Bold Witness: The Transformative Power of the Gospel

 

Summary

In the book of Acts, chapter 4, we find Peter and John standing before the Sanhedrin, the great court in Jerusalem, after healing a man born lame. This miraculous event stirred the city, leading to their arrest and trial. When questioned about the power behind their actions, Peter boldly declared that it was through Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom the authorities had crucified and whom God had raised from the dead. This declaration of faith and the undeniable miracle left the authorities in awe, recognizing that these unlearned men had been with Jesus.

The essence of Christianity, as demonstrated by Peter and John, is not a mere tradition or philosophy but a supernatural phenomenon that transforms lives. The message of the church is rooted in the teachings and authority of the apostles, who were eyewitnesses to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christianity is not a product of human wisdom or philosophical thought but a divine revelation given to the apostles, who were commissioned to preach in the name of Jesus.

The apostles' message is based on historical facts—events they witnessed firsthand. They saw Jesus' miracles, heard His teachings, and experienced His resurrection. Their testimony is not a collection of cleverly devised fables but a proclamation of the truth they had seen and heard. The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of their message, affirming His victory over sin and death and offering salvation to all who believe.

The Christian message is not confined to the past; it is a living reality that calls each of us to respond. It challenges us to examine our relationship with this message and to accept the evidence of the apostles. The gospel is the declaration that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, offering eternal life to those who believe. This is the message that Peter and John could not help but speak, and it remains the message of the church today.

Key Takeaways:

- Christianity is a supernatural phenomenon that transforms lives, not a mere tradition or philosophy. It is rooted in the historical events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, witnessed by the apostles. [06:10]

- The authority of the Christian message comes from the apostles, who were eyewitnesses to Jesus' ministry. Their testimony is not based on human wisdom but on divine revelation. [09:30]

- The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, affirming His victory over sin and death. It offers salvation to all who believe, demonstrating God's satisfaction with Christ's sacrifice. [55:24]

- The apostles' message is a proclamation of facts, not fables. They witnessed Jesus' miracles, teachings, and resurrection, providing a reliable foundation for the Christian faith. [35:46]

- The gospel calls us to respond to the evidence of the apostles and to accept the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. It is a message of God's love and the promise of eternal life for those who believe. [58:20]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Peter and John on Trial
- [00:59] - The Miracle and the Arrest
- [02:02] - Boldness of the Apostles
- [03:20] - Understanding Christianity
- [04:36] - Christianity as a Phenomenon
- [06:27] - The Message of the Church
- [08:09] - Authority of the Apostles
- [10:17] - The Role of Revelation
- [12:35] - The Apostolic Witness
- [17:30] - Preaching in the Name of Jesus
- [23:15] - The Nature of Inspiration
- [32:01] - Witnesses of Facts
- [41:35] - Miracles and Teachings of Jesus
- [49:15] - The Meaning of the Gospel
- [57:11] - The Call to Respond

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Acts 4:19-20
2. Acts 4:10-12
3. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the reaction of the Sanhedrin when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and what did they recognize about them? ([02:17])

2. How did Peter and John respond to the command not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus? ([03:03])

3. According to the sermon, what is the foundation of the Christian message, and who are its primary witnesses? ([09:30])

4. What are some of the miraculous events that Peter and John witnessed, which they could not help but speak about? ([32:15])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why is the resurrection of Jesus considered the cornerstone of the Christian faith, and how does it affirm His victory over sin and death? ([55:24])

2. How does the sermon describe the difference between the Christian message and other philosophical or religious teachings? ([33:13])

3. What does it mean for the apostles' message to be based on divine revelation rather than human wisdom? How does this impact the authority of their testimony? ([22:56])

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Christian message is a living reality that calls for a response from each individual? ([57:23])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt challenged to speak about your faith. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Peter and John's boldness? ([03:03])

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of the resurrection. How does the reality of the resurrection influence your daily life and faith practices? ([55:24])

3. Consider the idea that Christianity is a supernatural phenomenon that transforms lives. How have you experienced transformation in your own life through your faith? ([06:10])

4. The apostles' message is based on historical facts. How can you use this understanding to strengthen your conversations about faith with others? ([32:15])

5. The sermon calls us to respond to the evidence of the apostles. What steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with the message of the gospel? ([57:23])

6. How can you ensure that your understanding of Christianity is rooted in the teachings of the apostles and not influenced by modern philosophical ideas? ([09:30])

7. Identify one area in your life where you feel called to respond to the gospel message. What practical steps can you take to align your actions with this calling? ([57:23])

Devotional

Day 1: Christianity as a Transformative Phenomenon
Christianity is not merely a tradition or philosophy; it is a supernatural phenomenon that transforms lives. This transformation is rooted in the historical events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, which were witnessed by the apostles. The miraculous healing performed by Peter and John in Acts 4 is a testament to the power of Jesus Christ working through His followers. The authorities were astonished by the boldness and conviction of these unlearned men, recognizing that they had been with Jesus. This encounter challenges us to see Christianity as a living and active force that continues to change lives today. The essence of the Christian faith is not found in human wisdom or philosophical thought but in the divine revelation and power of God. [06:10]

Acts 4:13-14 (ESV): "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition."

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced the transformative power of Jesus in your life? How can you share this experience with someone who may not yet know Him?


Day 2: Apostolic Authority and Divine Revelation
The authority of the Christian message comes from the apostles, who were eyewitnesses to Jesus' ministry. Their testimony is not based on human wisdom but on divine revelation. The apostles were commissioned by Jesus to preach in His name, and their message is rooted in the historical facts they witnessed firsthand. This divine revelation is what sets Christianity apart from other philosophies and traditions. The apostles' bold proclamation of the truth they had seen and heard serves as a reliable foundation for the Christian faith. As believers, we are called to trust in the authority of the apostles' message and to share it with others. [09:30]

2 Peter 1:16 (ESV): "For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty."

Reflection: How does understanding the authority of the apostles' testimony strengthen your faith? In what ways can you rely on this authority when sharing the gospel with others?


Day 3: The Resurrection as the Cornerstone of Faith
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, affirming His victory over sin and death. It offers salvation to all who believe, demonstrating God's satisfaction with Christ's sacrifice. The apostles' message is centered on the resurrection, which they witnessed firsthand. This event is not just a historical fact but a living reality that calls us to respond. The resurrection assures us of the hope and promise of eternal life, and it challenges us to live in light of this truth. As believers, we are called to embrace the power of the resurrection in our daily lives and to share this hope with others. [55:24]

1 Corinthians 15:20-22 (ESV): "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive."

Reflection: How does the reality of the resurrection impact your daily life and decisions? What steps can you take to live more fully in the power of the resurrection today?


Day 4: Proclamation of Facts, Not Fables
The apostles' message is a proclamation of facts, not fables. They witnessed Jesus' miracles, teachings, and resurrection, providing a reliable foundation for the Christian faith. Their testimony is not a collection of cleverly devised myths but a declaration of the truth they had seen and heard. This factual basis of the Christian message challenges us to examine the evidence and to respond to the truth of the gospel. As believers, we are called to share this message with confidence, knowing that it is grounded in historical reality. The apostles' witness serves as a powerful reminder of the truth and reliability of the Christian faith. [35:46]

Luke 1:1-4 (ESV): "Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught."

Reflection: How can you deepen your understanding of the historical evidence for the Christian faith? What resources or practices can help you share this evidence with others more effectively?


Day 5: The Gospel's Call to Respond
The gospel calls us to respond to the evidence of the apostles and to accept the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. It is a message of God's love and the promise of eternal life for those who believe. The apostles could not help but speak of what they had seen and heard, and their message continues to resonate today. As believers, we are invited to examine our relationship with the gospel and to respond to its call. This response involves accepting the truth of the apostles' testimony and embracing the salvation offered through Jesus. The gospel challenges us to live in light of God's love and to share this message with others. [58:20]

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (ESV): "All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can respond to the gospel's call in your life today? How can you actively share the message of God's love and reconciliation with someone in your community?

Quotes


Christianity is a phenomenon you know people think of Christianity in terms of a hum drum building and a hum drum sort of service where miserable people crawl in because they're afraid not to do so that's the common idea isn't it and people who don't do that they think they were emancipated themselves Christianity boring just some old lifeless tradition that's their view of it but you see it's quite wrong it's a phenomenon exciting something disturbing a kind of ferment something as this book puts it later on that turns the world upside down. [00:04:36]

The message that we preach is a message which is based upon the apostles these original Apostles you see here the Sanhedrin here's the great court and they are questioning and examining Peter and John Peter and John are just two of the Apostles they're two of the representatives of the Christian Church they were had been the preachers they were the people who caused the commercial Peter was the man who preached on the day of Pentecost so when you are asking this question what is this Christian message well the first answer we've got to give is this it is that which was preached preached by the apostles. [00:08:09]

The Apostle Paul in writing his letter to the Ephesians puts it like this at the end of the second chapter he says that the church is built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets there's the foundation there is the beginning the only message that I have in this Pulpit tonight is the message of the Apostles which I find in this book now the the these points are quite crucial you see if you want to know what Christianity is you don't start buying a textbook on philosophy you start reading the Bible. [00:10:17]

These men they preached with certainty assurance and boldness they've got Authority what's the authority Jesus Christ what's it mean well the Apostle has told us exactly what it means in that section I read at the beginning out of one Corinthians 15 here is having to write now to the church at Corinth about this see there were clever people in the first century as there are now and there were some who are saying there's no such thing as Resurrection it's impossible it can't happen and they thought they were still being Christians though they denied the resurrection. [00:20:20]

We have not followed cunningly devised fables when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ but were eyewitnesses of his Majesty for he received from God the Father honor and Glory when there came such a voice to him from the excellent Glory saying this is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased and this voice which came from heaven we heard they heard it with their natural ears when we were with him in the Holy Mount. [00:34:46]

Christianity is not primarily your attitude towards this or your opinion about that no no here's the only question of you accepted these things which the apostles had seen and had heard what are they oh let me hold them before you you know we are all so interested in Christianity that we really don't know what we ought to know about this Christ we are so interested in attitude that we've lost the whole mystery and novel of meeting the person but you know this book is all about this blessed person he dominates it he's the beginning the end they preach they taught in the name of Jesus it was always before them. [00:35:46]

We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard what had they seen well they'd seen him turning water into wine of course they have these are Miracles these are facts there'd be no church but for these things these are the attestations of his deity and of his divine Savior they seen him asleep in a boat and a sudden storm arose and they're terrified they're convinced they're going to drown they're all going to be to lose their lives and they awaken him in Terror and alarm and he gets up and he says to the Raging wind peace be sting and immediately there was a great calm. [00:41:35]

The resurrection was proed positive that he'd borne all the punishment demanded by the holy law of God the resurrection is God's Proclamation that he satisfied delivered for our offenses raised again for our justification in the resurrection God is proclaiming to the universe that he's satisfied his son has borne the penalty he's offering free pardon in all to all who believe in him the resurrection justification by faith and what else oh that he is the savior of the whole universe and that as they'd seen him ascending into the heavens he would come back again visible in bodily form. [00:55:24]

We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard gentlemen they said all right we respect you you're the authorities you're the court but when you ask us not to preach and to teach in this name we can't listen to you because of what we've seen because he is who he is because of why he came because of what he's done because he's the only way of Salvation we must and that is the message of Christianity this evening what is your relationship to this message my friend have you ever faced this these are not cunningly devised fables this is not merely a point of view I am here to report to you these facts these events these happenings these things that the apostles saw with their naked eyes and heard with their natural ears. [00:57:11]

This is the message of Christianity that God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life there's only one question before us it's this do you accept the evidence of these men do you take their testimony are you prepared to believe what they have witnessed they say to us tonight as they said to this court in Jerusalem we've seen him we've seen these things we've heard we've heard his own explanation of the message we are reporting to you the things which we have seen and heard. [00:58:20]

Have you obeyed that voice have you heard the message of the son of God he tells you tonight that he's come to seek and to save you because you're lost he's telling you he's telling us through Bread and Wine which he commanded that he gave his body to be broken and his blood to be shed on that Curel cross on calvary's Hill that you might be forgiven you are every sin and that you might From This Moment become a child a Son of God and an heir of everlasting Glory have you believed the apostolic witness and testimony. [00:59:33]

We do hope that you've been helped by the preaching of Dr Martin lyd Jones all of the sermons contained within the mlj trust audio library are now available for free download you may share the sermons or broadcast them however because of international copyright please be advised that we are asking first that these sermons never be offered for sale by a third party and second that these sermons will not be edited in any way for length or to use as audio clips you can find our contact information on our website at mlj trust.org that's mlj t.org. [01:00:16]

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Transcript
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