January 9, 2023 -- Acts 3:1-10 -- The Acts of the Apostles: the last sign is Jesus

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 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. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 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!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 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.
Acts 3:1-10 ESV

Why do signs, like the healing of this man lame since birth, happen so frequently in the Gospels and in the first part of Acts, but not today? It is an important question. In I Corinthians 3 Paul uses the word “foundation” four times in quick succession (I Cor. 3:10,11,12,14). He refers to the foundation he (and the apostles) laid and of which Jesus Christ is the Cornerstone. That is, Jesus bears the weight of the building and sets the correct direction for the walls. Then, in Ephesians 2:18-22 it is noted that the foundation of Christianity is Jesus Christ; and the apostles and prophets.

When you build one house, how many foundations do you lay? One. Exactly. In order to verify the authenticity of Jesus as the Cornerstone, the God-man to Whom all the Old Testament pointed, He and His disciples gave signs and wonders. Jesus the Cornerstone and the apostles and prophets formed the One Foundation of the New Testament Church. You’ll note that as Acts continues these signs and wonders occur less frequently. Then in the letters and Hebrews there are no more signs and wonders. The second and third generation of Christians do greater things that Jesus did. That is, they do not perform miraculous signs, but the word they preach is accompanied by the power of the Spirit. Even without signs and wonders those who hear are judged to righteousness (that is to life in Jesus Christ) and some are judged to condemnation (that is confirmed as wicked). You can read this more fully in John 16:12-15.

People of God, you have the Bible. It is powerful. It is the Spirit-breathed witness to Jesus. Read it. Tell others about it. As you do, you will see people converted and changed by the power of the Word. This is the fulfilment of what Jesus taught. Focus on learning Who Jesus is through knowing the Word. This is the most powerful sign the people of God have today. “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever” (Isaiah 40:8 ESV).

Father in heaven, honoured and hallowed be Your Name, now and always! Thank You for Jesus Christ, Your True and Holy Witness, the Cornerstone for the Church. Thank You for the Spirit Who leads us into all truth. Triune God, let Your Truth sweep across our land so that many will be believe in Jesus Christ to the praise and blessing of the Father Who sent Him. Help us, Spirit of God, in all our trials and hardships, to keep walking in faithful obedience to Jesus Christ. Blessed God, prepare Your church attenders to receive many new converts, so that these men and women will be received, discipled and taught in the glorious way of salvation. Amen.

https://youtu.be/w1YBYrJ8Hzg

Martijn de Groot “The Church’s One Foundation”

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