THEME:
The Apostle Peter took advantage of a God-moment and shared the gospel in front of some very scary and powerful opponents. And like this amazing man of faith, I want you to be watching out or those flashes of opportunity, that appear and then disappear so quickly. I want you to experience the joy that comes with being involved with God’s work, and walking alongside of him as he builds his kingdom. I want you to pounce on every chance you get, courageously lean into a moment in time, and make the most of every opportunity.
KEY SCRIPTURE:
Acts 3:1- 4:22
Acts 3:1-10
Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
God will place you in the right position to act when your opportunity arrives
Acts 3:8
And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.
Acts 3:12-16
And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.”
When opportunity knocks, tailor your message to match the situation
Acts 4:1-4
And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.
When your opportunity has passed, leave the results to God
Results of Peter’s Preaching
The Church grew to 5,000 or more (Acts 4:4).
The gospel was clearly articulated (Acts 4:12).
God was glorified because of the Holy Spirit’s work in the lives of the apostles (Acts 4:13).
Peter and John sought to please God and not men (Acts 4:19-20).
Begin to pray for opportunities to share your faith
Have a plan, so that you are ready when an opportunity arrives
Ideas for Your Opportunity
Rehearse your personal testimony.
Define what elements should be included in a gospel message.
You can use the Romans Road when you share.
Romans 3:23
Romans 6:23a
Romans 6:23b
Romans 5:8
Revelation 3:20
Invite them to give their lives to Christ.
Offer to help them grow into a disciple.
Use whatever tools are at your disposal when your opportunity arrives
Keep your opportunity organic and real, and don’t be afraid to ask questions