How To MINISTER To Make A DIFFERENCE, Pt. 1

SERIES: BEING A GREAT PERSON FOR A GREAT GOD Acts 3:1-11; Selected Scriptures By D.Z. Cofield, Th.M., D. Min. September 18, 2022 Scripture Reading: Acts 3:1-10 (ESV) – 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. 1. You need to realize to be used by The LORD you must make PRAYER your PRIORITY. Acts 3:1 (ESV) – Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. Psalm 55:17 (ESV) – Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and he hears my voice. Daniel 6:10 (ESV) – When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. Luke 18:1 (ESV) – And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. Romans 12:12 (ESV) – Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 2. You need to realize The LORD wants to WORK through YOU to CHANGE lives. Acts 3:1-5 (ESV) – 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. Galatians 6:1 (ESV) – Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Romans 15:1 (ESV) – We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Study Questions 1. If a stranger asked you for a handout, what would you most likely do? Why? 2. How do you feel toward people who are poor, homeless, or obviously needy? 3. What would keep you from asking for help or a handout if you were in need? 4. What is the relationship between you praying and being used by The LORD? Explain 5. If God were to do a miracle of healing among the people in the church, how do you think most people would respond? Why? 6. When was the last time God answered a prayer of yours? What was the prayer? 7. How did you respond the last time God answered a prayer? 8. What specific attitudes toward the weak and needy need to change before God can effectiv...