Introduction
- Our general theme: faith
- Here we see how faith transforms
- And how it brings joy into our life
WE SEE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHURCH & WORLD
See the contrast between chapter 2 and chapter 3 = the church v. the outside world:
The church:
- preaching and its effects (v.36-37)
- the Christian view of the world (v.40)
- the sense of fellowship (v.42)
- the spirit of charity (v.44: "common")
APPLICATION: These things ought to be true of us all.
The World outside:
- sad human problems: v.2
- misery and poverty: v. 2
- loneliness and helplessness: v.2
APPLICATION: People despise the church - but when in trouble they
expect the church to help.
ILLUSTRATION: My father when ill.
DOCTRINE: NO LASTING JOY OUT OF CHRIST.
WE SEE WHAT JOY CHRIST BRINGS TO SINNERS
- The people of this world are always in need of help - this man is typical.
APPLICATION: Be charitable - set aside what you can afford to give to the wretched.
- The church has something to give that people never imagined: v.4-6
- The world only looks for money.
- We have better things = the Gospel
- Explain: Are there miracles today?
- Look what joy Christ brings: v.7-8
- This man's life is transformed
- See his gratitude to God
- See his attachment to the preachers!
DOCTRINE: CHRIST ALONE CAN GIVE SUCH JOY AS THIS.
- Examples:
- The woman at the well (John 4)
- Legion (Mark 5)
- Modern Examples also
APPLICATION: No joy like sins forgiven / the love of a Saviour / hope
of heaven.
WE SEE WHAT A SENSATION GOD'S POWER CAN BRING INTO SOCIETY
- I show you now how this event affected many others: v.9-11
APPLICATION: Our conversation can turn a situation around:
exx: Whitefield / CHS / T. Chalmers
- They were all affected: What an act of God! What a proof of God! What a sign of mercy!
APPLICATION: This is how our sleepy society will be one day awakened. Why not pray for a remarkable conversion?
- It made way for (i) preaching (ii) blessing - see 4:4 (5,000).
CONCLUSION
The story of a woman in Ayrshire who was converted.
Dunkie Donaldson