Beyond the Weekend

April 4 | The Big Turn

April 4, 2018

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. Acts 3:19

Read: Acts 3:11-26

Listen: Acts 3

TODAY’S MESSAGE

When the man lame from birth was pulled to his feet, started leaping and praising God—people who came to the temple to worship saw what happened. They were amazed and literally ran to Peter and John where they stood in the Portico of Solomon. Peter knows this isn’t just about the miracle when he sees them running toward him with astonished faces.

This is a huge opportunity and he starts preaching to these Jews, many who had witnessed Jesus’ death and resurrection two months ago. Peter identifies the resurrected Jesus as the healer and addresses the way these Jews had treated him. Andy Stanley (Pastor of Northpointe Community Church) summarizes Peter’s speech in four parts: “You killed him, God raised him, we saw him, say you’re sorry (repent). Repentance is admitting you’re wrong and making a “U-turn” away from yourself to God. That day 5,000 men repented and believed in Jesus to save them.

Watch this video clip as Senior Pastor Jeff Manion explains repenting as “the big turn” and the subsequent little turns we need to make in our lives. Our sin compelled Jesus to go to the cross. He did what we can’t—he lived a perfect life, then died in our place.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

We all sin and deserve death. But the free gift of God is [eternal] life through Jesus. (Romans 3:23 and 6:23) As Peter says, “Repent then, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out.” .” If you have never taken this step, simply tell God you believe Jesus died for you and thank him for his forgiveness.  Our sinfulness is a habit, so be committed to make little turns back to God every time you blow it.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

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