After healing a man who had been unable to walk since his birth (Acts 3:1-8), Peter noticed the crowd gathering around them, and took advantage of his opportunity to share the truth about the source of the man’s healing (Acts 3:11-26). The apostle didn’t pull any punches as he spoke, but instead he accused the crowd of sending Christ to the cross (Acts 3:13-15). Just as he had on the day of Pentecost, Peter invited the crowd to respond to the truth by repenting and turning towards God through faith in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 3:19-20). This greatly annoyed the religious leaders, so they arrested Peter and John (Acts 4:2-3). While the disciples were on trial, the religious leaders witnessed the strength of their faith and “the courage of Peter and John” (Acts 4:13 NIV). The strength and courage, along with the miracle everyone saw, “astonished” the ruling council of the Israelites, and “they took note that these men {Peter and John} had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13 NIV).

 

Christ can provide miraculous power, courage, and a supernatural faith for his followers through the Holy Spirit. But if he doesn’t perform miracles through you, is it obvious that you are a disciple of Jesus? Disciples are students or apprentices who learn from their Master. For disciples of Christ, we learn from our Lord, Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, and Savior of the world. Do others take note that you are a person who has “been with Jesus” because you think, speak, and act like Christ? If not, what needs to change in your heart, soul, mind, and life?

 

You can download the Worship Guide from the Avon UMC website: www.AvonUMC.com

 

The Your Faith Journey Bible verses for this week are listed below:

 

Sunday (6/28)

Today I’m going to offering God ____________________________________.

 

During the worship service God revealed ___________________________________________________________.

 

Monday (6/29)

Read Romans 8:18-27 and pray in response to the verses.

 

Tuesday (6/30)

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and pray in response to what you read.

 

Wednesday (7/1)

Read Jude 1:17-23 and pray in response to what you read. Consider reading multiple Bible translations of these verses to understand them more clearly. Such as the NIV, NRSV, and MSG that can be found at www.BibleGateway.com or using the You Version Bible App for your smartphone or tablet.

 

Thursday (7/2)

Read 1 John 5:13-15 and pray in response to what you read.

 

Friday (7/3)

Read Acts 4:23-31 and pray in response to what you read. Notice the disciples’ prayer recorded in the verses. Does your prayer echo their words about boldness, healing, and signs and wonders?

 

Saturday (7/4)

Reflect upon the past week, and re-read verses or phrases that stood out to you. The following questions may be helpful as you reflect:

How did you see, hear, or encounter God during this past week?

 

Who needs to hear about your experience sometime in the coming days?

 

*To download the entire Worship Guide, which includes the extended version of the Your Faith Journey Guide, go to www.AvonUMC.com.