In the Name of Jesus

(Acts 3.1-5.42)

Acts 3:6

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!”

Acts 3:16

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.

Acts 4:7

And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?”

Acts 4:10

let it be known to all of you 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 is standing before you well.

Acts 4:12

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Acts 4:17–18

But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name.” So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

Acts 4:30

while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

Acts 5:28

saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.”

Acts 5:40–41

and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.

We are not living in a golden age; the church will experience opposition from within and without.

We fail to see so much of what God is doing and what we could do through him, because we do not see with the eyes of exiles (3.12).

(3.14-15) - so they traded author of Life for a murdererBig realities:

Boldness (Acts 4.13, 4.29, 4.31)

Great opposition, Great price to pay

Faithfulness contrasted with unfaithfulness (sons of God with sons of Satan) (filled with Spirit or filled with Satan) (5.3

(3.17) - ignorant, but still guilty because they had so much opportunity and evidence

We should abhor the speaking of lies (5.1-11)

Satan is the father of lies (John 8.44)

Jesus left many unhealed (3.1-2, 8).

Isaiah 35:3–6 “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert;”

Main points:

Theme: Men and women in complete allegiance to Jesus. [Read Name Verses, Inclusio]

Every single Old Testament prophet pointed to this time (3.22-26).

When we embrace the Spirit’s call, it will have shocking results (5.24).

Acts 4.13 - bold, uneducated, followers of Jesus (council astonished)

Acts 5:24 “Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to.”

You will be persecuted and suffer.

Come back to God’s rest (3.19-20).

Acts 5:41–42 “Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus.”

They sold everything they had and laid it at God’s feet (the apostles).

What do you need to lay at God’s feet?

Anger or pride? (Go lose to this person. Let them see you as weak and sheepish.)

The pleasures you have gathered for now and when you are older?

Your respect and reputation? How you think others perceive you?

Blaming everything for why you do not change?

The influences in your life?

We hear God’s Spirit, and then we return to those around us and find affirmation for staying like we are.

Lay it all down, today.