Walnut Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church

05/08/2026

40 Days With the Risen Lord: Day 33 • Devotional

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/45252/day/33?segment=0
The Apostles Sent through Prayer
A Quote
To make intercession for men is the most powerful and practical way in which we can express our love for them.
– John Calvin
A Prayer
Lord God,
May your church be strengthened and encouraged by your precious Holy Spirit.
May your church fear and respect you as the one and only ruler of this universe.
We want to see your church grow in maturity and in number as lives turn from death to life. We want to see your kingdom extended and your will done. May your church exist as salt and light for the benefit of its non-members - a witness to those who have eyes to see. May your church act in ways that transform all aspects of society. Amen
Journal Exercise
Name three people whom you think God might be setting apart for a full or part-time ministry of the word of God. Write a prayer asking God to show them whether they should consider it or not.
Pray that God will create Christian fellowships, congregations and churches, faithfully obeying God's word 'in all the world.
A Challenging Prayer
Pray that God's people will be in submission to the Lord Jesus Christ and his command to make disciples of all nations by:
Enabling local churches to expand numerically equipping and nurturing their members, and becoming the mother churches of as many fellowships and congregations as possible, and taking further initiatives to create fellowships beyond the reach of the local church by penetrating structures of society with the gospel.

“Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper. They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, an intelligent man, sent for Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at Elymas and said, “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right! You are full of all kinds of deceit and trickery. Will you never stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind for a time, not even able to see the light of the sun.” Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching about the Lord.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

# The Apostles Sent through Prayer # # A Quote To make intercession for men is the most powerful and practical way in which we can express our lo

05/07/2026

40 Days With the Risen Lord: Day 32 • Devotional

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/45252/day/32?segment=0
An Apostle Proclaims to a Gentile
A Quote
Whenever God puts you in circumstances, pray immediately; pray that his atonement may be realised in others' lives as it has been in yours.
– Oswald Chambers
Journal Exercise
It was a complete surprise to Peter that an 'unclean Gentile' should be offered the gospel of Jesus Christ. Do you know anyone seeking God? Write a prayer in which you include their names, and ask God to reveal Christ to those people. Pray that God will create faithful, Christian fellowships, congregations and churches obediently living out and proclaiming God's word in all the world.
A Prayer
Blessed Lord,
We praise you that your love has no limit. You want all to be saved, and every knee to bow and call you Lord. We praise you that your love includes all nations. It is for everyone; the weak, strong, rich, poor, healthy and sick. We pray that your love will permeate every aspect of today's society so that people can make an informed choice to respond to that love and be saved. We pray that your love will reach those in our legal systems, market areas and places of trade, creative arts and crafts communities, Governments, media and communication industry, education and health systems, and all areas of our society. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

“At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly. One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.” When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa. About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven. While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there. While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.” Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?” The men replied, “We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.””
‭‭Acts‬ ‭10‬:‭1‬-‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

# An Apostle Proclaims to a Gentile # # A Quote Whenever God puts you in circumstances, pray immediately; pray that his atonement may be realised

05/06/2026

40 Days With the Risen Lord: Day 31 • Devotional

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/45252/day/31?segment=0
An Apostle Called by the Risen Lord
A Prayer
Gracious God,
We fall down and worship you, King of kings. We want to thank you for your patience. We will trust you, and know that you always keep your promises. We know that you are coming again. Let us die to self and live for you. Let us know more fully the love that sets us free.
Give us the courage to speak the truth in love. Help us to tell this world you are not some fairy-tale. You are the God who came to live amongst us, died and rose again. You love us so much. I want to thank you for your patience, even with the hardest of hearts. Amen.
Journal Exercise
Saul was told that he was chosen by God to carry Christ's name before certain people, and that he must suffer for Christ's sake. Write a prayer which includes the names of two people to whom you can carry Christ's name. Ask God to save these people.
Do you know someone who despises Christianity? Write a prayer earnestly asking God that he might reveal Christ to him/her.
A Plea
Pray for the unreached people groups that have no missionaries working amongst them, especially the home of the largest Muslim population in the world. Pray for Indonesian Christians that they may have the courage to proclaim Christ in their nation.
A Challenging Prayer
Pray that God's people, in submission to the Lord Jesus Christ and his command to make disciples of all nations, will take further initiatives to pe*****te structures of society beyond the reach of the local church with the gospel.

“Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized,”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

# An Apostle Called by the Risen Lord # # A Prayer Gracious God, We fall down and worship you, King of kings. We want to thank you for your pat

05/05/2026

40 Days With the Risen Lord: Day 30 • Devotional

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/45252/day/30?segment=0
An Evangelist Proclaims to an Ethiopian
A Prayer
Dear God,
Help us to listen to your leading.
Help us to always be ready to explain your living word to people.
Please go before us and reveal yourself to them.
Make us ready and willing to take up the opportunities you give us to share the gospel. Amen.
Journal Exercise
Recall how God revealed to you the Lord Jesus Christ as the sacrifice for your sins. Write a prayer to thank God for his mercy and kindness in this way.
Can you recall any instance where God has put you beside the right person at the right time? If so, write a prayer which thanks God for that divine appointment and ask him to give you more.
A Quote
Prayer is to the Father, through the Son, by the Holy Spirit.
– Graeme Goldsworthy
Today consider Africa:
Praise God for a country experiencing exceptional evangelical growth.
A Challenging Prayer
Pray that God's people, in submission to the Lord Jesus Christ and his command to make disciples of all nations, will take further initiatives to pe*****te structures of society beyond the reach of the local church with the gospel.

“Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eu**ch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means “queen of the Ethiopians”). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. “How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. This is the passage of Scripture the eu**ch was reading: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.” The eu**ch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eu**ch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eu**ch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭8‬:‭26‬-‭36‬, ‭38‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

# An Evangelist Proclaims to an Ethiopian # # A Prayer Dear God, Help us to listen to your leading. Help us to always be ready to explain you

05/04/2026

40 Days With the Risen Lord: Day 29 • Devotional

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/45252/day/29?segment=0
Blessings from the Resurrection Command
A Story
Bud, an ex-army man, was our no-nonsense plant superintendent. Shortly before retirement, he was hospitalised with a bronchial infection. As I entered his room, I sensed his I'm-still-in-charge' demeanour was gone. I'd hardly said hello when Bud blurted out, John, I'm worried.
'Look,' I said, 'they'll get on top of this infection...!'
'No,' he cut me off, 'that's not my concern. I've been thinking since I got here. I'm not sure things are right between God and me.
'Bud,' I said, shifting gears, 'Would you like to be certain of your relationship with the Lord?' I really would.
So we talked about how sin has separated us from God and how Jesus died for us on the cross, providing a way for our relationship with God to be restored - if we're willing.
'So what do I do?'
'You've got to put out the welcome mat. The Lord won't force you to do anything. But if you ask him, he's more than willing to come to you. He'll become your closest friend!
Bud's simple prayer of acceptance came from his heart. John, he said, his eyes misty, 'this is probably the most important thing l've ever done.
– John D. Beckett, Loving Monday
A Prayer
Our Triune God,
We call upon you for an outpouring of your Spirit upon us.
Assure us of your love and acceptance, received by faith, in the gospel of your Son.
May your words come alive in our inner experience so we can confidently call Christ, Lord and God, our Father.
Draw our hearts to your love. Give us a faith that truly rests on the death of Christ for salvation, so we will be empowered and liberated to do good. Clothe us with the fruit of your Spirit. Anoint us with his gifts, and renew us in the ways of your Son. We ask this so that we may see your people - your church - filled with sacrificial compassion for the lost. Amen.
Journal Exercise
Luke summarised the blessing in the resurrection command as 'forgiveness of sins. In his summary of Peter's Pentecost sermon, he records the blessing of the gift of the Holy Spirit In Paul's farewell to the Ephesian elders he adds, inheritance among all those who are sanctified' (Acts 20:32). Write a prayer thanking God for the spiritual blessing which is most meaningful to you today.
God's blessings of forgiveness, the Holy Spirit and eternal life are also for family and friends who are 'far off! Write a prayer asking God to grant these blessings to someone for whom you are concerned. Bring them by name before our gracious God.
A Quote
What one sees depends on where one sets up one's shop. Mine is at the entrance of the empty tomb.
– W. Paul Jones
Today consider Middle Eastern countries:
Pray that the church can have a voice that is heard.
Pray for stability and security of all living in these lands.
Pray for the Christians facing daily persecution.
Pray for a desire to understand, and an opening for, Christian people and views.
Pray for creative evangelists to be raised up.
A Challenging Prayer
Pray that God's people, in submission to the Lord Jesus Christ and his command to make disciples of all nations, will enable churches to expand numerically and equip and nurture their members.

“Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭45‬-‭48‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.””
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭38‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

# Blessings from the Resurrection Command # # A Story Bud, an ex-army man, was our no-nonsense plant superintendent. Shortly before retirement, h

05/03/2026

05/03/2026

40 Days With the Risen Lord: Day 28 • Devotional

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/45252/day/28?segment=0
Day for Reflection
An encouragement to persevere in prayer and proclamation
I have a dear friend who has faithfully prayed for her non-Christian husband for 30 years. It is her anguish day and night that they do not share the things of Jesus together. Yet she faithfully, and with great perseverance, continues to bring him before her Lord.
Another perspective�A group of women met together to investigate the claims of Jesus. As I explained the message of the gospel to them, each one became anxious about their non-believing husbands. One shared how antagonistic he was to the gospel of Jesus; another how hardened he was; another how impossible it was. Rather than letting this turn into a pity-party: we shared a desire to pray for these men. We covenanted to pray for each of the husbands until they became Christians. Five days later I received a tearful phone call from one lady saying that her husband had just accepted Jesus into his life. I must say I didn't believe her because surely God can't work that quickly! Another week, and another phone call from another lady - her husband had become a Christian. I began to praise God for his goodness in answering the prayers of our group. Within five weeks (the duration of our course) each of these husbands had turned to the Lord, even before a few of the women did. Now God has raised up each of these men to have wonderful ministries in the body of Christ. Christ transforms lives, transforms families, transforms churches and communities. Praise God from whom all blessings flow, and be encouraged to persevere in prayer.
Sarah Plummer
A Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Prepare us for times of great need around the world. Empower your people with the gifts of your Spirit to act and work for your good pleasure in this dying world. Instil in us hearts that remain in you. Raise up a new generation of men and women full of the Holy Spirit and faith to teach and exhort us to be steadfast and obedient. Amen.
A Quote
The deep, deep joy of following Jesus, blesses me day by day and takes me to pleasant places, even in the shadows, he is there and that’s the deep, deep joy of following Jesus.
– Colin Buchanan
Journal Exercise
Revise the Bible passages and your prayers from the past week. What aspects of Christ’s character have you discovered? What changes do you and your fellowships, local churches and wider churches need to make so that his mercy and love may also impress others? Write a prayer asking God to help you and your fellow Christians to make these changes.
A Challenging Prayer
Pray that God’s people, in submission to the Lord Jesus Christ and his command to make disciples of all nations, will:
• Reform the life of the Church (including our culture, ordinances, customs, use of resources and the deployment of ministry), which will in turn;
• Encourage and enable the multiplication of faithful Christian fellowships, congregations and churches, obedient to the teaching of the Bible, which equip and nurture their members, and extend into our villages, towns and cities and in all the world.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

# Day for Reflection An encouragement to persevere in prayer and proclamation I have a dear friend who has faithfully prayed for her non-Christia

05/02/2026

40 Days With the Risen Lord: Day 27 • Devotional

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/45252/day/27?segment=0
The Apostles Mission in Judea and Samaria
A Prayer
Holy Heavenly Father,
Make our hearts right before you, and keep us from greed. We know your Holy Spirit cannot be bought or sold. Help us to truly understand your gift of grace each day. May your word be accepted and your Holy Spirit be received as it goes out to all, impacting more and more nations. Gather your scattered children. Call your children, your adopted ones, from all the corners of the earth. Let your children:
• Stand in divine Glory
• Stand in your covenants
• Stand in your law
• Stand in your grace, and
• Stand in your promises.
God over all, may you forever be praised. These things we pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Journal Exercise
Prior to his belief in Jesus, Simon the sorcerer boasted that he was ‘great’. When he saw the Spirit at work through Peter and John he saw the possibilities of gain being obtained through his faith. Do you experience a similar temptation to use Christianity as a means of bringing glory to yourself? If so, think of some steps you can take to beat this sin, and ask for forgiveness and strength to incorporate these steps into your lifestyle.
If it is not a problem for you pray that your leadership team will be protected from this sin.
A Quote
Man is more powerful when he is in prayer than when he is behind the most powerful guns.
– Billy Graham
A Challenging Prayer
Pray that God’s people, in submission to the Lord Jesus Christ and his command to make disciples of all nations, will:
• Reform the life of the Church (including our culture, ordinances, customs, use of resources and the deployment of ministry), which will in turn;
• Encourage and enable the multiplication of faithful Christian fellowships, congregations and churches, obedient to the teaching of the Bible, which equip and nurture their members, and extend into our villages, towns and cities and in all the world.

“When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.” Then Simon answered, “Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.” After they had further proclaimed the word of the Lord and testified about Jesus, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭8‬:‭14‬-‭25‬ ‭NIV‬‬

# The Apostles Mission in Judea and Samaria # # A Prayer Holy Heavenly Father, Make our hearts right before you, and keep us from greed. We kno

05/01/2026

40 Days With the Risen Lord: Day 26 • Devotional

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/45252/day/26?segment=0
The Apostles Persecuted in Jerusalem
A Statement
In many parts of this world today, fellow Christians and communities will endure persecution. Pray, lament, and plead on their behalf.
A Prayer
Almighty God, Bring your strength, boldness and life eternal to your persecuted Church. Bring victory over evil powers. Bring restoration to devastated cities. Bring repentance to those who are the persecutors that they may find you, know you and declare you just like Saul. Raise up godly men and women who in the face of death look to you, and in the face of persecution cry out for your extraordinary forgiveness. Amen.
Journal Exercise
Research one country where Christians are persecuted for their faith. Write a prayer asking God to protect them, give them boldness to testify to Christ, and grace to forgive their persecutors.
Following Stephen’s persecution we find that Christians are scattered; that Phillip, the evangelist, preached the gospel to the Samaritans; that the church at Antioch was formed; and that Saul met the risen Lord and became the apostle to the nations. Write a prayer praying for the places to which Christians have been scattered by persecution and ask God, the Sovereign Lord, that he might further his mission through his servants.
A Quote
To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.
– Karl Barth
A Challenging Prayer
Pray that God’s people, in submission the the Lord Jesus Christ and his command to make disciples of all nations, will:
• Reform the life of the Church (including our culture, ordinances, customs, use of resources and the deployment of ministry), which will in turn;
• Encourage and enable the multiplication of faithful Christian fellowships, congregations and churches, obedient to the teaching of the Bible, which equip and nurture their members, and extend into our villages, towns and cities and in all the world.

“When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭7‬:‭54‬-‭60‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

# The Apostles Persecuted in Jerusalem # # A Statement In many parts of this world today, fellow Christians and communities will endure persecuti