Introduction:     When the Body of Christ gathers together today it ought to be to celebrate and rejoice. What have we to rejoice in? There are many things, three are found in this second chapter of Acts. We have reason to rejoice because of:

I.          THE MESSAGE OF THE SAVIOR.  (V.22)

The first message is the same     message needed today! (“Jesus of Nazareth") Jesus is really our only message. This message is wonderful because it is:

            A.        About a Perfect Person. (v.22b) "approved of God" (the only perfect man)

·        By Miracles = (1411 doo'-nam-is...explosive force. (dynamite) power)

·        Jesus was a walking, talking Miracle

(Explosive power everywhere He went) The Hungary were Filled. the Hurting were Freed. The Lame got New Limbs, Lepers got New Looks, Lazarus got New Life, and Legion got a New Lord. Cripples Walked and Corpses Talked.

·        He is still perfect today! (Need for Hero's today)

I give you Jesus. Christians may stumble and Churches may split, but Christ will stand.

            B.         About a Painful Price. (v.23)

·        Crucifixion a slow, painful, agonizing death.

·        It was Pitiful and Painful, Violet and Vulgar.

·        The world looks at the Cross and sees Death, but we see Deliverance.

The world says "Gory" and we say "Glory"..."Oh the Blood Jesus shed for me, way back on Calvary..."

            C.        About a Powerful Proclamation. (v.24)

·        "Pains" = Birth Pains (The Tomb was a Womb that brought forth resurrection life).

·        Death could not hold Him!

We reason to rejoice in a Perfect Person who Paid a Painful Price, then experienced a Powerful Resurrection. OH, WHAT A SAVIOR!

II.         THE MIRACLE OF SALVATION.  (V.37) (The Message produces a Miracle)

How do you know you’re saved?

            A.        Because God Called You. (v.37)

·        "Pricked" = to pierce thoroughly, to shake or agitate violently.

·        (John 16:8) "And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:"(ministry of conviction)

            B.         Because God Changed You. (v.38)

·        "Repent" = Reconsider or think differently.

·        Salvation is being changed by the Spirit of God. Not by baptism.

"For" = on account of, because of. You are not saved because you were Dunked by the Pastor, but because you were Delivered by the Master. Not by Immersion, but by an Infusion of the Holy Spirit.

            C.        Because God Controls You. (vv.41, 42)

·        If you’re saved, you’re desire is to be controlled by the Spirit of God. You will continue on. Keep on keeping on in the work of the Lord. Why? Because you are controlled by the Spirit.

·        You are not saved because you work; you work because you are saved!

If you are truly saved, God Called You, Changed You, and Controls You. We therefore rejoice because of the Message of the Savior and the Miracle of Salvation

Also because of:

III.       THE MINISTRY OF THE SAINTS.  (VV.42; 46, 47)

(If the Message produces a Miracle, then the Miracle produces the Ministry) There are three basic ministries      we are responsible for:

            A.        Growing in the Scriptures. (v.42a)

·        "Apostle's doctrine" (N. T.)

·        Our responsibility to grow in His Word. (More savory than steak, more satisfying than taters, and sweeter than nanner pudding).

            B.         Glowing in the Spirit. (vv.42b; 46) In two areas:

·        Fellowship (v.42b) we are joined as one to love the Lord together. We are to love one another (v.46).

·        Worship. (v.47a) = to laud or to direct glory toward heaven. One can worship, but when the Body gathers together, man it's a celebration (love feast).

C.        Going to Sinners. (v.47b)

When you Grow and Glow you just have to Go!

·        "Lord added daily" (natural overflow of their celebration made the lost want what they had).

·        The lost wanted WHO they had!

Conclusion:       Truly we have much to rejoice in the Lord about. Here are three good reasons. Because of the:

            MESSAGE OF THE SAVIOR.......... He's still Perfect.

            MIRACLE OF SALVATION........... It still Stands.    

            MINISTRY OF THE SAINTS.......... What a Joy it is to Grow, Glow, and Go.

Till Jesus comes again, let's keep Growing in the Scriptures, Glowing in the Spirit, and Going to the Sinners.