1. Looking at the book of Acts Building a church that…

2. Looking at the book of Acts Building a church that…
waits
is spirit filled: Pentecost
heals
is focussed on Jesus
serves
Father’s Day
has integrity
is empowered

3. After Pentecost…
Things changed - the church exploded (2:47)
Authority & power had been given to the people.
John Wimber:
Even though the disciples were given authority and power of the Kingdom, they still had to exercise it. Until they actually healed the sick and cast out demons their power and authority meant little to them. To understand what you have, you actually have to use it. And if you want to have more, you have to give away what you’ve already been given.

4. Everyone was filled with awe and many miraculous signs were done… 2:43

5. One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer - at three in the afternoon….

6. Acts 3:
One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer - at three in the afternoon. 2 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. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 

7. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John
4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6 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.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became

8. strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk
strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 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.

9. Why this day?

10. They make themselves available & interruptible
They make themselves available & interruptible. Jesus did this too: I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing… John 5: 19

11. Notice v4… Peter looked straight at him… As did John… Peter said, “Look at us.” What did Peter and John see?

12. A wave of compassion; grief; injustice; sympathy
A wave of compassion; grief; injustice; sympathy. A word, a picture, a bit of Bible. A vision; a dream. A corresponding pain. God, is that you? God, what are you doing in this person’s life?

13. The only ability God looks for in people is our availability.
Are we on God’s contact list?
If we’re willing to be interrupted by God he will show us things.

14. v6 what I have I give you…
The man gets much more than he bargained for.
The disciples knew they had nothing to give of any value except Jesus - so they gave what they had.
This is important because it addresses a big problem for us…

15. We often think we have nothing to give.
Healing has so often been taken out of our hands – from the many, to the clergy, to The Healer.
Not what the early church teaches us – or Jesus.
I will pour out my spirit on all people. (Acts 2:17)
Everyone gets to play.
Not just the spiritual elite.

16. We know Jesus can use us but…
we lack faith
we lack experience
we lack results.
Our faith is in Jesus - not ourselves.
My Father is always at his work. (John 4:17)

17. Peter points people to Jesus – away from himself
Peter points people to Jesus – away from himself. v16-7 Why do you stare at us as if by our own power of godliness we had made this man walk… By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see & know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him.

18. They have faith in Jesus. They believe he can heal
They have faith in Jesus. They believe he can heal. Whether healing happens or not isn’t their priority. They give what they have - v6 what I have I give you - their obedience!

19. How do they pray?
Not a big prayer!
Ask permission
Listen – to them & God
Tell the body what you want it to do
Call out God’s best in people
Ask what’s happening – maybe pray again (Mk8:22)
Thank God; point people to Jesus.

20. Why don’t people always get healed?
We need a theology for healing. Otherwise we get disappointed.
God wants to heal. Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. (Matt 6:10)
Healing is part of the spiritual battle we are in.
Jesus couldn’t heal everyone in Nazareth (Mark 6: 4–5)

21. Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

22. There is a gap between the breaking in of God’s kingdom & the fullness of his Kingdom.
The Now and the Not Yet…
The war is won but there are still battles.

23. Nothing in the kingdom goes unopposed.
Healing will always be contested.
Often through our own doubt and fear!
Jesus commissioned the doubters. (Matt 28:17)
Belief follows action. Faith is spelt R I S K !

24. Every time we pray things change for good. God loves the whole person
Every time we pray things change for good. God loves the whole person. He wants to heal mind, spirit and memories as well as bodies. The man had two types of healing. Physical v8: he began to walk. Emotional v8: he went… into the temple.

25. John Wimber:
Wherever there is a church obeying the words and doing the works of Jesus, there is an outpost of the Kingdom of God. And the outpost is always in the middle of hostile territory…

26. Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Eph 6

27. Come Holy Spirit

28. Looking at the book of Acts together
Building a church that…
Waits
Is spirit filled: Pentecost
Heals
Is focussed on Jesus
That serves
Father’s Day
Has integrity
Is empowered