Intro: Persecution was on the rise against the church. King Herod was insane, prideful, self-serving, and a corrupt politician. He capitalized on the Jews hatred of Christians and populace agenda. He started to arrest key leaders of the church with the intent to kill them. So, the church was facing a big problem. The church will always face challenges and persecution.In this passage, Dr. Luke gives us some great insights into the causes of persecution towards the church and the way to face the persecution.Sin Is the Root of EvilThere has been and will be an on going struggle between the church of Jesus Christ and the stateIt happens when the government view the church as a threat to its power and agendaLeader who are only concerned with their own pride, power, and reputation will make lidEvil will always try to suppress and kill truthEvil can seem like it is winningJames, the brother of John, was put to death by the swordThe unbelieving Jews approvedHerod goes after another church leaderGod is Still in ControlHe is sovereignHis purpose will always be accomplished through a praying and obedient churchProblem? Go to a Prayer MeetingPeter was asleepHow can he be asleep at a time like this?He remembered God’s promiseHe knew that God keeps His promiseThe church came together and prayed for Peter (Intercession)They prayed day and night, probably for a number of daysThey prayed earnestly and passionatelyIt seem that Peter and the church was in an impossible or no win situationGod answered with a great miracle according to His willGod sends an angelPeter is delivered miraculously Peter goes directly to the prayer meetingThey prayed for a miracle and Rhoda was still surprisedClosing:No one will stand in the way of Christ and His churchGod can use tough times to help build our faith in Him and our characterPersecution will be difficult and dangerousHerod was defeated for the momentThe church continued to grow in number and in spiritual depthWe walk by faith, not by sightHow we respond to a miracle is as important as how we respond to a bad problem