The Book of Acts: To the Ends of the Earth (Acts 3:17-26)

The Book of Acts

To the Ends of the Earth, Pt. 9

Lead/Founding Pastor: Ryan Rice

Thursday, October 30th, 2025

Sunday, November 2nd, 2025

The Great Turning Point
Acts 3:17–26, ESV

17 “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. 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.22 Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ 24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. 25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ 26 God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”

     1. Turn and Be Forgiven 

          Acts 3:17–19

     2.  Turn and Be Refreshed

          Acts 3:19–20a

     3.  Turn and Trust – His Kingdom Will Come

          Acts 3:20–21, Matthew 23:39, Romans 11:25–29, Acts 1:11, Zechariah 14:4,           Revelation 20:4–6 Luke 4:18–21

     4.  Turn or Burn – The Reality of Judgment

          Acts 3:22–23, Matthew 8:12, Mark 9:48, Matthew 25:41, Revelation 20:10, 2 Peter 2:9, John 14:6

     5.  Turn and Be Blessed – God’s Promise Still Stands 

          Acts 3:24–26, Genesis 12:3, Acts 10:34–35, Galatians 3:9, Galatians 3:29

The ABC’s of the Gospel

• A — Admit your sin.
  Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

• B — Believe in Jesus Christ.
  Romans 5:8 – “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

• C — Confess Him as Lord.
  Romans 10:9 – “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Talk It Over Questions

Icebreaker:
When’s a time you ignored directions or GPS and ended up lost? How does that connect to needing to “turn back” spiritually?

1. Read Acts 3:17–19. Peter calls for repentance. Why is repentance so essential for forgiveness? What happens when believers drift from daily repentance?
2. Read Acts 3:19–20a Peter speaks of “times of refreshing.” How have you personally experienced renewal from God’s presence after confession or obedience?
3. Read Acts 3:20–21 with Romans 11:25–29. What does this reveal about God’s faithfulness to Israel? How should this truth strengthen your confidence in God’s promises to you?
4. Read Acts 3:22–23 with Matthew 25:41 and Revelation 20:10. Why do you think people avoid or soften the topic of hell today? How can believers hold the tension between God’s love and His justice?
5. Read Acts 3:24–26 with Genesis 12:3 and Galatians 3:9.
6. Review the ABC’s of the Gospel (Romans 3:23; 5:8; 10:9).  Which step — Admit, Believe, or Confess — is most personal or powerful for you right now?
7. Personal Reflection Where do you need your own Great Turning Point — forgiveness, refreshment, trust, or obedience? Spend time praying for God to help you turn fully toward Him this week.