Expect the Unexpected

Main message: God does greater things when we keep faithful in the small practices, come to His presence expecting change, and actively apply what the Holy Spirit has given us — as shown when Peter and John healed the lame man in Acts 3 by touch and the name of Jesus.

Key points:

• Peter and John remained faithful in simple disciplines (going to the temple to pray) even after seeing Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and Pentecost.
• The lame man at the Beautiful Gate illustrates being in proximity to God but not participating — close to the temple yet excluded because of a persistent problem.
• What we expect when we come to church influences what we receive; the congregation should expect healing, restoration, and spiritual victory.
• Move from merely receiving or experiencing the Holy Spirit to applying His power in faith — that is when lives change.
• Healing was given through touch and invoked “in the name of Jesus,” showing the importance of impartation and Christ’s authority.

Scriptures mentioned: Acts 3:1-10, Acts 2, Luke 16, Gospel of Luke