Sunday Focus

13th July 2025

 
Welcome to this weeks Sunday Focus, we pray you will be blessed.

In Church over the next couple of months we will be looking at some passages in the book of Acts.  



 

 

Hymn -  How Sweet The Name

 

  Song -  Jesus Name Above All Names

 

Almighty God,
you have built your Church
on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Jesus Christ himself
being the chief cornerstone.
Join us together in unity of spirit
by their teaching,
that we may become a holy temple,
acceptable to you:
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen

 

Song -  Cornerstone

 

Reading- Acts 4:1-22

Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin

4 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.

5 The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is

“‘the stone you builders rejected,
    which has become the cornerstone.’

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

 

 

Song - We have heard the joyful sound

 

Lord we thank you for the example of Peter and John who continued to be witnesses for you even when there was opposition. Help us to be bold in our witness. We pray that people would be able to see Jesus in us. Help us to stand up for you even in the face of opposition.  Help us to share the message from this passage that 'salvation is found in no one else' that Jesus alone saves.

We pray for our nation, Lord,  that you would become a priority in this country.   We pray for all those in authority, whether in leadership in politics or business, or other situations.  We ask for wisdom as they make decisions and for grace in their relationships with others.

We lift the town of Coldstream to you. We pray for your blessing over this place. Bless those who work and have businesses in Coldstream and surrounding areas.

We lift those we know who are sick, bereaved or lonely. Heal, comfort and be close to them we pray. 

 

 

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins
as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power,
and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen. 

 

Song  -  Christ our Hope in Life and Death 

 

Go from here as witnesses of what you have seen and heard.
Share God’s love with those you meet.
Bring hope to those who are in despair.
Live lives of gratitude and praise.
And may the love of God,
the peace of Jesus Christ,
and the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit
be within you and among you until we meet again.
Amen