The Book of Acts was written to equip us.
- To enjoy the same Impact the first century church did.
- To bring the same pleasure to Jesus the first century church did.
Luke 23:33-34, 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they (the Roman soldiers) crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” . . .
John 17:16-21, 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. 20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
Characteristics of the Consecrated Believers Jesus prayed for:
- They are in the world not of it. (John 17:16)
- They live sanctified (or set apart) to God’s truth. (John 17:17)
- They are passionate about bringing people to belief in Jesus together. (John 17:21)
Why Our Consecration is Vital to Christ’s Gospel Spreading Well
Acts 3:11-4:22
- We need God’s ANOINTING.
John 16:8, When he (the Holy Spirit) comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment.
Mark 16:15-18, 15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18 they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
Acts 3:11-13, 11 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. 12 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? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he (Pilate) had decided to let him go.
2) We fight against powerful ADVERSARIES.
Acts 3:14-17, 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 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. 17 “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders.
Acts 3:19, Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.
Repent – metanoeo – to reconsider and think differently
Sins – hamartia – sinful offenses
2 Corinthians 5:16-17, 16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view . . . 17 . . . if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
3) It brings an ADVANCEMENT of the gospel.
Acts 4:1-4, 1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.
Romans 10:13, . . . Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.