The Same God Acts.

Listen along here:  https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/432c7458/the-same-god-a...

The book we are reading is called Acts, and this is why.

The lights come up on the set of Acts chapter 3, where we witness two passionate scenes in the temple courts in Jerusalem. The first when the crippled beggar asks for money outside of the temple, and Peter responds with something like this, 'Hey Dude, I don't have any money, but I'll give you what I have... in the name of Jesus Christ, stand up and walk!'1

And so the man got up and walked! He did not stop there; having never stood upright, he could not believe how he felt... the joy, the freedom! He started running and jumping, and then he did something crazy -- he danced all by himself in the Temple. So overjoyed by the life that came into his feet and legs, his ability to stand and walk, he just could not help himself--he had to praise God!

Second scene: Aware of the wonder in all those who are watching--and there are many--Peter steps up to the microphone again to answer the question on everyone's mind, "How did this happen?" 'It is only through the power of Jesus Christ that this man who you have always known as unable to walk - is now walking, jumping and praising God. There is power in the name of Jesus--you know of Him, because he is the One our prophets told us about. Oh, and yes, One and the same that you put to death, but Almighty God raised him from the dead! We all know that is true because we are witnesses of it.'

Peter reminded them - 'you and I were eye witnesses of the resurrected Lord.' Friends, it was widely known that many among them had not just seen Jesus, but also touched the resurrected Messiah, so no one shouted Peter down.

Peter continues, “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Here's your part, here's what you must do: Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."2

And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.3

the entire passage,

Acts 3.11-4.4: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts 3.11-4.4&vers...

A couple powerful points on which we ought focus:

1) Peter stresses the name of Jesus. . . "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 given complete healing to him..." Acts 3.16 Remember, Jesus had told the disciples that they could ask for things in His name - "My Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. . ."4 Yes, there is power in the name of Jesus.

The book is called Acts, and this is why--the Acts of the apostles empowered by the Holy Spirit of God.

2) Peter offers them times of refreshing - I love that offering. Do you need a time of refreshing? Take a look at verse 19 to see how to get it--"Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." Want to be refreshed, friends? Spend some time reflecting on this. Consider your sins--what you have done, things you have left undone, thoughts and feelings that you need to confess to God, things that have grieved Him--things you have carried around, perhaps stuffed way down. Look to God for forgiveness and cleansing, then be refreshed by Him.

The healing of the lame beggar drew attention to the power in the name and person of Jesus—the same Jesus of whom Peter was telling the people. Peter did not take any glory for himself, but pointed folks to Jesus: 'there is healing in no other name than Jesus Christ, or salvation in none other than Jesus Christ.' Peter spoke plainly, and though his boldness cost him his first night in the local jail, many more people came to know Christ because of what they saw, what they witnessed, and the truth they heard that day.

The truth has not changed in more than 2000 years.

There is salvation--the free gift of eternal life,

there is mercy and forgiveness of sins,

healing and refreshing for our hearts, minds and souls in Jesus Christ.

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And one more thing: our God yet heals -

I know as I have had the privilege of praying for the terminally ill;

from a front row seat,

I have seen the supernatural hand of God do what only he could do--

totally heal and restore the sick.

For what do you need to ask God?

God is still the same.

Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqy9o4qvjn0&list=RDmqy9o4qvjn0&a...

Same powerful, wonder-working God,

Christine

PastorWoman.net

1 - my paraphrase

2 - Acts 3.17-20

3 - Acts 4.1-4

4 - John 16.23-24