This study was first taught on September 27, 2020

Topic: Walking, Leaping, and Praising God

(use the audio to study)

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Background
Last week we spoke about "<em>Faith in the Name of Jesus Christ</em>". We noted that:
 The name of Jesus Christ is higher than any other name and that at the mention of that name, every knee must bow in obeisance—in heaven, earth, and hell!
 When we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, God grants us our requests. So, if after asking you are not getting a response, keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking, for God will answer you at the appropriate time.
 Faith in the name of Jesus Christ is our unwavering trust and dependence on the efficacy of the power and authority in that name.
 When you ask in the name of Jesus Christ, get your priorities right—King Solomon asked for wisdom with which to govern Israel, and God gave him what he did not ask for but which he needed. So, ask for others, not just for yourself.

Scripture Text(s)
Acts 3:6-9
In <strong><em>v.6</em></strong>, we see the reaction of the man born lame after the miracle of free unaided movement in the name of Jesus Christ, through Peter and John. This will form our title for today’s discussion.
The action/reaction of the man born lame after he was able to stand on his own feet occurred is in keeping with every natural human reaction to similar situations. He walked and leapt continually; he was ecstatic with joy—when we compare this man’s reaction with what we witness today of so many so-called miracles, one wonders whether a miracle has truly taken place! So let us review the man’s reaction and how it attracted people to the scene.
John 4:28-29; Acts 9:20; Luke 5:27-29, 25; Matthew 21:12-15; Luke 18:43; 17:12-19; 2 Kings 5:14-15; 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Exodus 15:1-21; Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Conclusion
When something uncommon happens to us, which is what a miraculous occurrence is, our response cannot but be uncommon—filled with excitement, jubilation, singing, etc. Anything less will bring to question if indeed something uncommon truly occurred or whether the recipient is an ungrateful person. How we celebrate miracles have a bearing on how people see those miracles and whether it can attract them to the place where they can hear about the miracle worker—Jesus Christ!

God desires, nay, He demands our thanksgiving/praise of Him. He wants us to glorify Him at all times—whether we like what has happened or not—it is an act of faith or trust in Him on our part. (<strong>Psalm 50:7-15, 23a</strong>). Sadly, many people have not developed a grateful heart, so when things happen, we don’t know how to give thanks. Some of us don’t know what God has done and is doing for us every day—His unseen mercies; His unsolicited interventions, etc. (<strong>Psalm 34:1; 103:1-2, 3-5, 7-18</strong>)

When we remember the hymn, "<em>Count your blessings name them one by one . . .</em>" we cannot but see the goodness of God in our lives and turn in appreciation to God. It is good to walk on air with ecstatic joy and to leap for joy for His wonders in your life; it is best to praise and thank God for His deeds—those known and unknown to us!

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