City Life Starter

Written by Scott Fiddler

The Word

11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s. 12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: 

“16 And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. 17 “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 

Acts 3:11–12, 16-19

Reflection

When the Holy Spirit fell in Acts 2, and people from all over the world heard the disciples praising God in their own language, Peter didn’t announce the establishment of a ministry for speaking in tongues. He preached the gospel.

In Acts 3, after healing the man lame from birth, Peter didn’t set up a healing school, so people could travel from all over the Middle East to learn how to heal people. He preached the gospel.

Peter knew tongues, healing, and prophecy were not the end but the means. These miraculous manifestations were intended to point to Jesus and confirm the gospel message. So, when people gathered around him and the healed man, Peter preached to them about Jesus.

We wonder why we don’t see more healing or prophecy. We travel across the country to healing conferences. We read books on healing, prophecy, and the spiritual gifts. We do these things without ever learning how to share the gospel.

The gifts were never intended as an end but the means—the evidence of the truth of the gospel.

15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. . . .

20 And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by accompanying signs.

Mark 16:15, 20.

We wonder why we don’t see more miracles and healing when we should be asking why we don’t see more evangelism. 

Application

And here is the unfortunate irony: there are Evangelicals who are good about sharing the gospel but believe the gifts have passed away, and then there are Pentecostals who believe the gifts are for today but seek miracles instead of seeking the lost. 

What we need are people pursuing the lost, believing—as Jesus promised—that miracles, healing, and prophecy will follow.

If we seek the gifts without seeking the lost, we will likely get neither. If we seek the lost, we may get both. But more importantly, others will get the gospel. 

And that is the end game.

Prayer

Lord, please guide me into opportunities to share the gospel. Amen.