Series: 3:16- Numbers That Bring Hope [#32]
THE HOPE THAT COMES FROM THE NAME OF JESUS
Acts 3:16
Introduction:
As we continue in our series “3:16- Numbers That Bring Hope”, I want to focus on the precious name of Jesus. The name of Jesus brings hope. The things we say can either draw people to Jesus or push Him away. Our tongue can either bring healing or destruction to people’s lives.
Proverbs 15:4 (Message)
“Kind words heal and help; cutting words wound and maim.”
I want each of you to see that there are times when it is good for you to talk about someone else.
Acts 3:11-12 (NIV)
“While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade. When Peter saw this, he said to them: "Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?”
It is good to talk about Jesus when…
1. People are focusing on you.
Peter and John was going to the Temple to pray. As they were walking past the Temple gate, there was a crippled man who was begging people for money. He asked Peter and John for money and Peter’s reply was, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." The man was healed and he walked with Peter and John, holding on to them. Everyone’s focus was on Peter and John; but Peter knew that it wasn’t through his power that the man was healed, but through the power of Jesus.
Peter quickly got the attention off himself and put it on Jesus. As followers of Christ, we must realize that when great things happen, that is God working through us. It isn’t through our power, but Christ’s power.
Acts 3:13-16 (NIV)
“The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.”
It is good to talk about Jesus when…
2. People do not know the truth.
Until people realize that they need salvation, how will they know? Yes, the Holy Spirit of God convicts them; but He also uses us to tell them the truth.
Look at what Peter points out to them:
? “You handed him over to be killed.”
? “You disowned the Holy and Righteous One.”
? “You killed the author of life.”
? “By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong.”
? “You can all see.”
This fits for us also. People need to realize that it is their sins that put Christ on the cross; but through His power we can be made strong.
Acts 3:17-26 (NIV)
“’Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you--even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. For Moses said, `The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.' "Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days. And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, `Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.' When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."
It is good to talk about Jesus when…
3. People need salvation.
Verses 19-20 are the key to everything we believe. “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you- even Jesus.” People must repent and trust in the saving power of Jesus Christ. He is the One that refreshes us. He is the One that will come back for us. He is the One that we will spend eternity with.
Conclusion:
We must remember that God never wanted the Church to exist for the sake of existing. Christians are to be about the Gospel Message of Jesus Christ. It’s not about what we want or what we think; it’s about Jesus. When we make it about anything or anyone else, we will not be effective.
We must stop talking about ourselves, one another, and what we want; and start talking about the One and Only Begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ.
