Acts 3 is a story of a miracle that happens through Peter and John and a subsequent sermon. A man lame from birth, being carried to the temple, ends up walking home by himself, leaping and praising God on his own two feet! And Luke doesn’t just call this a miracle. He calls it a sign.

Last week we read, “And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles (2:43).” And here comes one.

A sign is “a miraculous event contrary to the usual course of nature and intended as a pointer or means of confirmation.” A sign points our attention to something greater than itself. So this is not just the story of a miracle, but the story of a miraculous sign. The miracle means something. It shows something. It confirms and proves something.

That’s where Peter’s sermon comes in. This sign confirms that Jesus Christ of Nazareth is the Author of Life, rose from the grave after being crucified for the sins of the world, and even now offers to “blot out” the guilt of sin and give “times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord” to any and all who will repent and turn to him in faith.

Jason Oakes will be preaching Acts 3:1-4:4 this Sunday and Kenny Clark will be leading our sung worship. Would you take some time this week to read the passage and pray for each as they prepare? Thank Jesus for blotting out the stain of our sin and ask God to refresh us this week with His presence as we gather together as his holy priesthood.

In the evening we will gather at 5pm for our annual congregational meeting. If you are a member, would you make sure to join us for this as we approve our budget for the coming year, welcome almost 30 new members, and hear reports from some of our ministry areas from the past year.

At 6pm we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper with Andrew Weston bringing us a word of preparation and Cole Jones leading our sung worship. See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!

 

SONG OF THE WEEK

It Is Well With My Soul recorded live at T4G by Sovereign Grace Music

My sin, o the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part, but the whole
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, o my soul!