I often wonder how "the church" is going to make an impact in our culture. It's easy to get caught up in the latest children's/youth/young adult/small group ministry ideas. All those things are not to be abandoned by the church AS long as Jesus remains the source of all wisdom, guidance and HE is undoubtedly the foundation. We see Peter proclaim this truth in Acts 3.
In the first part of Acts 3 Peter and John are used by God to heal a lame man. The people respond with amazement. Peter quickly turns the attention to Jesus.
-He begins by asking a question about the source of power (3:12).
-We see in verse 16 that faith in Jesus changed this man's life.
-Jesus is the fulfillment of all prophets in verse 18.
-THEREFORE (since Jesus is the fulfillment of ALL things) we are to repent and return.
*Repent from sin toward Jesus
*Return to the presence of the LORD!
-In verse 36 Peter declares that Jesus was sent as a blessing to us by turning us from our wicked ways.
In Acts 4:1-4 we see the results of Peter proclaiming Christ...a great movement of the Holy Spirit.
A summary of Acts 3 - Acts 4:4
1. Christ Proclaimed (3:6)
2. A Life Changed (3:8)
3. God Praised/Glorified (3:9)
4. A Movement of the Holy Spirit (4:4)
The faithfulness of Peter to point others to Christ should stand as an example to us all. May we boldly proclaim Christ to the nations!
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