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A Recap from Sunday’s Sermon

Preaching Text: Acts 5:12-21a

The Lord is in the business of adding believers to himself. Jesus promised in Matthew 16 to build his church. Ever since then, he has been making good on that promise. The Lord uses Christians as witnesses and examples to help others come to faith. All four gospels have a variation on the Great Commission – Jesus sending his followers into the world to do his work.

Jesus adds people where discipleship occurs.

In today’s passage, verse 14 says, “And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.” These people were coming in part because God was drawing them to himself. But they were also coming because they saw God’s power at work (v.12), they saw authentic faith in the Apostles (v.13), and they were hearing “the words of this Life” (v.20).

The reference to “this Life” is a way to summarize the Good News. Jesus offers us a new life through repentance and forgiveness (see Luke 24:47). This forgiveness is between God and sinners and it leads to a real relationship with the Living God. Jesus wants everyone to come him. He died for the whole world. He uses Christians as witnesses to “this Life.” Our faith is certainly personal, but it should never be private. The very nature of a witness is to give testimony.

At Grace Anglican Church our vision includes “discipling generations.” This means both those younger in years and those newer in faith. Such discipleship means helping another learner grow in the knowledge and love of God. In order to be effective, we must be intentional. Start with those God has already placed in your life.  

Taking it home: A “person of peace” welcomes you, listens to you, and serves you. Discuss people of peace that God may have placed in your life. Pray for an opportunity to be a witness for God in their life.