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The Jesus Effect<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pastor Don Carpenter \/ General<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Relationships; Holy Spirit; Power; Boldness; A Witness \/ Acts 4:5\u201313<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are traveling in uncharted waters. There has not been such world wide suspension of normal life since World War II. Many folks sheltering in place, hunting for the basics, and fearing for the safety of themselves and their loved ones. Folks now more than ever are ready to hear the truth of the Gospel. Now more than ever we as believers must be ready to give the Gospel, but how can we communicate the truth with both passion and clarity?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Philippians 3:10 KJV
\nThat I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In today’s world of Smart Phones, tablets and instant Internet access, there are many things that we can “know.” If someone asks the questions, “how long is the Verrazano Bridge,” a nimble person with a 4 G connection and an Iphone can ask Siri, “How long is the Verrazano Bridge,” and they will get an almost instantaneous response. But if we had sitting here an 85 year old retired construction worker that spent 2 years of his life building the Verrazano bridge in his 20s we would get the right information, but we would also get it with great passion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That’s what it means to “know Christ and the power of his resurrection.” It involves much more than repeating facts concerning Christ or the Bible. Knowing Christ is an intimate relationship with Him that changes your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Peter and John, Pastors on staff of the First Baptist Church at Jerusalem show us how to be effective witnesses of the power of the resurrection. Notice that they too were going through unprecedented trials, but because they had spent time with the Master, their audience felt the power of the resurrection, heard the good news of the Gospel, and saw the boldness of the believers. They had experienced the Jesus Effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Acts 4:5\u201313 KJV
\nAnd it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you spend time with Jesus, people will feel the power of the resurrection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Acts 4:10 KJV
\nBe it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The miracle was done not in their power, but by the name of Jesus Christ (cf. 3:16; 4:7, 12, 17\u201318). Though they had crucified Jesus, God had raised Him from the dead (cf. 2:23\u201324; 3:15).1<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Stanley D. Toussaint, \u201cActs,\u201d in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 363.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As folks see you exhibit life where there was once death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ephesians 2:1\u20133 KJV
\nAnd you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the Same Spirit that Raised Jesus lives in you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Romans 8:11 KJV
\nBut if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you spend time with Jesus, people will hear the good news of the Gospel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Acts 4:11 KJV
\nThis is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Psalm 118:22 KJV
\nThe stone which the builders refused Is become the head stone of the corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At any rate, the verse finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ Jesus who is the \u201cideal\u201d Israel (cf. Isa. 5:1\u20137; Matt. 2:15; 21:42; Mark 12:10; Luke 20:17; 1 Peter 2:7). The rejected Stone (Christ rejected by the nation in their crucifying Him) is the Capstone, the resurrected Lord.1<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1 Stanley D. Toussaint, \u201cActs,\u201d in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 363.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you spend time with Jesus, people will see the boldness of Spirit Filled Believers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Acts 4:12 KJV
\nNeither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One way to salvation<\/p>\n\n\n\n
John 14:6 KJV
\nJesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One way to life<\/p>\n\n\n\n
John 3:16 KJV
\nFor God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
John 3:18 KJV
\nHe that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
John 3:36 KJV
\nHe that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you spend time with Jesus even His enemies will recognize it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Acts 4:13 KJV
\nNow when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the Christian Reader, Ramon Williams writes that on April 28, 1996, a gunman walked into a crowded cafe in Port Arthur, Australia, and started shooting. Tony Kistan, a Salvation Army soldier from Sydney, and his wife Sarah were in the restaurant when the bullets began to fly. Courageously Tony stepped in front of his wife to shield her from the gunfire, and he was one of the first to fall. Thirty-four victims eventually died in the incident, including Tony Kistan. As he lay dying in his wife\u2019s arms, he spoke his last words, \u201cI\u2019m going to be with the Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Those final words of faith were quoted by the Australian media and carried to the world. \u201cAt a press conference,\u201d writes Williams, \u201cTony\u2019s son Nesan, 24, explained why his father held this assurance and described his father\u2019s dedication to the gospel. Hardened journalists and photographers were seen wiping tears from their eyes. In life, Tony had been a man who witnessed for his Lord to strangers and friends alike, and now in death, he had witnessed to others through his simple last statement.\u201d\n\n\nBeing a witness for Christ in this evil world brings eternal purpose to even the most tragic and painful events.1<\/code><\/pre>\n\n\n\n1 Craig Brian Larson, 750 Engaging Illustrations for Preachers, Teachers & Writers (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2002), 609\u2013610.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Exported from Logos Bible Software, 1:11 PM March 28, 2020.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Jesus Effect Pastor Don Carpenter \/ General Relationships; Holy Spirit; Power; Boldness; A Witness \/ Acts 4:5\u201313 We are traveling in uncharted waters. There has not been such world wide suspension of normal life since World War II. Many folks sheltering in place, hunting for the basics, and fearing for the safety of themselves … Continue reading The Jesus Effect<\/span>