Today at Calvary Chapel Santee a message was preached on Acts 4 and focused on the transforming effect of a relationship with Jesus. Through the name of Jesus Christ spoken by Peter a lame man was miraculously healed before many witnesses. The only explanation for the man previously lame suddenly walking, leaping, and praising God was the power of God through Jesus' name. The physical healing of the lame man provided an opportunity for Peter to preach the Word to an intrigued and engaged audience.
Religious leaders who did not believe Jesus was the Son of God or in the resurrection from the dead took offense to the preaching of Peter and other Christians and brought them before the Sanhedrin, rulers of the Jews. Acts 4:8-10 says, "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole." A marked change was seen in the lame man who stood before the elders, but a more profound and enduring transformation was demonstrated in Peter (who previously denied Jesus three times) because he was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Peter had been transformed through faith in Jesus and his relationship with Him--something the religious leaders themselves concluded. Acts 4:13 says, "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus." Pastor James made a great observation: these rulers were correct in their assessment, but not entirely. It was true they had been with Jesus while He remained on earth, but they continued to walk with Him. They were filled with the Holy Spirit in their time of need and guided to answer wisely because of their current relationship with Jesus.
This passage provides hope for healing and transformation for people physically but also for those who lack boldness, have denied Christ with their words or deeds, and played the fool. The hope, healing, and deliverance Jesus provides is not just for people new to the faith but to those who have walked with Jesus a long time. This truth is a blessing to my heart and to all those who are burdened with their own failures and sin. Jesus Christ is a Saviour of Jew and Gentile, to believers new and old. He brings the refreshment of Living Water to all who seek and abide in Him by His grace.
Religious leaders who did not believe Jesus was the Son of God or in the resurrection from the dead took offense to the preaching of Peter and other Christians and brought them before the Sanhedrin, rulers of the Jews. Acts 4:8-10 says, "Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole." A marked change was seen in the lame man who stood before the elders, but a more profound and enduring transformation was demonstrated in Peter (who previously denied Jesus three times) because he was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Peter had been transformed through faith in Jesus and his relationship with Him--something the religious leaders themselves concluded. Acts 4:13 says, "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus." Pastor James made a great observation: these rulers were correct in their assessment, but not entirely. It was true they had been with Jesus while He remained on earth, but they continued to walk with Him. They were filled with the Holy Spirit in their time of need and guided to answer wisely because of their current relationship with Jesus.
This passage provides hope for healing and transformation for people physically but also for those who lack boldness, have denied Christ with their words or deeds, and played the fool. The hope, healing, and deliverance Jesus provides is not just for people new to the faith but to those who have walked with Jesus a long time. This truth is a blessing to my heart and to all those who are burdened with their own failures and sin. Jesus Christ is a Saviour of Jew and Gentile, to believers new and old. He brings the refreshment of Living Water to all who seek and abide in Him by His grace.
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