ACTS - PowerThis message is from Lead Pastor Dan Painter in week four of the sermon series “Acts - Power”. Grace Pointe is a church dedicated to seeing a world full of healthy churches by making as many people as much like Jesus in the shortest time possible. We are a multi-site church in Illinois with a campus in Naperville, IL and Plainfield, IL. If you would like to learn more about Grace Pointe Church, please visit www.gracepointe.us. Grace Pointe Naperville: Sunday services at 8 am, 9:30 am, and 11 amGrace Pointe Plainfield: Sunday services at 9 am and 11 am.Discover how meeting needs can transform your witness and open powerful doors for sharing the gospel. This message explores the biblical strategy used by Peter and John when they healed a lame man at the temple gate, showing how the early church grew from 120 disciples to a world-changing movement in just 200 years. Learn practical steps for becoming a more effective Christian witness through acts of mercy and compassion.Key topics covered include understanding what it means to be a faithful follower of Christ, why meeting physical needs creates opportunities for spiritual conversations, and how to overcome the common barriers that prevent us from seeing and responding to needs around us. The message provides actionable guidance on preparing yourself with resources and time, using your unique gifts to serve others, and recognizing when gospel opportunities are truly open.Whether you struggle with knowing how to share your faith naturally or feel overwhelmed by the needs you see around you, this biblical approach offers hope and practical direction. Discover how God's mercy toward you can motivate and empower you to extend that same mercy to others, creating authentic relationships and meaningful conversations about Jesus Christ.Perfect for Christians who want to grow in evangelism, church members seeking to live out the Great Commission, believers looking for practical ways to serve their community, and anyone interested in biblical approaches to meeting needs and sharing faith. Learn how mercy and mission work together to reflect God's character and advance His kingdom in a world desperate for both physical and spiritual healing.Important VersesActs 3:6Acts 3:16Acts 4:4Matthew 28:18-20Micah 6:82 Corinthians 9:11Think about it!What are some common reasons we tend to avoid or ignore needs around us, and which one do you struggle with most?How does remembering God's mercy toward us change our perspective on showing mercy to others?Peter and John treated the lame man as a person first before meeting his physical need. Why is this important, and how can we better do this?What gifts, resources, or abilities has God given you that you could use to meet needs in your community?Describe a time when meeting someone's physical need opened a door for spiritual conversation. What made that possible?How can we create 'margin' in our lives (time, money, resources) to be ready when God brings needs our way?What's the difference between meeting needs as a 'good person' versus meeting needs as a reflection of God's mercy?How do we discern when it's appropriate to share the gospel after meeting someone's need (red, yellow, green light concept)?Apply it!This week, intentionally look for one need around you that you've been avoiding or overlooking. Take time to really 'see' that person or situation, and take one concrete step to meet that need using the gifts and resources God has given you. Be prepared to share the gospel if the opportunity arises, but focus first on showing God's mercy through your actions.Key TakeawaysMeeting needs is one of the most powerful tools God has given the church for faithful witnessWe must first 'see' needs by turning toward them rather than avoiding themMeeting physical needs often opens doors for spiritual conversations and gospel sharing