Beyond ‘Try Harder’: Finding the True Power for a Life of Ministry
The sermon uses the narrative of Acts 3 to advocate for proactive, intentional ministry. While commendable in its aim, the homiletic method detaches the application from its gospel foundation. The sermon's core weakness is its moralistic drift, repeatedly grounding the power for ministry in the believer's decision and willpower ('what if you decided...') rather than in the person and work of Christ. This results in a 'try harder' imperative that is characteristic of a theologically anemic, or Sardis-like, condition.