Refreshing faith

Slices

Prepare

Pray: ‘It’s been a while, Lord, since I felt refreshed by your presence. I feel I’m going through the motions too often in my spiritual life. I open my heart to you now and ask for times of refreshing once again.’

Bible passage

Acts 3:11-26

Peter speaks to the onlookers

11 While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: ‘Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

17 ‘Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you – even Jesus. 21 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 22 For Moses said, “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.”

24 ‘Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. 25 And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, “Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.” 26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.’

Word Live

Explore

Many scholars have identified a pattern in the sermons found in the early chapters of Acts: 

  • Jesus is the longing expressed by prophets (v 18)… 
  • fulfilled in his life, ministry, death and resurrection, and now… 
  • exalted to God’s right hand as Lord (v 21). The Holy Spirit’s presence… 
  • is the sign of Christ’s reign and this will be consummated… 
  • when he returns as Lord of all and… 
  • an appeal is then made with the offer of forgiveness and salvation. 

Inherent in Peter’s sermon is an invitation to his fellow Jews to be refreshed in their faith (v 19), that the breath of God, coming from his presence, might reinvigorate them. Jesus is introduced not as the last in a long line of great heroic figures but as God’s presence among his people. 

This calls for a complete about-turn on our part and not simply a readjustment in our thinking. 

Author
Gethin Russell-Jones

Respond

Pray: ‘Lord, open the eyes of my heart that I might see Jesus clearly again. May I see him more clearly, love him more dearly and follow him more nearly, day by day.’*

*after Richard, Bishop of Chichester, 1197–1253

Bible in a year

Read the Bible in a year: 1 Kings 12,13; 1 Corinthians 14

Pray for Scripture Union

Families Inc. (which starts on Friday) is a new holiday for families with children who have additional needs. Please pray for Helen Vinter and the team as they lead this, that it will be a place of welcome for everyone and that the families who attend will be refreshed and inspired.

Mission Support Training

Throughout the year we offer free online training sessions to help equip you as you prepare for key times of the year (Easter, Summer, Halloween and Christmas). These sessions aren't about selling you our latest resources (as good as they may be!) but they are all about training and equipping you to engage with the 95% of under-18s not in church as they Connect, Explore, Respond and Grow in their journey of faith. 

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