The Book of Acts contains around 30 gospel sermons that were preached by the apostles. The pattern that we begin to see unfold thus far in Acts concerning the gospel is that events lead to explanations. In other words, a miraculous event is followed by an explanation of the event. These explanations are not explanations of how the event occurred, but rather explanations of who caused the event to happen.
For example, following the healing of the lame man at the onset of Acts 3 the people who witnessed the miracle are astounded and amazed at what they had just seen. Instead of letting people take the miracle and interpret it however they chose to interpret it, Peter saw an opportunity (3:12) and called for everyone’s attention for the purpose of explaining what had just taken place. His explanation became the platform for his second gospel sermon in as many chapters.
Peter began by ascribing glory to Jesus Christ. Here’s what he said: “People of Israel, what is so surprising about this? And why stare at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or godliness? For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of our ancestors—who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this” (Acts 3:12-13, NLT) Giving glory to God is a two step process. It involves refusing to accept any credit and at the same time giving full credit to Jesus.
The apostles expected God to be at work in and around their lives. When they saw God at work, they seized the opportunity and used it as a platform to share good news. Where do you see God at work? Are you taking advantage of those opportunities to share good news?
For example, following the healing of the lame man at the onset of Acts 3 the people who witnessed the miracle are astounded and amazed at what they had just seen. Instead of letting people take the miracle and interpret it however they chose to interpret it, Peter saw an opportunity (3:12) and called for everyone’s attention for the purpose of explaining what had just taken place. His explanation became the platform for his second gospel sermon in as many chapters.
Peter began by ascribing glory to Jesus Christ. Here’s what he said: “People of Israel, what is so surprising about this? And why stare at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or godliness? For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of our ancestors—who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this” (Acts 3:12-13, NLT) Giving glory to God is a two step process. It involves refusing to accept any credit and at the same time giving full credit to Jesus.
The apostles expected God to be at work in and around their lives. When they saw God at work, they seized the opportunity and used it as a platform to share good news. Where do you see God at work? Are you taking advantage of those opportunities to share good news?
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