The Powerful Name of Jesus Acts 3:1-10

Here is a sermon outline from last month. I had a blast preaching this one. I'll post audio when I buy a new UBS cord for my mp3 recorder.

The Powerful name of Jesus

1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" 5So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. 6Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." 7Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 8He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.


I. The Kingdom is empowered by his name (the Kingdom is the reign of God)
A. By authority
We are commissioned – spread the kingdom, Jesus wants disciples, not converts
B. By action
Christ is subduing his creation through the actions of his people
II. The Kingdom moves in his name
A. Redeeming creatures
B. Redeeming culture
Peter and John could have withdrawn from their surroundings, but they were at the Temple among the Jewish people

III. The Kingdom draws people into his name
A. Causing people to enter
It doesn’t matter who you are
The lame did not have the right to enter the temple
Luke is using this man to show Kingdom inclusiveness
c.f. Is 35:6 – the lame leaping is a sign of the Messianic age
Any sinner has the right to enter the Temple – Jesus
B. Causing people to awe
When the Kingdom moves, people take notice…
(illustration) Seattle Times taking notice of Mark Driscoll & Mars Hill Bible Church

Conclusion: when Jesus has commissioned his disciples to build and equip the kingdom he sent them by the authority of his name. Kingdom work involves being active with your family, friends and surroundings to bring the kingdom to bear on creation and culture.