icon__search

Christ the Catalyst

July 10, 2022 • Phil Bremerman • Acts 3

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

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.”

10 Reasons: #4 Unified Message and #5 Archeology

Brad Strait

Conversation Starters ╬ Do you think of the Bible as one great, cohesive message of salvation? Ask the Holy Spirit to draw you into this message, guiding you into all the truth. ╬ How does this unified message of salvation bring you encouragement and comfort?

10 Reasons: #3 Real People Accounts (Eyewitnesses & Women)

April 14, 2024 • Brad Strait

Conversation Starters ╬ Have you ever been called upon to testify to what you have seen, heard, or known to be true? What was that like? Did you wrestle with telling “the whole truth, and nothing but the truth”? ╬ When has your life been changed by an encounter with the Living Word, Jesus Christ? Tell someone these stories and celebrate God’s redemptive life in us.

10 Reasons Why Christians Trust the Bible

April 7, 2024

Conversation Starters ╬ God promised the Israelites, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you” (Deut. 31:5, 8; Joshua 1:5; Hebrews 13:5). When have you wondered if God had abandoned you? What story can you tell of how God brought you back to Himself? Today, do you feel abandoned or forsaken or in need of clarity and hope? Tell God the Spirit that you are stuck. Ask Him to lead you into God’s truth. ╬ Do not despise God’s correcting Spirit. A radical openness to receive His Word will lead to life abundant and reconciliation with God and others. What scripture has the Lord used to teach, rebuke, correct or train you? When has your youth been renewed like the eagle’s by His steadfast love, faithfulness, and compassion? Tell stories of your encounter with the God of the Word.