The Coolidge examiner., 1936-07-10

In 1 Corinthians 1:21-25, Paul sets
forth the attitude of the world to-
ward Christ and his gospel. The one
who breaches Christ crucitied must
expect opposition and even violent
persecution. This attitude OF the
world, instead of being a deterrent,
should be spur to ACTIVITY.
|. Peter Healing the Lame Man
(Acts 3:1-1D.
The place wv. l, 2). 1t was at the
beautiful gate which leads from the
outer to the inner court OF the
temple. This helpless man had been
placed at the entrance of the place
of worship where he might receive
the sympathetic attention of wor-
shippers.
3. The man (v. y. This beggar
was infirm from his birth. He was
not more than forty years old (Acts
:22). When he saw Peter and John
he asked aims.
3. The method wv. 3-S.)
a. Gaining the mans attention
(v. ~. Peter and John commanded
him to look on them. He asked for
money and got healing.
b. Peter commended him in the
name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth
to rise and walk ". 81. This was
the very thing he had been unable
to do all his life, but with the COM
mand went the ability to do so.
c. Peter took him by the right
hand (v. y, gave impetus to his
faith, not strength to his ankles.
4. The mans response ". 81.
Strength at once came to him. He
stood, walked, leaped and shouted
praises to God. He not only adver-
tised this miracle, but ascribed the
honor to God, and used his strength
in walking into the house of God.
5. The effect wv. GID. The peo-
pie were so filed with wonder that
they ran together to behold this
thing. There could be no question
as to the genuineness Of the mira
Gle for the man had been a familiar
figure for many years.
a. This helpless man had to be
carried to the temple. Men and
women out of Christ are so help
less that they need to be brought
where the life of God can be applied
to them.
b. Peter, taking the man by the
hand, showed the manner of helping
the lost. Christian witnesses should
bring them to Jesus.
II. Peter Witnessing Before tho
Multitude (Acts 3:1226.)
Though this miracle directed the
attention Of the people to Peter
and John, Peter seized the opportu-
nifty to present Christ to the people
who had assembled.
~. Peter in Prison for christ's
Sake (Acts 40.
]. The leaders. Both priests and
Sadducees joined in this persecution
(vv. l, y.
The priests were intolerant be-
cause these new teachers were en-
croaching upon their functions. The
Sadducees did not believe in the res
direction, which was vital part of
the apostolic preaching.
2. The result wv. 8, ~. Though
they were held in bondage by chains,
Christ continued to work. The num-
ber of believers greatly increased.
w. Peter Witnessing Before the
Sanhedrin (Acts 4 :5-2D.
l. The inquiry wv. SD. The in
quirers admitted the reality of the
miracle, but they wanted to know
what it signifed.
9. Peters answer wv. S-12). With
stinging sarcasm he showed them
that they were not on trial as evil
doers, but for doing good in the
name of Christ to the helpless and
needy man.
3. The impression upon the San
hedrin wv. 1920.
a. They marveled (v. 13). They
were made conscious that they were
on trial instead of sitting as judges.
b. They took knowledge that
Peter and John had been with Jesus
". 13).
C. They forbade them to speak
in Christ's name ". 1S). They could
not deny the miracle or gainsay the
accusation brought against them, so
they attempted intimidation.
d. Peter and Johns reply (vv. 10,
20). They expressed their determin-
alton to obey God rather than men,
e. Their release ". 2D. Seeing
that the people were on the side
of the apostles, the rulers were
helpless.
v. The Church at Prayer wv.
23-3D.
AS soon as Peter and John were
set free, they hastened to their fel-
low disciples and told their eXpe-
riences. They praised God for de,
liverance and prayed for boldness
to speak the Word of God. God an,
swered them with the shaking OF
the place and the sending of the
Holy Spirit.
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