A "Lame" Church

In 1989, on an otherwise normal day, Mrs. Fletcher did as she had always done for so many years walked herself into the bathroom to handle her business. Somehow, sometime, between entering and exiting, Mrs. Fletcher fell down. Why did she fall? We don’t know. Was she elderly and begin to grow weaker? Was she disabled and took a misstep? Was she negligent and didn’t pay attention? We don’t know. What we do know is that Mrs. Fletcher had paid for Life-call. She then goes on to say the words that have become so ever popular in our culture, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up”. (Preach)

History and Context

1. There’s great Potential in Poor circumstances v.1-5

bad position is his infirm nature and consequent social disqualification

Good place is that he is in a place of prayer. Plus he is in a good place because he is fully dependent upon God. (get in position, as in baseball)

2. There is Power in the name of Jesus v.6-8b

Peter and John knew about this power and as close disciples they exercised that gift.

Talk about the power in the name of Jesus and call the examples.

◦ Matt 18:20 “gathered in my name”, John 16:23 “whatever you ask the Father in my name He will give it to you”.

3. There should be public praise unto God v.8c-10

preach as to “why” they ought to praise God. And “how”.

All the people saw him.

◦ I am not ashamed

◦ the key word is “used” to

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed—”