Podcasts about Beautiful Gate

n Acts 3, the apostles Peter and John perform a miraculous healing of a lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple in Jerusalem. This miracle draws a crowd, allowing Peter to deliver a powerful sermon about the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus for salvation, urging the people to repent and turn toward God for forgiveness and restoration. Key themes include miracles, faith, repentance, and the gospel message. This chapter highlights the early Christian community's boldness in proclaiming Christ and the transformative power of divine miracles.

Send us a textActs 3:1-10Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.Support the show

In "I Am Sending You," Dino Rizzo unpacks how Jesus' resurrection wasn't just an event to celebrate but a commission to embrace. Through Acts 3:1-10, discover how Peter and John's encounter at the Beautiful Gate reveals what it means to truly see people, and learn that these "sent moments" can happen anywhere. Once Jesus saves us, He sends us with His power and purpose!

Be the Church: Healers Acts 3:1-10 3 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Join us as John shares a powerful message on 'The Faith that Heals,' drawing from the story of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate. As he marks 60 years of following Jesus, John passionately reflects on God's faithfulness and invites us all to experience His goodness. Don't miss this encouraging word!

Richard Taylor (Director, Corpus Christi Baptist Association), "Ministry Beyond the Gate", Children's Time, Modern Worship Praise Team (11:15 Service).          1.  Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.  2.  And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple;  3.  who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.  4.  And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.”  5.  So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.  6.  Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”  7.  And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.  8.  So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.  9.  And all the people saw him walking and praising God.  10.  Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.          (Acts 3:1-10 NKJV)

Richard Taylor (Director, Corpus Christi Baptist Association), "Ministry Beyond the Gate", Children's Time, Choir, Blended Worship Praise Team (8:45 Service).          1.  Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.  2.  And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple;  3.  who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.  4.  And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.”  5.  So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.  6.  Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”  7.  And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.  8.  So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.  9.  And all the people saw him walking and praising God.  10.  Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.          (Acts 3:1-10 NKJV)

Richard Taylor (Director, Corpus Christi Baptist Association), "Ministry Beyond the Gate".          1.  Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.  2.  And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple;  3.  who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.  4.  And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.”  5.  So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.  6.  Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”  7.  And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.  8.  So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.  9.  And all the people saw him walking and praising God.  10.  Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.          (Acts 3:1-10 NKJV)

Richard Taylor (Director, Corpus Christi Baptist Association), "Ministry Beyond the Gate", Children's Time, Modern Worship Praise Team (11:15 Service).          1.  Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.  2.  And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple;  3.  who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.  4.  And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.”  5.  So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.  6.  Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”  7.  And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.  8.  So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.  9.  And all the people saw him walking and praising God.  10.  Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.          (Acts 3:1-10 NKJV)

Richard Taylor (Director, Corpus Christi Baptist Association), "Ministry Beyond the Gate", Children's Time, Choir, Blended Worship Praise Team (8:45 Service).          1.  Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.  2.  And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple;  3.  who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.  4.  And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.”  5.  So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.  6.  Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”  7.  And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.  8.  So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.  9.  And all the people saw him walking and praising God.  10.  Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.          (Acts 3:1-10 NKJV)

Richard Taylor (Director, Corpus Christi Baptist Association), "Ministry Beyond the Gate".          1.  Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.  2.  And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple;  3.  who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms.  4.  And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.”  5.  So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them.  6.  Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”  7.  And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.  8.  So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.  9.  And all the people saw him walking and praising God.  10.  Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.          (Acts 3:1-10 NKJV)

Send us a textRob, Dominic, and Colin continue their discussion of the book of Acts.   This episode includes the healing of the impotent man at the Beautiful Gate, and the first persecution.  We discuss Acts 3:1-4:22.

This episode of Melchizedek's Tabernacle of Victory, features Derek discussing God as the "Way Maker," with a focus on the biblical concept of Jubilee. He emphasizes gratitude in prayer and explores Isaiah 43:16-19, highlighting God's miraculous ability to create new paths for redemption. The lecture distinguishes three life paths—dark and wicked, obedient, and righteous—encouraging personal responsibility in choices.Derek elaborates on the symbolism of Herod's Temple, particularly the Beautiful Gate, representing access to God's redemptive plan. Throughout the discussion, the theme of Jubilee is linked to humility and submission to God's will, ultimately affirming Jesus Christ as the ultimate Way Maker for believers seeking freedom from sin and oppression. The session concludes with a call to deepen relationships with God and engage in scriptural studies.https://www.talknetworkradio.com/hosts/mtov/mtov-podcasts

02-23-25 Sun AM “A Beautiful Gate”Pastor Nathaniel UrshanActs 3:1-10You can contact us at https://fpcdurham.org/contact

Acts 3:1-26 1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. […] The post “And many wonders and signs were being done through the Apostles.” (Acts 3:1-26) first appeared on Hope of Christ Church.

What is faith? Why is it so important? After the healing of the man at the Beautiful Gate, Joel explores the importance of Peter's biography of faith, and how faith in Jesus transformed him from a man cowering in the shadows, to one who can stand up in front of thousands to preach the good news of Jesus. 

I. The power of the Apostles' healing. II. The wonder of the Apostles' healing. III. The purpose of the Apostles' healing.

2.16.25 | Pastor Heath Hardesty

On today's program we'll take another look at Acts chapter three. Have you ever experienced something and later realized you'd been set up? That's exactly what's about to happen to Peter and John... but in a good way! They're on their way to the temple to pray and they come across a lame man begging for money. What happens at The Beautiful Gate is nothing short of a miracle. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/621/29

On today's program we'll take another look at Acts chapter three. Have you ever experienced something and later realized you'd been set up? That's exactly what's about to happen to Peter and John... but in a good way! They're on their way to the temple to pray and they come across a lame man begging for money. What happens at The Beautiful Gate is nothing short of a miracle. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/621/29

Welcome to Episode #163 of Way of the Bible podcast. This is our third of eight episodes in our Twenty-First mini-series entitled, Sermon on the Mount Part 2. On today's episode we'll be hearing Jesus teach another foundational and hidden principle of life in the Kingdom of Heaven. Giving to the Needy.You will see this principle of giving to the needy exhibited throughout the scriptures, intimated in the name of God, embedded in the LAW, a major element of the Servant characterized in Isaiah, and of course the hallmark of Jesus' ministry. Let's start with that last one and then get into the passage where Jesus addresses our Giving to the Needy. Jesus said of himself in Matthew 20:26-28 – But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” We were all once dead in our trespass and sin, and even now we are all needy. Jesus came to serve us both then and now. How you ask? It starts with then…Romans 5:6-8 – For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.It is our belief in the sufficiency of Christ's service unto death for our sins and his resurrection bringing us new life that we are saved.An example of Jesus serving us now is found in Romans 8:34 – Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Why is this intercession important? Revelation 12:10 – “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. Every accusation against you made by the devil, Jesus smothers out in intercession with the Father.Acts 3:1-10 – Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.With that as a brief introduction, let's jump into Matthew 6:1-4 – “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2 “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

The extraordinary power of Jesus' name takes center stage in this powerful message. We're reminded of the miraculous healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, as recounted in Acts 3. This story isn't just about physical healing; it's a profound metaphor for spiritual transformation. Just as the lame man was lifted up and entered the temple for the first time, we too can experience a life-changing encounter with Jesus that allows us to enter into God's presence. The message challenges us to consider: Are we living in the power of Jesus' name? Are we allowing His presence to transform not just our circumstances, but our very identities? It's a call to move beyond mere religious observance to a vibrant, extraordinary life filled with the Holy Spirit's power. This isn't just about individual transformation, but about becoming agents of reconciliation and restoration in a broken world. As we embrace this extraordinary life, we're invited to see beyond our limitations and believe in a God who still performs miracles today.

The extraordinary power of Jesus' name takes center stage in this powerful message. We're reminded of the miraculous healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, as recounted in Acts 3. This story isn't just about physical healing; it's a profound metaphor for spiritual transformation. Just as the lame man was lifted up and entered the temple for the first time, we too can experience a life-changing encounter with Jesus that allows us to enter into God's presence. The message challenges us to consider: Are we living in the power of Jesus' name? Are we allowing His presence to transform not just our circumstances, but our very identities? It's a call to move beyond mere religious observance to a vibrant, extraordinary life filled with the Holy Spirit's power. This isn't just about individual transformation, but about becoming agents of reconciliation and restoration in a broken world. As we embrace this extraordinary life, we're invited to see beyond our limitations and believe in a God who still performs miracles today.

This Sunday's sermon was taken from Acts 3.  Luke recounts the story of the first healing miracle in the Book of Acts. Peter and John encounter a lame man who is begging for alms at a place in the temple called “The Beautiful Gate.”    Here's the great news: Jesus is the Beautiful Gate opening to a glorious new creation. That lame man represents all of us spiritually. More than just us, the lame man represents a lame world.    Sin has broken us.   It has deeply shattered the world.    But with the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, everything is about to change. Sin has been defeated. Christ has been exalted. He is now making all things beautiful through the gospel.    The gospel is not just the announcement of sin being forgiven. It is the glorious news of God's cosmic restoration project. For our world where sin and war and trauma and brokenness dominate the horizons of our lives, the gospel is really gloriously good news. Come as we listen to the apostle Peter preach his second sermon in the book of Acts and as he announces how great the good news is and how we can be a part of it as His people. Our sermon is called Repentance and Restoration. Join us on Sundays at 9 and 11. Pray and bring a friend.  Plan a visit by going to waterbrooke.church

Send us a text“Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer. And a man who had been lame from his mother's womb was being carried along, whom they used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, in order to beg alms of those who were entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he began asking to receive alms. But Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, “Look at us!” And he began to give them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—walk!” And seizing him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God; and they were taking note of him as being the one who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg alms, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. While he was clinging to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them at the so-called portico of Solomon, full of amazement. But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people, “Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this, or why do you gaze at us, as if by our own power or piety we had made him walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant Jesus, the one whom you delivered and disowned in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him. But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, but put to death the Prince of life, the one whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses. And on the basis of faith in His name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.”‭‭Acts‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭16‬ ‭Support the showThe American Soul Podcasthttps://www.buzzsprout.com/1791934/subscribe

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Click HERE to give! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome, dear listeners, to the Daily Radio Bible! Today, on this 14th day of October, we continue our journey through the Bible together. I'm Hunter, your Bible reading coach, here to guide you through the Scriptures as we delve into God's Word for day 288 of our year-long voyage. We'll be exploring several key scriptures today. Our readings include Nehemiah chapters 11 and 12, Psalm 1, and Acts chapter 3, all from the New Living Translation. We'll see how Nehemiah organizes the people of Jerusalem, celebrate the joy and dedication of the new wall, and witness the miraculous healing of a lame man in Acts, showcasing the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. Stay with us as we meditate on these passages and uncover their profound message for our lives today. And a special thank you to Nora from Switzerland for her kind words and encouragement, reminding us of the impact this community has worldwide. Sit back, reflect, and be inspired by today's episode of Daily Radio Bible. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Acts 3:1-16 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's. 12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? 13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him. 14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16 And His name—by faith in His name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.”   Key Words: Lame, Prayer, Look, Name, Jesus, Rise, Walk, Praising, Wonder, Killed, Life, Faith Keystone Verse: And His name—by faith in His name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. (Acts 3:16)     Bulletin

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:1-3, 6The only way to grow in prayer is through prayer.“No other god can save. No other God can heal. No other God's alive and active here today.”Met By LovePRAYING IN FAITHD.L. MOODY PICUTRE***6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Hebrews 11:6The great gulf fixed today is between the evangelical rationalist and the evangelical mystic. The evangelical rationalists insist upon trying to reduce everything down to where it can be explained and proved and thus have rationalized faith and have pulled the Almighty God down to the low level of human reason. On the other hand, the evangelical mystic believes God and disbelieves human reason since there are some things human reason cannot doA.W. TozerOne famous Jewish prayer began like this: “Blessed, praised, and glorified, exalted, and honored, magnified and lauded be the name of the Holy One.”5 “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. 6 But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. 7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.Matthew 6:5-8PRAYING IN FAITH DOESN'T REQUIRE A LOT OF…WORDS7 “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.Matthew 6:7-8Many of the most prevailing prayers have been as short as they were strong.Charles SpurgeonNow Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.[a] 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. Acts 3:1-72. VOLUME/ATTENTION20 So Ahab sent to all the people of Israel and gathered the prophets together at Mount Carmel. 21 And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. 22 Then Elijah said to the people, “I, even I only, am left a prophet of the Lord, but Baal's prophets are 450 men. 23 Let two bulls be given to us, and let them choose one bull for themselves and cut it in pieces and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it. And I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood and put no fire to it. 24 And you call upon the name of your god, and I will call upon the name of the Lord, and the God who answers by fire, he is God.” And all the people answered, “It is well spoken.” 25 Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first, for you are many, and call upon the name of your god, but put no fire to it.” 26 And they took the bull that was given them, and they prepared it and called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they limped around the altar that they had made. 27 And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” 28 And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them. 29 And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention.30 Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” And all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been thrown down. 31 Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord came, saying, “Israel shall be your name,” 32 and with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord. And he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two seahs[a] of seed. 33 And he put the wood in order and cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the wood. And he said, “Fill four jars with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood.” 34 And he said, “Do it a second time.” And they did it a second time. And he said, “Do it a third time.” And they did it a third time. 35 And the water ran around the altar and filled the trench also with water.36 And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. 37 Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” 38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.”1 Kings 18:20-3922 Then Elijah said to the people, “I, even I only, am left a prophet of the Lord, but Baal's prophets are 450 men. 1 Kings 18:22Their writhings were born of ignorance and superstition and got them nowhere. Everything was a mistake—their zeal, their body-punishing prayer, their determination. They were wrong in spite of their zealous praying. And such error did not die with them.A.W. Tozer9 All who fashion idols are nothing, and the things they delight in do not profit. Their witnesses neither see nor know, that they may be put to shame. 10 Who fashions a god or casts an idol that is profitable for nothing?14 He cuts down cedars, or he chooses a cypress tree or an oak and lets it grow strong among the...

Faith in the power of Christ is not the same thing as faith in the power of faith. In this passage, Peter says explicitly that it was not through their own power or holiness that this remarkable healing was accomplished. Rather it was the power of the risen Christ who did it, using Peter and John as His instrument. 

Crossroads Church Podcast

Worship led by Jeff Anderson

Crossroads Church Podcast

Worship led by Gabe Velasquez

A Sermon for the Fifth Sunday after Trinity by Matthew Colvin As you know, our family lives in Port Alberni. When we first moved there, I met some guys on the tennis court, and when I told them I was new to town, their immediate question was, “Do you fish?” I said no. “Then what are you doing here?” — as though it were inexplicable why anyone would live in Port Alberni without catching fish. And sometimes, because the Barclay Sound is so pretty, and because I have enjoyed a cruise down the Alberni Inlet on the MV Frances Barclay, and because all my friends own boats, I say to my wife, “Maybe we could get one.” And then she reminds me that I hate doing maintenance on things, and that a boat is a hole in the water that you throw money into. But maybe the biggest objection, for me, comes from Psalm 107: “They that go down to the sea in ships, and occupy their business in great waters; These men see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. For at his word the stormy wind ariseth, which lifeth up the waves thereof. They are carried up to the heaven, and down again to the deep; their soul melteth away because of the trouble.” (107:23-26) That is why I am a landlubber from the fishing capital of Canada. Unlike St. Peter. We have already met Peter in chapter 4 of Luke, because Jesus has healed his mother in law from a fever. And we know, also, that Peter and Andrew his brother were looking for the coming of the Messiah. Jesus's preaching has been in synagogues in Nazareth and in Capernaum in chapter 4. But now, he has a larger audience, and the venue is moved outdoors: the crowd first surrounds him and is “pressing in upon him” — not the last time we will see crowds behave this way: remember the reaction of his disciples when the woman with the bleeding comes up behind Jesus and touches his robe. “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?'” This is the behaviour of crowds also in our own day in the presence of someone they have come to see. Jesus at first is standing by the shore of Genessaret, but he then finds a solution to the crowding problem: by getting into a boat, and putting out from the land a little bit, he is able to continue teaching, in his usual seated posture that he had taught in also in the two synagogues, but now with a boundary of water between him and the crowds. In the event, it will be those who are with him in the boats who become his followers, as though they were with him on the other side of the waters of baptism. One might wonder why there is mention of two boats, not just the one that Jesus sat in. This is what we call a narrative seed. Some of you may have heard of the term “Chekhov's gun.” The Russian playwright Anton Chekhov said, “If you say in the first act of a play that there is a rifle hanging on the wall, then in the second or third act it absolutely must go off. If it's not going to be fired, it shouldn't be hanging there.” In this case, the second boat will be needed in verse 8 when there are too many fish for the one boat to handle. If you've ever seen a stage magician, you'll recall how they always take pains to demonstrate how difficult the trick is: they'll cut a watermelon with the sword they're about to use on the lovely assistant; or fan the cards to show that the deck isn't rigged; or bring up a burly member of the audience to demonstrate how the chains the magician is going to escape from are really strong. God or Jesus isn't a stage magician, of course. But he does like to demonstrate the difficulty of his miracles. Remember Elijah pouring water three times over the altar before the fire of God fell from heaven to burn it up in front of the prophets of Baal? Or Jesus choosing to heal, not a man who had recently become blind, but one who was more than 30 years old and had been blind from birth? Or Jesus pointedly asking the disciples to show him the five loaves and three fish first before proceeding to feed the five thousand with them? In the present story, we are told that “the fishermen had got out of the boats and were washing their nets.” This tell us that they were using trammel-nets, made of linen, which needed to be washed after use. If the linen nets were not washed and dried promptly after use they would rot from the various organic matter stuck in them after use. Further, this washing was invariably done in the morning. Why? Because until the introduction of modern nets made of transparent nylon, fishing with linen nets had to be done at night. During the daytime, the fish could see the nets and avoid being caught by them. So Jesus has found Peter and his partners at precisely the wrong time to catch fish: not only are they done for the day, not only are they already washing their nets, but the sun has now risen, which means it is not possible to catch fish with nets now. Jesus also isn't concerned with fishermen's timetables.  When does he tell them to let down their nets? Nothing to do with with daylight or the schedule of net-cleaning. No, “When he had finished speaking.” At his convenience. Jesus appears to think he is “the main character,” as the kids say these days. Because, well, he is. Put yourself in Peter's shoes. You've been working all night. Fishing is hard. You're in a boat with probably three other men. You have to pull in heavy nets; you may have to dive into the water to wrestle them or unsnag them from something. You are drenched, weary, and have caught nothing. You have washed your nets, maybe mended them if they broke. You're done for the day. And now this Jesus fellow tells you to start all over, and drawing on his vast knowledge of …carpentry? — he tells you to start fishing in the daytime, when you know, from years of experience on the sea, that you will catch nothing. All of which makes Peter's address of Jesus a little more amusing. He calls him ἐπιστάτα. The ESV says, “Master,” but it is probably best translated “boss.” “Boss, we have toiled all night and caught nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” “Boss” – the Greek means literally the one who is stationed over something, has authority over it. In this case, the something over which Peter acknowledges Jesus's authority is Peter's boat and indeed his entire business, his profession of fishing, a matter to which he was likely born and bred – like his business partners James and John, whose father Zebedee was with them in the boat, Peter is trained in a thousand little details of skill and technique: the behaviour of fish, the tides, the weather, the use and care and washing and repair of nets; the handling and maintenance of boats; and likely also the salesmanship required to sell his fish, if not to those who would eat them, then to fishmonger middlemen. This was his life, deeply embedded in the community of his town on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, Sea of Tiberias, or Lake Genessaret, depending on who you asked for its name. Indeed, we know from the Talmud that "throughout inland Palestine, Tiberias was the only place where wholesale trade in fish was conducted, and (2) that this wholesale trade in fish was in season in Tiberias probably in the months that were most suitable for the loading and export of fish." So Jesus is there at the Port Alberni of Palestine, boldly giving a command to fishermen who have grown up and make their living catching and selling fish from this lake. And the command that Jesus gives Peter is, quite frankly, absurd: to dirty the nets again after already cleaning them; to let them down in the daytime, when the fish will have no trouble seeing them, rather than at night, which every fisherman knows is the right time to catch fish; and to do it, moreover, in the same location where, as Peter explains to him, “we have laboured all night and have caught nothing.” So why does Peter obey him? Because he accepts his authority, which is not the authority of an expert. The thousand details of the fisherman's trade are indeed matters of expertise, but Jesus does not urge Peter to cast in his nets on the basis of his expertise. The authority of expertise, if you stop and think about it for a moment, is an authority that makes no claims upon our sense of ourselves and our authority to decide things: it rather submits itself for our consideration, as having knowledge of particulars that we could have too, if we invested the effort. No, Peter's faith is not faith in expertise. Rather, it is the same faith that we will see later, in what might well be the same boat, certainly on the same sea, in awe at Jesus's authority: “Who is this, that even the wind and waves obey Him?” It is faith in the Messiah. It is loyalty to Israel's God. More than any disciple, his personality shines out in the gospels: he is a man who wears his heart on his sleeve, ready, out of love for Jesus, to undertake bold actions and to follow Jesus: “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water”; “Even if all forsake you, yet I will not.” “Lord, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tents.” But at the same time, he is not always able to see through his bold beginnings to their end: so we will see him swearing he doesn't know the man; weeping when the cock crows; beginning to sink in the waves. But this is not one of those moments of weakness. Here, he recognizes in Jesus the holiness of the Lord: “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man.” Peter does not know that Jesus is Israel's God yet. But he knows that He is at least close to Israel's God. Here we recognize the attitude of the prophets of old, for instance, Isaiah 6:5: "Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!" This is the moment when Peter makes a sudden break with his past life. We recall Elijah calling Elisha by throwing his cloak over him while he was plowing. There, too, the master called his pupil in the middle of his work at his job; there, too, the disciple experienced a complete upending of his life. In both cases, the disciple will see His master taken up into heaven; both Elisha and Peter will then be filled with the spirit of their teacher; and from that point, they will show complete fearlessness and boldness. Yes, Peter stumbles several times. Sometimes he is overcome by fear – of the waves, or of persecution and death. Other times, he stumbles because of his deeply ingrained respect for, and assumptions about propriety: as when he rebuked Jesus for saying that He would be rejected and killed ("Lord, this will never happen to you"); or when he objected to Jesus washing his feet; or when, in Acts, he was told to sacrifice and eat a giant picnic blanket of unclean animals and replied, "By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean." (Acts 10:14) But none of these stumbles is permanent. Why? Because Jesus tells him, “Simon, Simon. Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail. And when you have returned, strengthen your brothers.” Jesus has just demonstrated that if he wanted to, he could make Peter and the sons of Zebedee into fishing millionaires, the tycoons of the Lake of Genessaret. And because of this, they trust him to the end. But not, notice, in order to get rich: having received the demonstration of Jesus's ability to provide wealth in the context of their business as fishermen, they now leave that business. Later, in the story of the rich young ruler, after that man goes away sad because he had great possessions, Peter pipes up, “Lord, we have left everything to follow you.” And they have. After they saw the demonstration, they didn't care about getting rich as fishermen. They saw what their hearts had longed for. They wanted to be with Jesus. Peter does not treat Jesus as a way to get rich. We read in Acts 3, when Peter heals the lame man at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple, that the lame man first looked at him, hoping to receive something, “But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" (Acts 3:6) No, Peter is not concerned with silver or gold or catching fish anymore. Jesus has demonstrated that to him a second time when he asked about the Temple Tax, and Peter found a coin inside a fish. Perhaps earlier than any other disciple, he understood well that he should “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” — that is, God's faithfulness to keep his promises to His people, especially the promise to send the Messiah and to forgive their sins — “and all these things shall be added unto you.” Jesus tells Peter two things: first, “Do not be afraid.” Second, “from now on, you will be catching men.” The verb for “catching” is a little bit misleading, since we usually think of “catching” men as something that kidnappers do, or the police with a fugitive. But that's not the connotation of the Greek word ζωγρῶν, literally, “catching alive.” It is not usually a fishing word, though it is an accurate enough description of the usual methods of catching fish: nets and hooks, that result in live fish flopping around. It's not a word you would use for throwing dynamite in a pond or poisoning all the fish. But its usual usage is in contrast to killing: in the Iliad, it's the word used for Diomedes or Achilles sparing an enemy warrior's life and taking him captive for a ransom instead. But in Jesus's usage here, in connection with the net, it is a vivid metaphor: Peter's concern now is to seek the coming kingdom of heaven, which Jesus in Matthew 13 says, “is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad.” (I have a running joke with my daughter about how many gross and disgusting things there are in the sea. But Jesus here means the wicked.) At any rate, Peter does indeed “catch men.” He preaches more boldly than anyone in the book of Acts; and he is the means by which Gentiles are first brought into the church. Peter, thus, trusts Jesus after this demonstration of his ability to provide in a single night the catch of a week or more. He and his fellow fishermen will all be martyrs, after all; yet to them applies Jesus's promise that they will sit on twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. In the end, Jesus will eat fish with them again, likewise on the shore of the Sea of Galilee, but this time without the crowd, after his resurrection. And then we will see him in the book of Acts boldly telling the Sanhedrin to judge whether it is right to obey them or to obey God. We will see him stretching out his hands and going where he does not want to go — to prison at the hands of a king named Herod, awaiting execution during Passover week, like his Lord Jesus. In Peter's case, we see the truth of George MacDonald's statement: “The Son of God suffered unto the death, not that men might not suffer, but that their sufferings might be like His.” And no one more than Peter. In him we see the truth of Ignatius of Antioch's words in his letter to the Philadelphians around 100 AD: “For my own part, I know and believe that He was in actual human flesh, even after His resurrection. When He appeared to Peter and his companions, He said to them, ‘Take hold of me; touch me, and see that I am no bodiless phantom'. And they touched Him then and there, and believed, for they had had contact with the flesh-and-blood reality of Him. That was how they came by their contempt for death, and proved themselves superior to it. Moreover, He ate and drank with them after He was risen, like any natural man, though even then He and the Father were spiritually one.” Have you thought about why we love Peter? It is because he is so understandable, so relatable. And he stands forth as these things because God chose him and made the gospel writers depict him for us — not as the infallible Pope, but as the fullest example and pattern of the discipleship of a follower of Jesus. In Peter we see the longing for the kingdom of God, the fierce loyalty and sense of propriety (Lord, you will never wash my feet!), the wrongness and error that beset us all, but also the gentleness of Jesus in dealing with Peter, in restoring him; and then the mature disciple in the book of Acts, who has fully comprehended Jesus's teaching and his resurrection, and is able to do great things, including suffering for the name. Let us pray. Grant, O Lord, we beseech thee, that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by thy governance, that thy Church may joyfully serve thee in all godly quietness; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Acts Chapter 3 Miracle at the Beautiful Gate was a beautiful beginning to the life of greater things that the Lord promised the disciples and the Church. This miracle and subsequent reaction to it activated the Church Age. Firefall Talk Radio is live or archived with the ability to download the episodes.   Feel free to share with others as the Lord leads. Please help us get The Word out. If our teachings bless you, please let us know by going to the website and using the contact button. Share with us what the Lord is doing in you and how He is changing you to inspire and encourage others. If you would like to support what we do there are ways to do so on the main page for Firefall Talk Radio.  We appreciate your support and encouragement. Feel free to let us know if you have a need, a praise report, or a prayer request you would like to share or want to be a part of the praying Porch Community.  Make sure to follow us on YouTube at The Firefall Network.  Connect with FTR on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter).  (Links found on the main page of the website at firefalltalkradio.com)

Join Pastor Rob McCoy in his inspiring sermon "Faith's Power, God's Miracle," as he delves into the beginning of Acts 3. Through the story of the man healed at the Beautiful Gate by Peter, Pastor McCoy teaches us to live a life of faith in a God who performs miracles. Even without silver or gold, we possess the greatest gift: a Savior in Christ. Don't miss this powerful message!Verse References: Acts 3 verses 1-17Make sure you subscribe to this channel and follow us on all our platforms to always stay up to date with our latest content!And you can always head over to our website for any general information!https://godspeak.comPrayer/NeedsIf you have any needs, or have a willingness to be used to meet various need in the body, please email info@godspeak.com. Also, let us know if you need prayer for anything.Giving is part of our worship time, and in this season, the easiest way to do that is online. If you go to our website, godspeak.com, you will see the "Give" tab in the top right corner. Or you can simply click this link https://pushpay.com/g/godspeakAny questions?Please feel free to email us, comment here, or DM us on Instagram any questions that you may have.Please Subscribe to this channel and turn on your notifications to be notified when our Livestreams start so you don't miss out! We hope you are blessed by the service!-The Godspeak Team

A @Christadelphians Video: At 37:19 in 3rd study: when comparing the healing of the lame man at Lystra with Peter's healing at the Beautiful Gate, said that this was Paul's FIRST major miracle. Paul's first major miracle would have been the blinding of Elymas the Sorcerer. Summary This content discusses the partnership between Barnabas and Paul, focusing on their differing backgrounds, personalities, and their mission to spread the gospel, particularly to the Gentiles. It highlights their journey, including encounters with influential figures like Sergius Paulus, and the challenges they faced in preaching to both Jews and Gentiles. The narrative also touches on Paul's name change and the impact of their first missionary journey. Highlights

Acts 3:1-26 (ESV) | 1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's. 12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? 13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. 14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16 And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. 17 “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. 22 Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.' 24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. 25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.' 26 God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”

Acts 3:1-26 (ESV) | 1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's. 12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? 13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. 14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16 And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. 17 “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. 22 Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.' 24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. 25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.' 26 God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”

Acts 3:1-26 (ESV) | 1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's. 12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? 13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him. 14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16 And his name—by faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is through Jesus has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all. 17 “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. 22 Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.' 24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. 25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.' 26 God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”

Have you ever stood on the edge, your feet teetering over the abyss of the unknown, and wondered what it would take to walk on water? Our latest podcast sweeps you into the heart of such transformative moments, drawing upon Peter's water-walking experience to offer insights into the essence of true faith. We peel back the layers of this biblical event to understand just how critical our focus on Jesus is, especially when the storms of life rage around us. We explore the implications of shifting our sight away from Him and the dangers of complacency when faced with longstanding challenges. The episode further wades into the deeply moving account of Peter, John, and a lame man at the temple gates. Reflect with us on the life-altering potential that lies within the embrace of a nurturing community and the steadfast commitment to spiritual disciplines. The discussion brings to light the power of our surroundings and the people we choose to journey alongside, inspiring you to examine your own circles and the type of spiritual sustenance they offer. Discover the profound impact these relationships can have on your path towards spiritual growth, much like the transformative encounter at the Beautiful Gate. We also turn to the remarkable narrative of obedient faith catalyzing the healing of a man unable to walk. We traverse the importance of acting in faith, despite uncertainties or lack of experience, and the miraculous outcomes that await on the other side of obedience. Witness the strength that surfaces in our moments of weakness and how divine timing orchestrates events beyond our wildest imaginations. This dialogue is an invitation to trust deeply in God's masterful plan, to step out in faith with the anticipation of wonders, and leap into a life of praise and purpose. Where to dive in: (0:00:00) - Fixing Your Gaze on Jesus Maintaining focus on Jesus through difficulties, dangers of accepting issues as unchangeable, and being spiritually prepared. (0:12:17) - Power of Faith and Community Maintaining spiritual practices and choosing supportive relationships can lead to blessings, as seen in Peter and John's encounter with the lame man. (0:20:51) - The Power of Prayer and Focus Prayer is powerful and should be our first action, shifting focus from problems to seeking divine intervention. (0:25:45) - Expectation and Unanswered Prayers Expectation in faith, prayer, divine intervention, desires vs. God's plans, body ministry, Paul's revelations, strength in weakness. (0:39:00) - Miracles Happen Through Obedient Faith Faith and obedience can lead to miraculous changes, as seen in Peter's healing of a man unable to walk. About your host: Jaime Luce' testimony has daunting personal mountains and treacherous financial valleys. She was trapped in day-to-day stress and couldn't see a way forward. But how she started is not how she finished! And she wants you to know God has a plan for your life too, no matter how tough it seems. Today, Jaime has been married to the love of her life for almost three decades, owns two companies, and has become an author and podcaster. God's way is always the blessed way! Free chapter of Jaime's new book: You Don't Need Money, You Just Need God: https://jaimeluce.com/book/ Connect: - Website: https://jaimeluce.com - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jaime.luces.page - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaime_luce/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaime-luce-00395691/

Acts 3:1-10 describes an encounter between Peter, John, and an unnamed man seeking alms in front of the Beautiful Gate of the Temple. We will explore how the encounter challenges our notions of charity, relationship, healing, and the role of beauty in our lives. Sermon delivered by the Reverend Joshua H. Narcisse on April 14, 2024.

In this episode, we discuss the readings for the third Sunday of Easter, Year B in the Lectionary cycle: Acts 3:12-19; Psalm 4; 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48.We consider Peter's sermon at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, the bedtime Psalm, John's exhortations regarding following Jesus in word and deed, and Jesus' final resurrected appearance.The Crucifixion: Understanding the Death of Jesus Christ, by: Fleming RutledgeNotes:--Prayers of the People for Easter--Dwell App--The Bible Project--Bible Project's video on the resurrection of Jesus--Bible Project's video on 1 John--Bible Project's series on sin1:36 Collect2:07 Acts 3:12-1922:06 Psalm 431:47 1 John 3:1-746:04 Luke 24:36b-48 Our outro music is an original song by our friend Dcn. Jeremiah Webster, a poet and professor whose giftedness is rivaled by his humbleness. You can find his published works, including After So Many Fires, with a quick Google.