Some times things are just not good. There is the picture of the man at the psychiatrist’s office and his psychiatrist puts things in layman’s terms. Your mind is like a bicycle, your pants got caught in the sprocket and the chain came off. Not good!
In Acts 3:11-26 Peter tells a crowd of people who gathered how things have gone terribly wrong. He was talking to the people who least expected to hear that. The huge crowd that gathered were the people worshipping at the temple, zealous for God. But it was not good. Maybe many of the people in that crowd were also the voices who shouted crucify him, just before Jesus died on the cross two months previously. Now Peter tells them what they have done. They killed the Author of life.
There was a very good reason that the crowd was staring in amazement that day. Peter and John were going into the temple when they passed by a crippled beggar. Peter asked that man who was over 40 years old and had been crippled his whole life to look at him. When Peter told him to look at him the crippled beggar was expecting some money. But Peter said, “Silver and gold I have not but what I do have I give you, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth walk.” (Acts 3:6) Peter took him by the hand helped him up and instantly he was healed. He jumped up walking and leaping and praising God!
The crowd gathered filled with wonder and amazement with what just happened. This man previously needed to be carried wherever he went. He was carried every day to the temple gate to beg. They all saw him often and now here he was leaping and praising God.
This miracle of healing brought in the crowd. Peter used this as an opportunity to preach the Gospel. It was a message of grace that Peter brought to the mindless masses that called for Jesus to be crucified. But why shouldn’t Peter bring such a message? Just eight weeks prior Peter himself was weeping bitterly because of denying Jesus. All this happened just walking distance from where this miracle took place. Now it is their opportunity to experience the forgiveness of Jesus Christ.
The Jews were waiting for a Messiah. He came and they did not recognize him. Worse yet they crucified him. Not good but it is also not too late to get turned around. To receive forgiveness from the very one they crucified.
It was amazing. Over one thousand people got their lives turned around that day. It did not matter if they were shouting crucify him two months back. If they would repent and turn to Christ they would know eternal life. Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
You can turn your life around too, today. Is your life a mess? The same truth, the same power of God is available today.
Peter makes it clear that this miracle is not from a power within him. It is a result of the power of God; The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. This is the God who they served while at the temple. But he explained clearly how they had made a tragic mistake. Acts 3:15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead.
Yes, they killed the author of life but, God raised him from the dead. Jesus is God’s servant. The awaited Messiah and God glorified him. You had him killed. You disowned him. You let a murderer be released. Peter was talking to those coming to worship at the Temple. They realized what they did wrong but they turned to God and received forgiveness. Acts 4:4 said the number grew to 5,000 who were now following Christ. In Acts chapter 2 three thousand turned to Christ and Acts 2:47 said people were turning to Christ daily so I am estimating at least a thousand saw the results of this miracle, stared in disbelief, realize their mistake and turned to Jesus.
They killed the Author of life. But God raised him from the dead. Acts 3:16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.
These claims landed Peter and John in Jail, but they are the truth. This message set some people free and made some people furious. Peter claiming they are sinners responsible for crucifying the Messiah. It was not politically correct to call the religious leaders sinners.
People must see their need for forgiveness. No wonder one thousand people got saved. Peter preached a bold message. People must realize their need. He risked his life to preach this message at that time in that place.
It is of no use for Peter to say I’m OK your OK just believe in yourself. No, Acts 3:19-20 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. I’m not OK, your not OK, but that’s OK because Jesus can turn us around But there is no other name under heaven which men must be saved.
Peter preached on sin and lostness. There is a Danger. There is a clear warning. You are headed the wrong way. And down the road your on the bridge is out. If you don’t do a U-turn you will plunge to your death.
All have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God. Not only those Peter addressed but You are responsible for Jesus death. Your sin put him there. Even your good deeds are filthy rags in light of righteousness of God.
Peter made clear and simple how to make the turn. This requires U-turn repentance. Acts 3:19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
I think Peter violated every principle in how to win friends and influence people. But the power of God was at work. Peter called the crowd to repent. Repentance is a change of mind and attitude. It is a new direction. In repentance you are seeing your sin for what it is a reproach to God.
This man who is healed is an illustration. Peter used of Spiritual healing. Healing occurred by faith Spiritual healing by faith. Acts 3:16 16By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.
Saving Faith is found in Jesus. Now it the time to call on God. Ask Jesus in your heart.
There are two distinct responses:
The first is found in Acts 4:4, 1,000 did repent --> Life of blessing Acts 3:19 their sins were wiped out and they experienced a time of refreshing in the Lord.
The second is found in Acts 3:23 23Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people. Many did not turn to God after this miracle and message.
When the gospel is preached people either despise you and your message or repent and believe. That’s the power of God’s Word. There are two alternatives. Either you will have to harden your heart, or repent and believe.
Peter used the miracle of this healing to preach the Gospel. Now the people are aware they have seen the power of God. Just before I became a Christian it seems I could not escape those who were claiming their lives were changed by the power of God. I suddenly saw so many whose life was turned around by Jesus.
One of my college friends was dramatically saved. He started a Bible study. That was it for me. There must be a God and he transforms lives. Now I see it everywhere I turn. I saw what these people saw, the power of God.
Do you have a weight, an enormous guilt and you don’t know why? Are you are seeing changed lives all around you? God is at work. He as brought you to this point to turn your life around.
There are two responses you can make:
The first is to repent put your faith in Jesus for a time of refreshing, your sins wiped out.
The second is to refuse to listen to what you know is true. Head on to destruction
Let the mercy of God will work in your life trust Jesus.
