Helping People Find And Follow Jesus Series

HELPING PEOPLE FIND AND FOLLOW JESUS

ACTS 3, 4, 5

#hpffj

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of Cincinnati Christian Church is “to help people find and follow Jesus.” That’s it. That is what we do and it is who we are as a church fellowship. As a church family, we have two competing goals that give us direction, feed our values, and guide our leaders as they make decisions.

Our first goal is to help people find Jesus. Jesus is not necessarily hidden like “Where’s Waldo,” or the fact that “Die Hard” is or is not a Christmas movie, but the message about Jesus is contained in the Bible which not everyone is familiar with. Some folks have probably heard about Jesus… ‘cause He’s famous… but believing that Jesus is the Son of God is what we mean by “finding Jesus.” When a person confesses: “I believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the Living God and I accept Him as my Lord and as my Savior” and is immersed into Christ… that is finding Jesus. A person can know a lot about Jesus, but accepting Him in faith is the most important decision we ever make and is an important decision to keep making each day of our lives. Our first goal is to help people find Jesus.

Our second goal is to help people follow Jesus. Following Jesus is not easy. I wish it were, but there are many obstacles and competing philosophies about life that interfere; not to mention our sinful nature that acts like a hammer and we are the mole. Following Jesus has different terms and phrases attached to it: faithfulness, abiding in Christ, discipleship, sanctification, walking the walk, and living the Christian life. All of those terms and phrases mean that each day a believer in Jesus follows the teachings of Jesus in every single area of life no matter what else is going on or pressures that they face. We need help to do this because it is not easy. Our second goal is to help people follow Jesus.

The purpose of Cincinnati Christian Church is “to help people find and follow Jesus.” That’s it. That is what we do and it is who we are as a church fellowship. As a church family, we have two competing goals that give us direction, feed our values, and guide our leaders as they make decisions.

ILLUSTRATION… SHOW IT IN ACTION (p)

Kelly and I own a Samsung Washer and Dryer and they are absolutely terrible. The washing machine never completes a load of laundry without throwing a code that says it is unbalanced. It is complete and utter junk. About a month ago, I replaced the four tension rods in the machine in an attempt to fix it because that is what the interwebs said might be wrong with it. I bought the rods and replaced them. I am in no way a handy person. How did I do it? I watched a youtube video. That’s right! Many things are easier when you see it done in action. Repairs are easier when you see a step-by-step process by an expert. An idea is easier to comprehend when you see it laid out and explained. Yes, I replaced the rods. No, the machine is still broken and we will be getting a new one.

TRANSITION

At the end of each year or beginning of a new one (however the calendar falls), I have traditionally paused and focused our church family on our purpose. This year is no different. Today, I would like to share three brief passages from the book of Acts that show our purpose “to help people find and follow Jesus” in action because it is Biblical. This morning, I would like to show us “helping people find and follow Jesus” in action.

I. ACTS III

READ ACTS 3:1-10 (ESV)

“Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.”