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.”
This is an amazing passage in Acts 3 where we see “helping people find and follow Jesus” in action! Peter and John are two followers of Jesus heading into a public temple to pray. They pass a man lame from birth who is begging for money. Please take note that verse 2 is very specific that the man was “lame from birth.”
The physically challenged man begs for money from Peter and John. I love how verse 4 shows the interaction between the three men. Peter and John notice the man and actually look at him. He is not looking at them or paying attention to them because I imagine him being downcast and just asking everyone who passes by for some mercy and coin. He’s there every day. He begs every day. People ignore him every day. Verse 4 shares with us that Peter and John do not ignore him, but see his need. Yes, this man needs money to live, but more than that the man needs Jesus and he needs healing. The Apostle Peter looks at the man and does not give him money. I can imagine as Peter is speaking the guy is a bit annoyed because Peter was just another stingy man standing in front of him lecturing, but Peter calls on the Name of Jesus Christ and tells him to rise and walk.
Remember verse 2; the man has been “lame from birth.” Verse 7 tells us that “his feet and ankles were made strong.” Verse 8 tells us twice that the man was walking and twice that the man was leaping. He who had never been on his feet before was leaping! I can imagine him stumbling around, but leaping?
Verses 8-9 also tell us twice what the result was of the miracle: praise for God. Peter and John saw someone in need and introduced Jesus into the conversation which lead to healing. Peter and John helped this man find Jesus. That is literally what “helping people find and follow Jesus” is all about.
APPLICATION
You and I can do the exact same thing. We can keep our eyes open for needs around us and introduce Jesus into the conversation. What Jesus does beyond that is up to them and Him, but it is our job to help people find Jesus.
* Pray that you will see people’s needs around you
* Pray for wisdom on how to introduce Jesus to the needy person
* Act and speak and do in the Name of Jesus and watch what Jesus will do
ILLUSTRATION… SHOW IT IN ACTION (p)
Just so you are aware, repairing washing machines is not the only thing I have ever watched a YouTube video on in order to perform some task. Changing brakes on a car, fixing a garbage disposal, changing mower blades on a riding lawn mower, replacing a dryer belt, how to make coffee, changing a truck side mirror, and repairing a dishwasher are all things I have watched on video because seeing it in action is helpful. I asked Kelly this week for examples and she looked at me and said, “Seriously, anything I ask you to fix you watch a video on how to do.” Many things are easier when you see it done in action
TRANSITION
Let’s move on to Acts 4 which also shows us “helping people find and follow Jesus” in action.
II. ACTS IV
READ ACTS 4:4-13 (ESV)
On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, 6 with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Whom you crucified, Whom God raised from the dead—by Him this man is standing before you well. 11 This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the Cornerstone. 12 And there is salvation in No One else, for there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” 13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
This passage from Acts 4 is a bit of a continuation from the passage we read in Acts 3. The man who was healed went about leaping and walking and praising God and letting people know that it was the power of Jesus that healed him. Peter and John let people know it was the Name of Jesus that healed the man. This made the people who actually had Jesus killed upset. They had Peter and John arrested.
Verses 4-13 show Peter and John before these authorities. The authorities want to know why and how this good deed to a crippled man was done (verse 9). Peter tells them boldly that the healing came by way of Jesus. Peter points out that the same Jesus that these very men rejected as the Christ and had killed is the same Jesus Christ that allowed this man to be healed.
The Apostle Peter says very very clearly in verse 12: “And there is salvation in No One else, for there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Peter is sharing the good news about Jesus to the very people who planned Jesus’ arrest, illegal trial, and unwarranted death. That is bold.
I want you to notice first of all where Peter’s boldness comes from. Verse 8 tells us that the Holy Spirit filled Peter and enabled his boldness and gave him the words to say. Peter was speaking boldly and was backed up by the Holy Spirit.
I also want you to notice verse 13 which absolutely applies to us. These religious authorities were impressed by Peter and John. These were men who had a presence about them and were certain about their beliefs. Why? How? The last phrase in verse 13 tells us. “And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.”
* Being around Jesus makes you think like Him.
* Being around Jesus makes you walk and talk like Him.
* Being around Jesus makes you smell like Him.
* Being around Jesus makes you like Him.
Peter and John had been around Jesus so much that when they were around people who did not believe in Jesus, their faith was noticed. These fellows were noticeably different because they had been with Jesus. Peter and John were noticeably different from other people which gave them the opportunity to share the Gospel message. That is literally what “helping people find and follow Jesus” is all about.
APPLICATION
You and I can do the exact same thing. Many times, we feel like we don’t have the words to say or the guts to reach out or the answers to people’s questions, but it is our job to help people find and follow Jesus. Verse 13 tells us that all we need to do is spend time with Jesus. When you and I spend time with Him, the Holy Spirit will show us who to talk with and what to say. Jesus will teach us what we believe and why. God will give us boldness to not just talk the talk, but to walk the walk. Spending time with Jesus will make Jesus evident in your life and give you the opportunity to share the Gospel.
ILLUSTRATION… SHOW IT IN ACTION (p)
We have been talking about some how to videos on the internet and how they are helpful because we see things in action. I did a little digging and previewing and noticed several videos that were helpful when it comes to “helping people find and follow Jesus.”
The first one I found was by Video Impact Ministries uploaded 4 months ago and had 5 great tips on sharing our faith with others in 8:19. The second one I found was “7 Tips on How to Share Your Faith with an Unbeliever” on The Beat with Allen Parr which is 13:12 minutes and had good information and encouragement. I like both if these.
#1 https://youtu.be/ymdEyG3DSzo?si=rDfSdDf1EX7kVNZG
#2 https://youtu.be/-EXkkBJ_HYk?si=yy5ZaQV9axLLP7uC
TRANSITION
Let’s move on to Acts 5 which also shows us “helping people find and follow Jesus” in action.
III. ACTS V
READ ACTS 5:33-42 (ESV)
When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, 40 and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the Name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.
Acts 5 has a bunch of history in it and a great lesson for us.
A man named Gamaliel is the one speaking for most of the passage. He is the leader of the Pharisees if not the greatest Pharisee of all time. Acts 22:3 records for us that Gamaliel was Saul’s teacher before he converted to Christianity. Gamaliel tells his fellow authorities to treat the Jesus followers with moderation because if they were opposed to God they would fail. I love verse 39: “if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them.” I am not sure where he was during Jesus’ trial a few months previous to this, but I’d like to know!
Gamaliel uses a fellow by the name of Theudas as an example in verse 36. I did some digging and Theudas was a Jewish magician who promised his followers that he would part the Jordan River like Joshua and like Elijah and Elisha. According to Gamaliel, he had about 400 followers and was killed. According to Roman sources, Cuspius Fadus who succeeded Herod Agrippa as the first Procurator of Judea sent troops who killed and captured members of the crowd and beheaded Theudas and displayed his head as a warning to others. In Gamaliel’s mind, clearly Theudas was not of God.
Gamaliel uses a fellow by the name of Judas the Galilean as an example in verse 37. This man named Judas led a revolt over taxes about the time Jesus of Nazareth was born. It was the followers of Judas the Galilean who later became known in the Bible as the Zealots who would kill Romans for any and every reason. It is also known that Judas’ sons helped lead the Jewish revolt which eventually led to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 AD. In Gamaliel’s mind, clearly Judas of Galilee was not of God.
Basically, Gamaliel tells the religious authorities to wait and see. Wait and see if God is with these followers of this Jesus. His wisdom said that if they opposed God that they would fail. Their success would show that God was with them. This makes me think, and this is me only, that Saul’s old teacher also had some faith that Jesus was Who He said He was. The Bible does not tell us if Gamaliel ever confessed faith in Jesus Christ, but is advice was sound. The leaders sort of listened to him. They did not put Peter and John on trial, but beat them and let them go.
Verse 40 tells us that Peter and John were physically beaten and formally commanded not to talk about Jesus. Verse 41 tells us that the disciples were rejoicing that they had suffered because they were believers. You see, in Peter and John’s mind, if you aren’t suffering for Jesus then you aren’t really wholeheartedly following Him. There is some truth in that. Verse 42 tells us, and here is the important part, that Peter and John continued to teach and preach about Jesus everyday as they went back to the temple and went from house to house.
Peter and John did not let physical obstacles, religious leaders, laws, or anything else stop them from living out their faith in Jesus Christ. They did not quit when suffering was upon them. They did not stop when it got hard to be a follower of Jesus. They did not hide. They did not curtail their activities. They pressed forward in faith and obedience.
APPLICATION
You and I can do the exact same thing. As American Christians, we are quite comfortable in our culture and in our society. We are not beaten for being believers. It is not illegal to worship. There are not obstacles in our way to be a believer in Jesus. Not at the moment. Not yet. Now is the time to decide and pray and commit so that when hard times come because of faith we will continue.
* Commit not to quit on Jesus when suffering is upon us
* Pray not to stop walking the walk when it gets hard to be a follower of Jesus
* We will not hide our faith
* We will not curtail our love and service to others speaking the Name of Jesus
* We will press forward in faith and obedience
CHALLENGE
The purpose of Cincinnati Christian Church is “to help people find and follow Jesus.” This is a Biblical purpose given in the Bible for a fellowship of believers. Like Peter and John in Acts 3, we need to pray that we will see people’s needs around us and introduce Jesus into the conversation because He is the answer. Like Peter and John in Acts 4, we need to spend significant time following Jesus so we can help others find and follow Him. And like Peter and John in Acts 5, we need to continue in faithfulness and overcome obstacles in helping people find and follow Jesus.
PRAYER
INVITATION
As we come to our invitation time today, I want to remind you of a verse that I pointed out earlier. The Apostle Peter points out great truth in Acts 4.
RE-READ ACTS 4:12 (ESV)
“And there is salvation in No One else, for there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
Jesus is the only way to care for your soul properly. Because of sin we are disconnected with God and need salvation and redemption. Jesus is that salvation and redemption and reconnection with God. Only Jesus.
