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Sermon on Receiving the Word – Are You A Glad Receiver Of The Word?

Sermon on Receiving the Word

Introduction: Acts 2:41

1. God’s plan in operation: The Word and man working together.

2. The great Commission (Mark 16:15-16) sends the Word forth, and the power placed in the gospel can effect salvation.

I.   This Being So, How Men React To The word of God Is Important.

A. Jesus pictured four kinds of hearts, dealing with the Word, and only one was good and honest — open to truth (Luke 8:15).

B. Jesus found it, in His own generation, much as Isaiah had: Some men close hearts, eyes, ears — blocking the Word (Matt. 13:15).

C. Some men, in hearing the Word, thrust it away from themselves, and judge themselves unworthy of everlasting life (Acts 13:46).

II.  Still, Some Men Are “Glad Receivers” Of The Word!

A. That is what we have in Acts 2:41.

B. That is what the Lord pictured in showing us the honest and good heart (Luke 8:15).

C. That is what is pictured in Acts 17:11, as we see the noble Bereans with readiness of mind receiving the Word.

III. Are You A “Glad Receiver” Of The Word? Acts 2 Describes Them.

A. Glad receivers BELIEVE THE SCRIPTURES, AND THE APOSTLES.

1. The Savior’s words delivered through apostles (John 17:20).

2. Scriptures are cited, vv. 16, 25, giving the truth of God.

3. The apostles were believed as true witnesses (v. 32).

B. Glad receivers CHANGE THEIR MINDS AND WILLS ABOUT THE CHRIST.

1. To many, he was an imposter, blasphemer — worthy of death.

2. Now, He is presented as Lord and Christ (v. 36).

3. They accept the fact that authority rests in Him (v. 36).

C. Glad receivers ACCEPT THE FACT OF THEIR SINFULNESS.

1. There is no dodging, evading, bending or twisting.

2. They are shown to be sinful, vv. 36-38, and in need of salvation.

D. Glad receivers COUNT THE COST, AND PAY THE PRICE.

1. These had to move against background, upbringing, family and follow a course bringing hardship to many of them.

2. 3,000 of them did not try to delay, put obedience off.

3. They did obey, to attain their salvation (vv. 38, 47).

E. Glad receivers DO NOT BALK AT GOD’S REQUIREMENTS.

1. Except for those who had heard John, baptism was new to them.

2. It was commanded, by Christ’s authority, for remission of sins (v. 38). 3,000 of them were baptized (v. 41).

3. There, the honest and good heart, in right response to God!

F. Glad receivers CONTINUE STEADFASTLY IN TRUTH.

1. Acts 2:42, They embarked in this new way with consistency.

2. 1 Corinthians 15:58. Steadfast, unmovable, abounding in God’s work.

Conclusion:

1. One other point: Glad receivers LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER!

2. Will you do as these, about 3,000 of them, did nearly 2,000 years ago?

3. Will you believe Jesus is the Christ, repent of sins, confess your faith, and be baptized into the Christ? What is your attitude toward God’s Word?