Sermon Recap+ Jan 18, 2026

Have you ever experienced a moment where something incredible happened, but you almost missed it? Those "what just happened?" moments that catch us completely off guard? These moments of revelation and discovery are more common than we think, especially when we approach life with intentionality rather than waiting for the extraordinary.

Understanding the Season of Epiphany

We find ourselves in the season of Epiphany, a time that follows Christmas and extends until Lent begins. This isn't just theological jargon - it's a season of discovery and revelation. While Christmas celebrates Emmanuel, God with us, Epiphany reveals that Christ's love extends beyond any single group of people. It's the season where we discover that God's love is for everyone - Jews and Gentiles alike.

Epiphany is fundamentally about revelation - the unveiling of Christ's love for all humanity. It's a reminder that death is not eternal for us because of Christ our Lord, and that we are all welcome to embrace Him as our Savior.

An Ordinary Day with Extraordinary Results

• The Setting: Just Another Day at the Temple

In Acts 3:1-10, we encounter Peter and John on what appears to be a completely ordinary day. They were simply going to the temple to pray at 3 PM, as was customary for Jewish people. Nothing fancy, nothing planned - just two disciples minding their own business, probably rushing to make it on time.

• The Encounter: Seeing Beyond the Surface

At the temple gate, they encountered a man who had been crippled from birth. This man was brought daily to beg for money from those entering the temple. In that time, people with such conditions were often viewed as cursed - either they or their parents must have committed some terrible sin to deserve such punishment. When this man asked Peter and John for money, something remarkable happened. Instead of simply giving or refusing, they said, "Look at us." The Scripture uses the word "intently" to describe how they looked at him. This wasn't a casual glance - they truly saw him as a person worthy of their time and attention.

What Does It Mean to Truly See Someone?

• The Difference Between Watching and Seeing

There's a profound difference between simply watching someone and truly seeing them. When someone really sees you - sees past the surface to your heart, your motivations, your worth as a person - it's transformative. Peter and John didn't just notice the beggar; they saw him as a valuable human being deserving of dignity and love.

• The Power of Intentional Attention

The miracle that followed wasn't just about physical healing. Yes, the man's legs became strong and he could walk. But perhaps more significantly, he was seen, valued, and treated with dignity. He even boldly entered the temple despite not having completed the ritual cleansing required - because he had been transformed by being truly seen and loved.

Lessons from an Ordinary Proposal

• When Ordinary Becomes Extraordinary

Sometimes the most significant moments in our lives happen in the most ordinary circumstances. Consider a proposal story that took place not in some exotic location, but next to a bathroom in a bar during a baby shower. (Thats my story!) What made this moment special wasn't the location or expensive planning - it was the intentionality behind it.

• "The Lesson" The Value of Intentional Planning

The proposal succeeded not because it was extraordinary, but because it was intentional. Everyone who mattered was gathered together. The moment was planned with care and love, even if the setting was humble. The key was recognizing the right moment and acting with purpose.

Why Intentionality Matters More Than Extraordinary Circumstances

• Your Story Doesn't Need to Be Extraordinary

Your life as a Christian doesn't need to be filled with extraordinary events to be valuable. What matters is living with intentionality. When you pray, your prayers don't need to be extraordinary - they need to be intentional. When you love others, it doesn't require grand gestures - it requires genuine intention.

• God's Intentional Love for You

Your life as a Christian is valuable not because you're extraordinary, but because God loves you with intention. Just as Peter and John saw the beggar with intentional love, God sees you with the same purposeful care and attention.

The Ripple Effect of Intentional Love

• You Can't Control the Outcome

When you act with intentional love, you cannot control what happens next. When you're intentional with your prayers, generosity, church attendance, conversations, and love for others, you create space for God to work in ways you never expected.

• Making Others Feel Seen

The most powerful thing you can do is help others feel truly seen and valued. This doesn't require extraordinary circumstances or expensive gestures. It simply requires the intentionality to look at someone and say, "I see you, and you matter."

Life Application

This week, challenge yourself to practice intentional love in your daily interactions. Instead of waiting for extraordinary opportunities to make a difference, look for ordinary moments where you can truly see and value the people around you.

Ask yourself these questions:

1. Who in my life needs to feel truly seen and valued this week?

2. How can I be more intentional with my prayers, knowing they don't need to be extraordinary to be powerful?

3. What ordinary moments in my day could become opportunities to show God's love to others?

4. Am I waiting for perfect circumstances to act, or am I willing to love intentionally in ordinary situations?

Remember, your story doesn't have to be extraordinary to be significant. It just has to be intentional. When you approach life with purposeful love and attention, you create space for God to work miracles in the most ordinary circumstances.