The Church, An Opportunity for Ministry

The Church is often called the people of God or the body of Christ. As the people of God, He tells us, "I will live with you and walk among you, and I will be your God, and you will be my people” (2 Cor. 6:16).

As members of the body, "we are called to bear one another's burdens, and restore those found to be in sin” (Gal. 6:1-2). In Acts 3, we witness the Church's purpose in action.

“Peter and John went up to the temple, and a certain man lame from birth was carried, whom they laid daily at the temple gate, to ask alms from those who entered the temple” (Acts 3:1-2).

Peter and John met with an unexpected ministry opportunity as they went to Church. It was a challenge and a chance to take their faith seriously and apply their spiritual gifts to edify the church body. They could have easily walked by the lame man to get to Church when Church was staring them right in the face! Much to his surprise, Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: in the name of Jesus Christ, rise and walk” (v.6). What an incredible statement; in that second, the man went from disappointment to disbelief when told to rise and walk. What a drastic call to action this verse teaches us, “What I have, I give." What spiritual gift do you have that you can give to benefit others?

Why can't God use you like He did Peter and John? Many times, it is because we often rush by a ministry opportunity when it is staring us in the face. God's work is all around us; to see it, we must be willing to slow down, look around, and engage when given the opportunity.

Why Can’t God use you as He did with the unknown individuals who carried the man daily to the gate? Too often, we never engage with our family, friends, or neighbors. Maybe someone you know needs a ride to Church every Sunday.

Finally, why can’t God use you like the lame man? Because too many times, we do not share how God healed us, “And he lifted him, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength, so he, leaping up, entered the temple, walking, leaping, and praising God" (Acts 3:7-8). What an incredible testimony.

We, too, can be leaping for joy and praising God for what He has done for us. Your testimonies of how God healed, blessed, and saved you can be more impactful in the lives of others than you may realize. Don't keep the miracle He has performed in your life to yourself; those who hear and see your joy might just get saved.

"Now as the lame man was healed, all the people ran together to them incredibly amazed (v.11). Their hearts and minds were ready to hear one of the most powerful sermons concerning the name of Jesus. "Now they spoke to the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead, many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of them came to be about 5000” (Acts 4:1-4).

Let’s review this incredible chain of events. A few unknown individuals faithfully carried the lame man daily. Peter and John, through the power of the Holy Spirit, healed the man of his affliction. Through sharing his testimony, the healed man amazed so many people that their hearts softened to hear the gospel message and 5000 souls accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior that day.