Sermons

Ignorance is NOT Bliss

March 19, 2023 Speaker: pastor dave Series: The Acts of the Apostles

Topic: Jesus, Accepting/Responding to the Message of God, Peter, Acts, 1-AM Sermons Passage: Acts 3:1-26

Luke again records an account of the apostles and their ongoing action and teaching following the ascension of Jesus. This account spans both Acts 3-4. Here Peter and John are going to the temple and come across a lame man begging. Instead of giving him any financial or physical resources, Peter heals him and the lame man is leaping and worshipping God. This man would have been easily recognized because of his regular place begging near the temple Gate, Luke calls it the Beautiful Gate. The Jews gathered respond with wonder and amazement and Peter once again explains what they have just witnessed and how it actually happened. Peter once again connects Jesus to the God of the Old Testament and explains that Jesus was indeed the promised Messiah, the Christ. His explanation is again a masterful use of Scripture to point to the real identity, work and purpose of Messiah. There is no doubt that Jesus is the Messiah, this is Peter's point throughout. As he speaks, he asserts that they, the Jews, had been ignorant of who Jesus really was and this is why they called for his crucifixion. Peter concludes with the truth that Jesus ultimately came to blot out their sins and to turn them from their wickedness - wickedness displayed in their call for his execution. This is indeed the purpose for everyone who turns from their ignorance of Jesus and who he really is and why he ultimately came. Do you know Jesus today? Do you understand why he came?

Acts is a unique book in our New Testament, because it is the only book of history that we are given. As Luke writes, a second edition to his gospel, he continues with two vital themes – first, that Jesus offers salvation to men and second, that this work – the mission is accomplished – in the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus had already instructed his disciples about the Holy Spirit and his ongoing ministry to them and all who would come to believe in Jesus. Despite the obvious focus on the ministry of the Holy Spirit in Acts, this book is about Jesus. Throughout Acts, Jesus is described as Lord (the most common title for Jesus in Acts), Jesus (67x), Christ (25x), Servant, Holy One, Just One, a Prophet like Moses, Savior, Son of God, Son of Man, Author of Life, Judge, Man and God. There is absolutely no question that Acts is the continuing account of all that Jesus began to do and to teach as presented in the gospel of Luke. The outline of Acts is very straightforward: Witnesses in Jerusalem (1-7), Witnesses in Judaea & Samaria (8-12), and Witnesses to the ends of the earth (13-28). Luke focuses throughout on this truth: You will receive power from the Holy Spirit and be my witnesses to the ends of the earth. May God strengthen us to be effective witnesses for Jesus.

Graceway Church of Michiana exists in South Bend, IN for the purpose of Exalting our great God and Savior, Edifying and Encouraging believers and Engaging our Community. 

Graceway Church is committed to being a God Exalting, Christ Centered, Spirit Motivated, Word Focused local body of Believers!

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