Have You Been With Jesus?

Text:  Acts 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. 14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

Introduction:  The name of Jesus is given to men of every age and nation, as that whereby alone believers are saved from the wrath to come. But when covetousness, pride, or any corrupt passion, rules within, men shut their eyes, and close their hearts, in enmity against the light; considering all as ignorant and unlearned, who desire to know nothing in comparison with Christ crucified. And the followers of Christ should act so that all who converse with them, may take knowledge that they have been with Jesus. That makes them holy, heavenly, spiritual, and cheerful, and raises them above this world.

You Can Be with Jesus:

1-IN SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES-Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

2-IF YOUR HEART WILL OPEN TO HIM-Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

3-BY DRAWING NIGH TO HIM-James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

4-BY CALLING ON HIM-Psalms 145:18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

5-BY WALKING AS HE WALKED-I John 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

WHEN YOU HAVE BEEN WITH JESUS YOU…

I.                   CAN BOLDLY SPEAK THE WORD OF GOD(Acts 4:10)

A-Without Fear

B-With Love

C-With Power

II.                WON’T TAKE CREDIT FOR ANYTHING GOOD(Acts 4:10)

A-Give God the Glory

B-Give God the Praise

C-Give God the Honor

III.             CAN SILENCE THE SKEPTICS(Acts 4:14)

A-None can argue with Jesus successfully

B-None can deny what they see with their own eyes

C-None can  win when fighting against God

IV.              PUT FEAR IN THE HEART OF THE ENEMY(Acts 4:16-18)

A-Enemy will try to silence your testimony

B-Enemy will threaten you in order to prevent the spread of the gospel

C-Enemy will try you to see if you are afraid

V.                 CAN DEPEND ON HIM TO BE THERE WHEN YOU CALL ON

HIM (Acts 4:24-31)

A-Gives victory when you call on him by prayer

B-Gives comfort in a time of Sorrow when you pray

C-Gives peace in a time of confusion

Conclusion-Many people go to church, pay tithes, do good deeds, maybe even teach or preach the word of God, yet have never been with Jesus. If you have ever been with Jesus, you have no desire to live a life of sin anymore. Your witness will never be effective if you have not been with Jesus. Folks will not notice a difference in your life unless you have been with Jesus. You will die in your sins and spend eternity in Hell if you have not been with Jesus. Have you been with Jesus? If so, are you walking as close with him as you possibly can? If not, why not come and pray? Get a closer walk with him. You will be happier in life if you are walking close with Jesus.