Dangerous Christian Pt 3

Dangerous Christian Pt 3

Texts Reading... Acts 3:1-10 1 ¶ Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; 3 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. 4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. 5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God: 10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.

In this message part three of our series we’ll continue discussing what makes a Christian dangerous. Previously, we identified that knowledge is vital; the Bible states in Hosea 4:6 that my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.

On the other hand, if we possess this knowledge he is speaking of it empowers us, enabling us to overcome rather than be defeated.

Now, I want to highlight a second crucial aspect: what we possess in addition to what we know. Knowledge is powerful and foundational, but it is truly activated by faith.

Jesus emphasized this when he said, “According to your faith, be it unto you.”

Everything related to the kingdom functions through the authority and presence of faith in our lives.

The Bible also reminds us that without faith, pleasing God is impossible, as we must believe in Him, and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.

This message on the dangerous Christian arises from a belief and an understanding that God is urging us to adopt a more assertive approach in life, differing from the stances many Christians have taken in the past.

We are in a critical time as disciples of Jesus Christ and representatives of God's kingdom. It's essential to adopt a more proactive and even confrontational approach, and take a strong stand, as the passivity of the past, has allowed various issues to take root in our society, influencing both social and church structures.

While not all elements of the church embody God's kingdom, there remains a remnant of true followers. We must position ourselves as the frontline advocates and vanguards for the church and God's kingdom on earth.

This requires a conscious awareness of not just knowledge, but also possession of what we have as Christians.

In this sermon, I want to focus on what makes us a threat to the kingdom of darkness. One of my favorite Bible passages features Peter and John meeting a lame beggar at the temple gate. The man hopes for financial help as they approach. However, Peter tells him, "Silver and gold have I none, or I'm sorry, I don’t possess what you're asking for.

But he quickly follows up that statement with... But such as I have give I thee.

Peter's declaration, “Such as I have, give I unto thee,” is a powerful revelation. It reveals two important points. First, Peter recognizes that he possesses something significant. This awareness allows him to benefit personally from it, access it, and enjoy its blessings in his life.

His possession is not merely an abstract concept; it's a tangible reality. Knowing he possesses it gives him the ability to share it with others, aiming for it to have the same positive impact on them as it has had on him.

Peter believes that if this blessing has produced such glorious results in his life, it can do the same for others.

This idea reflects Jesus’ assertion that “out of your bellies will flow rivers of living water,” referring to the Holy Spirit, which had yet to be given because Jesus had not been glorified. "Jesus was speaking about the outpouring and infilling of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit."

Water symbolizes life, especially when described as rivers, which represent movement and refreshment. Rivers sustain various forms of life, from fish to deer and birds, providing the essence of vitality.

Jesus uses the imagery of flowing water to illustrate the Holy Spirit. When Peter says, "Such as I have, give I thee," he is referring to the presence of the Holy Spirit within us. This Spirit not only dwells within us, offering personal edification and blessings, but also empowers us, and flows from us to others.