jesus’ name. Their courage, clarity, and conviction model what it means to stand firm in faith when facing pressure to stay silent. This passage reminds us that our boldness doesn’t come from our status, but from the Spirit—and that when we have encountered Jesus, we cannot help but speak.
1. Boldness from the Spirit, Not Our Status (V. 7–13)
“They recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (v.13)
  • Peter and John were ordinary, “uneducated” men, yet they spoke with authority.
  • Their boldness didn’t come from credentials but from being filled with the Holy Spirit and being with Jesus.
  • True gospel confidence flows from intimacy with Christ, not human recognition.
Application:
Are you focusing more on your ability, or on abiding in Jesus?
→ Seek to be with Jesus, and let His Spirit empower your boldness.
2. The Name That Cannot Be Denied (V. 10–14)
“By the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth… this man is standing before you well.” (v.10)
 â€œThere is salvation in no one else.” (v.12)
  • Peter clearly proclaims that Jesus—crucified and risen—is the source of the healing.
  • The miracle was undeniable, and it pointed people to the exclusive saving power of Jesus.
  • The name of Jesus carries power the world cannot explain or ignore.
Application:
What in your life testifies to the undeniable power of Jesus?
→ Live in such a way that your transformed life points directly to Him.
3. Obedience When Culture Says “Be Quiet”(V. 17–22)
“We cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” (v.20)
  • When pressured to stay silent, Peter and John choose obedience to God over fear of man.
  • Their courage was rooted in personal experience—they had seen and heard Jesus.
  • True gospel witness is not about being confrontational but about being convicted and convinced.
Application:
Are you letting fear of culture silence your witness?
→ Ask for the Spirit’s courage to speak and live the truth of Jesus boldly.
Closing Challenge:
The pressure to silence the name of Jesus still exists—whether through intimidation, mockery, or distraction. But like Peter and John, we cannot be silent when we’ve encountered the truth and power of Christ.
Let’s be people who have been with Jesus, filled by His Spirit, and unashamed to speak His name.
“And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (v.13)

The First Church - Zeke Murley

Sunday, April 6th
SCRIPTURE: Acts 2:42–47 (ESV)
After the Holy Spirit falls at Pentecost, the first church is born—marked not by buildings or events, but by devotion, community, and the power of the Spirit. Luke offers a detailed description of what the early believers did—but more importantly, what they were devoted to. This passage shows us not just a historical account, but a blueprint for how Spirit-filled community is meant to function.

Key Theme:
A committed, continuous community of devotion—not a convenient, conditional connection.
1. Devotion Was the Foundation
“And they devoted themselves…” (Acts 2:42)
 The church wasn’t built on casual participation. Luke uses imperfect tense verbs (e.g. “were devoting,” “were adding”) to describe a lifestyle of ongoing devotion.
They were devoted to:
  • The Apostles’ Teaching (The Word)
  • The Breaking of Bread (Fellowship & Communion)
  • Prayer (Connection to God)
This is not just a list of activities. Luke’s deliberate repetition of “And” (14x) mirrors Old Testament writing (e.g., Genesis 1) and emphasizes sequence and sacred rhythm.

Application:
  • What are you consistently devoted to?
  • Are you committed to biblical community, or only connected when it’s convenient?
2. A Word-Shaped People
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…” (v.42)
 â€œThe word of God is living and active…” (Hebrews 4:12)
 You cannot follow Jesus apart from His Word. Devotion to Scripture is the first step of spiritual formation—it shapes our minds, hearts, and lives.
  • The Word doesn’t conform to culture; we are formed by it.
  • A healthy church begins with a people deeply rooted in the Bible.
“Those who hear the word and accept it bear fruit…” (Mark 4:20)
Cultural Challenge:
  • We consume content all week—are we also consuming God’s truth?
  • The problem is not with the Word if we’re not growing—it’s with us.
3. The Breaking of Bread
“They devoted themselves… to the breaking of bread.” (v.42)
 This refers both to fellowship meals and to Communion—a continual remembering of Jesus' sacrifice, shared in community.
  • They met in homes, shared meals, and worshipped with glad and generous hearts.
  • This practice built deep, spiritual relationships centered on Christ—not personal preference.
Cultural Challenge:
  • Do we see community as mutual, or transactional?
  • Are we sharing life or just showing up?
4. Prayer as Power and Priority
“They devoted themselves… to the prayers.” (v.42)
 Prayer wasn’t an optional add-on—it was the church’s lifeline. A prayerless church is a powerless church.
  • Through prayer, they saw signs and wonders (v.43).
  • Through prayer, they received direction, strength, and unity.
Application:
  • Are we depending on God daily, or just when we’re desperate?
  • How often do we really pray with others?
5. From Spectators to Contributors
“All who believed were together and had all things in common.” (v.44)
 â€œThey were selling their possessions… and distributing as any had need.” (v.45)
 They weren’t just attending—they were contributing. Their generosity flowed from their devotion. This was not charity—it was family care.
Cultural Challenge:
  • “I want more from church” vs. “What can I bring to my church?”
  • Community grows not from consumption, but from contribution.
6. Results of Devotion
“And the Lord added to their number day by day…” (v.47)
 Their consistent, unified devotion became irresistible to outsiders. The church was attractive not because of its programs, but because of its people.

Growth wasn’t manufactured. It was a byproduct of their devotion.

Closing Challenge:
The early church shows us that devotion to Jesus births community, and consistent community displays Christ to the world.

Let’s not settle for casual Christianity—let’s be a people of daily devotion, real relationship, and Spirit-filled boldness.

Reflection Questions:
  1. What are you truly devoted to right now?
  2. How can you move from convenience to consistency in your faith community?
  3. Where are you being called to contribute, not just consume?