Bible references/verses
The power of the Holy Spirit working in the lives of new Christians is what grew the church.
They devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer, creating a community so compelling that people were added to their number daily.
This was something only salvation through Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit could do… —Acts 2:42-47
This wasn’t church growth through clever programming but through the magnetic power of authentic community living out the radical love of Jesus.
One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. —Acts 3:1
Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. —Acts 3:2
Interior of Jerusalem’s Temple built by David and Solomon
The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
Jesus knew their thoughts and confronted the religious leaders…
“Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?
But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.”
Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.” —Luke 5:21-26
Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father [and we’re going to send you the Spirit]. —John 14:12
When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. —Act 3:3
Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.
Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” —Acts 3:4-5
All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. —Acts 2:44-45
“If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?” —James 2:15-16
Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.
He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. —Acts 3:7-10
The power and presence of God is no longer in the Temple, it’s in the name of Jesus and in His people!
Spirit filled power looks like
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Then will the lame leap like a deer,
and the mute tongue shout for joy.
Water will gush forth in the wilderness
and streams in the desert. —Isaiah 35:6
The Gosepl of Jesus is for everyone! So is God’s presence and power through His Holy Spirit!
People from all over the Temple court come running to check out the commotion!
Peter again, filled with the Holy Spirit gives another sermon!!!
Why are y’all shocked??
Why are you looking at us like this is something we healed this man?!No! Our God! My God! Your God! The God we come to worship at the Temple… He’s glorifying Jesus!
That’s right the same Jesus you handed over to be killed. The same one Pilate offered to let go but instead you said,
“Give us Barabbas”
You rejected, you disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murder to be set free instead!
You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We saw Jesus alive with our own eyes.
This man you see & know… He was healed and made whole by faith in the name of Jesus!
It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.—Acts 3:11-16
The most incredible miracle is your sins being forgiven and made right with a holy, just and perfect God.
“Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. —Acts 3:17