Introduction

Good morning, dear family of God. I am so glad to see each and every one of you here today. Isn't it a blessing to gather together in the presence of the Lord, to seek His face and to hear His Word? We are here not by accident, but by divine appointment, each of us with a purpose and a calling, each of us with a heart ready to receive His Word.

Today, we are going to turn our hearts and minds to the book of Acts, specifically chapter 9, verses 39-41. This passage is a vivid account of an extraordinary event, but it is also so much more than that. It is a testament to the power of hope, the impact of good works, and the profound strength of prayer.

Let's read the passage together: "Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive."

This passage tells us the story of a woman named Tabitha, or Dorcas, who was known for her good works and acts of charity. She fell ill and died, but through the power of prayer, Peter was able to raise her from the dead. This event was not just a miracle, but a revelation of the hope we have in Christ, the importance of bearing witness through our works, and the power of prayer.

Building Hope on Jesus Christ

In the story of Tabitha, we see a woman who had built her hope on Jesus Christ. She was known for her good works and acts of charity. She had a hope that was grounded in the love and grace of Jesus. This hope was a deep, abiding belief that shaped her life and actions.

The hope that Tabitha had was firmly anchored in Jesus Christ. She believed in His power, His love, and His promises. This belief gave her the strength to serve others, to show kindness and compassion, and to live a life that was a testament to her faith.

This kind of hope is not something that comes naturally to us. It is a gift from God, a result of His grace and mercy. It is a hope that comes from knowing Jesus, from understanding His sacrifice on the cross, and from believing in His resurrection.

When we have this kind of hope, it changes everything. It changes the way we see the world, the way we interact with others, and the way we live our lives. It gives us a purpose and a direction. It gives us the courage to face challenges and difficulties. This hope is that one day we will be with Jesus, that we will see Him face to face, and that we will live in His presence forever.

Tabitha had a massive impact on those around her. When she died, the widows who had been the recipients of her kindness and generosity were devastated. They wept and mourned for her, showing Peter the garments she had made for them. These were not just pieces of clothing, but tangible reminders of Tabitha's love and care, of her good works that were a result of her hope in Jesus.

This is the kind of hope that we are called to have as followers of Jesus. It is a hope that is lived out, that is demonstrated through our actions, and that is shared with others. When we have this kind of hope, we are empowered. It gives us the strength to face challenges and difficulties. It gives us the courage to stand firm in our faith.

Bearing Witness through Works

Tabitha's life was a testament to her faith, and her actions spoke louder than words ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO