Week of 2/15/26: Returning to the God who Calls Us
SUMMARY
Formation Theme: Be the Church - Rooted in RepentanceWeekly Theme: Be the Church - Returning to the God Who Calls Us
Weekly Fast: Traditional Fast
Sermon Text: Acts 3:1-26
Primary Reading: Mark 1-10
Kids’ Readings (Jesus Storybook Bible): Heaven Breaks Through (Matthew 3), Let's Go! (Matthew 4:1-22)
Memory Verses (Through April 4th): Psalm 51:1–4 (ESV)
[1] Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. [2] Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!
[3] For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.
Sermon Text: Acts 3:1-26
Primary Reading: Mark 1-10
Kids’ Readings (Jesus Storybook Bible): Heaven Breaks Through (Matthew 3), Let's Go! (Matthew 4:1-22)
Memory Verses (Through April 4th): Psalm 51:1–4 (ESV)
[1] Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. [2] Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!
[3] For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
[4] Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.
1 | Theme Reflection - “Returning to the God who Calls Us”
Lent begins with a call to return to God.
Lent begins with a call to return to God.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus calls ordinary people to follow Him. He calls them away from sin, distraction, and self-reliance, and toward trust, obedience, and life with Him.
The practices of Lent - fasting, prayer and repentance - are not attempts to earn God’s favor. They are ways of turning our attention back to Him. When we fast, we are reminded that we depend on God more than on daily comforts. When we pray, we learn again to listen. When we repent, we return to the God who restores.
In Acts 3:1–26, Peter and John meet a man who has been lame from birth. In the name of Jesus Christ, he is healed. The miracle draws a crowd, and Peter speaks plainly: this healing is not their power, but the work of the risen Christ. Then he calls the people to respond:
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)
The call to return is not harsh. It is hopeful. God invites His people to turn back so that they may receive forgiveness and renewal.
To begin Lent is to respond to that same call. It is to turn again toward the God who heals, forgives and restores through Jesus Christ.
2 | Daily Reading Rhythm
3 | Practice of the Week - Traditional Fast
Why a Traditional Fast for Adults?
“Lord, You are my provider. Teach me to desire You more than anything else.”
Why a Traditional Fast for Adults?
The traditional fast connects us to centuries of Christian practice and Jesus’ own example in the wilderness. Fasting from food (or a specific food/daily meal) teaches us to depend on God as our true sustainer.
Motivation
Jesus fasted in the wilderness to draw near to His Father (Matthew 4:1–4). Fasting loosens our grip on created comforts so we can cling more tightly to Christ.
Scripture
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” — Matthew 4:4
Reflection Questions
- What earthly comforts am I overly dependent on?
- How can this fast create space for me to hunger for God instead?
Encouragement
Each time you feel hunger (or desire for what you’ve given up), turn it into prayer:
“Lord, You are my provider. Teach me to desire You more than anything else.”
Adult Prayer
Lord, You are the bread of life. Teach me to hunger for You more than for anything this world offers. As I fast, let my emptiness remind me of Your fullness. Satisfy me with Your presence alone. Amen.
4 | Family Guide - Helping Kids Engage the Fast
Why a Traditional Fast for Families?
Kid’s PrayerJesus, You are the bread of life. Help me love You more than food and trust that You will always take care of me. Amen.
Family Conversation Starters
Why a Traditional Fast for Families?
Jesus fasted in the wilderness to draw near to God. Fasting teaches us to rely not on food alone but on the God who provides everything we need. As a family, Lent becomes an opportunity to hunger for Jesus more than anything else.
Ideas for Kids
Fast from one meal together and use the time to read a Bible story, pray, or talk about Jesus.
Choose a favorite snack or treat to give up for one day and talk about how Jesus satisfies us more than food.
- Prepare a meal for someone in need as a small act of love.
- Make a “Thank You, Jesus” list every time someone feels hungry.
Why do you think Jesus fasted?
How does fasting help us remember that God gives us everything we need?
What is one way we can show God that we trust Him this week?
5 | Doctrinal Focus - The Doctrine of Repentance
Repentance is not merely confession - it is returning.
Scripture describes repentance as a turning of the whole person: mind, heart, desire, and direction. It is not self-punishment but Spirit-led restoration.
“Lord, I have listened to other voices. I am returning to Yours.”
Repentance is not merely confession - it is returning.
Scripture describes repentance as a turning of the whole person: mind, heart, desire, and direction. It is not self-punishment but Spirit-led restoration.
To repent is to say:
“Lord, I have listened to other voices. I am returning to Yours.”
Repentance clears the fog so we can hear Jesus again. It opens the heart so grace can reshape us from the inside. It is the soil where resurrection takes root.
6 | Missional Focus - Returning Begins with Listening
Peter and John in Acts 4 do not stand boldly because they are impressive - they stand because they have been saved by Jesus and put their faith in Him.
Peter and John in Acts 4 do not stand boldly because they are impressive - they stand because they have been saved by Jesus and put their faith in Him.
Mission begins the same way. This week, ask:
Who in my life needs a word of encouragement, grace, or prayer?
Where might God be calling me to listen before I speak?
What would it look like to slow down enough to be interruptible?
As we return to Jesus, we become people who carry His presence into the ordinary spaces of our lives.
7 | Community Group Discussion Questions
From the Sermon (Text — Acts 3 : 1 – 26)
- How does Peter’s healing of the lame man demonstrate faith in the promises of Jesus?
- What does Peter’s sermon reveal about God’s faithfulness to fulfill His covenant promises through Christ?
- Where do you see Jesus calling people to return - from fear, pride, distraction, or despair - in Mark 1–10?
- How does Jesus redefine what true dependence looks like?
From Personal Reflection
- What desires surfaced during the traditional fast?
- Where is Jesus calling you to slow down, return, or surrender?
- How can we help one another trust Jesus more deeply during Lent?
- What practices might we adopt together to quiet the noise of life?
- Who baptized Jesus?
- Why did Jesus go into the wilderness?
- What can we pray when we feel hungry, sad, or afraid?
- How can we follow Jesus this week?
8 | Closing Prayer
Lord, lead us in this Lenten season.
Lord, lead us in this Lenten season.
May our affections for You grow - help us desire You more than any earthly hope, dream or desire. As we fast from things - may it not be just a rejection but also an embrace.
May this season be one of return and repentance - draw us to You again.
Amen.