We the Church

Part 3: The Church Impacts the Community

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Summary

Not only at the end of the day, but at the end of all time, the very best thing we can give someone is Jesus. Regardless of our material wealth, or lack thereof, we have something far better to contribute to society. At any time, particularly this strange time, people are looking for hope, and faith in Jesus Christ is the best and only guarantor of that hope. Take an inventory this week of all you have “in Christ” and examine the ways you can give Jesus to those around you.

Content

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name  of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”  Acts 3:1-6 

 

In difficulty, noting only what you “don’t have” compounds the problem. 

Identifying what you “do have” diffuses it.

Typically, it helps us realize that what we have is better

 

Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. While the man 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: “Fellow Israelites, 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?” Acts 3:7-12

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in Me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. John 14:12

To believe is to entrust - pisteuo, to credit and be persuaded, to have confidence 

To believe is to follow through

“Courage is fear that said its prayers.” Jill Briscoe

Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God. 1 Peter 1:17-21

“Fear living in ways that betray your lack of satisfaction in God.” John Piper

If we want to make the most of our opportunities, we have to know what Jesus said.

If we want to make a lasting difference in our community, we have to communicate what Jesus did.

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 completely healed him, as you can all see. “Now, fellow Israelites, 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 Messiah 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. Acts 3:16-19


If we want to make a lasting difference in our community, we have to believe what Jesus can do.

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