Introduction

Welcome, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, to this beautiful day that the Lord has made. We gather here, not by chance, but by divine appointment. We are here to meet with God, to hear from Him, and to respond to His Word. We stand on the threshold of a new understanding, a new revelation of God's love and power as we turn our hearts and minds to the Word of God.

Today, we will be looking into the book of Acts, specifically Acts 3:11-26. In this passage, we find a story that is as relevant today as it was when it was first written. It's a story of miraculous manifestation, a motivated message, and a massive movement. It’s a story that reminds us of the power of God, the urgency of the Gospel, and the movement of the Holy Spirit.

As we prepare to open this sacred text, let's remember the words of the great theologian, J.I. Packer, who once said, "The Bible appears like a symphony orchestra, with the Holy Ghost as its Toscanini, each instrument has been brought willingly, spontaneously, creatively, to play his notes just as the great conductor desired, though none of them could ever hear the music as a whole."

Now, let's read together from Acts 3:11-26 [read tex].

Let's bow our heads in prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts and minds, ready to receive Your Word. As we reflect on the miraculous manifestation, the motivated message, and the massive movement in this passage, may Your Holy Spirit illuminate our understanding and stir our hearts to respond. Teach us, guide us, and transform us through Your Word. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Now, let us move forward in faith, in hope, and in love as we delve into the depths of this profound passage.

Miraculous Manifestation

The story we find in Acts 3 is one that is filled with awe and wonder. It's a story that begins with a man who has been lame from birth, a man who has never walked a day in his life. This man was carried daily to the gate of the temple, known as the Beautiful Gate, to ask for alms from those who were entering the temple. On this particular day, he encounters Peter and John, who are about to enter the temple for prayer.

Now, this man, as was his custom, asks Peter and John for alms. But instead of giving him money, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, says to him, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk." Immediately, the man's feet and ankle bones receive strength, and he stands up and begins to walk. He enters the temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God.

This is a miraculous manifestation of God's power. It's a demonstration of the reality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the power of His name. It's a sign that the kingdom of God has come near. It's a testimony to the fact that Jesus is alive and that He is still doing today what He did when He walked on the earth.

The first aspect of this miraculous manifestation is that it was a fulfillment of Jesus' promise. Before His ascension, Jesus told His disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them and that they would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. This miracle, performed in the name of Jesus, is a clear demonstration of the fulfillment of that promise. It's a proof that the disciples have indeed received power from the Holy Spirit and that they are now witnessing for Jesus in Jerusalem.

Secondly, this miracle was performed in the name of Jesus. The name of Jesus is not just a label or a title. It represents His person, His authority, and His power. When Peter said to the lame man, "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk," he was not using the name of Jesus as a magic formula. He was declaring the authority and power of Jesus over the condition of the lame man. He was expressing his faith in Jesus and his submission to His lordship.

Next, consider the response of the lame man. When he heard the command of Peter, he did not hesitate or doubt. He did not argue but simply responded in faith. He tried to stand up and walk, and as he did, his feet and ankle bones received strength. His response is a model for us. When we hear the Word of God, we should respond in faith. We should not hesitate or doubt. We should not argue or question. We should simply obey and act on the Word of God.

Lastly, look at the impact of the miracle on the people. When the people saw the lame man walking and praising God, they were filled with wonder and amazement. They recognized that this was a work of God. They knew that this was a sign that God was with Peter and John. This miracle opened the door for Peter to preach the Gospel to them. It prepared their hearts to receive the Word of God.

Motivated Message

As we move from the miraculous manifestation, we find ourselves in the heart of Peter's message ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO