Today’s Bible study lesson comes from the Book of Acts, chapter 3 and I believe you will find it enlightening.
it shows how Peter preaches about Christ when given the opportunity.
So, what is an opportunity?
Dictionary.com describes the word as:
“1. an appropriate or favorable time or occasion.
2. a situation or condition favorable for attainment of a goal.
3. a good position, chance, or prospect, as for advancement or success.”
All these are good explanations and today we’re going to apply them to this section to learn more about Scripture.
Let’s read the passage from Acts about how Peter sees opportunity and preaches about Jesus. How does it apply to us?
Peter Takes a Moment to Preach about Christ
While he was clinging to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them at the so-called portico of Solomon, full of amazement.
But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people, “Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this, or why do you gaze at us, as if by our own power or piety we had made him walk?
The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus, the one whom you delivered and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him. – Acts 3:11-13 NASB
The Crippled Beggar Miracle Creates Opportunity
After Peter healed the crippled beggar the crowds gathered around; amazed at what they had just witnessed.
Yes, this was an astounding miracle. And, the disciples were empowered by Jesus to heal the sick and even wake the dead when He sent them on their way (mission).
It’s Not All About Miracles!
The mission of Christ, and the mission of the disciples was not to perform miracles.
Yes, Jesus did quite a bit of healing during His ministry but He always came back to His message — forgiveness of sin.
After the Day of Pentecost, Peter finally realized this too!
He Saw Opportunity – And Followed Through
The miracle of healing the beggar brought the crowds. Then, Peter seized the moment to tell the people who Jesus was and how they had rejected Him.
He also used the opportunity to tell them what they could do to be forgiven of their sins.
It’s the same message we give to others today as Christians.
Every person has a choice to follow or not. If they decide to follow, they only have to follow these simple steps to become followers of Christ.
A Golf Tournament and Opportunity
A former pastor of my church comes to mind when I think of seizing the opportunities for telling the story.
Our church sponsored a golf outing at a local country club. There were about 60 people there. Some from the church and many more who just came to play.
At the end of the tournament, food was set up in a tent with picnic tables inside.
When I finished my round of golf (I didn’t do very well) I went to the tent to rest and have a hot dog.
To my surprise, there was my pastor – standing on one of the tables in the middle of the tent preaching a message!
I’ll never forget that event and how bold he was to take the opportunity to tell others about Jesus.
What Opportunities Do We Have to Talk about Christ?
Am I saying we should all go stand on the corner sidewalk and preach? No, but there are people who come into our lives every day. Some of them do not know Christ.
Some may even ask questions about our faith. When this happens, let’s follow Peter’s lead and take the opportunity to tell them what Jesus has meant in our lives.
We can at least do that, can’t we?
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to discover more about the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read this.
Reverent Billy Graham sums up what we should do in his video, “You are called to minister”. So, I thought I’d share it with you..