Acts 3:1-11.
And he said unto them Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues .
They shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing , it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands upon the sick , and they shall recover.
Mark 16:15-18.
As Jesus ascended the heavens after His resurrection, He did not leave His disciples without hope, or empty. He made sure that they were adequately protected, provided for, and given hope of encouragement to pursue their faith in Him. So, beyond their being saved, he gave them power and authority over principalities, over evil powers and over satanic operations on man, over sicknesses and diseases. Indeed He powered them to be masters over rulers of darkness of this world, situations and circumstances. He didn’t allow them them to simply exist. He gave them to dominate and control their environment. You can’t afford to do less. Or to be less than what God says you are.
Therefore, it was not surprising that Apostles Peter and John were able to demonstrate the authority and power of the gospel on the lame man on the Gate , called Beautiful in Jerusalem, shortly after Jesus’ departure, and after they had received the Holy Ghost.
The point must be stressed that the healing power of the gospel was activated after the disciples had been filled with the Holy Ghost in obedience with the instructions of Jesus ‘ to tarry in Jerusalem until the Holly Ghost is come upon you”. We say so because many good believers have been misled to believe that the Holy Ghost is no longer relevant today. Of a surety, the Holy Ghost is as needful today as He was during the time of the apostles. Acts 1:8.
In our reading text in Acts 3, the lame man would have been content receiving hand outs, alms or gifts from Peter and John, in the same way other worshippers to the temple had done. But this fateful day appeared different. He net men who were resolved to show forth the power, ( dunamis,) that is embedded in the GOSPEL of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.
As a believer, I don’t know how much of this power you have ? Or have activated inside of you? Peter and John only spoke the word, as taught them by Jesus. And they got the result. They told the lame man to look at them. To focus his attention on them. The man did. Peter spoke, and lifted him up. And his legs of paralysis for 38 years received strength to walk. And he followed them to the temple, dancing and praising God.
Paul said that the gospel we preach is of power. Jesus said the words that I speak are spirit and life. No doubt, the Gospel of our LORD Jesus is of power, not just to save us for eternity in heaven, but also to heal us so that we can live on earth in good health and strength. 3John 2.
Just imagine what had happened to the lame man for some 38 years. A wasted DESTINY. In 38 years, he should have been pursuing a career, got married with children. He should have been a responsible member of the society, making contributions for its development. He should have been clothed with dignity as a son, husband , father and good citizen . But these identities were tied down by lameness, sickness and disease.
Are there no such people around us? Are we bothered about them? Have you tried to manifest the power of the Gospel, even in your own family, friendship circles, colleagues and communities?
As a believer, when last did you show forth with the activation of the Gospel’s power around you ?
Jesus says: I give ye power… . Learn to demonstrate this power today to silence all opposition to the gospel around you.
Yes, when the healing of the lame man took effect, the opponents of the gospel were put to shame. And their attempt to hurt the apostles received a reprimand , a backlash because: by them a good work had been down. This is the essence of the Gospel. Go out today , and show forth the power in the Gospel. God bless. Happy Sunday.
ABOUT THE PREACHER
Pastor Okoro is a revivalist, a marriage counselor. He can be reached on:
08051000462.
© All Bible references are from KJV.
Except otherwise stated.
November 20, 2022.
