That's the Gospel Truth

Main Idea:

The truth of the gospel changes everything.

1. The Truth of the Gospel Is Expressed in the Power of God (Acts 3:11–12)

• The healing of the lame man was not by Peter’s or John’s power but by the name of Jesus.

• Miracles are God-centered, not man-centered—they testify to Christ as the promised Messiah.

• Faith still matters: even though Thomas needed to see the risen Christ, it is blessed for us to believe even if we have not seen with our own eyes (John 20:26–29).

• Today, we see God’s power through Scripture, history, and changed lives.

2. The Truth of the Gospel Is We Stand Guilty Outside of Christ (Acts 3:13–15)

• Peter reminds his audience they rejected and killed the Messiah.

• Zechariah prophesied they would look on “him whom they pierced” (Zechariah 12:10).

• Like Israel, we must face our guilt before we can repent.

• Romans 3:23: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

• Colossians 2:13–15: Christ canceled our debt at the cross.

• People respond to guilt by denying, minimizing, or being haunted by it—but only Christ removes it.

3. The Truth of the Gospel Is That There Is Hope in the Name of Jesus (Acts 3:16)

• Faith in Jesus’ name gave the lame man new life and strength.

• His situation pictures our own hopelessness apart from Christ.

• Spurgeon: Christ is not a sandy foundation, but a rock of hope.

• Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace…”

• Any hope apart from Christ will fail; true hope is found in Him alone.

4. The Truth of the Gospel Requires Repentance and Submission (Acts 3:17–21)

• Peter calls his hearers to repent so that sins may be blotted out and refreshing may come.

• Jesus is the greater Prophet like Moses, leading people out of the bondage of sin.

• Galatians 5:1: “For freedom Christ has set us free.”

• Romans 6:16: Everyone serves either sin or righteousness.

• Genuine faith in Christ requires both repentance and submission to His Lordship.

Conclusion

The gospel is God’s truth—and your response doesn’t change its reality. It reveals God’s power, mercy, grace, and wrath. It demands a decision: will you surrender and repent, or place hope in something that will fail?

The Lord’s Supper reminds us of the gospel truth—we identify with Christ’s death, proclaim it together, and look forward to His return (John 6:53–58; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26).