Changed Lives

Oak Forest Church of Christ - Podcast Sermons

Acts 4:13

Jeff Johnson testimony

What made the difference? What happened in the mean time? Jesus gave the Apostles an assignment.

Matthew 28:16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

We have the same assignment – Go, as you go, make disciples – baptism and teach.

Share your faith with others, tell people about Jesus. They can’t accept unless you tell them.

Romans 10:13 “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Are your feet beautiful or ugly?

Are you telling your friends and family the good news of Jesus?

You are not responsible for their decision to accept Jesus but you will be held accountable for telling them.

Even after Jesus told the disciples to go and make disciples they were more concerned about something else.

Acts 1:6 … they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

The disciples still were not understanding the Spiritual nature of Jesus’ kingdom even after He rose from the dead. Jesus had to refocus their attention.

Acts 1:7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Don’t worry about the when or the how of the restoring of Israel just be my witnesses. They didn’t have to understand everything to be a faithful witness and you don’t have to understand everything to be a faithful witness.

What is a witness? A witness is someone who tells what they saw and know. During a trial, Lawyers will call witnesses to the stand (Perry Mason or Matlock). Even expert witnesses are called to testify so the Jury can understand the details of the crime and evidence.

You don’t have to be an expert witness to testify to what you saw and know. Just tell people what you know.

What do you know about Jesus?

You are a Christian – you know why you surrendered your life to Jesus and you know how you received the forgiveness of your sins and the indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit.

Be a witness to what you know.

The difference from being a follower of Jesus who hides and a follower of Jesus who is a witness is time.

Time spent with the resurrected Jesus having accepted His mission?

(Mission Impossible – if you chose to accept it.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TiqXFssKMY

If you get caught Jesus will not disavow your actions. Jesus will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into your reward.”

Time is what is needed for you to go from fear to boldness.

Acts 4:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Can people tell that you have been with Jesus? When you take time to be with Jesus you will be changed. When you spend time with Jesus you won’t be afraid of anything you will walk in boldness because you know He is with you.

Are you unschooled? Are you ordinary? Perfect, you are just like Peter and John.

Do you want to be courageous then spend time with the resurrected Jesus?

Quit hiding behind the locked doors of your house? Be bold, be courageous, be a witness for Jesus.

Accept the Mission of being a witness of what Jesus has done for you.

Get excited about Jesus, focus on all the blessings He has given you.

Remember all the forgiveness He gave to you. Remember the promises and your future in Heaven.

We ought to be bursting with joy and have to restrain ourselves from talking about Jesus.

Jeremiah

Jeremiah 20:9 But if I say, “I will not mention him or speak any more in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.

Apostles

Acts 4:20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.

I don’t have to get my courage up to talk about my granddaughter or my kids even my weight loss. I have to restrain myself because I don’t want to wear people out about how proud I am of my kids.

If we loved Jesus as much as we loved our kids maybe we would have to restrain ourselves from talking about Jesus instead of trying to muster up the courage to speak His name.

Because of Jesus’ resurrection be changed, be His witness.

Will you be changed today? Jesus loves you, He died for you.

Will you accept His love and grace?

Admit you are a sinner, be willing to repent and what to change, come and be immersed so your sins will be washed away and you will receive the Holy Spirit.