Sermon Central
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The Reason And Result Of Witnessing Series
Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jan 26, 2024 (message contributor)
Summary: What of the church was willing to take the same, simple, stance of witnessing as the Disciples did and just be faithful? What would the results might show us about how the Gospel is still relevant today?
To the Ends of the Earth, Part 4
The Reason and Result of Witnessing
Dismiss children for nursery (under 4) and children’s church (ages 4-7)
Food train still avail for Will Skelton and Donna Stewart (FB page)
No Wednesday night for adults this week – couple weeks off
Introduction
- Welcome to Seasons Church & 2024 sermon series, “To the Ends of the Earth”
-- Might ask, “Why Acts?” Keep this in mind throughout this series:
-- We’ve already unpacked the beginning of all history (Creation/Fall/Promise)
-- And looked ahead, anticipated the coming & victory of Jesus (Revelation)
- However … in order to get to Revelation – we have to focus on the NOW
-- The “NOW” is found in Acts – it is the things we must be doing as the Church
-- It is the example of what the Church should follow in order to reach the world
- Last week we saw the response and calling of believers who know Jesus
-- Greatest limitation of the Spirit is the refusal to do what we MUST!
-- Result of the Spirit’s arrival is a turning point: Witnessing for Christ had begun!
-- What the crowd “heard” (result) was the “wonderful things God has done” (v11)
- Today, we are going to focus on the call to witnessing – what it looks like
-- Understand this, you don’t have to be a theologian to be able to share
-- If Jesus has done something for you – then you can tell what that is!
- Read Acts 3:1-26 / Pray
- TR: Another great proclamation, with an even more impactful message …
Point 1 – How should we witness for Jesus?
- This is the first recorded miracle of the NT church – a healing of a crippled man
-- But see this: It is the wonderful work of God that enables this
-- APP: God shows His power if we are willing to do what we are told
-- Peter’s declaration is simple – it is the power of Christ that he shared
- Cause: Four wonderful results come from being willing to simply testify:
1. Jesus works through those who are faithful in prayer (v1)
-- We know the disciples spent great time in prayer – were faithful to prayer
-- Have no power? Not seeing God in your life? How is your prayer life?
2. Jesus works through those who look for the needs of others
-- Consider, how many years had this man suffering? 20, 30 40?
-- Peter saw that this man had a great need that required an answer
3. Jesus works through those who look to fulfill others needs
-- The man calls specifically for help – Peter replies: “Look at us!” (v4)
4. Jesus works through those who reach out to meet the need (v6)
-- Peter stepped in to fill what this man desired; but it wasn’t money
-- Sure, money would have helped for a day … but for a life? He’d need more!
- So, when the man asked for help, Peter’s response to this man is heartfelt
-- Silver and gold are not what you need – even though you ask for it
-- For Us: What you need is not found in the earthly things that you are asking for!
- Peter saw this man for what he truly lacked, he truly saw this man (OT example)
-- 1 Samuel 16:7, “But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
- Yes - as God looks at mankind, He sees the need of our heart – not our wallet
-- Peter saw it too … the man needed Jesus – not another trinket / coin
-- Peter says, Silver and Gold have I none …
- Effect: The man was completely changed – everything about him
-- Not only can he walk, but he could shout! He could dance! He could worship!
- Something to see here …. WHERE were they going? See v1 (temple)
-- The man went in praising God and rejoicing for the good work of the Lord
-- Much like the disciples when they proclaimed the work of God in Ch 2
- But notice what the reaction of the people gathered was …
-- They were surprised – after all they knew this man, yet now he’s different
-- GR: ekstasis; bewilderment
- But there is more here: Note: They were on their way to church
-- The crowd was there to offer daily prayer/offering/worship to God
-- So when God shows up … and they are … astonished? Without words?
