June 15 Virtual Worship
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Worship Team: Sarah Haas, Marc Hayden
Music Ministry Team: Kristin Petty
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Key Notes from the reading & sermon:
Scripture Lesson
Sunday, June 15, 2025
Scripture Reading: Acts 3:1-10
Sermon: Life in the Spirit, In the Name of Jesus
Acts 3:1-10
One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o’clock in the afternoon. And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. All the people saw him walking and praising God, and they recognized him as the one who used to sit and ask for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with wonder and astonishment at what had happened to him.
Key Idea of the Sermon
Today’s story shows the difference the gift of the Spirit makes in a disciple’s life. In the gospel accounts the followers of Jesus are often depicted as missing Jesus’ point and as hesitant to embrace Jesus’ way of life with God (see Mark 8:14 21). However, after Pentecost (see Acts 2:1-13) and Christ’s Spirit filling Jesus’ disciples, they are empowered to follow with new courage and faithfulness. Peter and John demonstrate this courage and faithfulness as they encounter one with great needs and offer connection and healing in the name of Jesus.
Questions for Reflection
• The setting of this story is at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple in Jerusalem. Peter and John are there to pray. How does your spiritual practice provide direction for your daily life, putting you just in the right spot to lend a hand as a disciple of Jesus?
• We have all had experience with people along our way asking for help. “Peter looked intently at him.” Peter acknowledged his humanity, the first step in helping. Do you dare make eye contact with people in need? What has happened when you connect in this way?
• Peter and John were honest with the man. They did not have any money to offer, instead Peter said, “what I have I give you, in the name of Jesus stand up and walk”. What is it that the Spirit of Christ has given you to share with others?
A Spiritual Practice to Try
To know and invoke a leader’s name is to exercise some of the influence of that leader. Since as disciples we are recipients of Jesus’ Living Spirit, we are emboldened to act with Jesus’ influence. To say, “I live in the name of Jesus”, is to say I trust Jesus to work through me to help others. When you lend a helping hand this week, give credit where credit is due, let others know you help in Jesus’ name. Pay attention to the difference that makes in your relationships and interactions.
If you need some guidance or support, you may reach me at pastormarc.friedensucc@outlook.com
