Acts The Unhindered Harvest Acts 3 11 16

Acts: The Unhindered Harvest

Acts 3: 11 -16 While he was clinging to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them at the so-called portico of Solomon, full of amazement.

But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people, “Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this, or why do you gaze at us, as if by our own power or piety we had made him walk?

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus, the one whom you delivered and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him.

But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, but put to death the Prince of life, the one whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses.

And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all. ”

The Occasion • A normal day • A common occurrence • An obedient heart • A work of God

The Question • Seems a little off! • Completely legitimate • Sound familiar?

The Witness • Goodness and Guilt – God glorified, you disowned – Traded good for evil – Death to life, life to death

The Witness There is no gospel message apart from God’s greatness and human depravity.

The Witness • Testimony – We saw – You have seen – Foundation of faith

The Witness The best testimony we can give will begin and end with Jesus.

The Witness • Sovereign grace No depth of evil and no lack of faith can thwart the plan of God’s goodness trumps human depravity

The Witness • Blessing and judgement – Repentance yields refreshment and restoration

The Witness Here is grace…God continues to call and extend forgiveness to those who killed the Messiah

The Witness • Blessing and judgement – Dismissal yields only destruction

The Result • Aggressive opposition • Overwhelming fruit

• You WILL be a witness • Know the fullness of the gospel • Know your place in the gospel message Reaping the Harvest

st 1 Peter 3: 13 -16 Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled,

but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;

and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ will be put to shame.