Title: The Power of the Living Christ

Introduction:

The book of Acts continues the story of Christianity after the events recorded in the Gospels. It shows how the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to boldly proclaim the message of the risen Christ. In this sermon, we will focus on a specific event in Acts 3:1-26, where Peter and John encounter a lame man at the temple and witness a miraculous healing. This story teaches us valuable lessons about our role as believers and the power of the living Christ in our lives.

Lesson 1: Addressing a Crippled Society

Peter and John come across a man who had been lame from birth, begging for money at the temple gate. This man represents the spiritual brokenness and helplessness that exists in our society. We are all spiritually crippled without Christ, in need of healing and salvation. Our society is also crippled by moral decay, perversion, addiction, and negative attitudes. Only Jesus Christ can bring the healing and restoration we desperately need.

Lesson 2: Exercising Divine Authority

Peter heals the lame man "in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth." The name of Jesus holds power and authority. As believers, we have been given the privilege to use this authority in our lives. Jesus has all authority in heaven and earth, and He shares it with us. We can call people to salvation, pray victoriously, resist the devil, and enforce Christ's victory in every area of our lives. This authority should be exercised by those who are filled with the Holy Spirit, living holy lives, and walking by faith.

Lesson 3: The Relevance of the Living Message

The message Peter and John proclaimed was relevant then and remains relevant today. It includes acknowledging our responsibility for Christ's death, believing in His resurrection, experiencing His power in our lives, repenting of our sins, receiving restoration and refreshment from His presence, and anticipating His second coming. This message brings transformation, joy, and hope. It is a message that demands a response, either accepting it and being blessed or rejecting it and facing spiritual ruin.

Lesson 4: Obedience and Expectation

Obedience is the key to experiencing God's power and blessings. Peter and John's obedience led them to the lame man, where they witnessed a miraculous healing. Obedience allows God to provide opportunities for us to be a blessing to others. It also enables us to boldly expect God's miraculous outpouring in our lives. When we walk in obedience, evidence of God's power becomes manifest, and our lives become a testimony of His grace.

Conclusion

The book of Acts demonstrates the reality of the living Christ in the church. Jesus is the only hope for our salvation and the healing of our society. We are called to believe in Him, trust in His power, and share His message with others. By exercising the authority given to us in His name, we can make a difference in the world around us. Let us walk in obedience, expecting God's miraculous work in our lives, and be living testimonies of the power of the living Christ.

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