Get
Real! Authentic Walk with the Lord
Scripture
Text: Acts
3: 1-10
Introduction
The film ‘Spiderman‘ is about a man who
was accidentally bitten by a spider. As a result of
a biological reaction, he was endowed with supernatural
powers. He could climb walls like a spider and had
the ability to make and release spider webs. He used
his newfound powers to combat evil.
We may also want to have supernatural powers in our
lives to help people. Praise God we do have the power
of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. We have seen
how ordinary followers of Jesus like Peter and John
were able to do mighty acts as they walked with the
living Christ.
Let
us learn some lessons from the book of Acts chapter
3:1 - 10
1.
Plug into God's Presence (1-5)
After the great event of Pentecost, Peter and John
continued to seek God’s face. Why? They wanted
to remain plugged into God’s presence. To them,
being filled with the Spirit is not a one off event
in life; it is an on-going
process. We are reminded that we cannot
do things in our own strength but only with the power
of God.
2.
Power Through Prayer (6-8a)
2.1
Powerful Partnership with the Holy Spirit
The lame man was healed as Peter invoked the power
in the Name of Jesus. He was praying in partnership
with Jesus. To pray in the Name of Jesus is to bring
Jesus into our prayer.
2.2
Rich relationship with Jesus - Son
When we have a rich relationship with Jesus, we are
given the authority. When we pray in Jesus’
Name we are praying in Jesus’ authority. What
if we do not have the partnership and relationship
with Jesus and we try to invoke the power in Jesus’
Name? We see the unfortunate event in Acts 19 that
happened when the seven sons of Sceva tried to use
the Name of Jesus in vain. The Name of Jesus is not
a formula or some magic potion. We must have a personal
relationship with God in our lives, and cannot embrace
Christianity as a form of religion or our lives will
have no power.
The
disciples of Jesus must have the reality of walking
with Jesus. It is only then that we can impart life
to others, and teach them to walk with Jesus.
3.
Power Through Christ's Presence in Us (8b-10)
The cripple did not just receive healing. Ultimately,
he knew Jesus, the Living Christ. He had a choice
to receive or to reject Jesus. He chose to enter the
Temple to praise and thank God.
This healing event led to greater things other than
just the physical healing. There was a returning to
God, acknowledging that He was his Lord and Maker.
There was forgiveness of sins and a meaningful life
that followed.
We need the power of God to reach out to people. The
Power of Jesus enables us to lift them out of their
trouble and give them hope. Christ is our hope. This
is our ministry.
CONCLUSION
John
Wesley was transformed by the Holy
Spirit and we remember the event
as the Aldersgate Experience (24
May 1738)
1.
Fruitful Living
2. Experiencing
God’s power
3. Exhibiting Holiness
4. Lasting Impact
From
this one transformed life, John
Wesley led many to the living Christ
so how are we to respond after hearing
such a sermon?
APPLICATION
(For Pre- Believers)
1 Seek a PUPOSEFUL LIFE with JESUS
a.
Beautiful Gate – come through
this beautiful gate to receive your
new life.
b. Seek God’s
healing in your life.
c. Seek God’s
Purpose in your life and you shall
find it.
(For
Believers)
2
Seek a POWERFUL LIFE with JESUS.
a.
Be
bold to step out to share your
love.
b. Be prayerful
c. Be where you
can minister – Care Group,
Social Concerns, or anywhere you
may be able to
c.
make a contribution (No matter
how small it may seem)
Dear Lord,
Thank you for to-day’s message
that reminds us that we must have
an authentic walk with you. Help
us to look forward to spend time
with you and your living word. Give
us a desire to have a close relationship
with you. Grant us at all times
to be plugged into your presence.
Give us the passion to step out
in boldness and share our love with
those around us. Remind us to have
a prayerful life and to constantly
seek God’s purpose in our
lives. Amen
Devotional
based on message by Pastor Leslie
Lim