Rise Up and Walk" - May 17, 2026

Devotional

Day 1: Eyes on the Gate Called Beautiful

Peter and John climbed temple steps at three o’clock. A man lame from birth sat begging, his eyes fixed on coins. The disciples stopped mid-stride. “Look at us,” Peter commanded. The man lifted his face, expecting copper. But Peter gripped his hand: “In Jesus’ name, walk.” Sandals slapped stone as the man leaped upright. [39:08]

Jesus sees people others overlook. He notices the coworker hiding stress, the neighbor masking pain, the server wearied by complaints. Peter’s gaze mirrored His Master’s—intentional, un-rushed, disrupting routines for divine appointments.

When did you last pause to truly see someone? Tomorrow, three people will cross your path. Will you look past them—or into their eyes?

“One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 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. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, ‘Look at us!’”
(Acts 3:1-4, NIV)

Prayer: Ask God to sharpen your vision for one person others ignore today.
Challenge: Before sunset, observe three people’s facial expressions—cashier, family member, stranger—and silently bless each.

Day 2: Silverless Hands, Heaven-Filled Power

The beggar rattled his cup. Peter’s pockets held no coins, but his spirit thrummed with resurrection power. “What I have, I give you,” he declared. Calloused fisherman fingers clasped a lifelong cripple’s palm. Tendons knit. Toes wiggled. Forty years of atrophy reversed at Jesus’ name. [40:40]

Jesus specializes in giving better gifts than we request. The man wanted alms; Christ gave legs. We beg for comfort; He offers purpose. Peter’s empty hands became conduits for healing—proof that Christ’s authority outshines earthly resources.

What have you been demanding from God that He might replace with something eternal? Where is He asking you to trust His “no” or “not yet”?

“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.’ Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk.”
(Acts 3:6-8, NIV)

Prayer: Confess one specific request you’ve clung to, then ask Christ to give what He knows you need.
Challenge: Write a current worry on paper, then cross it out and write “JESUS” over it.

Day 3: Jumping in Temple Courts

Muscles remembered no walking, yet the man sprang like a gazelle. He stamped feet that never felt dirt, slapped pillars with palms calloused from crutches. “Praise God!” echoed off marble as temple-goers gaped. The healed man clung to Peter and John—not for support, but to stay near the miracle. [44:13]

Authentic encounters with Jesus produce uncontainable joy. The man didn’t politely nod at his healing; he embodied gratitude. His leaping testified more loudly than any sermon.

When did you last celebrate God’s goodness physically? What ordinary moment today could become praise if approached with healed-man abandon?

“He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God…”
(Acts 3:8-9, NIV)

Prayer: Thank Jesus aloud for three concrete blessings—voice shaking allowed.
Challenge: Do one physically expressive act of worship today: dance, clap, or raise hands during prayer.

Day 4: “Why Stare at Us?”

The crowd mobbed Peter, awestruck. He deflects: “Why marvel at us? God glorified Jesus!” Peter names their betrayal—disowning the Holy One for a murderer—yet calls them brothers. No venom, just truth: the crucified Author of Life now reigns. [47:48]

Witnesses point beyond themselves. Peter refused to be a hero, redirecting awe to Christ. Our testimonies always orbit Jesus’ power, not our eloquence.

Who needs to hear your “I’m not the hero” story this week? What broken relationship could soften if you offered truth without blame?

“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?… By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know has been made strong.’”
(Acts 3:12,16, NIV)

Prayer: Ask God to highlight one person who needs to hear how Jesus transformed you.
Challenge: Text someone: “God helped me through ___. Can I share how?”

Day 5: From 3,000 to 5,000

Religious leaders jailed Peter and John. Undeterred, the apostles preached resurrection. Result? Persecutors scowled, but 2,000 more believed. Chains couldn’t mute the healed man’s testimony—his jumping legs preached louder than prison bars. [01:10:23]

Opposition often confirms we’re threatening darkness. Some reject the message; others run toward it. Our job isn’t to control reactions, but to keep proclaiming.

What fear of rejection has silenced you? What if your courage today plants a seed that blooms in 2040?

“The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees… arrested [Peter and John]… But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.”
(Acts 4:1-4, NIV)

Prayer: Name one person opposed to the gospel; ask God to soften their heart.
Challenge: Invite someone to church or a meal this week—regardless of predicted response.

Sermon Summary

Acts 3 opens a contrast the church needs to feel. The new life Christ gives cannot be enjoyed while clutching the old comforts. The RV-on-the-campsite picture names the problem: people say they want a different way, yet they haul the living room with them and never step outside. Acts sets a different pace. Peter and John let the text lead them into unhurried attention. The apostles look straight at the man everyone else has learned not to see. The gate called Beautiful becomes the place where God makes someone truly beautiful, not by silver or gold but by a better gift.

Peter’s word carries Jesus’s authority. “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Luke the physician marks the completeness of the gift with medical precision. Feet and ankles are made strong, and a man who has never stood is suddenly walking, leaping, and praising God. Wonder spills over into the temple and forces a question: what is the source and who gets the glory? Peter lets the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob answer. The Holy and Righteous One was disowned, Barabbas was chosen instead, and the Author of life was killed. But God raised him, and the apostles bear witness. The irony exposes the world’s misreading of Jesus and redirects attention to his name. By faith in Jesus’s name this man stands whole.

The name is not a slogan. Jesus is the Christ, the anointed Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth in history and the Lord whose name carries authority. Where people like to say, stop in the name of the law, the kingdom says, rise and walk in the name of the Lord. From that authority flows application. Repent and turn to God. Let sins be wiped out. Receive “times of refreshing” from the Lord. The prophets had said it would be this way, from Moses through Samuel, because the Abrahamic promise always aimed to bless all peoples, and that blessing comes by turning each person from wicked ways. Repentance is not a blame game. It is the gift of being turned from self to God.

Acts 4 shows that Jesus’s name still provokes two paths. Those invested in status, in wrong beliefs, or in unresolved guilt grow disturbed. Yet the word does not return empty. Many who hear believe, and the number grows. God arranges the intersections. The church is placed where people sit, carried by others to the gate of need, so that someone can be taken by the hand and invited to rise, walk, and praise.

Key Takeaways

1. Leave old comforts for new life New creation cannot be tasted while dragging the same cushions of convenience into every moment. The Spirit often meets people outside familiar ease, where trust replaces control. Letting go of the soft habits of the old self makes room to step into what Christ actually gives. Consent to be led out of the RV and into the woods of grace. [33:51]
2. Truly see and offer hope Kingdom work starts with attention. The church’s hurried spiritual plans are not an excuse for missing the person at the gate. Looking people in the eye dignifies them and makes space for the better gift that Christ is eager to give through ordinary hands. Sight becomes the path by which hope is spoken. [39:08]
3. The name of Jesus heals completely Authority belongs to Jesus the Christ of Nazareth, and his name does what money never can. Faith in that name does not celebrate human power or godliness, but the living Lord who makes the lame stand and the guilty clean. Complete healing is his gift, body and soul, in his timing and purpose. [51:40]
4. Repentance brings times of refreshing Turning to God is not humiliation but relief. The promise is wiped-out sins and the cool wind of grace in a hot, dry heart. Repentance trades self-rule for the Lord’s life, and that exchange restores breath and joy. The invitation is aimed at blessing, not shaming. [61:45]
5. Proclamation draws pushback and belief The name of Jesus unsettles pride, exposes false beliefs, and awakens buried guilt, so resistance is no surprise. Yet the same word plants seeds that grow, often beyond what can be seen in the moment. Faithfulness to speak bears fruit because God guards his promise. Some will be greatly disturbed, and some will believe. [67:48]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[17:21] - Picnic and tea reminders
[30:31] - Prayer for God to speak
[31:40] - RVs vs tents illustration
[34:26] - Reading Acts 3 healing
[38:29] - Do you truly see people
[40:40] - Offer hope beyond money
[42:51] - A physician’s eye on healing
[46:08] - Peter’s explanation: not our power
[51:40] - The name of Jesus saves
[54:16] - Repentance and times of refreshing
[55:47] - DeShazer and Fuchida’s reconciliation
[67:48] - Opposition and growth in Acts 4
[71:36] - Placed to take others’ hands
[72:51] - Closing prayer and invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading
Acts 3:1-10 (ESV)
1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” 5 And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Acts 3:19-21 (ESV)
19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.

Isaiah 55:11 (ESV)
11 So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Observation Questions

What specific actions did Peter and John take to engage the lame man, and how did this differ from what others likely did? [39:08]
What medical details does Luke include about the man’s healing, and why might these details matter? [42:51]
How does Peter redirect attention away from himself and John in Acts 3:12-16?
In the sermon’s RV illustration, what modern comforts were contrasted with traditional camping experiences? [33:51]

Interpretation Questions

Why does Peter emphasize Jesus’ name as the source of healing and authority in Acts 3:6 and 3:16? How does this challenge worldly systems of power? [53:50]
What does the phrase “times of refreshing” (Acts 3:20) imply about the spiritual and emotional impact of repentance? How does this contrast with common misconceptions of repentance? [55:47]
Isaiah 55:11 says God’s word “shall not return empty.” How does this truth explain the mixed reactions to the Gospel in Acts 4:1-4? [01:07:48]

Application Questions

What “RV comforts” (routines, habits, or dependencies) are you still clinging to that might prevent you from fully stepping into the new life Jesus offers? How could letting go create space for trust in God? [33:51]
Who in your daily life (e.g., coworkers, neighbors, service workers) have you unintentionally “learned not to see”? What practical step could you take this week to truly see and dignify them? [40:00]
When have you been tempted to rely on human resources (like money, skills, or status) to solve a problem, instead of pointing people to the authority of Jesus’ name? What would it look like to offer “the better gift” in that situation? [40:40]
Repentance is described as a “cool wind of grace” rather than shame. Is there an area of your life where you’ve avoided repentance out of fear or pride? How might turning to God bring relief or refreshment? [01:01:45]
The sermon notes that proclaiming Jesus’ name can provoke both resistance and belief. Have you ever experienced pushback or unexpected openness when sharing your faith? How did it deepen your trust in God’s purposes? [01:07:48]

Sermon Clips

40s

“``Folks, the reality is god does miracles all the time, and sometimes we just don't see it. God does miracles of of of healing from addiction, of repairing broken relationships, of of of mending homes, of of of of doing miracles in people's lives that that that change their priorities and their values. This world looks different situation than the world says, oh, people never change. And yet in Christ Jesus, change happens. In Christ Jesus, people are made whole.”

51s

“Even though God has given mankind freedom to choose him or to reject him and even so so many times people choose to to go a different way and and choose the the pain of sin, God is still working his purposes out. He says, God raised up his servant and he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways. Here in that very verse, yeah, he he came to bless you and he's gonna bless you by turning you from your wicked ways. Not not not other people's wicked ways, Not not the pagan Gentiles' wicked ways. He says, your wicked ways.”

67s

“But if we're faithful to proclaim Jesus, we're faithful to point people to who he is. We're faithful to to specify the identity of who Jesus is, not according to some people's false perceptions or from distorting or twisting scripture but just going to God's word and showing them, some will believe. Where you are right now is not an accident. Just as it wasn't an accident for that crippled man to be standing or sitting right there where Peter and John were gonna be walking by. God has been and is and will be working to use you and I. Folks, who do we need to take by the hand and say, in the name of Jesus Christ of of Nazareth, rise up and walk.”

41s

“Look at what he said to them. He starts off in verse nine. He he simply says, repent then and turn to God. Repent that your sins may be wiped out. Know that you can be forgiven. And he he calls them to say that they can be called to a relationship with Christ. He said that that times of refreshing may come from the Lord. You can enjoy a relationship with with the Christ, even Jesus. He said he must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, but he will restore everything. That's our destiny of of creation.”

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Geyer Road Baptist Church This sermon · AI assistant

What does it mean to truly see people?

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Why avoid blaming when proclaiming the gospel?

Rise Up and Walk" - May 17, 2026

Devotional

Day 1: Eyes on the Gate Called Beautiful

Day 2: Silverless Hands, Heaven-Filled Power

Day 3: Jumping in Temple Courts

Day 4: “Why Stare at Us?”

Day 5: From 3,000 to 5,000

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Rise Up and Walk" - May 17, 2026

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