Boldness

Series: “Ready, Set, Go” part 8

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Chris Vaught, Lead Pastor

Promo: Square One

Pray over Opportunities to Invite people to Easter. Pray over Invite Cards.

Ready, Set, Go....

Devotion to God positions you for use.

Acts 3:1 CSB

Now Peter and John were going up to the temple for the time of prayer at three in the afternoon.

Acts 3:6 CSB

But Peter said, “I don’t have silver or gold, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!”

Look for Opportunities to Share the Gospel.

Acts 3:11–12 CSB

While he was holding on to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astonished, ran toward them in what is called Solomon’s Colonnade. When Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Fellow Israelites, why are you amazed at this? Why do you stare at us, as though we had made him walk by our own power or godliness?

First of all, notice that Peter and John saw the reaction of the crowd and realized that they had a GOD-GIVEN OPPORTUNITY before them. You must recognize your opportunities. Listen, God will set the ball on the Tee if you will just get in the Tee Box!

Second, notice the Humility of Peter and John. They deflected all glory to Christ. They did not use the miracle to build their own platform!

A couple weeks ago I had the privilege to join a few other pastors and spend a day with Troy Gramling, Pastor of Potential Church just outside of Miami.

Troy Gramling,

“Man wasn’t created for Glory.” Only Jesus is to receive Glory!

If we are humble and open to the opportunities God gives us, we can give witness for Jesus. Here is….

The Framework of a Gospel Conversation.

First of all, at some point, you must discuss…

Personal Responsibility toward Sin and Jesus.

Acts 3:13–16 CSB

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and denied before Pilate, though he had decided to release him. You denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer released to you. You killed the source of life, whom God raised from the dead; we are witnesses of this. By faith in his name, his name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. So the faith that comes through Jesus has given him this perfect health in front of all of you.

Sometimes we say, “Well, I’ve never really done anything bad.” “I’m not a sinner…..at least, not like that person…”

Question, “Have you ever taken a piece of gum out of your mom’s purse without asking?” You are a Thief! lol

“Have you ever told a little white lie?” You are a Liar! lol

“Have you ever looked upon someone with Lust?” You are an adulterer! lol Now, that we have got that covered! ha.

Romans 3:23 CSB

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God;

1 John 1:8 CSB

If we say, “We have no sin,” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

Listen, we are sinners by birth and we are sinners by choice and if you are trusting your goodness to get you to God and heaven, you will come up short.

The real question is, “What will you do with Jesus?” I mean, He died on the cross for you and paid your sin debt. So, what will you do with Jesus?

The Call to receive GRACE through REPENTANCE.

Acts 3:17–20 CSB

“And now, brothers and sisters, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your leaders also did. In this way God fulfilled what he had predicted through all the prophets—that his Messiah would suffer. Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out, that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send Jesus, who has been appointed for you as the Messiah.

Here Peter and John describe how to receive Grace, there must also be Repentance.

The word Repent means = SAD, HUMBLE REGRET OVER ONE’S MISDEEDS AND RESOLVE TO CHANGE DIRECTIONS.

This has been lost in some circles of spiritual life today. There is absolutely nothing you can do to earn God’s Love, His Forgiveness or His Eternal Life. However, It is not given to those who do not Surrender their lives to Him.

Grace may be free, but it isn’t cheap!

Progressive Christian movements would have you believe that there is no need to turn from sin because everyone goes to heaven in the end anyway since God is love.

But friends, There is No Relationship without Commitment and No Commitment without Love.

It’s not a question on whether God loves us…the question is Do We Love God?

The Big Take-away:

Boldness to share the Gospel must be driven by the conviction of the LIVING HOPE Jesus offers.

Acts 3:21 CSB

Heaven must receive him until the time of the restoration of all things, which God spoke about through his holy prophets from the beginning.

One day, the same Jesus who arose from the grave and ascended to Heaven, will come again and receive for all eternity those who trust in Him.

Prayer / Response:

Build up for MAD REVEAL.