Speaker: Pastor Jim Powell (Note: Above podcast was started a few minutes later into Jim’s Sermon)

Central Theme

Jesus turns stunned witnesses into bold witnesses. In Acts 3:11–26, Peter explains that the healing of the lame man is not human power but Jesus’ risen power—and that repentance ushers us from disbelief into Spirit-empowered purpose. When the resurrected Christ grips a life, ordinary believers become unstoppable messengers of grace.

Why It Matters

  • We often feel underqualified; resurrection power—not résumé—fuels boldness.
  • Our skeptical culture still notices undeniable change and compassion.
  • God’s story reframes our failures: repentance becomes the runway for mission.

Key Points

  • The Miracle’s Message (Acts 3:11–12):
    • The sign points to the Savior, not the apostles.
    • Spiritual credibility grows when mercy and message align.
  • Jesus at the Center (Acts 3:13–16):
    • “The God of Abraham… glorified His servant Jesus.”
    • Faith in Jesus’ name restores what brokenness stole.
  • From Ignorance to Invitation (Acts 3:17–21):
    • Peter names sin honestly yet opens a door: “Repent… that times of refreshing may come.”
    • Repentance isn’t punishment; it’s the path to renewal and fresh power.
  • Scripture Fulfilled, Mission Assigned (Acts 3:22–26):
    • Moses and the prophets anticipated Christ; the church now carries the fulfillment.
    • Blessed people become a blessing—especially to those “far off.”
  • Unstoppable Ordinary (Acts 4 backdrop):
    • Opposition rises, but Spirit-filled courage rises higher.
    • Boldness isn’t volume; it’s loving clarity anchored in Jesus.

Scripture Anchors

  • Acts 3:11–26 — Healing explains the gospel; repentance brings refreshing.
  • Acts 1:8 — Power to be witnesses.
  • 1 Peter 3:15 — Gentle, reasonable defense of our hope.
  • Romans 1:16 — The gospel is God’s power for salvation.
  • Mark 9:24 — “I believe; help my unbelief!”—honest faith that grows.

Applications:

  • Name One Place of Unbelief: Write it down; pray, “Jesus, move me from ‘unbelievable’ to ‘unstoppable’ here.”
  • Practice a 30-Second Testimony: Who I was → what Jesus did → who I’m becoming. Share it with one person.
  • Mercy + Message: Do a tangible act of care (meal, note, ride) and pair it with a simple word about Jesus.
  • Repent and Refresh: Confess a known sin; receive forgiveness; schedule a daily 10-minute Scripture/prayer block for “times of refreshing.”
  • Ask for Boldness (Acts 4:29): Pray daily for Spirit-given clarity, compassion, and courage—then take the next faithful step.

Reflection Questions

  • Where is Jesus inviting me to move from spectator to witness?
  • What “signs of mercy” in my life could point someone to the Savior?
  • What step of repentance today could open a “time of refreshing” this week?