Nothing But Jesus

Faith that Heals: A Call to Action in Jesus' Name

Bible Passage: Acts 3:1–26

Summary: Acts 3:1–26 narrates a pivotal moment in the early Church where Peter and John heal a lame beggar at the Temple gate, demonstrating that true faith extends beyond words to actionable expressions. This passage highlights how the apostles illustrate the power of prayer, not merely as an internal act, but as a public testimony of faith that evokes change and glorifies God in everyday settings.

Application: In applying this passage, Christians are encouraged to recognize their role as conduits of God's healing power through prayer and action. By embracing the call to step out in faith, believers can be agents of transformation, bringing hope and healing to those in desperate situations within their communities.

Teaching: The sermon will emphasize that genuine faith in Jesus' name compels believers to take action rather than remain passive. It teaches that prayer must be coupled with a heart willing to serve and assist others, following the example set by Peter and John as they gave the lame man not just healing, but also the promise of restoration in Christ.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage encapsulates the essence of Christ’s mission as the healer and the one who empowers His followers to continue His work on earth. It reveals that just as Jesus healed during His earthly ministry, He commissions His disciples to act in His name, emphasizing the continuity of His redemptive work through the Church.

Big Idea: Genuine faith in Jesus is demonstrated through action, urging believers to engage in a prayerful mission that brings healing and hope to the world around them.

Recommended Study: Consider diving into commentaries on Acts 3 within your Logos library to explore the healing dynamics of the early Church and how public miracles served as a catalyst for evangelism. Investigate the implications of Peter's message about repentance and its context in the greater narrative of Acts. Additionally, review theological discussions around the concept of healing in the New Testament to deepen your understanding of its application today.

1. Faith is Actionable

Acts 3:1–10 “Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they…”

You could start by illustrating how Peter and John's encounter with the lame beggar exemplifies the power of prayer in action. Their faith was not passive; rather, it spurred them into acts of compassion and healing through Jesus' name. God's power is manifested when believers audaciously step forth, leading to miraculous breakthroughs.

2. Faith Activates Divine Power

Acts 3:11–16 “While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s. And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.”

Perhaps, reflect on Peter's explanation to the amazed crowd, where he attributes the healing to faith in Jesus' name. This section invites us to understand that faith in Jesus activates divine power, prompting believers to act in ways that testify to the Gospel's truth and breakthrough possibilities.

In my childhood, I loved to ride my bike without training wheels. It took weeks to build up the courage to try it. Finally, one day, I pedaled hard, and my dad ran alongside me, cheering. It was faith in his support that helped me gain confidence! Just like that moment, our faith in God allows us to push past our fears, and with His strength beside us, we can accomplish seemingly impossible feats.

3. Faith in Jesus Restores

Acts 3:17–26 ““And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all…”

Maybe, delve into Peter's call for repentance and restoration through Jesus. This is an opportunity to show how faith moves individuals toward spiritual healing and reconciliation with God. Emphasizing Jesus' role as the fulfillment of God's promises, and urging believers to embrace Jesus' call in transforming lives.