Acts Series Chapter 3 explores prayer as incense and worship, the symbolism of the tabernacle altar, the Old and New Testament priesthood, and the power of faith in Jesus. Drawing from Psalms, Exodus, Revelation, and Acts, the lesson traces how sincere prayer, transformed living, and genuine ministry lead to miracles and true blessing in Christ. Christ’s church is challenged to embrace spiritual depth, serve others, and look forward to Jesus’ promised return.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
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Scriptures used in this lesson:
Psalms 141:1, Exodus 30:7-8, Exodus 30:1-3, Exodus 30:7, Revelation 1:6, Acts 2:41, Acts 2:44-47, Acts 3:1, Acts 3:2, Acts 3:4-6, Acts 3:12, Song of Solomon 1:6, Acts 3:5-7, Acts 3:7-10, Acts 3:11, Acts 3:12, Acts 3:13, Acts 3:14-15, Acts 3:19-26, Acts 2:18, James 5:7, Acts 3:21, Acts 3:26,
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
Psalms 141:1
1 LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.
2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Introduction: Incense as Prayer and Worship
Psalm 141 begins with a cry to the Lord for help. The writer asks God to listen and respond quickly to his call for aid. In verse 2, the prayer is likened to incense presented before God.
In the Old Testament, incense often symbolizes prayer and praise. When reading about incense in Scripture, it helps to understand it as representing both communication with God and worship. The phrase “lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice” connects physical acts of worship, such as raising hands, to the practice of offering sacrifices at specific times.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
This passage teaches that prayer and worship are pleasing to God, much like incense or the evening sacrifice in temple rituals. Incense is not just a ritual but also a way of expressing heartfelt prayer and praise. Recognizing this connection brings more profound meaning to the text, showing how sincere prayer and acts of worship are valued by God.
Exodus 30:7-8
7 And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.
8 And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
The Tabernacle’s Furniture: Symbolism of Wood and Gold
Exodus 30:7-8 talks about the altar of incense and its significance. In the Old Testament, wood often represents human nature. The furniture in the tabernacle was made of wood and, in many cases, covered with gold. This includes the burnt altar for sacrifices, the table for showbread, and the altar of incense.
The gold covering signifies putting on something divine over human nature. Spiritually, this means taking on the nature of Christ, as Paul encouraged—putting on the new man. The tabernacle’s design shows how ordinary people can be transformed by God’s presence, with divine nature covering human weakness.
These images help teach that believers are called to go beyond their human nature by becoming clothed in the nature and character of Christ. The example in the tabernacle points to spiritual transformation and living as new creations in Christ.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
Exodus 30:1-3
1 And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: of shittim wood shalt thou make it.
2 A cubit shall be the length thereof, and a cubit the breadth thereof; foursquare shall it be: and two cubits shall be the height thereof: the horns thereof shall be of the same.
3 And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and thou shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about.
The Altar of Incense: Covered with Gold
Exodus 30:1 describes the construction of an altar for burning incense made from wood. In verse 3, God instructs them to overlay it with pure gold on all sides and to add a gold crown. This means that prayer and praise, which the incense represents, should be covered with God’s divine nature.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
Lifting hands in worship is also seen as an act of prayer and praise. It should be offered to God with a spirit that seeks His holiness. The natural part of a believer is covered by the divine presence of Christ within, making worship a holy offering.
Exodus 30:7
7 And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.
8 And when Aaron lighteth the lamps at even, he shall burn incense upon it, a perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations.
Incense Offered Morning and Evening
Exodus 30:7-8 explains that Aaron burned sweet incense on the altar every morning when he prepared the lamps. This act was repeated each evening. Incense burning represented prayer and praise given to God daily. There were two set times for this: morning and evening.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
This practice of prayer and worship was meant to be ongoing for all generations. It teaches that honoring God through prayer and worship should be a regular and lasting part of life and ministry.
Revelation 1:6
6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
New Testament Priesthood: Our Call to Prayer and Worship
Revelation 1:6 teaches that believers are kings and priests. This means Christians are also called to offer spiritual incense, which is prayer and praise, twice a day. It would be powerful if every believer began each morning with prayer and praise to God, and ended each day the same way. Faithful ministry follows this pattern, just as the Levitical priests did in the Old Testament.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
Jesus as Our Example in Worship
Following the example of Jesus, who prayed in the morning and in the evening, sets a strong spiritual foundation. The priests burned incense morning and evening as an act of worship and devotion. Similarly, a life of ministry should include regular times of worship and prayer, both at the beginning and end of the day.
This foundation leads to the events in Acts 3. In Acts 2, something amazing happened at 9 o’clock in the morning, which was the time of the morning incense. The Holy Spirit came while priests were burning natural incense in the temple; the real move of God was happening with the 120 believers in the upper room. At that moment, God shifted from the old physical temple to making His dwelling in His people. This marked a new era, showing that true worship comes from hearts devoted to God.
Pentecost: God Moves from Building to People
At 9 o’clock in the morning, many Jews gathered in the temple for worship, as it was the traditional time for burning incense. While they were following the usual rituals, the Holy Spirit came powerfully into the upper room where the disciples were gathered. As a result, about 3,000 people were saved that day.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
The outpouring of the Holy Spirit led to even priests and preachers coming to faith. Imagine if such a revival were to happen today, and ministers from every church and denomination were transformed. The crowds in the city would notice and ask what was going on, just as people from many nations did in Jerusalem.
If such an event were to take place today, it would be people from all denominations who would respond with curiosity. This is a fulfillment of the prophecy from Joel, as explained in the Book of Acts. There are essential lessons from Acts chapter 2 that are worth considering, especially the role of responding to God’s Word and the way the Spirit brings true revival and unity.
Acts 2:41
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
Embracing the Word: Foundations of the Early Church
The people gladly received the Word of God. This was the foundation for all that happened in the early church. According to Acts 2:41, accepting and embracing the Word is essential for growth and transformation. If people do not receive the message, nothing meaningful can take place.
After receiving the Word, the church saw great results. Three thousand were saved, and the believers continued to follow the Apostles’ teachings faithfully. They met together daily from house to house, shared meals, and witnessed signs and wonders.
The power of the Spirit was used for miracles, healing, and deliverance—not for resolving minor disputes among believers. The early church focused on ministry, staying grounded in teaching, unity, and the supernatural work of God.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
Acts 2:44-47
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Community, Not Commune: Daily Life Together
Acts 2:44 says that all the believers were together and shared everything they had. This was not the same as living in a commune. They formed a community but did not give up their individual homes.
The believers sold their extra possessions, not their houses, to help anyone in need. They continued to live in unity, meeting daily in the temple and sharing meals from house to house. The focus was on caring for one another while still maintaining personal space and property.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
The New Testament church valued community and generosity, but did not require everyone to live together. They practiced unity and shared blessings as they followed Christ, building relationships within their homes and across the community.
Acts 3:1
1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.
Apostolic Lifestyle: Prayer, Worship, and Miracles
In Acts 3:1, Peter and John went up to the temple at the hour of prayer, which was three o’clock in the afternoon. This hour was critical because a lifestyle of prayer and worship made everything in this chapter possible. We see that the apostles had prayer and praise so deeply woven into their lives that it was second nature to meet with God regularly.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
This practice is also part of my life. I believe in setting aside a specific time each day to pray and praise the Lord. I usually wake up early, except on Mondays when I am tired, and dedicate at least an hour to being with God. Keeping that hour for Him, I pray, worship, and study quietly so as not to disturb my household. I also try to spend time with the Lord before bed at night.
I do not say everyone must do it just like I do, but this is my pattern because it is what I see faithful ministry does and because I long for that closeness with God. Setting those times for prayer—morning and evening—connects me with God and grounds my ministry, just as it did for the apostles. Their devotion set the context for miracles and powerful moments of faith in Acts.
God’s Surprising Miracle
God often chooses surprising moments to act. In Acts chapter three, the people were holding their usual temple service. The priests were burning incense as part of their rituals. While all this was happening, God was about to perform a miracle that would change everything.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
Instead of following tradition, God decided to heal a man who had been crippled for over forty years. This miracle happened right in the middle of their worship, and the healed man began running, leaping, and praising God in the temple. It was as if God wanted to show everyone that He was moving beyond the old system to something new and alive.
This scene is a vivid reminder that God does not always act quietly or politely. Sometimes, God interrupts our routines with miracles that cannot be ignored. God moved from being worshipped only in a building to living and working through His people. The miracle demonstrates that God’s power can break into any situation, regardless of how ordinary it may seem.
Acts 3:2
2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple;
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
The Healing at the Beautiful Gate
The man who was healed in Acts 3 sat at the gate called Beautiful. This was a massive gate, through which many people passed for prayer. He was brought there every day, and the Scriptures say he had been lame since birth.
Although Jesus visited the temple, He never healed this man. The crippled man’s healing happened later because God had a special purpose for it. God wanted to use this moment to demonstrate the power of Jesus after His resurrection. Peter would use the miracle to point people not to his own power or holiness, but to Jesus, the one they had crucified.
The man asked for alms at the gate. The word “alms” means much more than money; it also means compassion. He sat with his cup out, hoping for some kindness. People often believe that giving money is the only way to show compassion, but genuine compassion goes deeper. This story shows that God’s timing and purpose guide every act of healing and mercy.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
Acts 3:4-6
4 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
Looks of Faith and Expectation
In Acts 3, there is a theme of “looks of faith.” Peter and John saw the crippled man and made eye contact with him. They told him to look at them, which was the first significant moment.
The crippled man responded by looking at Peter and John, expecting to receive something. This expectation was the second critical look. These exchanges were moments of faith, where hearts and intentions met.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
Later, after the healing, others in the temple also looked intently at Peter, John, and the man who had been healed. Each look signified faith, expectation, or amazement. This encounter demonstrated how faith can begin with something as simple as a glance and evolve into a powerful act of God.
Acts 3:12
12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
Meeting Real Needs: “Look on Us”
Verse 12 highlights three essential types of “looks.” First, the apostles looked at the crippled man with compassion and faith. Second, the man looked at the apostles with hope and need. Third, after the miracle, everyone in the temple looked at the apostles and the healed man with astonishment.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
As a minister, it is crucial to live a life that invites others to look and examine. The Ministry should be transparent and of the highest integrity. People should see not just a person, but the presence of Jesus shining through. True ministry is not just about preaching, but about living a life that can be examined, showing Christ to everyone.
The church should be known for meeting real needs in the community. It’s not enough to have a title or a reputation; the city must see genuine love and concern. Meeting the needs of those who come is what makes a church truly reflect the New Testament example. When the world looks, they should see Jesus at work through His people.
Song of Solomon 1:6
6 Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother’s children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
In Song of Solomon 1:6, the woman says, “Don’t look at me for I’m black.” She may have been a black person, but I’m not referring to race but to areas of her life marked by sin or shame. We all have parts of our lives that we do not want others to see because God is still working on them.
It’s normal to have areas of weakness or failure that we are not ready to reveal. I have things in my life that I am still surrendering to Jesus, and I imagine you do as well. We are all growing and changing.
Living a Transparent Life
Despite our imperfections, we should strive to live a life that says, “Look at me,” just as Peter said to the crippled man. We should not hide but be open to others examining our lives, inviting them to see how God is working and changing us. This kind of transparent life can inspire faith and hope in those watching.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
Acts 3:5-7
5 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
6 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.
7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength.
“Such As I Have”: Ministry from the Heart
Peter told the crippled man, “Silver and gold have I none.” Today, churches may have great wealth but no longer have spiritual power. The focus is not on Peter being poor. In truth, Peter owned property and boats.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
The real message is that wealth did not control Peter. He could let go of his resources and follow where God called him, as he did when he went to Cornelius’ house. Faithful ministry means reaching a place where possessions do not have a hold on you. It means being ready to give what you have from God rather than relying on material things.
Peter declared, “Such as I have, give I thee.” The critical question is, what do we have to give? Paul wrote that faith must be both in the heart and in the mouth. This is the kind of faith that truly impacts lives and brings miracles to hurting people.
Faith must be both in your heart and on your lips. If you only feel faith inside but never speak it, nothing will happen. Likewise, saying words without genuine faith beneath them does not bring results. Faith must be authentic and expressed.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
We should ask ourselves, what do we truly have to offer those in need? It is not enough to provide people with what the church has always offered; we must also offer them what they need. God wants us to give from the spiritual abundance he has placed in us—genuine compassion and real ministry. Our goal should be to reach out with the love and power of Jesus, not just with material things.
Compassion in Action: The Right-Hand Ministry
Peter did not offer money; he provided what he had received by faith, and that changed a life. The right hand, in Scripture, stands for strength, fellowship, and active ministry. Jesus ministers to God, but with his right hand, he reaches out to help those in need. That is the kind of ministry we are called to have—compassion in action, faith expressed, and lives changed for God’s glory.
The true church is called to reach out in two directions. With one hand, we offer worship and praise to God. With the other, we extend help and compassion to a hurting and broken world that has been waiting for hope for a long time. The story of the man sitting by the gate for over forty years reminds us that some needs have waited for generations.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
It’s vital to have joyful praise and powerful worship in our gatherings. However, if we keep our focus solely within the church, we miss our mission. God calls us to look outward through outreach, media, visitation, and acts of kindness. We must bring a fresh word and new hope to those who have heard empty answers for too long.
God is moving today, and his power to change lives is as real as ever. The trumpet sound is a call to spiritual awakening and transformation. There are still areas in our lives that are broken, too, where we need Christ’s healing touch. Each of us should be willing to let God use us to help others, just as we look for His continued work in our own hearts.
Acts 3:7-10
7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength.
8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.
9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God:
10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
The Response to God’s Power
In verse seven, Peter reached out and took the crippled man by the right hand. As he did this, the man’s feet and ankles were strengthened immediately.
The man stood up, began to walk, and then joined Peter and John as they entered the temple. He was walking, leaping, and praising God openly. This miracle was a visible sign of God’s power and mercy at work in their midst.
Acts 3:11
11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
After the man was healed, he stayed close to Peter and John. He had finally found something real—something that gave him strength and set him free. He held on tightly to the ministry that had changed his life. However, there is a lesson to be learned: be cautious about whose ministry you hold on to. When Peter and John were arrested in Acts 4, the man they had healed was also arrested with them. Following faithful ministry can sometimes lead to challenges and rejection.
Persevering Through Opposition
Not everyone will understand or accept genuine moves of God. Some religious groups may view acts of faith, such as praying for miracles, as unusual. Genuine ministry sometimes looks different from tradition, and it may not be welcomed everywhere.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
The Tabernacle is a visual representation of various stages of spiritual growth. Many stay at the outer court—accepting salvation, but not going deeper. The holy place represents a life enriched with worship, prayer, and deep engagement with the Word. The final stage, the holy of holies, is where God’s pure light shines. Moving from tradition to real spiritual depth means entering into that actual presence of God.
After the man was healed, he held on to Peter and John. He clung to the ministry that gave him a new life and strength. Holding on to true ministry brought him joy, but it also brought challenges. When Peter and John were arrested, the healed man ended up facing trouble with them.
Not everyone will understand or welcome actual moves of God. Many religious communities are uncomfortable when people express their faith openly, pray boldly, or expect miracles. Sometimes, genuine ministry is misunderstood or even opposed by others.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
Levels of Spiritual Experience
There are also levels of spiritual experience. Some people stay in the outer court, satisfied with basic salvation and rituals. Others move into deeper places of worship, prayer, and the Word. The deepest place is the holy of holies, where God’s presence is real and life-changing. We are called to move into greater light and seek God more fully, not just remain where tradition or comfort keeps us.
People in the outer court may not appreciate the experiences or practices found in Pentecostal and Spirit-filled circles. When believers step out in bold faith, like Peter and John did, or expect miracles, it often brings criticism or opposition from traditional religious authorities. This can lead to being misunderstood or even facing consequences, much like answering to the Sanhedrin.
The real question for everyone is: will you be willing to follow genuine ministry, even if it means facing difficulties? The healed man clung to Peter and John, despite the cost. True faith sometimes requires loyalty and courage, even when it is not easy or popular.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
Acts 3:12
12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
Holiness, Power, and the True Source of Miracles
Peter addressed the crowd, asking why they were looking at him and John as if their own strength or holiness had healed the man. He wanted to make it clear that the miracle was not due to personal power or righteousness.
There are many believers in traditional churches who live good and holy lives. They have strong morals but sometimes deny the power of the Holy Spirit, which limits what God can do through them. Holiness and godly living are important, but there is also a need for the presence and power of the Spirit.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
On the other side, some Pentecostal believers are filled with spiritual excitement and experience God’s power in dramatic ways. They may show great enthusiasm in worship and spiritual gifts. While this is important and desired, Peter warns that it cannot come at the expense of true holiness. Both spiritual power and personal holiness are essential for a balanced and fruitful Christian life.
Acts 3:13
13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.
Peter’s Confrontation: Jesus, The Source of Life
Peter boldly confronted the listeners, reminding them that they were responsible for delivering Jesus to be crucified. He pointed out that they chose to release a criminal instead of Jesus, the holy and righteous one. Peter emphasized that God had raised Jesus from the dead, and the apostles were witnesses of this truth.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
Peter’s message was direct and personal. He wanted the people to see that the same Jesus they rejected was now working miracles. The healed man was proof that, with God, the impossible becomes possible. When Christ’s power changes lives, it stands as a testimony to the world of what God can do.
Peter spoke directly to the crowd, making it clear that they had played a role in Jesus’ death. He reminded them that the God of their ancestors had glorified Jesus, but they had chosen to free a murderer instead. Peter stressed that they denied and killed “the prince of life,” but God raised him from the dead, and the apostles witnessed it.
Peter did not hold back, pointing out their responsibility for these events. After making this declaration, Peter could then point to the healed man as evidence: the one they had crucified now worked miracles among them. The changed lives in the church are proof that, while people doubt, God continues to do the impossible. With God, all things are possible, and the transformed lives show what only He can do.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
Acts 3:14-15
14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;
15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
Peter used several names for Jesus. He called Him the holy one and the just one. Peter also called Him the Prince of Life. Some translations say the author of life. The word “life” here is zoe. This is the God kind of life. Jesus is the source and giver of true life.
Acts 3:19-26
19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.
23 And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.
24 Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
25 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.
Repentance, Times of Refreshing, and Restoration
Peter’s sermon in Acts 3:19-26 ends by focusing on a promise he calls the “latter rain.” He speaks about “times of refreshing” that come from the presence of the Lord. Peter urges the people to repent and be converted so that their sins may be blotted out and they can receive this refreshing from God.
He is also speaking about the future return of Christ. Peter stresses that repentance means more than feeling sorry—it means changing the way you think. Paul later writes about being renewed in the mind as well. Peter emphasizes that believers can’t think like the world but must allow God to change their thinking.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
The first step is repentance. When people turn away from their old ways of thinking and turn to God, their sins are forgiven. Then, special seasons of blessing and renewal—times of refreshing—come from the Lord and prepare the way for Jesus to return.
The Meaning of “Times” and the Latter Rain
Times is plural. Now also, let’s see, go back to Acts chapter 2 and look at verse 18.
Acts 2:18
18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
And on my servants, and on my handmaidens, I will pour out in those days. See the S. Days, times, and days. It’s plural. There’s more than one time. There’s more than one day. And as I’ve told you before, in 2 Peter 3 and 9, it says that one day is to the Lord a thousand years, and a thousand years is one day. So if we figure two days, how many years do I have? Two thousand years. Alright, then we go back to where we were in Acts chapter 3, and it talks about times there.
We see the same thought. There’s going to be times, and there’s going to be what James calls, and let’s go look at it.
James 5:7
7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
James 5:7 encourages believers to be patient as they wait for the coming of the Lord. James uses the image of a farmer waiting for his crop to grow. The farmer must wait for two types of rain: the early rain and the latter rain. These rains represent different seasons of spiritual outpouring.
The early rain began at Pentecost with 120 believers. That outpouring led to the Church’s growth and spread across the world, yielding abundant spiritual fruit. Every believer today can trace their faith back to that first outpouring.
There is also a latter rain. Around 1900, new movements of the Holy Spirit happened. We constantly have times of refreshing. The purpose of this latter rain is to mature the harvest, bringing the Church to its full potential. Times of spiritual refreshing have occurred since Pentecost, but the latter rain prepares God’s people for Christ’s return. As in farming, the continual rain keeps growth alive until the harvest is ready. The Church is experiencing this process, growing and maturing as we wait for the final latter rain and for Jesus to come again.
Repent and turn to God so your sins may be wiped away. Times of spiritual renewal and refreshing will follow. These times are like the early and latter rains.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
God will send Jesus again after these seasons of renewal. He will come after the times of refreshing are complete. Heaven will hold Him until everything the prophets spoke is fulfilled. This is the stage before the return of Christ and the final restoration of all things. Repent and turn to God so that your sins are forgiven. Times of spiritual renewal will come from the Lord. These seasons are like the spiritual rains mentioned before.
Jesus will return after these times of refreshing. He will come after these seasons and after all things are restored as God promised through the prophets. Until then, heaven will receive Him, waiting for the fulfillment of God’s plan.
Acts 3:21
21 He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. (NIV)
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
Now I’ve got that in the NIV and in the Amplified Translation, and I want you to see it.
Acts 3:21
21 whom heaven must keep until the time for the [complete] restoration of all things about which God promised through the mouth of His holy prophets. (Amplified)
Acts 3:21
21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. (NIV)
Waiting for the Restoration and Christ’s Return
The Amplified Bible explains that heaven must keep Jesus until the complete restoration of everything God has promised through the prophets. This restoration involves multiple stages and times, including the former and latter rains, as well as times of spiritual refreshing. There is a definite timing in God’s plan, and it unfolds until every promise is fulfilled.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
The NIV also says that Jesus will remain in heaven until it is time for God to restore all things. This means Jesus’ return depends on the fulfillment of what the Old Testament prophets predicted, starting with Samuel. These prophecies point to a people who will embody the spirit and ministry of Elijah, restoring families and guiding the church to spiritual maturity. The vision is for God’s people to reach a fullness of maturity, often connected to the outpouring referred to as the “latter rain.”
Christ will return when the church is mature—without spots or wrinkle. This happens as believers grow in the fullness of Christ, equipped and built up by apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. As the church matures, doing the works described in Acts, and as believers make a difference in their world, the way is prepared for Jesus’ return. God calls His people not to be passive, but to work, grow, and help others, fulfilling their calling until Christ comes again.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
The Christian Life: Lifting Others as Able Ministers
Christians are called to lift others up in every area of life—at work, at church, and at home. Helping people is part of our nature as followers of Christ. Paul described ministers as “dispensers,” comparing himself to a pitcher pouring out his life for others. Every believer should aim to be this kind of able dispenser, ready to help and raise those who are struggling.
Acts chapter 3 gives a preview of what will happen before Jesus returns. We see believers working together to raise up those who are spiritually or physically crippled. This ministry will continue and increase, leading up to the final outpouring of God’s Spirit—the “latter rain.” Christ will return after these things are fulfilled, just as Scripture says.
One day, Jesus will return, but until then, our mission is to help people. Authentic Christian living places the highest value on caring for others. If we react to those who “bite” us with patience and grace rather than retaliation, we reflect the love of Christ. The world is full of people who hurt or offend us, but we are called to respond by helping and lifting them whenever we can.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
Nothing is more important in the Christian life than loving and serving people. Christians are called to uplift others every day, whether at work, in church, or at home. Helping and serving people should come naturally to us as believers. Paul called himself an “able minister,” seeing his role as a dispenser or a pitcher pouring out his life for others. We should all aim to be able dispensers, always ready to help and strengthen those in need.
To get there, we must learn from the prophets and focus on what truly matters: people. When Christians realize that nothing in this world is more important than helping others, we are getting closer to God’s purpose for us. Even when people “bite” us or mistreat us, our job is not to bite back, but to help and explain God’s love. This is what the Christian life is truly about—helping people above all else.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
Acts 3:26
26 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.
The True Blessing: Being Turned from Sin
The final verse of Acts chapter 3 teaches a powerful truth about blessing. Many people today think being blessed means having lots of money, material things, or visible success. And it is true that God wants us to prosper and live empowered lives. He wants us to show His goodness to the world. True prosperity is better than living under a curse of lack.
However, this verse points to a deeper kind of blessing. The blessing God sent through Jesus is not just about wealth or comfort. God blesses us by turning us away from sin and freeing us from anything that holds us back from serving others. Real blessing is being delivered from sin and living a life of holiness and purpose.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
This truth challenged my thinking. I once thought God’s blessing was mostly about prosperity. But God’s real desire is to make me pure, holy, and able to live in such a way that others can look at my life and see Jesus. The greatest blessing is to let Jesus be Lord over every part of life, so that we are truly free to follow and serve Him.
I see God bringing true change not only in my life but also in your lives and throughout the wider church. The events found in Acts chapters 2, 3, 4, and 5 are happening again today in many ways. Because of this, I am reminded that Jesus is coming back. He promised in Acts 1 that the same Jesus who went up into heaven will return in the same way. He is coming, but He is waiting until His people help fulfill all that the prophets declared and until His enemies are made His footstool.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
Closing Challenge and Blessing
The main message I want you to remember is this: Have something to give, and be ready to give it. Many of us live in the “outer court” with only a part of what God wants for us. We need to move deeper, into the “holy place,” where our lives are marked by true spirituality, and where we minister God’s gifts to others and help lift those in need.
I encourage you to reflect on what I have shared, and if you have any thoughts or questions, I welcome them. Let’s all strive to live lives that are open and genuine, so others can look at us and see the character of Christ.
I thank God for His Word, which is powerful and life-changing. It separates what belongs to the old life from what God wants to do in us now. My hope is that we will become a people in every city, neighborhood, and place who can say, “What I have, I give to you in the name of Jesus—rise up and walk.”
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
Let’s pray that God helps us bless a hurting world, not just by words but by turning from sin and living holy lives. As we look forward to the return of Jesus, may we grow in maturity and let His blessings and character shine through us each day. I pray that God would bless your homes and lives spiritually and in every way, so we can truly be examples for others to follow. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
Acts Series Chapter 3: How to Meet Real Needs in Faith
Other Related Sermons:
All Alike Make Excuses Luke 14:15-24
Jesus Wants to Tell You Something
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