Bible Sermons Online

WE SEE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHURCH & WORLD

See the contrast between chapter 2 and chapter 3 = the church v. the outside world:

1. The church:

   1. preaching and its effects (v.36-37)
   2. the Christian view of the world (v.40)
   3. the sense of fellowship (v.42)
   4. the spirit of charity (v.44: "common")
   APPLICATION: These things ought to be true of us all.

2. The World outside:

   1. sad human problems: v.2
   2. misery and poverty: v. 2
   3. loneliness and helplessness: v.2
   APPLICATION: People despise the church - but when in trouble they expect the church to help.
   ILLUSTRATION: My father when ill.
   DOCTRINE: NO LASTING JOY OUT OF CHRIST.

WE SEE WHAT JOY CHRIST BRINGS TO SINNERS

1. The people of this world are always in need of help - this man is typical.
   APPLICATION: Be charitable - set aside what you can afford to give to the wretched.
2. The church has something to give that people never imagined: v.4-6
   1. The world only looks for money.
   2. We have better things = the Gospel
   3. Explain: Are there miracles today?
3. Look what joy Christ brings: v.7-8
   1. This man's life is transformed
   2. See his gratitude to God
   3. See his attachment to the preachers!
   DOCTRINE: CHRIST ALONE CAN GIVE SUCH JOY AS THIS.
4. Examples:
   1. The woman at the well (John 4)
   2. Legion (Mark 5)
   3. Modern Examples also
   APPLICATION: No joy like sins forgiven / the love of a Saviour / hope of heaven.

WE SEE WHAT A SENSATION GOD'S POWER CAN BRING INTO SOCIETY

1. I show you now how this event affected many others: v.9-11
   APPLICATION: Our conversation can turn a situation around:
   exx: Whitefield / CHS / T. Chalmers
2. They were all affected: What an act of God! What a proof of God! What a sign of mercy!
   APPLICATION: This is how our sleepy society will be one day awakened. Why not pray for a remarkable conversion?
3. It made way for (i) preaching (ii) blessing - see 4:4 (5,000).