Being an Enthusiastic Church “What does it mean to be an “Enthusiastic Church?” En-theos = “In-God” or “God in us” “What does it mean to be an “God-in-us church?”

Enthusiastic Church – Devoted to... Acts 2:42 Acts 2:42 ”They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

Enthusiastic Church – Devoted to... “devoted to” Literal meaning: Literal meaning: “Continuing steadfastly” = “A Commitment Lived Out in Action.”

Enthusiastic Church – Devoted to Apostles’ Teaching Devoted to: Devoted to: The Apostles’ Teaching = “A Commitment Lived Out in Action of learning more about Jesus through his Word.” “the God-in-us constancy, continually fed by the Word of God.”

Enthusiastic Church – Devoted to Breaking of Bread Devoted to: Devoted to: Breaking of bread = Sharing a meal that both celebrates and lives out grace and acceptance

Enthusiastic Church – Devoted to Breaking of Bread Devoted to: Devoted to: Fellowship= Committed to building community, fellowship [koinonia] because of our renewed community [fellowship] with God.

Enthusiastic Church – Devoted to Breaking of Bread Devoted to: Devoted to: Prayer= Being committed to show God that we value the relationship, Jesus has won for us on the cross, by opening our hearts to him in daily communication.

Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Scripture Reading Acts 3:1-10

Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus At the end of Acts 2 we are given “a rather cozy picture of the church gathered for teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread and the prayers.” William Willimon, Acts p.43 Church can become so warm and inviting that we rather not go outside.

Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus In one of the church’s old hymns In one of the church’s old hymns we sang: we sang: “Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer, that draws me from the world of care.”

Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus But Luke here shows that the church’s being devoted to these 4 things did not let them avoid the misery of the world. But Luke here shows that the church’s being devoted to these 4 things did not let them avoid the misery of the world. Peter and John on their way to prayer in the temple are confronted by a man lame from birth.

Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus William Willimon: ”The path toward significant prayer is a way that goes straight through, not around, human suffering.” ”The path toward significant prayer is a way that goes straight through, not around, human suffering.” Acts, p.44

Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Picture the scene: 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. 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.

Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus 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. 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.

Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus 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." 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."

Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus 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. 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.

Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Jesus continues his healing ministry through the church Acts 1:1-2 Acts 1:1-2 When Jesus commissioned the 12, he “gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases.” Luke 9:1

Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus The followers of Jesus continued the healing work of Jesus. The followers of Jesus continued the healing work of Jesus. “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk." Acts 3:6 = Acting on Jesus’ behalf, by his authority

Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus In the name of Jesus In the name of Jesus People were healed [3:6; 4:7] Miracles took place [4:30] Sins were forgiven [10:43] The Gospel was preached [4:17; 5:28] This was the name for which believers were ready to die [5:41; 9:16; 15:26]

Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus In the next section Peter goes on to explain: In the next section Peter goes on to explain: “Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?” v.12 “It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.” v.16

Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus This isn’t magic. This isn’t magic. This is Jesus continuing his work on earth through his body on earth, the church.

Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Do we as church still have this ability to heal, in the name of Jesus, by the authority of Jesus who is on heaven’s throne? When was the last time you told a panhandler with schizophrenia, “In the name of Jesus be healed.”?

Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Some would say that this ability was just for the early church Some would say that this ability was just for the early church to help it get started. Story of Ron VandenGrind Former CRWM Missionary in the Philippines

Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Jesus is still on the seat of authority Jesus is still on the seat of authority "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Matt. 28:18 Jesus is continuing his work in this world through his church until he comes again.

Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of JesusSaying “In Jesus’ name” is not a magic incantation. God is not our puppet who moves when we say magic words. Simon the sorcerer in Acts 8 wanted to buy the power to bestow the Holy Spirit.

Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus We say, “In Jesus’ name” We say, “In Jesus’ name” not to make God do what we want. But, we say “In Jesus’ name” to have the ability to do what Jesus wants us to do.

Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus But that still raises the question: But that still raises the question: Do we as the body of Christ, still have the authority of Jesus to heal the sick “in Jesus’ name?” Does our view of the world say that God now heals only through the medical profession?

Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Most of us have prayed in the name of Jesus for the healing of a loved one. Most of us have prayed in the name of Jesus for the healing of a loved one. What do you do with the fact that sometimes that loved one is healed and at other times the person is not healed in the way that we had asked?

Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Has this reality made us no longer believe that Has this reality made us no longer believe that Jesus continues his healing and redemptive ministry through his church today?

Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Enthusiastic Church – In the Name of Jesus Do we still pray in the name of Jesus with a faith that Jesus is in control? Do we still pray in the name of Jesus with a faith that Jesus is in control?