A Biblical Model For Success In Ministry
Acts 3:1-11
Almost every week I receive emails, electronic advertisements and brochures in the mail box pushing the "latest and greatest" church growth method. Each of these contain statistics and results of how this specific "program" was successful in other churches across the nation. All we have to do is purchase the materials and in 4 to 6 weeks we will receive everything needed for our church to grow numerically.
I have no doubt that some churches have experienced had great success from using these methods. I also must admit that they have some neat ideas for reaching out to the community. But I firmly believe that all we need to know about ministry and church growth is found in God's Holy Word.
Recently we embarked on a new journey here at Stockdale. We call it A.C.T.S (Advancing Christianity Through Service). For the most part we are taking a new journey down an old path. All we need to know about how to build a church God's way is outlined in this great book that was inspired by God Himself and penned by Dr. Luke.
This morning I would like to look at one of the most familiar accounts in the book of Acts and see the "church growth method" that was implemented by the Lord's Apostles. In Acts chapter 3 we find "A Biblical Model For Success In Ministry". These few verses show us the proper preparations, procedures and purpose of a successful ministry and they also show us the progress that will follow. I invite you to look with me to verse number one as we examine:
I. THE PREPARATIONS OF A SUCCESSFUL MINISTRY
Many people have the best intentions when it comes to accomplishing certain things in ministry. Some see a need for a new church to be planted, some feel lead to begin a specific ministry in an existing church, some have a desire to go on a mission trip to another country and some may even feel lead to devote their life to foreign missions. These are all wonderful aspirations and in many cases these are God given callings. But in order to be successful, certain preparations have to be made.
Peter and John had been commissioned by Jesus. He told them that they would be "witnesses of Him in Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria, and the uttermost part of the earth."
I am sure that the Lord appreciates eagerness among His followers. But the Apostles did not just run out and get to work. They had been instructed to wait until the time was right. In Acts 1:4 Jesus commanded the Disciples not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait until they received the promise from the Father. So between the ascension and Pentecost the followers of Christ waited and prayed. As a church and as individuals we have specific missions... each of us have a calling. But before we will be successful we must make proper preparations.
We have some exciting things on the horizon as a church. There are some ministry opportunities that many of us would like to dive into immediately. But if we do things in our time rather that God's time we will surely fail. Peter and John we two of the most successful men in the History of the Church, so let's se if we can learn from their example. Look to v1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
Before these men began their work they made preparations. They were prayed up, spirit filled and obedient to their calling. We need the same attributes if we are going to be successful in ministry.
- For us to be successful....
A. WE MUST TALK WITH GOD - There in the upper room, Peter, John and about 120 other disciples gathered together and spent time in prayer. (Acts 1:13-15). Throughout the entire book of Acts we see the importance of corporate prayer (the church praying together). When it comes to your specific ministry calling... PRAYER IS VITAL FOR SUCCESS! When it comes to our collective ministry as a Church... PRAYER IS VITAL FOR SUCCESS!
- As we prepare for our next step in ministry let us make prayer a priority in our preparations. Not only must we talk with God it is also true that.....
B. WE MUST WALK WITH GOD - The Apostles were in the right places. They were where they needed to be to receive instruction from Jesus just before he ascended. And they were where they needed to be when the Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost. Likewise, we must be where we need to be in order to receive instruction from the Lord.
This illustrates the importance of being in the Word of God... for that is where we will receive instruction. It is also vitally important that you are regular in your church attendance. If God reveals His plan for our future on a certain Sunday Morning, you need to be here to hear it!
Can you imagine how unequipped Peter would have been if he had not been present to receive instruction from the Lord? You better believe that John or James would have been the one preaching on the Day of Pentecost if that were the case. If you are not regular in your attendance, you may not be prepared for what God is about to do in this place!
- When we talk with the Lord and walk with the Lord....
1) HE WILL PROVIDE THE PATH - Jesus told these men where they were to go. (Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and beyond). Without a doubt He lead them each step of the way. When we make the proper preparations for ministry, Jesus will provide the proper path. He will show us where to go and what to do and He will show us where to go first and what to do first! In order for this to happen, we must walk with Him.
- Not only will Jesus provide the path...
2) HE WILL PROVIDE THE POWER - Peter and John were filled with the Holy Spirit. Through these men God accomplished some amazing things. But they did nothing on their own... God was working through them. This is illustrated in this very chapter. After this lame man was healed the people marveled. Peter made it clear that he and John did not heal this man. In verse 13 he said - "The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus"
If God has called you to a specific task that seems impossible, remember that in your own power it may in fact be impossible. But through the power of the Holy Spirit... ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!
Countless individuals have set out to do great things for God. They had the best intentions and perhaps even a God given calling. But they attempted to do things their way, in their time and under their own power. As a result they failed miserably.
We have a specific vision for our future as a church. We have a plan in place to accomplish God's plan for this assembly. But we must make the proper preparations. We must talk with God and walk with God. And it is imperative that we trust God to do the work through us!
- Before we will ever see success in ministry, we must make the proper preparations. Once the preparations are made, then we must implement the proper procedures. Notice:
II. THE PROCEDURES OF A SUCCESSFUL MINISTRY v2-7
Once you know what God has called you to do, then you must set about the task of doing it the right way. Peter and John had made the preparations, now they were ready to get to work for the Lord. Their actions show us just how we can move forward for God as well.
- First of all...
a) WE MUST LOOK - v2 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.
The Apostles went to the Temple at the hour of prayer. As they approach the "Beautiful Gate" some people brought a lame man and placed him near the gate. This man had been lame since birth. He was unable to work so he spent his days begging for "alms". He saw Peter and asked for some money. Notice that he "fastened his eyes upon this man". Peter saw someone in need and desired to help him.
This is a vital element in any ministry. We must open our eyes and see those who are in need. The fact is, we do not have to look very far. Not a day goes by that we do not encounter people who in need of spiritual assistance. It is imperative that we look for and seize the opportunities that we are confronted with.
- While it is important that we see the needs around us, we must take things one step further... we must meet those needs. We must look but also...
b) WE MUST LABOR - v5 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.
Instead of going on through the Beautiful Gate, Peter stopped and spent some time with this man. He didn't ignore him hoping to reach a larger crowd inside the Temple, he saw him as a priority. Peter didn't see a bum, he didn't see him as a burden... I don't think he even paid much attention to his physical infirmity. Peter saw a soul. In fact he saw a soul that was so valuable to God that He gave His only Son to redeem. Peter said "I don't have any money, but I have something far better!"
Like Peter, we have what people need and we must share it! As we go throughout our daily lives we must see people the way Peter saw this man. We should not see drunks, addicts, bums, adulterers, homosexuals or other types of vile wretched sinners. We should see lost souls in need of a Savior.
One soul at a time, we must do all that we can to share the life changing Gospel of Jesus Christ. Aren't you glad that when God looked at you He didn't see what you were, rather, He saw what you could be through Christ! God saw you as a soul in need of salvation. He sent His Son to die on a cross... and somewhere along the way He sent someone to share the Gospel with you. May we reach a place where we see lost souls and have a burden to share with them what someone else shared with us!
It has often been said that "the gospel came to you on its way to someone else". Let us go beyond seeing the needs and do whatever it takes to meet the spiritual needs of those around us. This will require time, energy and effort. But it will be worth it all when we see lost souls saved!
"If just one more soul were to walk down the isle"
"It would be worth every struggle, It would be worth every mile"
"A lifetime of labor, is still worth it all"
"If it rescues just one more soul"
- Not only must we look and labor...
c) WE MUST LEAN - The key to this miracle is in the phrase "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk". Peter did not have the power to heal this man himself. But he was filled with the Holy Sprit. And he trusted God to work through Him (and that is just what God did!) Without a doubt, ministry is hard and within ourselves success is impossible. But we are simply vessels that God chooses to use to work miracles. The next time you are fearful of witnessing to someone, remember... you can't save anyone but God can use you to accomplish this great task.
- In fact, this leads us to the 3 point that I would like to consider:
III. THE PURPOSE OF A SUCCESSFUL MINISTRY - v6 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.
Peter's intention was not to build up his reputation. He was not focuses on furthering "his ministry". Peter was just being obedient. His heart's desire was to point this man to the Savior.
If we set out to do anything other than this we are wasting our time! The goal of our ministry must not be to cause others to look at us. Out intention should not be to promote the name of Stockdale Baptist Church. Everything that we do should be done in order to point people to Jesus. We want to see those that don't know Him introduced to Him. We want to see those who do know Him to grow closer to Him.
God will bless a church that has a Kingdom First mindset and when we make the proper preparations, when we implement the proper procedures and when we have the correct purpose then we will see progress for the Kingdom.
- Notice if you will:
IV. THE PROGRESS OF A SUCCESSFUL MINISTRY
This wonderful story illustrates the progress that will be seen when things are done God's way. It truly does give us "A Biblical Model of Ministry Success". Let's look at the progress in this event. Initially there was:
A. TRANSFORMATION - This man's life was changed forever. He not only received a physical healing, he was born into the family of God.
As a church we look for opportunities to help meet the needs of others. There are times when we meet their material needs. But ultimately we should seek to meet their spiritual needs. When we reach out and are used of God to point others to Jesus and when they surrender to Him and are born again then we will have the privilege to see changed lives. We will witness first hand the transformation that comes when people meet the Savior.
- This often leads to the next step n the progress of a ministry. I am referring to:
B. CONTEMPLATION - When this man was healed, those who were present took notice. Look to - v9 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.
There was no doubt among this crowd that something amazing had happened. As a result they began to contemplate what they had seen. Perhaps some of them had their own problems that they wanted to be solved. This opened the door for Peter and John to minister to them as well. And with what they had just seen with their own eyes, their hearts were tender and receptive as well.
When lost people see what Jesus has done in others they will be at the very least curious. And most of the time they will be more receptive to what He can do for them.
- After Transformation and Contemplation comes:
C. MULTIPLICATION - After this lame man began walking and leaping and praising God those who witnessed this miracle "ran together unto (the Apostles) in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering." These people were not just amazed... many of them were saved themselves! Acts 4:4 (says that) "many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand."
Peter took the time and invested in one man. As a result many more came to faith in Christ. The same thing still happens today. We have much evidence in this very assembly that when one person is saved, others come as a result. We have seen one member of a family get saved and within weeks 3 or more members of that family then came to know Christ as Savior. We have seen one person get saved and have a tremendous impact on their place of business. It starts with one and then God blesses and multiplication follows! That is how it happened during the church's infancy and that is how it still happens today!
- When the number of believers are multiplied then comes the last and most important aspect of ministry progress:
D. GLORIFICATION - When the lame man was healed he praised God. The people heard it and knew that it must be God. Then they were saved and they also praised God. And others who were in the area realized that God was doing something amazing.
Our mission is not to fill this building for our own gratification. The purpose of ministry is not to promote the reputation of Stockdale Baptize Church. Our goal is not to have a bigger budget or to build bigger buildings just for the sake of doing so. Our purpose and number one priority must be to bring honor and glory to our Father in Heaven. When we do this... He will add His blessing and we will see things that we could never imagine. We will experience things that we could never accomplish on our own.
Are you ready to move forward for God? Will you allow Him to use you for His glory? I encourage you to surrender your all to Him and follow His guidance today.
There are some here today who are like this lame man. You have a problem that you cannot solve on your own. The bible says that you are "dead in trespasses and sins". Just as this man was healed and walked for the first time in his life.... you can be raised to walk in newness of life. You can be saved from your sins and delivered from hell through faith in Jesus Christ. Come, while there is still time!
To the church, I pray that we will come together and make the proper preparations, implement the proper procedures and ensure that pointing people to Jesus is our main purpose. There is no doubt that if we will, we will see progress for God! We know this because He has given us "A Biblical Model For Success In Ministry".
