Give The Gospel To All!

-Into Our Hands!-

GIVE IT!

Acts 3:1-11

Note, I also have a previous and different sermon on this text from a few years ago here: https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/healing-at-the-beautiful-gate-john-dobbs-sermon-on-faith-246962

Introduction

We spent the first three months of this year making our way through Mark’s Gospel. This month we look at the book of Acts to put into perspective what we should do with the Jesus Message! Last Week Daniel got us off to a good start at some lessons from the book of Act with a message about the mission called TELL IT!?

Acts begins with a final time of the disciples with Jesus before he ascends to be by the side of the Father. The disciples are to wait in Jerusalem until power comes.

Acts 2:1-3 NLT On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them."

In an explosive message Peter traced the promises of God through the history of Israel all the way to Jesus Christ.

Acts 2:36-41 NLT “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away[a]—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.

Thus the church was born and the message of Jesus began to spread throughout the known world! The next account in Acts is our text for today. If Jesus gave the gospel commission to Tell it, the Apostles were commanded to Give It to anyone who would receive it.

Acts 3:1-11 NLT Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. 2 As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. 4 Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. 6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and[b] walk!” 7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. 9 All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. 10 When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! 11 They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon’s Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John.

What can we learn about Giving the Gospel to the World?

1. PRAY OFTEN (3:1)

The Jewish day began at 6am and ended at 6pm. For the devout Jew there were three special hours of prayer: 9am, 12 noon, 3pm. These prayer times were very special when observed in the Temple courts. A great example - Peter and John have been through so much -and there is much more to come for both of them. They continue to exercise a pattern of prayer as they rely on God for everything they do for Jesus.

2. NOTICE ALWAYS (3:2-4)

This beggar is a man who has never walked in more than 40 years (4:22). Everywhere he went, someone had to carry him. There were three principle places to beg in NT Times:

1. Near the gates of the rich, as Lazarus did (Lk 16)

2. On main thoroughfares, as Bartimaeus did (Mk 10)

3. Near places of worship, as this man did. Perhaps those going to or coming from worship might be favorable toward giving.