In the sermon "The Third Message," Norm Wells explores the theme of divine sovereignty and the power of the Gospel as demonstrated in Acts 4:1-11. He presents the unwavering truth that Peter and John, despite being faced with opposition from the Sanhedrin, boldly preach Christ and Him crucified, resulting in the miraculous healing of a lame man and the conversion of about 5,000 people. The preacher emphasizes God's sovereign grace in salvation, supporting his assertions with references to Acts 4:4—“many of them which heard the word believed”—and Acts 13:48, suggesting both Jews and Gentiles are saved by the same divine grace. The practical significance of the message revolves around the call to preach the Gospel faithfully, regardless of opposition, while trusting in the Holy Spirit's enabling power for effective ministry.
Key Quotes
“By nature, all of us are in that condition. We are broken in the feet. We just cannot move towards the Lord, and it takes an act of grace to do that.”
“Peter didn’t claim the responsibility. He didn’t claim any act of it. He simply was used to preach the word. Christ in Him crucified.”
“The only hope is the gospel. He goes on to say, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him, does this man stand here before you whole.”
“Where does that come from? God changing our mind. And that's repentance. God changes our mind about God.”
The Bible teaches that grace is the unmerited favor of God, essential for salvation, as demonstrated in passages like Ephesians 2:8-9.
Grace is God’s unmerited favor, which is foundational to the Christian faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, not a result of our works. This doctrine reflects the sovereign grace theology that asserts all aspects of salvation are driven by God's choice and grace, not human effort. As Apostle Paul declares, we are saved through faith, and this faith itself is a gift that comes from God, highlighting His initiative in our redemption. Moreover, in Acts 13:48, it's shown that those who believed were ordained to eternal life, reaffirming the truth that grace operates ultimately according to God's divine will and purpose.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Acts 13:48
Predestination is affirmed in Scripture, notably in Ephesians 1:4-5 and Romans 8:29-30.
Predestination, the belief that God has chosen certain individuals for salvation before the foundation of the world, is firmly rooted in the Bible. Ephesians 1:4-5 states that God chose us in Christ before the world was created, aligning our salvation with His divine purpose and grace. Additionally, Romans 8:29-30 illustrates a chain of salvation, showing that those God foreknew, He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son. This doctrine assures believers of God’s sovereignty over salvation, emphasizing that it is God who initiates and completes the work of redemption, further underscoring the reality that salvation is not based on our actions but on God’s merciful choice.
Ephesians 1:4-5, Romans 8:29-30
The resurrection of Christ is central to the Christian faith as it represents victory over sin and death, as noted in 1 Corinthians 15:17.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is pivotal for Christians because it confirms His identity as the Son of God and guarantees our own resurrection and eternal life. As 1 Corinthians 15:17 articulates, if Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile, and we are still in our sins. The resurrection therefore validates Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, demonstrating that He conquers sin and death for believers. This event provides hope of eternal life, underscoring the message that through Him, believers have not just forgiveness but also the assurance of rising again. The resurrection is the cornerstone of the Gospel and is continually proclaimed in the early church's preaching, including that of Peter and John in Acts, showcasing it as a fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.
1 Corinthians 15:17, Acts (various references)
Acts illustrates the power of preaching the Gospel and reliance on the Holy Spirit for effective evangelism, exemplified in Peter's sermons.
The Book of Acts serves as a foundational text for understanding evangelism as it showcases the early church's commitment to proclaiming the Gospel despite persecution. Throughout Acts, notably in Peter's sermons, evangelism is portrayed as centered on the person of Jesus Christ and His resurrection. The example of Peter boldly preaching to the Sanhedrin demonstrates reliance on the Holy Spirit for wisdom and courage to share the truth, fulfilling Jesus’ promise in Matthew 10:19 that believers will be given the words to speak at the right time. The narrative emphasizes that the successful spread of the Gospel is not dependent on human effort but on God’s divine action to draw His people—those who are ordained to eternal life—to faith. Thus, evangelism in Acts is both a command and an opportunity for believers to participate in God's plan of salvation.
Acts (various references), Matthew 10:19
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