WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.500 1 1 0 9 00:00:01.500 --> 00:00:10.259 Acts chapter 14 verse 1 at Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue 00:00:10.259 --> 00:00:17.460 there they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed but the 00:00:17.460 --> 00:00:22.000 Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the 00:00:22.000 --> 00:00:28.500 brothers so Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there speaking boldly for the Lord who 00:00:28.500 --> 00:00:34.259 confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to do miraculous signs and wonders the people 00:00:34.259 --> 00:00:40.019 of the city were divided some sided with the Jews others with the apostles there was a plot afoot 00:00:40.019 --> 00:00:44.100 among the Gentiles and Jews together with their leaders to ill treat them and to stone them 00:00:44.100 --> 00:00:50.980 but they found out about and fled to Lyconian the Lyconian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the 00:00:50.980 --> 00:00:57.659 surrounding country where they continued to preach the good news in Lystra there sat a man crippled 00:00:57.659 --> 00:01:03.879 in his feet who was lame from birth and had never walked he listened to Paul as he was speaking 00:01:03.879 --> 00:01:12.640 Paul looked directly at him saw that he had faith to be healed and called out stand up on your feet 00:01:12.640 --> 00:01:19.420 at that the man jumped up and began to walk when the crowd saw what Paul had done they shouted in 00:01:19.420 --> 00:01:26.359 Lyconian language the gods have come down to us in human form Barnabas they called Zeus and Paul 00:01:26.359 --> 00:01:31.579 they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker the priest of Zeus whose temple was just outside the city 00:01:31.579 --> 00:01:37.799 brought bulls and reeds to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them 00:01:37.799 --> 00:01:44.379 but when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this they tore their clothes and rushed into the crowd 00:01:44.379 --> 00:01:51.900 shouting men why are you doing this we too are only men human like you we are bringing you good news 00:01:51.900 --> 00:01:59.359 telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God who made heaven and earth and sea and 00:01:59.359 --> 00:02:06.640 everything in them in the past he let all nations go their own way yes he has not left himself without 00:02:06.640 --> 00:02:13.379 testimony he has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons he provides you 00:02:13.379 --> 00:02:20.700 with plenty of food and fills your heart with joy even with these words they had difficulty keeping the 00:02:20.699 --> 00:02:28.459 crowd from sacrificing to them then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over they 00:02:28.459 --> 00:02:35.019 stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city thinking he was dead but after disciples had gathered around 00:02:35.019 --> 00:02:41.479 him he got up and went back into the city the next day he and Barnabas left for Derby 00:02:41.479 --> 00:02:52.319 they preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples then they returned to 00:02:52.319 --> 00:02:58.339 Lystra Iconium and Antioch strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith 00:02:58.339 --> 00:03:05.859 we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God they said Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for 00:03:05.860 --> 00:03:12.020 them in each church and with prayer and fasting committed them to the Lord in whom they had put 00:03:12.020 --> 00:03:18.500 their trust after going through Poseidia they came into Pamphylia and when they preached the word in 00:03:18.500 --> 00:03:26.080 Perga they went down to Atalia from Atalia they sailed back to Antioch where they had been committed to the 00:03:26.080 --> 00:03:32.740 grace of God for the work they had now completed on arriving there they gathered the church together 00:03:32.740 --> 00:03:39.659 and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened the door of faith to to the 00:03:39.659 --> 00:03:43.659 Gentiles and they stayed there a long time with the disciples 00:03:43.659 --> 00:04:00.340 thanks very much 00:04:00.340 --> 00:04:08.360 well just to remind people that while we go through this section on Wednesday evenings in our gospel 00:04:08.360 --> 00:04:15.960 communities we pick up on the same study we apply it a little bit more it's an opportunity to go 00:04:15.960 --> 00:04:23.959 through in further discussion and questions that you may have as we seek to apply it to our lives and 00:04:23.959 --> 00:04:30.379 to us as a church so come along on Wednesday evenings and be involved in that and of course if you have 00:04:30.379 --> 00:04:36.519 other questions at the end please feel free to talk with me afterwards but keep your Bibles open there 00:04:36.519 --> 00:04:46.419 at Acts 14 and it's a wonderful adventurous story and we're going to hear what God has to say to us 00:04:46.420 --> 00:04:49.439 from this let's pray first of all 00:04:49.439 --> 00:05:04.220 father thank you for your servants of years ago people like Paul and Barnabas 00:05:04.220 --> 00:05:08.939 who went from place to place to bring the good news 00:05:08.939 --> 00:05:15.500 thank you for your friends thank you for your friends thank you that the good news came to countries like Ireland 00:05:15.500 --> 00:05:19.899 thank you that people came to us 00:05:19.899 --> 00:05:26.040 whether from home or friends or through some other means 00:05:26.040 --> 00:05:42.140 we pray that the good news of Christ would impact us afresh this morning and that you would help us together individually and as a church family together 00:05:42.140 --> 00:05:51.879 see the different ways in which we have been called to be ongoing servants of that same gospel 00:05:51.879 --> 00:06:02.879 empower us fill us with your spirit as we hear you today amen 00:06:02.879 --> 00:06:20.959 well do you remember the mission impossible films have you seen them it begins with mission commander swanbeck speaking to agent ethan hunt via a recorded message 00:06:20.959 --> 00:06:32.159 here's how it starts good morning mr hunt your mission should you choose to accept it involves the recovery of a stolen item named chimera 00:06:32.159 --> 00:06:41.719 you may select any two team members but it's essential that you have a third member of your team and that is naya nordoff hall 00:06:41.720 --> 00:06:48.200 you have 48 hours to recruit miss hall and meet me in seville to receive your assignment 00:06:48.200 --> 00:06:56.840 as always should any member of your team be caught or killed the secretary will disavow all knowledge of your actions 00:06:56.840 --> 00:07:01.160 this message will self-destruct in five seconds 00:07:01.160 --> 00:07:07.000 you remember it exciting isn't it 00:07:07.000 --> 00:07:15.800 well axe has a similar theme the book is a recorded message outlining the mission of god 00:07:15.800 --> 00:07:25.000 and our mission commander is the risen lord jesus who gives us the church his assignments 00:07:25.000 --> 00:07:32.040 so if we were to turn axe into a feature-length film and to see it on the hollywood screens 00:07:32.040 --> 00:07:37.200 it might go something like this good morning christian 00:07:37.200 --> 00:07:41.000 your mission should you choose to accept it involves 00:07:41.000 --> 00:07:45.280 speaking the good news of jesus christ to all peoples in all nations 00:07:45.280 --> 00:07:47.320 your team members 00:07:47.320 --> 00:07:49.180 are the church family 00:07:49.180 --> 00:07:53.800 but it is essential that you also have with you the holy spirit 00:07:53.800 --> 00:08:03.800 he will empower you enable and equip you to complete your mission as always it is possible that your team or team members 00:08:03.800 --> 00:08:06.400 will be caught or killed 00:08:06.400 --> 00:08:08.360 should this happen 00:08:08.360 --> 00:08:11.360 your captain will ensure the mission 00:08:11.360 --> 00:08:12.660 is completed 00:08:12.660 --> 00:08:15.680 this message will be repeated 00:08:15.680 --> 00:08:17.819 till all have heard 00:08:17.819 --> 00:08:23.259 now while axe introduces us to god's mission 00:08:23.259 --> 00:08:27.899 it also introduces us to god's mission strategy 00:08:27.899 --> 00:08:32.740 god has chosen his church the people that belong to him 00:08:32.740 --> 00:08:36.379 to be the means they're at the very heart of his strategy 00:08:36.379 --> 00:08:40.080 in bringing the good news of jesus to all nations 00:08:40.080 --> 00:08:43.919 and the way that that happens is very simply this 00:08:43.919 --> 00:08:44.860 churches 00:08:44.860 --> 00:08:47.539 are to plant churches 00:08:47.539 --> 00:08:51.059 and that's what we have here in chapter 14 00:08:51.059 --> 00:08:56.039 when the gospel is preached from city to city and place to place 00:08:56.039 --> 00:08:58.000 look what happens 00:08:58.000 --> 00:09:01.000 look at verse 23 of chapter 14 00:09:01.000 --> 00:09:04.959 paul and barnabas appointed elders 00:09:04.959 --> 00:09:08.339 for them in each church 00:09:08.339 --> 00:09:12.740 and with prayer and fasting committed them to the lord 00:09:12.740 --> 00:09:15.579 in whom they had put their trust 00:09:15.580 --> 00:09:19.100 reaching out with the gospel lead to churches 00:09:19.100 --> 00:09:21.560 being established 00:09:21.560 --> 00:09:25.600 you see god's missionary strategy is this 00:09:25.600 --> 00:09:29.060 that churches would reach out with the good news 00:09:29.060 --> 00:09:30.879 and establish new churches 00:09:30.879 --> 00:09:33.960 who in turn reach out with the good news 00:09:33.960 --> 00:09:35.900 and establish new churches 00:09:35.900 --> 00:09:37.240 that's the cycle 00:09:37.240 --> 00:09:38.680 and that's the pattern 00:09:38.679 --> 00:09:41.699 and crucially the team members 00:09:41.699 --> 00:09:43.559 the people who have been called to do it 00:09:43.559 --> 00:09:46.099 are people like you and me 00:09:46.099 --> 00:09:48.019 the church family 00:09:48.019 --> 00:09:51.139 there is no such thing as an individual christian 00:09:51.139 --> 00:09:52.839 who goes on about their own business 00:09:52.839 --> 00:09:54.459 it is a gathering 00:09:54.459 --> 00:09:56.259 a people together 00:09:56.259 --> 00:09:59.000 the question is 00:09:59.000 --> 00:10:01.659 are we going to accept 00:10:01.659 --> 00:10:03.319 this mission 00:10:03.319 --> 00:10:05.779 from our commander 00:10:05.779 --> 00:10:08.120 the risen lord jesus 00:10:08.120 --> 00:10:13.379 well before we see what is involved in church planting 00:10:13.379 --> 00:10:15.879 let me just mention a few things here 00:10:15.879 --> 00:10:18.699 what are we doing in terms of church planting 00:10:18.699 --> 00:10:20.500 well we've got kinsale haven't we 00:10:20.500 --> 00:10:24.120 so there's people here who are involved in the kinsale project 00:10:24.120 --> 00:10:25.080 the aim 00:10:25.080 --> 00:10:26.960 to see a church established 00:10:26.960 --> 00:10:28.379 in that town 00:10:28.379 --> 00:10:32.039 so it applies to those who are specifically involved 00:10:32.039 --> 00:10:33.179 well you maybe think 00:10:33.179 --> 00:10:34.519 well i'm not involved in that 00:10:34.519 --> 00:10:35.139 well 00:10:35.139 --> 00:10:36.659 this church here 00:10:36.659 --> 00:10:40.360 in some ways this is an ongoing church plant 00:10:40.360 --> 00:10:42.340 we're not fully established in terms of 00:10:42.340 --> 00:10:45.159 we're actually still reliant 00:10:45.159 --> 00:10:47.440 on outside support 00:10:47.440 --> 00:10:48.480 financial support 00:10:48.480 --> 00:10:50.879 for us to be able to function the way that we do 00:10:50.879 --> 00:10:53.460 so in some ways we are still 00:10:53.460 --> 00:10:55.879 in a church planting state 00:10:55.879 --> 00:10:59.560 but then of course there are other places 00:10:59.560 --> 00:11:01.340 and other ways in which we can be involved 00:11:01.340 --> 00:11:02.800 there are other churches 00:11:02.800 --> 00:11:05.100 around the globe that need our support 00:11:05.100 --> 00:11:06.060 and need our help 00:11:06.060 --> 00:11:09.680 maybe it means one of you 00:11:09.680 --> 00:11:11.240 or me 00:11:11.240 --> 00:11:12.120 or somebody 00:11:12.120 --> 00:11:15.040 being sent by this church 00:11:15.040 --> 00:11:17.780 to be involved in church planting 00:11:17.780 --> 00:11:20.960 so it's extremely relevant 00:11:20.960 --> 00:11:22.620 to us all 00:11:22.620 --> 00:11:24.840 and what we want to look at here this morning 00:11:24.840 --> 00:11:26.860 are four things 00:11:26.860 --> 00:11:28.960 that we need in place 00:11:28.960 --> 00:11:31.159 to see churches 00:11:31.159 --> 00:11:32.919 planting churches 00:11:32.919 --> 00:11:35.960 the first one is this 00:11:35.960 --> 00:11:39.340 there must be a faithful communication 00:11:39.340 --> 00:11:40.799 of the gospel 00:11:40.799 --> 00:11:42.539 look at verse one 00:11:42.539 --> 00:11:44.440 and what we're going to do is 00:11:44.440 --> 00:11:46.279 we're going to look at the first four verses 00:11:46.279 --> 00:11:47.799 and just see 00:11:47.799 --> 00:11:49.279 how each of those verses 00:11:49.279 --> 00:11:50.360 are expanded 00:11:50.360 --> 00:11:51.939 and worked out 00:11:51.939 --> 00:11:53.120 through the rest 00:11:53.120 --> 00:11:54.459 of chapter 14 00:11:54.459 --> 00:11:55.159 so verse 00:11:55.159 --> 00:11:56.579 one we'll get to in a minute 00:11:56.579 --> 00:11:58.120 wherever God's people went 00:11:58.120 --> 00:11:59.100 there was a clear 00:11:59.100 --> 00:12:00.500 and consistent focus 00:12:00.500 --> 00:12:01.079 verse one 00:12:01.079 --> 00:12:02.240 at Iconium 00:12:02.240 --> 00:12:03.539 so they're in Turkey 00:12:03.539 --> 00:12:05.019 Paul and Barnabas 00:12:05.019 --> 00:12:05.799 went as usual 00:12:05.799 --> 00:12:07.000 into the Jewish synagogue 00:12:07.000 --> 00:12:08.839 and there they spoke 00:12:08.839 --> 00:12:09.860 so effectively 00:12:09.860 --> 00:12:10.759 they were speaking 00:12:10.759 --> 00:12:11.620 the good news 00:12:11.620 --> 00:12:13.379 that a great number 00:12:13.379 --> 00:12:14.200 of Jews 00:12:14.200 --> 00:12:15.399 and Gentiles 00:12:15.399 --> 00:12:15.860 believed 00:12:15.860 --> 00:12:18.659 and in case we forget 00:12:18.659 --> 00:12:19.840 what our risen commander 00:12:19.840 --> 00:12:20.840 has called us to do 00:12:20.840 --> 00:12:21.919 we are reminded 00:12:21.919 --> 00:12:22.779 again and again 00:12:22.779 --> 00:12:23.519 verse seven 00:12:23.519 --> 00:12:25.279 they went to other places 00:12:25.279 --> 00:12:26.980 where they continued 00:12:26.980 --> 00:12:27.740 to preach 00:12:27.740 --> 00:12:28.759 the good news 00:12:28.759 --> 00:12:31.179 in verse 24 00:12:31.179 --> 00:12:33.620 after going through Pisidia 00:12:33.620 --> 00:12:34.960 they came to Pamphylia 00:12:34.960 --> 00:12:37.019 and when they had preached 00:12:37.019 --> 00:12:37.720 the word 00:12:37.720 --> 00:12:38.960 in Perga 00:12:38.960 --> 00:12:40.220 they went down 00:12:40.220 --> 00:12:41.379 to Atalia 00:12:41.379 --> 00:12:43.259 so 00:12:43.259 --> 00:12:44.840 that is the focus 00:12:44.840 --> 00:12:46.500 now the problem 00:12:46.500 --> 00:12:47.519 is not knowing 00:12:47.519 --> 00:12:48.300 that this is what 00:12:48.300 --> 00:12:48.820 we should do 00:12:48.820 --> 00:12:49.480 I think we're all 00:12:49.480 --> 00:12:50.560 clear about that 00:12:50.560 --> 00:12:52.860 the difficulty is 00:12:52.860 --> 00:12:54.560 is what do I say 00:12:54.560 --> 00:12:56.180 how do I actually 00:12:56.180 --> 00:12:56.920 communicate 00:12:56.920 --> 00:12:57.920 this message 00:12:57.920 --> 00:12:59.399 well look at how 00:12:59.399 --> 00:13:00.500 Paul communicates 00:13:00.500 --> 00:13:01.100 the gospel 00:13:01.100 --> 00:13:03.700 Paul has just 00:13:03.700 --> 00:13:04.500 healed a man 00:13:04.500 --> 00:13:05.060 who has been 00:13:05.060 --> 00:13:05.940 lame from birth 00:13:05.940 --> 00:13:06.480 and we're going to 00:13:06.480 --> 00:13:07.300 come back to him 00:13:07.299 --> 00:13:09.059 in a little while 00:13:09.059 --> 00:13:10.939 but look at the response 00:13:10.939 --> 00:13:12.059 of the people 00:13:12.059 --> 00:13:13.459 to Paul 00:13:13.459 --> 00:13:14.899 after this healing 00:13:14.899 --> 00:13:15.759 verse 11 00:13:15.759 --> 00:13:17.759 when the crowd 00:13:17.759 --> 00:13:18.879 saw what Paul 00:13:18.879 --> 00:13:20.059 had done 00:13:20.059 --> 00:13:21.479 they shouted 00:13:21.479 --> 00:13:22.899 in the Lycanian language 00:13:22.899 --> 00:13:23.939 the gods 00:13:23.939 --> 00:13:24.779 have come down 00:13:24.779 --> 00:13:25.599 to us 00:13:25.599 --> 00:13:26.659 in human form 00:13:26.659 --> 00:13:28.500 Barnabas 00:13:28.500 --> 00:13:29.359 they called Zeus 00:13:29.359 --> 00:13:30.339 he was the kind of 00:13:30.339 --> 00:13:31.839 the main god 00:13:31.839 --> 00:13:33.259 amongst all the gods 00:13:33.259 --> 00:13:35.399 so Barnabas 00:13:35.399 --> 00:13:36.219 was called Zeus 00:13:36.220 --> 00:13:36.980 and Paul 00:13:36.980 --> 00:13:38.019 they called Hermes 00:13:38.019 --> 00:13:38.700 because he was 00:13:38.700 --> 00:13:39.600 the chief speaker 00:13:39.600 --> 00:13:41.519 and the priest 00:13:41.519 --> 00:13:41.980 of Zeus 00:13:41.980 --> 00:13:42.680 whose temple 00:13:42.680 --> 00:13:43.820 was just outside 00:13:43.820 --> 00:13:44.379 the city 00:13:44.379 --> 00:13:46.180 they brought bulls 00:13:46.180 --> 00:13:47.019 and wreaths 00:13:47.019 --> 00:13:47.899 to the city gates 00:13:47.899 --> 00:13:48.980 because he and the crowd 00:13:48.980 --> 00:13:49.740 wanted to offer 00:13:49.740 --> 00:13:50.480 sacrifices 00:13:50.480 --> 00:13:52.139 what a response 00:13:52.139 --> 00:13:54.000 nobody has ever 00:13:54.000 --> 00:13:54.860 done that for me 00:13:54.860 --> 00:13:56.519 it's quite extraordinary 00:13:56.519 --> 00:13:57.180 isn't it 00:13:57.180 --> 00:13:58.639 to be thinking 00:13:58.639 --> 00:13:59.600 they were gods 00:13:59.600 --> 00:14:02.420 now we mightn't 00:14:02.420 --> 00:14:03.600 find many followers 00:14:03.600 --> 00:14:04.139 of Zeus 00:14:04.139 --> 00:14:04.800 and Hermes 00:14:04.800 --> 00:14:05.580 today walking 00:14:05.580 --> 00:14:06.519 around Carigoline 00:14:06.519 --> 00:14:07.259 or Cork 00:14:07.259 --> 00:14:09.639 but we have 00:14:09.639 --> 00:14:10.620 lots of people 00:14:10.620 --> 00:14:11.500 in fact 00:14:11.500 --> 00:14:12.379 all of us 00:14:12.379 --> 00:14:13.659 have our own gods 00:14:13.659 --> 00:14:15.240 that we worship 00:14:15.240 --> 00:14:15.940 and follow 00:14:15.940 --> 00:14:18.240 we all sacrifice 00:14:18.240 --> 00:14:19.500 to these gods 00:14:19.500 --> 00:14:21.659 we all give our life 00:14:21.659 --> 00:14:22.600 to someone 00:14:22.600 --> 00:14:24.100 or to something 00:14:24.100 --> 00:14:25.180 in the hope 00:14:25.180 --> 00:14:26.320 that it's going 00:14:26.320 --> 00:14:26.879 to bring us 00:14:26.879 --> 00:14:27.379 joy 00:14:27.379 --> 00:14:28.540 and happiness 00:14:28.540 --> 00:14:30.040 and peace 00:14:30.040 --> 00:14:31.000 to our lives 00:14:31.000 --> 00:14:33.240 so we give our lives 00:14:33.240 --> 00:14:33.980 to things like 00:14:33.980 --> 00:14:34.640 our job 00:14:34.640 --> 00:14:36.640 to leisure 00:14:36.640 --> 00:14:37.540 in the hope 00:14:37.540 --> 00:14:38.160 that it's somehow 00:14:38.160 --> 00:14:39.740 going to satisfy us 00:14:39.740 --> 00:14:41.140 we give our lives 00:14:41.140 --> 00:14:42.080 to our partners 00:14:42.080 --> 00:14:43.180 to our spouse 00:14:43.180 --> 00:14:45.379 we give our lives 00:14:45.379 --> 00:14:46.360 to our children 00:14:46.360 --> 00:14:48.020 in the hope 00:14:48.020 --> 00:14:49.060 that they are the ones 00:14:49.060 --> 00:14:49.600 who are going 00:14:49.600 --> 00:14:50.500 to fulfil us 00:14:50.500 --> 00:14:52.440 we sacrifice 00:14:52.440 --> 00:14:53.220 daily 00:14:53.220 --> 00:14:54.540 at the altar 00:14:54.540 --> 00:14:55.420 of family 00:14:55.419 --> 00:14:56.479 and work 00:14:56.479 --> 00:14:57.620 and sport 00:14:57.620 --> 00:14:58.360 longing 00:14:58.360 --> 00:14:59.479 to be filled 00:14:59.479 --> 00:15:02.919 Tim Keller 00:15:02.919 --> 00:15:03.860 is helpful here 00:15:03.860 --> 00:15:04.399 in his book 00:15:04.399 --> 00:15:05.579 Counterfeit Gods 00:15:05.579 --> 00:15:07.699 this is how he explains 00:15:07.699 --> 00:15:08.219 that he says 00:15:08.219 --> 00:15:09.319 each one of us 00:15:09.319 --> 00:15:11.279 has our own temple 00:15:11.279 --> 00:15:12.519 or shrine 00:15:12.519 --> 00:15:14.039 whether it's 00:15:14.039 --> 00:15:14.939 office towers 00:15:14.939 --> 00:15:16.019 spas 00:15:16.019 --> 00:15:16.899 and gyms 00:15:16.899 --> 00:15:17.839 studios 00:15:17.839 --> 00:15:19.579 or stadiums 00:15:19.579 --> 00:15:20.939 where sacrifices 00:15:20.939 --> 00:15:22.279 must be made 00:15:22.279 --> 00:15:23.740 in order to procure 00:15:23.740 --> 00:15:24.480 the blessings 00:15:24.480 --> 00:15:25.539 of the good life 00:15:25.539 --> 00:15:27.139 and ward off 00:15:27.139 --> 00:15:27.820 disaster 00:15:27.820 --> 00:15:30.960 but the problem 00:15:30.960 --> 00:15:31.460 is 00:15:31.460 --> 00:15:33.159 these gods 00:15:33.159 --> 00:15:34.159 will always 00:15:34.159 --> 00:15:35.340 fail us 00:15:35.340 --> 00:15:36.800 they always 00:15:36.800 --> 00:15:37.399 leave us 00:15:37.399 --> 00:15:37.899 empty 00:15:37.899 --> 00:15:38.700 longing for 00:15:38.700 --> 00:15:39.580 something more 00:15:39.580 --> 00:15:41.019 so look at how 00:15:41.019 --> 00:15:41.899 Paul responds 00:15:41.899 --> 00:15:43.019 verse 14 00:15:43.019 --> 00:15:44.200 when the apostles 00:15:44.200 --> 00:15:45.240 Barnabas and Paul 00:15:45.240 --> 00:15:46.220 heard of this 00:15:46.220 --> 00:15:46.840 though somebody 00:15:46.840 --> 00:15:47.220 had obviously 00:15:47.220 --> 00:15:48.279 translated it 00:15:48.279 --> 00:15:48.700 to them 00:15:48.700 --> 00:15:49.980 they tore their 00:15:49.980 --> 00:15:50.399 clothes 00:15:50.399 --> 00:15:51.079 and they rushed 00:15:51.079 --> 00:15:51.939 out to the crowd 00:15:51.939 --> 00:15:52.399 shouting 00:15:52.399 --> 00:15:53.279 men 00:15:53.279 --> 00:15:54.279 why are you 00:15:54.279 --> 00:15:55.139 doing this 00:15:55.139 --> 00:15:56.480 we too 00:15:56.480 --> 00:15:57.980 are only men 00:15:57.980 --> 00:15:58.879 human 00:15:58.879 --> 00:15:59.840 like you 00:15:59.840 --> 00:16:01.860 we are bringing 00:16:01.860 --> 00:16:03.120 you good news 00:16:03.120 --> 00:16:04.399 telling you to 00:16:04.399 --> 00:16:05.559 turn away 00:16:05.559 --> 00:16:07.179 from these 00:16:07.179 --> 00:16:08.340 worthless things 00:16:08.340 --> 00:16:09.480 these empty 00:16:09.480 --> 00:16:10.939 unfulfilling 00:16:10.939 --> 00:16:11.779 gods 00:16:11.779 --> 00:16:13.860 and to 00:16:13.860 --> 00:16:14.639 turn to 00:16:14.639 --> 00:16:15.240 the living 00:16:15.240 --> 00:16:15.799 god 00:16:15.799 --> 00:16:17.179 who made 00:16:17.179 --> 00:16:17.779 heaven and 00:16:17.779 --> 00:16:18.100 earth 00:16:18.100 --> 00:16:18.980 and sea 00:16:18.980 --> 00:16:20.139 and everything 00:16:20.139 --> 00:16:20.659 in them 00:16:20.659 --> 00:16:22.759 you see the 00:16:22.759 --> 00:16:23.620 reality is we 00:16:23.620 --> 00:16:24.319 are never going 00:16:24.319 --> 00:16:24.879 to find our 00:16:24.879 --> 00:16:25.519 true meaning 00:16:25.519 --> 00:16:25.839 and our 00:16:25.839 --> 00:16:26.259 purpose 00:16:26.259 --> 00:16:27.379 in or 00:16:27.379 --> 00:16:28.220 in anything 00:16:28.220 --> 00:16:28.879 else but 00:16:28.879 --> 00:16:29.419 the living 00:16:29.419 --> 00:16:29.899 god 00:16:29.899 --> 00:16:31.279 trying to 00:16:31.279 --> 00:16:31.779 find our 00:16:31.779 --> 00:16:32.579 joy in 00:16:32.579 --> 00:16:33.419 someone else 00:16:33.419 --> 00:16:34.159 or something 00:16:34.159 --> 00:16:34.919 else is 00:16:34.919 --> 00:16:35.399 either going 00:16:35.399 --> 00:16:36.259 to disappoint 00:16:36.259 --> 00:16:37.159 you or 00:16:37.159 --> 00:16:37.579 it's going 00:16:37.579 --> 00:16:38.319 to destroy 00:16:38.319 --> 00:16:38.819 you 00:16:38.820 --> 00:16:40.720 we are only 00:16:40.720 --> 00:16:42.120 truly satisfied 00:16:42.120 --> 00:16:43.800 when we repent 00:16:43.800 --> 00:16:44.860 and turn to 00:16:44.860 --> 00:16:45.340 god 00:16:45.340 --> 00:16:47.060 verse 16 00:16:47.060 --> 00:16:48.060 in the past 00:16:48.060 --> 00:16:49.220 he let all 00:16:49.220 --> 00:16:49.920 nations go 00:16:49.920 --> 00:16:50.660 their own way 00:16:50.660 --> 00:16:51.220 going their 00:16:51.220 --> 00:16:52.100 own particular 00:16:52.100 --> 00:16:52.540 path 00:16:52.540 --> 00:16:53.820 but yet he 00:16:53.820 --> 00:16:54.520 has not left 00:16:54.520 --> 00:16:55.320 himself without 00:16:55.320 --> 00:16:55.920 testimony 00:16:55.920 --> 00:16:58.080 each day god 00:16:58.080 --> 00:16:58.900 is telling us 00:16:58.900 --> 00:16:59.760 that he is here 00:16:59.760 --> 00:17:01.080 he has shown 00:17:01.080 --> 00:17:02.100 kindness by 00:17:02.100 --> 00:17:02.600 giving you 00:17:02.600 --> 00:17:03.300 rain from 00:17:03.300 --> 00:17:03.680 heaven 00:17:03.680 --> 00:17:04.900 crops in 00:17:04.900 --> 00:17:05.539 their seasons 00:17:05.539 --> 00:17:06.840 he provides 00:17:06.840 --> 00:17:07.200 you with 00:17:07.200 --> 00:17:08.160 plenty of 00:17:08.160 --> 00:17:08.620 food 00:17:08.619 --> 00:17:10.039 and fills 00:17:10.039 --> 00:17:10.859 your hearts 00:17:10.859 --> 00:17:12.199 with joy 00:17:12.199 --> 00:17:14.500 god is so 00:17:14.500 --> 00:17:15.119 gracious 00:17:15.119 --> 00:17:16.839 giving us 00:17:16.839 --> 00:17:17.500 one good 00:17:17.500 --> 00:17:18.259 gift after 00:17:18.259 --> 00:17:18.619 another 00:17:18.619 --> 00:17:19.519 and if he 00:17:19.519 --> 00:17:20.299 does this 00:17:20.299 --> 00:17:21.000 to us 00:17:21.000 --> 00:17:21.899 even when 00:17:21.899 --> 00:17:22.359 we turn 00:17:22.359 --> 00:17:23.039 away from 00:17:23.039 --> 00:17:23.399 him 00:17:23.399 --> 00:17:24.899 how much 00:17:24.899 --> 00:17:25.479 more 00:17:25.479 --> 00:17:26.119 will he 00:17:26.119 --> 00:17:26.559 fill our 00:17:26.559 --> 00:17:26.919 hearts 00:17:26.919 --> 00:17:27.659 with joy 00:17:27.659 --> 00:17:28.419 when we 00:17:28.419 --> 00:17:28.919 turn to 00:17:28.919 --> 00:17:29.579 his son 00:17:29.579 --> 00:17:30.879 jesus christ 00:17:30.879 --> 00:17:32.859 this is a 00:17:32.859 --> 00:17:33.699 message of 00:17:33.699 --> 00:17:34.539 good news 00:17:34.539 --> 00:17:35.619 this is what 00:17:35.619 --> 00:17:36.379 fills the 00:17:36.379 --> 00:17:37.179 hole in 00:17:37.179 --> 00:17:38.339 every single 00:17:38.339 --> 00:17:39.480 human heart 00:17:39.480 --> 00:17:41.859 christ alone 00:17:41.859 --> 00:17:42.720 meets our 00:17:42.720 --> 00:17:43.519 deepest need 00:17:43.519 --> 00:17:44.720 he satisfies 00:17:44.720 --> 00:17:45.939 our greatest 00:17:45.939 --> 00:17:46.599 longing 00:17:46.599 --> 00:17:48.759 this is the 00:17:48.759 --> 00:17:49.339 message 00:17:49.339 --> 00:17:50.720 that we can 00:17:50.720 --> 00:17:51.240 begin to 00:17:51.240 --> 00:17:51.819 communicate 00:17:51.819 --> 00:17:53.139 to people 00:17:53.139 --> 00:17:54.079 around us 00:17:54.079 --> 00:17:56.359 so first 00:17:56.359 --> 00:17:56.740 in our 00:17:56.740 --> 00:17:57.639 church planting 00:17:57.639 --> 00:17:58.919 ministry 00:17:58.919 --> 00:18:00.699 we need 00:18:00.699 --> 00:18:01.679 a faithful 00:18:01.679 --> 00:18:02.679 communication 00:18:02.680 --> 00:18:03.820 opposition of 00:18:03.820 --> 00:18:04.380 the gospel 00:18:04.380 --> 00:18:04.799 to the 00:18:04.799 --> 00:18:05.200 people 00:18:05.200 --> 00:18:06.720 around us 00:18:06.720 --> 00:18:08.920 second we 00:18:08.920 --> 00:18:09.380 need to 00:18:09.380 --> 00:18:10.779 prepare for 00:18:10.779 --> 00:18:11.820 consistent 00:18:11.820 --> 00:18:13.100 opposition 00:18:13.100 --> 00:18:15.180 this gospel 00:18:15.180 --> 00:18:15.860 may be good 00:18:15.860 --> 00:18:16.560 news but you 00:18:16.560 --> 00:18:17.019 know what 00:18:17.019 --> 00:18:18.299 not everybody 00:18:18.299 --> 00:18:19.980 will like it 00:18:19.980 --> 00:18:21.680 look at verse 00:18:21.680 --> 00:18:22.500 one the end of 00:18:22.500 --> 00:18:23.060 verse one 00:18:23.060 --> 00:18:24.400 there they spoke 00:18:24.400 --> 00:18:25.180 so effectively 00:18:25.180 --> 00:18:25.840 that a great 00:18:25.840 --> 00:18:26.759 number of jews and 00:18:26.759 --> 00:18:27.799 gentiles believed 00:18:27.799 --> 00:18:30.139 but the jews who 00:18:30.139 --> 00:18:31.059 refused to 00:18:31.059 --> 00:18:32.379 believe stirred up 00:18:32.379 --> 00:18:33.539 the gentiles and 00:18:33.539 --> 00:18:34.419 poisoned their 00:18:34.419 --> 00:18:35.919 minds against the 00:18:35.919 --> 00:18:38.200 brothers and it 00:18:38.200 --> 00:18:39.059 wasn't just clever 00:18:39.059 --> 00:18:40.339 arguments or verbal 00:18:40.339 --> 00:18:42.460 abuse verse five 00:18:42.460 --> 00:18:44.639 there was a plot of 00:18:44.639 --> 00:18:45.440 foot amongst the 00:18:45.440 --> 00:18:46.460 gentiles and jews 00:18:46.460 --> 00:18:47.220 together with their 00:18:47.220 --> 00:18:48.339 leaders to will 00:18:48.339 --> 00:18:49.500 treat them and 00:18:49.500 --> 00:18:51.980 stone them but they 00:18:51.980 --> 00:18:52.940 found out about it 00:18:52.940 --> 00:18:53.819 and they fled 00:18:53.819 --> 00:18:55.799 however just 00:18:55.799 --> 00:18:56.579 because you move 00:18:56.579 --> 00:18:57.519 to another place 00:18:57.519 --> 00:18:58.539 or another location 00:18:58.539 --> 00:18:59.439 or from one office 00:18:59.439 --> 00:19:00.339 to another office 00:19:00.339 --> 00:19:01.419 it doesn't mean to 00:19:01.419 --> 00:19:02.179 say the opposition 00:19:02.179 --> 00:19:03.119 is going to stop 00:19:03.119 --> 00:19:03.980 verse 19 00:19:03.980 --> 00:19:06.559 then some jews 00:19:06.559 --> 00:19:07.179 came from 00:19:07.179 --> 00:19:07.899 Antioch and 00:19:07.899 --> 00:19:09.460 Iconium and 00:19:09.460 --> 00:19:10.279 they won the 00:19:10.279 --> 00:19:11.200 crowd over they 00:19:11.200 --> 00:19:12.399 stoned Paul 00:19:12.399 --> 00:19:13.960 dragged him out 00:19:13.960 --> 00:19:14.559 the city 00:19:14.559 --> 00:19:16.919 thinking he 00:19:16.919 --> 00:19:17.579 was dead 00:19:17.579 --> 00:19:20.439 sometimes we 00:19:20.439 --> 00:19:21.039 look at this 00:19:21.039 --> 00:19:21.679 book and think 00:19:21.679 --> 00:19:22.439 oh it was so 00:19:22.439 --> 00:19:23.139 easy they just 00:19:23.139 --> 00:19:23.700 preached and 00:19:23.700 --> 00:19:24.380 people became 00:19:24.380 --> 00:19:25.100 followers of 00:19:25.100 --> 00:19:25.420 Jesus 00:19:25.420 --> 00:19:27.940 now these guys 00:19:27.940 --> 00:19:28.840 he was stoned 00:19:28.840 --> 00:19:30.600 thinking he was 00:19:30.600 --> 00:19:31.080 dead 00:19:31.080 --> 00:19:32.819 this is how 00:19:32.819 --> 00:19:33.819 hard it was 00:19:33.819 --> 00:19:36.080 throughout the 00:19:36.080 --> 00:19:36.920 history of the 00:19:36.920 --> 00:19:37.799 church God's 00:19:37.799 --> 00:19:39.080 people have 00:19:39.080 --> 00:19:39.940 always faced 00:19:39.940 --> 00:19:40.880 opposition to 00:19:40.880 --> 00:19:41.460 the gospel 00:19:41.460 --> 00:19:43.440 in fact today 00:19:43.440 --> 00:19:45.319 in this decade 00:19:45.319 --> 00:19:46.819 more people are 00:19:46.819 --> 00:19:47.900 imprisoned and 00:19:47.900 --> 00:19:49.920 killed for 00:19:49.920 --> 00:19:50.420 telling the 00:19:50.420 --> 00:19:51.080 gospel than 00:19:51.080 --> 00:19:51.799 at any other 00:19:51.799 --> 00:19:52.779 time in history 00:19:52.779 --> 00:19:53.559 put together 00:19:53.559 --> 00:19:55.759 the issue 00:19:55.759 --> 00:19:56.759 for us is not 00:19:56.759 --> 00:19:57.679 will I face 00:19:57.679 --> 00:19:58.240 opposition 00:19:58.240 --> 00:20:00.279 but when 00:20:00.279 --> 00:20:01.259 I face 00:20:01.259 --> 00:20:01.839 opposition 00:20:01.839 --> 00:20:03.579 in other words 00:20:03.579 --> 00:20:04.480 we have got to 00:20:04.480 --> 00:20:05.740 be prepared for 00:20:05.740 --> 00:20:06.059 it 00:20:06.059 --> 00:20:07.839 even in a 00:20:07.839 --> 00:20:08.440 so-called 00:20:08.440 --> 00:20:09.960 Christian country 00:20:09.960 --> 00:20:11.019 as Ireland 00:20:11.019 --> 00:20:13.919 look at 00:20:13.919 --> 00:20:14.799 verse 21 00:20:14.799 --> 00:20:17.079 they had 00:20:17.079 --> 00:20:17.579 preached the 00:20:17.579 --> 00:20:18.179 good news 00:20:18.179 --> 00:20:18.960 in that city 00:20:18.960 --> 00:20:19.579 this was in 00:20:19.579 --> 00:20:19.980 Derby 00:20:19.980 --> 00:20:21.700 and they 00:20:21.700 --> 00:20:22.120 had won a 00:20:22.120 --> 00:20:22.799 large number 00:20:22.799 --> 00:20:23.539 of disciples 00:20:23.539 --> 00:20:24.559 then they 00:20:24.559 --> 00:20:25.339 returned to 00:20:25.339 --> 00:20:25.839 Lystra and 00:20:25.839 --> 00:20:26.539 Iconium and 00:20:26.539 --> 00:20:26.940 Antioch 00:20:26.940 --> 00:20:27.160 they had 00:20:27.160 --> 00:20:27.700 already been 00:20:27.700 --> 00:20:27.860 there 00:20:27.860 --> 00:20:28.200 then they 00:20:28.200 --> 00:20:28.819 went back 00:20:28.819 --> 00:20:29.279 to them 00:20:29.279 --> 00:20:30.700 why did 00:20:30.700 --> 00:20:31.079 they do 00:20:31.079 --> 00:20:31.539 that 00:20:31.539 --> 00:20:32.720 well verse 00:20:32.720 --> 00:20:33.380 22 00:20:33.380 --> 00:20:34.839 to be 00:20:34.839 --> 00:20:35.880 strengthening the 00:20:35.880 --> 00:20:36.539 disciples 00:20:36.539 --> 00:20:38.200 and encouraging 00:20:38.200 --> 00:20:39.259 them to remain 00:20:39.259 --> 00:20:40.180 true to the 00:20:40.180 --> 00:20:40.579 faith 00:20:40.579 --> 00:20:43.460 why we 00:20:43.460 --> 00:20:44.139 must go 00:20:44.139 --> 00:20:45.019 through many 00:20:45.019 --> 00:20:45.779 hardships 00:20:45.779 --> 00:20:47.179 to enter 00:20:47.179 --> 00:20:47.819 the kingdom 00:20:47.819 --> 00:20:48.480 they said 00:20:48.480 --> 00:20:50.980 let's be 00:20:50.980 --> 00:20:51.599 honest with 00:20:51.599 --> 00:20:52.279 ourselves we 00:20:52.279 --> 00:20:52.779 don't do 00:20:52.779 --> 00:20:53.599 hardship and 00:20:53.599 --> 00:20:54.379 suffering very 00:20:54.379 --> 00:20:54.779 well 00:20:54.779 --> 00:20:56.779 in fact as 00:20:56.779 --> 00:20:57.259 soon as 00:20:57.259 --> 00:20:57.919 something gets 00:20:57.919 --> 00:20:58.679 difficult we 00:20:58.679 --> 00:20:59.419 want to quit 00:20:59.419 --> 00:20:59.960 don't we 00:20:59.960 --> 00:21:00.539 we want 00:21:00.539 --> 00:21:01.059 out 00:21:01.059 --> 00:21:03.399 but if we 00:21:03.399 --> 00:21:03.819 know in 00:21:03.819 --> 00:21:04.839 advance that 00:21:04.839 --> 00:21:05.579 things are 00:21:05.579 --> 00:21:06.200 going to be 00:21:06.200 --> 00:21:06.980 tough if 00:21:06.980 --> 00:21:07.579 we're told 00:21:07.579 --> 00:21:07.960 they're going 00:21:07.960 --> 00:21:08.379 to be tough 00:21:08.379 --> 00:21:08.980 we can 00:21:08.980 --> 00:21:09.980 actually prepare 00:21:09.980 --> 00:21:10.899 ourselves for 00:21:10.899 --> 00:21:12.099 that eventuality 00:21:12.099 --> 00:21:13.460 we can be 00:21:13.460 --> 00:21:14.200 ready and 00:21:14.200 --> 00:21:14.899 equipped as 00:21:14.899 --> 00:21:15.700 God's people 00:21:15.700 --> 00:21:17.399 and the way 00:21:17.399 --> 00:21:18.299 to prepare for 00:21:18.299 --> 00:21:19.119 opposition is 00:21:19.119 --> 00:21:19.819 not to get 00:21:19.819 --> 00:21:21.079 away look at 00:21:21.079 --> 00:21:21.819 verse 22 00:21:21.819 --> 00:21:24.200 to strengthen 00:21:24.200 --> 00:21:25.200 the disciples 00:21:25.200 --> 00:21:27.099 and encourage 00:21:27.099 --> 00:21:27.960 them to remain 00:21:27.960 --> 00:21:29.299 true to the 00:21:29.299 --> 00:21:29.720 faith 00:21:29.720 --> 00:21:31.400 now that's 00:21:31.400 --> 00:21:32.120 the responsibility 00:21:32.120 --> 00:21:33.120 of each and 00:21:33.120 --> 00:21:33.680 every one of 00:21:33.680 --> 00:21:34.160 us here 00:21:34.160 --> 00:21:35.900 that's why we've 00:21:35.900 --> 00:21:37.000 had students up 00:21:37.000 --> 00:21:37.420 here on the 00:21:37.420 --> 00:21:38.160 last couple of 00:21:38.160 --> 00:21:39.220 Sundays because 00:21:39.220 --> 00:21:40.000 we need to 00:21:40.000 --> 00:21:40.940 strengthen them 00:21:40.940 --> 00:21:41.799 we need to 00:21:41.799 --> 00:21:42.620 encourage them 00:21:42.620 --> 00:21:43.220 as they go 00:21:43.220 --> 00:21:44.500 into a hostile 00:21:44.500 --> 00:21:45.539 environment of 00:21:45.539 --> 00:21:46.700 university life 00:21:46.700 --> 00:21:47.680 where it is 00:21:47.680 --> 00:21:48.140 hard 00:21:48.140 --> 00:21:50.220 we need to 00:21:50.220 --> 00:21:50.920 get alongside 00:21:50.920 --> 00:21:51.740 them we need 00:21:51.740 --> 00:21:52.500 to be praying 00:21:52.500 --> 00:21:53.000 for them 00:21:53.000 --> 00:21:54.100 we need to 00:21:54.100 --> 00:21:55.360 speak the 00:21:55.360 --> 00:21:56.120 gospel into 00:21:56.120 --> 00:21:56.779 each other's 00:21:56.779 --> 00:21:57.360 lives whether 00:21:57.360 --> 00:21:57.819 you're going 00:21:57.819 --> 00:21:58.500 into work 00:21:58.500 --> 00:21:59.180 whether you're 00:21:59.180 --> 00:21:59.660 at home 00:21:59.660 --> 00:22:00.660 wherever you 00:22:00.660 --> 00:22:01.060 are 00:22:01.060 --> 00:22:04.019 Alex preached 00:22:04.019 --> 00:22:05.300 a great sermon 00:22:05.300 --> 00:22:06.080 on that very 00:22:06.080 --> 00:22:06.980 subject you can 00:22:06.980 --> 00:22:07.580 listen to it 00:22:07.580 --> 00:22:08.400 again online 00:22:08.400 --> 00:22:09.400 from first 00:22:09.400 --> 00:22:10.340 Thessalonians 00:22:10.340 --> 00:22:12.120 all about asking 00:22:12.120 --> 00:22:13.200 each other how 00:22:13.200 --> 00:22:14.200 is your faith 00:22:14.200 --> 00:22:16.540 encourage 00:22:16.540 --> 00:22:19.019 spend time 00:22:19.019 --> 00:22:20.279 one to one 00:22:20.279 --> 00:22:21.120 reading 00:22:21.120 --> 00:22:21.680 praying 00:22:21.680 --> 00:22:22.519 just do it 00:22:22.519 --> 00:22:22.920 make it 00:22:22.920 --> 00:22:23.480 natural 00:22:23.480 --> 00:22:26.000 I spoke with 00:22:26.000 --> 00:22:26.640 somebody this 00:22:26.640 --> 00:22:27.140 week and they 00:22:27.140 --> 00:22:28.120 said it should 00:22:28.119 --> 00:22:29.199 be so natural 00:22:29.199 --> 00:22:30.179 for us just 00:22:30.179 --> 00:22:30.979 to open the 00:22:30.979 --> 00:22:32.299 Bible and 00:22:32.299 --> 00:22:33.000 read not to 00:22:33.000 --> 00:22:33.519 have it to 00:22:33.519 --> 00:22:34.519 explain why 00:22:34.519 --> 00:22:35.000 we're doing 00:22:35.000 --> 00:22:35.759 it not to 00:22:35.759 --> 00:22:36.379 have to explain 00:22:36.379 --> 00:22:36.959 why we're 00:22:36.959 --> 00:22:37.979 praying but 00:22:37.979 --> 00:22:38.579 just to do 00:22:38.579 --> 00:22:40.819 it to 00:22:40.819 --> 00:22:41.759 encourage each 00:22:41.759 --> 00:22:42.799 other in the 00:22:42.799 --> 00:22:43.179 faith 00:22:43.180 --> 00:22:44.180 things 00:22:44.180 --> 00:22:46.240 okay we 00:22:46.240 --> 00:22:46.960 mightn't live in 00:22:46.960 --> 00:22:47.620 an area where 00:22:47.620 --> 00:22:48.120 we're going to 00:22:48.120 --> 00:22:48.740 be imprisoned 00:22:48.740 --> 00:22:49.360 or killed 00:22:49.360 --> 00:22:51.200 but we do 00:22:51.200 --> 00:22:51.820 live in an 00:22:51.820 --> 00:22:52.560 increasingly 00:22:52.560 --> 00:22:54.000 secular place 00:22:54.000 --> 00:22:55.340 where the 00:22:55.340 --> 00:22:56.180 Christian faith 00:22:56.180 --> 00:22:56.960 is just not 00:22:56.960 --> 00:22:57.880 tolerated 00:22:57.880 --> 00:22:59.620 and if you 00:22:59.620 --> 00:22:59.900 are to 00:22:59.900 --> 00:23:01.160 identify yourself 00:23:01.160 --> 00:23:01.860 as a follower 00:23:01.860 --> 00:23:02.500 of Jesus 00:23:02.500 --> 00:23:03.860 whether you're 00:23:03.860 --> 00:23:04.420 in school 00:23:04.420 --> 00:23:05.000 or if anywhere 00:23:05.000 --> 00:23:05.740 else if somebody 00:23:05.740 --> 00:23:06.700 knows that you're 00:23:06.700 --> 00:23:07.259 a Christian 00:23:07.259 --> 00:23:08.660 they're going to 00:23:08.660 --> 00:23:09.140 think you're 00:23:09.140 --> 00:23:09.660 mad 00:23:09.660 --> 00:23:11.880 bad or 00:23:11.880 --> 00:23:12.480 sad 00:23:12.480 --> 00:23:14.300 and it's 00:23:14.300 --> 00:23:14.660 going to be 00:23:14.660 --> 00:23:15.100 tough 00:23:15.100 --> 00:23:17.620 so let's 00:23:17.620 --> 00:23:18.480 strengthen each 00:23:18.480 --> 00:23:19.779 other in the 00:23:19.779 --> 00:23:20.160 faith 00:23:20.160 --> 00:23:21.000 speak the 00:23:21.000 --> 00:23:21.400 gospel 00:23:21.400 --> 00:23:22.540 pray for each 00:23:22.540 --> 00:23:22.820 other 00:23:22.820 --> 00:23:25.700 so may there 00:23:25.700 --> 00:23:26.360 be a faithful 00:23:26.360 --> 00:23:27.460 communication of 00:23:27.460 --> 00:23:28.000 the gospel 00:23:28.000 --> 00:23:30.300 and let there 00:23:30.300 --> 00:23:31.480 be a preparation 00:23:31.480 --> 00:23:32.580 for consistent 00:23:32.580 --> 00:23:33.860 opposition 00:23:33.859 --> 00:23:36.219 third 00:23:36.219 --> 00:23:38.519 we need a 00:23:38.519 --> 00:23:39.599 clear purpose 00:23:39.599 --> 00:23:40.819 of signs 00:23:40.819 --> 00:23:41.740 and wonders 00:23:41.740 --> 00:23:43.139 in our 00:23:43.139 --> 00:23:44.099 church planting 00:23:44.099 --> 00:23:45.339 endeavours 00:23:45.339 --> 00:23:47.759 the gospel 00:23:47.759 --> 00:23:48.719 may be opposed 00:23:48.719 --> 00:23:49.479 by people 00:23:49.479 --> 00:23:51.299 but God 00:23:51.299 --> 00:23:52.159 has confirmed 00:23:52.159 --> 00:23:53.000 the truth 00:23:53.000 --> 00:23:53.779 of his gospel 00:23:53.779 --> 00:23:54.899 in amazing ways 00:23:54.899 --> 00:23:55.759 we can believe 00:23:55.759 --> 00:23:56.000 it 00:23:56.000 --> 00:23:56.859 it's true 00:23:56.859 --> 00:23:57.979 look at what 00:23:57.979 --> 00:23:58.399 it says 00:23:58.399 --> 00:23:59.539 in verse 2 00:23:59.539 --> 00:24:00.279 and 3 00:24:00.279 --> 00:24:00.759 we'll read 00:24:00.759 --> 00:24:01.219 verse 2 00:24:01.219 --> 00:24:01.539 again 00:24:01.539 --> 00:24:02.639 the Jews 00:24:02.639 --> 00:24:03.399 who refused 00:24:03.400 --> 00:24:04.140 to believe 00:24:04.140 --> 00:24:05.280 stirred up 00:24:05.280 --> 00:24:06.040 the Gentiles 00:24:06.040 --> 00:24:06.880 pointed their 00:24:06.880 --> 00:24:07.560 minds against 00:24:07.560 --> 00:24:08.160 the brothers 00:24:08.160 --> 00:24:10.800 so Paul and 00:24:10.800 --> 00:24:11.640 Barnabas spent 00:24:11.640 --> 00:24:12.980 considerable time 00:24:12.980 --> 00:24:13.840 there speaking 00:24:13.840 --> 00:24:15.040 boldly for the 00:24:15.040 --> 00:24:16.060 Lord who 00:24:16.060 --> 00:24:17.019 confirmed the 00:24:17.019 --> 00:24:17.800 message of his 00:24:17.800 --> 00:24:19.240 grace by 00:24:19.240 --> 00:24:20.019 enabling them 00:24:20.019 --> 00:24:21.060 to do miraculous 00:24:21.060 --> 00:24:22.340 signs and 00:24:22.340 --> 00:24:22.740 wonders 00:24:22.740 --> 00:24:25.160 now when we 00:24:25.160 --> 00:24:25.820 read a section 00:24:25.820 --> 00:24:26.480 like that we 00:24:26.480 --> 00:24:27.240 usually get two 00:24:27.240 --> 00:24:28.740 reactions and 00:24:28.740 --> 00:24:29.200 I'm going to 00:24:29.200 --> 00:24:30.060 judge you'll get 00:24:30.060 --> 00:24:31.080 these two reactions 00:24:31.080 --> 00:24:32.019 here within this 00:24:32.019 --> 00:24:32.400 group 00:24:32.400 --> 00:24:33.640 one person 00:24:33.640 --> 00:24:34.300 will say 00:24:34.300 --> 00:24:35.920 oh but these 00:24:35.920 --> 00:24:36.340 things are 00:24:36.340 --> 00:24:36.640 finished 00:24:36.640 --> 00:24:37.240 the miraculous 00:24:37.240 --> 00:24:37.940 is finished 00:24:37.940 --> 00:24:38.660 we don't need 00:24:38.660 --> 00:24:39.300 them anymore 00:24:39.300 --> 00:24:40.300 we've got the 00:24:40.300 --> 00:24:40.640 bible 00:24:40.640 --> 00:24:43.300 somebody else 00:24:43.300 --> 00:24:43.940 might say 00:24:43.940 --> 00:24:45.040 oh this is 00:24:45.040 --> 00:24:45.540 exciting 00:24:45.540 --> 00:24:45.980 great 00:24:45.980 --> 00:24:46.700 when can we 00:24:46.700 --> 00:24:47.240 kind of move 00:24:47.240 --> 00:24:47.820 on from the 00:24:47.820 --> 00:24:48.480 gospel stuff 00:24:48.480 --> 00:24:49.340 and get down 00:24:49.340 --> 00:24:49.960 to the real 00:24:49.960 --> 00:24:50.519 work of the 00:24:50.519 --> 00:24:51.200 church and see 00:24:51.200 --> 00:24:51.880 some miracles 00:24:51.880 --> 00:24:52.360 happen 00:24:52.360 --> 00:24:55.640 well 00:24:55.640 --> 00:24:56.980 maybe it's no 00:24:56.980 --> 00:24:58.019 surprise but I 00:24:58.019 --> 00:24:58.720 actually think 00:24:58.720 --> 00:24:59.380 both of those 00:24:59.380 --> 00:25:00.200 responses are 00:25:00.200 --> 00:25:00.560 wrong 00:25:00.559 --> 00:25:02.440 let's see 00:25:02.440 --> 00:25:02.819 what the 00:25:02.819 --> 00:25:03.740 text says 00:25:03.740 --> 00:25:06.259 first 00:25:06.259 --> 00:25:07.799 signs and 00:25:07.799 --> 00:25:08.279 wonders 00:25:08.279 --> 00:25:09.679 are not 00:25:09.679 --> 00:25:10.440 the gospel 00:25:10.440 --> 00:25:12.279 we must 00:25:12.279 --> 00:25:12.960 never think 00:25:12.960 --> 00:25:13.359 that the 00:25:13.359 --> 00:25:13.940 miraculous 00:25:13.940 --> 00:25:15.039 is a suitable 00:25:15.039 --> 00:25:15.700 replacement 00:25:15.700 --> 00:25:16.599 for the gospel 00:25:16.599 --> 00:25:17.480 it's not that 00:25:17.480 --> 00:25:18.559 some churches 00:25:18.559 --> 00:25:19.279 are into 00:25:19.279 --> 00:25:19.779 well you know 00:25:19.779 --> 00:25:20.179 the church 00:25:20.179 --> 00:25:20.559 over there 00:25:20.559 --> 00:25:21.299 they're into 00:25:21.299 --> 00:25:22.179 telling people 00:25:22.179 --> 00:25:22.799 about Jesus 00:25:22.799 --> 00:25:23.319 they're great 00:25:23.319 --> 00:25:23.839 at doing the 00:25:23.839 --> 00:25:24.639 preaching side 00:25:24.639 --> 00:25:25.500 but over here 00:25:25.500 --> 00:25:26.079 this church 00:25:26.079 --> 00:25:26.559 they're great 00:25:26.559 --> 00:25:27.019 at doing the 00:25:27.019 --> 00:25:27.899 miracle side 00:25:27.900 --> 00:25:30.100 no the 00:25:30.100 --> 00:25:30.960 emphasis is 00:25:30.960 --> 00:25:31.740 clearly on 00:25:31.740 --> 00:25:32.400 the necessity 00:25:32.400 --> 00:25:33.180 to speak 00:25:33.180 --> 00:25:33.700 the gospel 00:25:33.700 --> 00:25:34.140 look at the 00:25:34.140 --> 00:25:34.519 beginning of 00:25:34.519 --> 00:25:35.040 verse 3 00:25:35.040 --> 00:25:36.460 so Paul and 00:25:36.460 --> 00:25:37.180 Barnabas spent 00:25:37.180 --> 00:25:38.200 considerable time 00:25:38.200 --> 00:25:39.240 there speaking 00:25:39.240 --> 00:25:40.300 boldly for the 00:25:40.300 --> 00:25:40.480 Lord 00:25:40.480 --> 00:25:41.060 wherever they 00:25:41.060 --> 00:25:41.620 went this is 00:25:41.620 --> 00:25:42.160 what they did 00:25:42.160 --> 00:25:42.740 this was their 00:25:42.740 --> 00:25:43.540 focus their 00:25:43.540 --> 00:25:44.120 aim their 00:25:44.120 --> 00:25:44.800 priority 00:25:44.800 --> 00:25:46.360 you see 00:25:46.360 --> 00:25:47.120 signs and 00:25:47.120 --> 00:25:47.600 wonders 00:25:47.600 --> 00:25:48.820 the miraculous 00:25:48.820 --> 00:25:49.540 do not 00:25:49.540 --> 00:25:50.660 save people 00:25:50.660 --> 00:25:52.060 they don't 00:25:52.060 --> 00:25:53.660 transform people's 00:25:53.660 --> 00:25:54.660 inner heart 00:25:54.660 --> 00:25:57.019 in fact 00:25:57.019 --> 00:25:57.500 we're told 00:25:57.500 --> 00:25:57.960 in Matthew 00:25:57.960 --> 00:25:58.759 24 00:25:58.759 --> 00:25:59.660 verse 24 00:25:59.660 --> 00:26:00.640 that the 00:26:00.640 --> 00:26:01.140 miraculous 00:26:01.140 --> 00:26:01.920 can even 00:26:01.920 --> 00:26:03.000 be imitated 00:26:03.000 --> 00:26:03.800 by Satan 00:26:03.800 --> 00:26:05.960 he can't 00:26:05.960 --> 00:26:06.519 imitate the 00:26:06.519 --> 00:26:06.880 gospel 00:26:06.880 --> 00:26:07.380 the gospel 00:26:07.380 --> 00:26:07.840 is unique 00:26:07.840 --> 00:26:08.300 but he can 00:26:08.300 --> 00:26:09.060 imitate signs 00:26:09.060 --> 00:26:09.580 and wonders 00:26:09.580 --> 00:26:11.360 so we must 00:26:11.360 --> 00:26:11.920 never get 00:26:11.920 --> 00:26:12.620 confused 00:26:12.620 --> 00:26:13.779 only the 00:26:13.779 --> 00:26:14.300 gospel 00:26:14.300 --> 00:26:14.920 the good 00:26:14.920 --> 00:26:15.560 news about 00:26:15.560 --> 00:26:16.000 Jesus 00:26:16.000 --> 00:26:16.960 is going 00:26:16.960 --> 00:26:17.720 to save 00:26:17.720 --> 00:26:18.240 people 00:26:18.240 --> 00:26:19.140 that's why 00:26:19.140 --> 00:26:19.980 we are sent 00:26:19.980 --> 00:26:20.660 to preach 00:26:20.660 --> 00:26:21.100 the good 00:26:21.100 --> 00:26:21.500 news 00:26:21.500 --> 00:26:22.480 we are not 00:26:22.480 --> 00:26:23.240 sent 00:26:23.240 --> 00:26:24.359 to do 00:26:24.359 --> 00:26:24.960 signs and 00:26:24.960 --> 00:26:25.319 wonders 00:26:25.319 --> 00:26:29.680 however 00:26:29.680 --> 00:26:30.339 second 00:26:30.339 --> 00:26:31.180 signs and 00:26:31.180 --> 00:26:31.599 wonders 00:26:31.599 --> 00:26:32.819 confirm 00:26:32.819 --> 00:26:33.839 the gospel 00:26:33.839 --> 00:26:36.339 while the 00:26:36.339 --> 00:26:36.859 miraculous 00:26:36.859 --> 00:26:37.539 can't 00:26:37.539 --> 00:26:38.480 save people 00:26:38.480 --> 00:26:39.579 they do 00:26:39.579 --> 00:26:40.180 have their 00:26:40.180 --> 00:26:40.819 place 00:26:40.819 --> 00:26:42.359 again look 00:26:42.359 --> 00:26:42.720 at verse 00:26:42.720 --> 00:26:43.079 3 00:26:43.079 --> 00:26:44.720 they spend 00:26:44.720 --> 00:26:45.359 their time 00:26:45.359 --> 00:26:46.200 there speaking 00:26:46.200 --> 00:26:46.900 boldly for 00:26:46.900 --> 00:26:47.380 the Lord 00:26:47.380 --> 00:26:49.400 who confirmed 00:26:49.400 --> 00:26:51.180 the message 00:26:51.180 --> 00:26:51.940 of his 00:26:51.940 --> 00:26:52.420 grace 00:26:52.420 --> 00:26:53.060 miracles 00:26:53.060 --> 00:26:53.900 by enabling 00:26:53.900 --> 00:26:54.320 them to 00:26:54.320 --> 00:26:54.600 do 00:26:54.600 --> 00:26:55.519 miraculous 00:26:55.519 --> 00:26:56.480 signs and 00:26:56.480 --> 00:26:56.900 wonders 00:26:56.900 --> 00:26:58.759 let me 00:26:58.759 --> 00:26:59.360 quote John 00:26:59.360 --> 00:27:00.100 Piper here 00:27:00.100 --> 00:27:00.539 I think 00:27:00.539 --> 00:27:01.320 he's very 00:27:01.320 --> 00:27:01.740 helpful 00:27:01.740 --> 00:27:02.160 if you don't 00:27:02.160 --> 00:27:02.440 know who 00:27:02.440 --> 00:27:02.759 he is 00:27:02.759 --> 00:27:03.200 he's a 00:27:03.200 --> 00:27:04.039 pastor 00:27:04.039 --> 00:27:05.220 in the 00:27:05.220 --> 00:27:05.720 states 00:27:05.720 --> 00:27:08.660 he said 00:27:08.660 --> 00:27:09.480 signs and 00:27:09.480 --> 00:27:09.900 wonders 00:27:09.900 --> 00:27:11.039 are God's 00:27:11.039 --> 00:27:11.600 witnesses 00:27:11.600 --> 00:27:12.980 to his 00:27:12.980 --> 00:27:13.400 word 00:27:13.400 --> 00:27:14.820 they are not 00:27:14.820 --> 00:27:15.680 in competition 00:27:15.680 --> 00:27:16.180 with the 00:27:16.180 --> 00:27:16.480 word 00:27:16.480 --> 00:27:17.340 they are not 00:27:17.340 --> 00:27:17.900 against 00:27:17.900 --> 00:27:18.700 the word 00:27:18.700 --> 00:27:19.680 they are not 00:27:19.680 --> 00:27:20.380 over 00:27:20.380 --> 00:27:21.279 the word 00:27:21.279 --> 00:27:22.359 they are 00:27:22.359 --> 00:27:22.980 divine 00:27:22.980 --> 00:27:23.559 witnesses 00:27:23.559 --> 00:27:24.099 to the 00:27:24.099 --> 00:27:24.700 value 00:27:24.700 --> 00:27:25.879 and truth 00:27:25.879 --> 00:27:27.200 and necessity 00:27:27.200 --> 00:27:28.920 and centrality 00:27:28.920 --> 00:27:30.019 of the word 00:27:30.019 --> 00:27:31.299 in other words 00:27:31.299 --> 00:27:31.779 we say 00:27:31.779 --> 00:27:33.579 they authenticate 00:27:33.579 --> 00:27:34.500 the gospel 00:27:34.500 --> 00:27:35.079 they are 00:27:35.079 --> 00:27:36.059 signs 00:27:36.059 --> 00:27:37.639 like massive 00:27:37.639 --> 00:27:38.299 big sign 00:27:38.299 --> 00:27:38.759 posts 00:27:38.759 --> 00:27:40.359 not pointing 00:27:40.359 --> 00:27:41.139 to themselves 00:27:41.139 --> 00:27:41.980 but pointing 00:27:41.980 --> 00:27:42.839 to the gospel 00:27:42.839 --> 00:27:43.379 of grace 00:27:43.379 --> 00:27:44.500 pointing to 00:27:44.500 --> 00:27:44.960 the Lord 00:27:44.960 --> 00:27:45.359 Jesus 00:27:45.359 --> 00:27:45.960 to say 00:27:45.960 --> 00:27:47.779 this message 00:27:47.779 --> 00:27:48.920 is true 00:27:48.920 --> 00:27:50.259 you can 00:27:50.259 --> 00:27:51.000 believe it 00:27:51.000 --> 00:27:51.920 and you 00:27:51.920 --> 00:27:52.500 can trust 00:27:52.500 --> 00:27:52.940 it 00:27:52.940 --> 00:27:55.400 so they're 00:27:55.400 --> 00:27:55.800 not the 00:27:55.800 --> 00:27:56.200 gospel 00:27:56.200 --> 00:27:57.480 but they 00:27:57.480 --> 00:27:58.300 confirm the 00:27:58.300 --> 00:27:58.740 gospel 00:27:58.740 --> 00:28:00.720 and third 00:28:00.720 --> 00:28:01.500 signs and 00:28:01.500 --> 00:28:01.900 wonders 00:28:01.900 --> 00:28:02.700 actually 00:28:02.700 --> 00:28:03.660 assist 00:28:03.660 --> 00:28:04.600 the gospel 00:28:04.600 --> 00:28:06.460 by this 00:28:06.460 --> 00:28:07.000 I mean 00:28:07.000 --> 00:28:07.440 they can 00:28:07.440 --> 00:28:08.460 help people 00:28:08.460 --> 00:28:09.160 come to 00:28:09.160 --> 00:28:09.560 faith 00:28:09.560 --> 00:28:10.400 in Christ 00:28:10.400 --> 00:28:12.300 and that 00:28:12.300 --> 00:28:12.880 seems to 00:28:12.880 --> 00:28:13.300 be the 00:28:13.300 --> 00:28:13.759 purpose 00:28:13.759 --> 00:28:14.200 of the 00:28:14.200 --> 00:28:14.680 miraculous 00:28:14.680 --> 00:28:15.400 all the 00:28:15.400 --> 00:28:15.759 way through 00:28:15.759 --> 00:28:16.080 the book 00:28:16.080 --> 00:28:16.539 of Acts 00:28:16.539 --> 00:28:17.180 if you 00:28:17.180 --> 00:28:17.720 read through 00:28:17.720 --> 00:28:18.060 the book 00:28:18.059 --> 00:28:18.500 of Acts 00:28:18.500 --> 00:28:18.899 you'll 00:28:18.899 --> 00:28:19.359 discover 00:28:19.359 --> 00:28:20.339 that there 00:28:20.339 --> 00:28:21.279 are 17 00:28:21.279 --> 00:28:22.220 times 00:28:22.220 --> 00:28:24.039 where something 00:28:24.039 --> 00:28:24.720 miraculous 00:28:24.720 --> 00:28:25.319 happens 00:28:25.319 --> 00:28:27.519 and immediately 00:28:27.519 --> 00:28:28.339 what happens 00:28:28.339 --> 00:28:28.839 after 00:28:28.839 --> 00:28:30.200 is it 00:28:30.200 --> 00:28:30.819 helps 00:28:30.819 --> 00:28:31.980 or leads 00:28:31.980 --> 00:28:32.720 or assists 00:28:32.720 --> 00:28:33.399 somebody 00:28:33.399 --> 00:28:34.419 to become 00:28:34.419 --> 00:28:34.899 a follower 00:28:34.899 --> 00:28:35.460 of Jesus 00:28:35.460 --> 00:28:36.799 look at the 00:28:36.799 --> 00:28:37.339 way the two 00:28:37.339 --> 00:28:37.639 of them 00:28:37.639 --> 00:28:38.980 are with 00:28:38.980 --> 00:28:39.500 each other 00:28:39.500 --> 00:28:40.879 we've got a 00:28:40.879 --> 00:28:41.599 great example 00:28:41.599 --> 00:28:42.059 of this 00:28:42.059 --> 00:28:42.559 here 00:28:42.559 --> 00:28:43.519 so look 00:28:43.519 --> 00:28:43.859 at verse 00:28:43.859 --> 00:28:44.200 8 00:28:44.200 --> 00:28:46.759 here we 00:28:46.759 --> 00:28:47.500 have in 00:28:47.500 --> 00:28:47.839 Lystra 00:28:47.839 --> 00:28:48.339 there sat 00:28:48.339 --> 00:28:48.720 a man 00:28:48.720 --> 00:28:49.480 crippled 00:28:49.480 --> 00:28:50.440 in his 00:28:50.440 --> 00:28:50.799 feet 00:28:50.799 --> 00:28:51.220 who was 00:28:51.220 --> 00:28:51.579 lame 00:28:51.579 --> 00:28:52.240 from birth 00:28:52.240 --> 00:28:52.920 and had 00:28:52.920 --> 00:28:53.200 never 00:28:53.200 --> 00:28:53.720 walked 00:28:53.720 --> 00:28:55.180 he listened 00:28:55.180 --> 00:28:55.680 to Paul 00:28:55.680 --> 00:28:56.180 as he was 00:28:56.180 --> 00:28:56.619 speaking 00:28:56.619 --> 00:28:57.339 Paul looked 00:28:57.339 --> 00:28:58.160 directly at 00:28:58.160 --> 00:28:58.319 him 00:28:58.319 --> 00:28:59.259 saw that 00:28:59.259 --> 00:28:59.619 he had 00:28:59.619 --> 00:29:00.039 faith 00:29:00.039 --> 00:29:00.420 to be 00:29:00.420 --> 00:29:00.880 healed 00:29:00.880 --> 00:29:02.140 and called 00:29:02.140 --> 00:29:02.359 out 00:29:02.359 --> 00:29:03.119 stand up 00:29:03.119 --> 00:29:03.420 on your 00:29:03.420 --> 00:29:03.839 feet 00:29:03.839 --> 00:29:05.799 at that 00:29:05.799 --> 00:29:06.380 the man 00:29:06.380 --> 00:29:07.240 jumped up 00:29:07.240 --> 00:29:07.880 and began 00:29:07.880 --> 00:29:08.839 to walk 00:29:08.839 --> 00:29:10.480 miraculous 00:29:10.480 --> 00:29:11.660 amazing 00:29:11.660 --> 00:29:14.740 but 00:29:14.740 --> 00:29:15.100 please 00:29:15.100 --> 00:29:15.560 note 00:29:15.560 --> 00:29:16.680 this 00:29:16.680 --> 00:29:17.100 healing 00:29:17.100 --> 00:29:17.640 is not 00:29:17.640 --> 00:29:17.920 done 00:29:17.920 --> 00:29:18.100 in 00:29:18.100 --> 00:29:18.820 isolation 00:29:18.820 --> 00:29:19.820 it's 00:29:19.820 --> 00:29:20.420 accompanied 00:29:20.420 --> 00:29:21.220 by 00:29:21.220 --> 00:29:21.820 the 00:29:21.820 --> 00:29:22.279 gospel 00:29:22.279 --> 00:29:23.380 so 00:29:23.380 --> 00:29:23.740 when we 00:29:23.740 --> 00:29:24.100 get to 00:29:24.100 --> 00:29:24.759 verse 15 00:29:24.759 --> 00:29:25.360 after all 00:29:25.360 --> 00:29:25.540 this 00:29:25.540 --> 00:29:26.080 crying out 00:29:26.080 --> 00:29:26.400 thinking 00:29:26.400 --> 00:29:26.640 oh 00:29:26.640 --> 00:29:26.880 these 00:29:26.880 --> 00:29:27.019 are 00:29:27.019 --> 00:29:27.340 actually 00:29:27.340 --> 00:29:27.800 gods 00:29:27.800 --> 00:29:28.100 who've 00:29:28.100 --> 00:29:28.300 come 00:29:28.300 --> 00:29:28.660 down 00:29:28.660 --> 00:29:29.540 what 00:29:29.540 --> 00:29:29.820 does he 00:29:29.820 --> 00:29:30.080 say 00:29:30.080 --> 00:29:30.300 in 00:29:30.300 --> 00:29:30.880 verse 15 00:29:30.880 --> 00:29:31.180 men 00:29:31.180 --> 00:29:31.460 why 00:29:31.460 --> 00:29:31.700 are you 00:29:31.700 --> 00:29:31.980 doing 00:29:31.980 --> 00:29:32.240 this 00:29:32.240 --> 00:29:32.759 we 00:29:32.759 --> 00:29:33.180 too 00:29:33.180 --> 00:29:33.500 are 00:29:33.500 --> 00:29:33.940 only 00:29:33.940 --> 00:29:34.460 men 00:29:34.460 --> 00:29:35.300 human 00:29:35.300 --> 00:29:35.660 like 00:29:35.660 --> 00:29:35.900 you 00:29:35.900 --> 00:29:36.100 we 00:29:36.100 --> 00:29:36.259 are 00:29:36.259 --> 00:29:36.600 bringing 00:29:36.600 --> 00:29:36.900 you 00:29:36.900 --> 00:29:37.320 good 00:29:37.320 --> 00:29:37.759 news 00:29:37.759 --> 00:29:38.160 telling 00:29:38.160 --> 00:29:38.400 you 00:29:38.400 --> 00:29:38.940 to turn 00:29:38.940 --> 00:29:39.160 from 00:29:39.160 --> 00:29:39.380 these 00:29:39.380 --> 00:29:39.779 worthless 00:29:39.779 --> 00:29:40.200 things 00:29:40.200 --> 00:29:40.580 to the 00:29:40.580 --> 00:29:40.779 living 00:29:40.779 --> 00:29:41.320 God 00:29:41.319 --> 00:29:45.059 and the 00:29:45.059 --> 00:29:45.679 results 00:29:45.679 --> 00:29:46.139 of 00:29:46.139 --> 00:29:46.559 preaching 00:29:46.559 --> 00:29:46.899 this 00:29:46.899 --> 00:29:47.339 gospel 00:29:47.339 --> 00:29:47.960 well 00:29:47.960 --> 00:29:48.119 we 00:29:48.119 --> 00:29:48.339 know 00:29:48.339 --> 00:29:48.659 some 00:29:48.659 --> 00:29:49.299 opposed 00:29:49.299 --> 00:29:51.220 so 00:29:51.220 --> 00:29:51.720 miracles 00:29:51.720 --> 00:29:52.000 in 00:29:52.000 --> 00:29:52.399 themselves 00:29:52.399 --> 00:29:52.799 actually 00:29:52.799 --> 00:29:53.099 don't 00:29:53.099 --> 00:29:53.619 save 00:29:53.619 --> 00:29:54.119 anybody 00:29:54.119 --> 00:29:55.819 but 00:29:55.819 --> 00:29:56.220 some 00:29:56.220 --> 00:29:56.659 actually 00:29:56.659 --> 00:29:57.139 also 00:29:57.139 --> 00:29:57.700 believed 00:29:57.700 --> 00:29:58.119 and we 00:29:58.119 --> 00:29:58.619 see that 00:29:58.619 --> 00:29:58.799 in 00:29:58.799 --> 00:29:59.679 verse 23 00:29:59.679 --> 00:30:00.559 because 00:30:00.559 --> 00:30:01.079 Paul and 00:30:01.079 --> 00:30:01.539 Barnabas 00:30:01.539 --> 00:30:02.019 appointed 00:30:02.019 --> 00:30:02.519 elders 00:30:02.519 --> 00:30:02.960 for them 00:30:02.960 --> 00:30:03.460 in each 00:30:03.460 --> 00:30:03.919 church 00:30:03.919 --> 00:30:04.419 including 00:30:04.419 --> 00:30:04.759 this 00:30:04.759 --> 00:30:05.079 place 00:30:05.079 --> 00:30:05.299 where 00:30:05.299 --> 00:30:05.519 this 00:30:05.519 --> 00:30:06.240 miracle 00:30:06.240 --> 00:30:06.579 had 00:30:06.579 --> 00:30:07.019 happened 00:30:07.019 --> 00:30:08.879 and 00:30:08.879 --> 00:30:09.119 they 00:30:09.119 --> 00:30:10.279 where 00:30:10.279 --> 00:30:10.659 am I 00:30:10.660 --> 00:30:11.200 and with 00:30:11.200 --> 00:30:11.480 prayer 00:30:11.480 --> 00:30:11.660 and 00:30:11.660 --> 00:30:11.920 fast 00:30:11.920 --> 00:30:12.060 had 00:30:12.060 --> 00:30:12.480 committed 00:30:12.480 --> 00:30:12.740 them 00:30:12.740 --> 00:30:12.920 to 00:30:12.920 --> 00:30:13.080 the 00:30:13.080 --> 00:30:13.340 Lord 00:30:13.340 --> 00:30:13.820 in 00:30:13.820 --> 00:30:14.220 whom 00:30:14.220 --> 00:30:14.460 they 00:30:14.460 --> 00:30:14.660 had 00:30:14.660 --> 00:30:14.900 put 00:30:14.900 --> 00:30:15.180 their 00:30:15.180 --> 00:30:15.759 trust 00:30:15.759 --> 00:30:16.360 they 00:30:16.360 --> 00:30:16.580 had 00:30:16.580 --> 00:30:16.940 become 00:30:16.940 --> 00:30:17.460 followers 00:30:17.460 --> 00:30:17.700 of 00:30:17.700 --> 00:30:18.060 Jesus 00:30:18.060 --> 00:30:19.320 you 00:30:19.320 --> 00:30:19.519 see 00:30:19.519 --> 00:30:19.940 God 00:30:19.940 --> 00:30:20.420 can 00:30:20.420 --> 00:30:20.779 if 00:30:20.779 --> 00:30:20.940 he 00:30:20.940 --> 00:30:21.420 pleases 00:30:21.420 --> 00:30:22.300 use 00:30:22.300 --> 00:30:22.860 signs 00:30:22.860 --> 00:30:23.100 and 00:30:23.100 --> 00:30:23.519 wonders 00:30:23.519 --> 00:30:24.700 to 00:30:24.700 --> 00:30:25.160 break 00:30:25.160 --> 00:30:25.700 cynical 00:30:25.700 --> 00:30:26.300 attitudes 00:30:26.300 --> 00:30:26.700 to 00:30:26.700 --> 00:30:26.860 the 00:30:26.860 --> 00:30:27.320 gospel 00:30:27.320 --> 00:30:28.600 destroy 00:30:28.600 --> 00:30:29.080 false 00:30:29.080 --> 00:30:29.940 understandings 00:30:29.940 --> 00:30:30.160 of the 00:30:30.160 --> 00:30:30.480 gospel 00:30:30.480 --> 00:30:31.180 melt 00:30:31.180 --> 00:30:31.840 people's 00:30:31.840 --> 00:30:32.300 hearts 00:30:32.300 --> 00:30:33.700 they 00:30:33.700 --> 00:30:34.220 don't 00:30:34.220 --> 00:30:34.800 save 00:30:34.800 --> 00:30:35.440 but they 00:30:35.440 --> 00:30:35.800 can 00:30:35.800 --> 00:30:36.540 assist 00:30:36.540 --> 00:30:38.019 in 00:30:38.019 --> 00:30:38.360 people 00:30:38.360 --> 00:30:38.880 believing 00:30:38.880 --> 00:30:42.280 well that 00:30:42.280 --> 00:30:42.760 leaves us 00:30:42.760 --> 00:30:43.200 with one 00:30:43.200 --> 00:30:43.500 more 00:30:43.500 --> 00:30:44.060 and probably 00:30:44.060 --> 00:30:44.580 the biggest 00:30:44.580 --> 00:30:45.060 question 00:30:45.060 --> 00:30:45.460 that you've 00:30:45.460 --> 00:30:46.040 all got 00:30:46.040 --> 00:30:48.020 signs 00:30:48.020 --> 00:30:48.600 and wonders 00:30:48.600 --> 00:30:49.160 today 00:30:49.160 --> 00:30:52.680 well while 00:30:52.680 --> 00:30:53.680 miracles can 00:30:53.680 --> 00:30:54.300 and still 00:30:54.300 --> 00:30:55.300 do happen 00:30:55.300 --> 00:30:57.040 it is not 00:30:57.040 --> 00:30:57.820 something that 00:30:57.820 --> 00:30:58.360 we can 00:30:58.360 --> 00:30:58.920 make 00:30:58.920 --> 00:30:59.740 happen 00:30:59.740 --> 00:31:00.700 look at 00:31:00.700 --> 00:31:01.260 verse 3 00:31:01.260 --> 00:31:01.660 again 00:31:01.660 --> 00:31:03.520 Paul and 00:31:03.520 --> 00:31:03.920 Barnabas 00:31:03.920 --> 00:31:04.260 spent 00:31:04.260 --> 00:31:04.900 considerable 00:31:04.900 --> 00:31:05.480 time there 00:31:05.480 --> 00:31:05.980 speaking 00:31:05.980 --> 00:31:06.480 boldly 00:31:06.480 --> 00:31:06.820 for the 00:31:06.820 --> 00:31:07.120 Lord 00:31:07.119 --> 00:31:09.219 the 00:31:09.219 --> 00:31:09.759 Lord 00:31:09.759 --> 00:31:10.339 is the 00:31:10.339 --> 00:31:10.639 emphasis 00:31:10.639 --> 00:31:10.939 here 00:31:10.939 --> 00:31:11.559 who 00:31:11.559 --> 00:31:12.299 confirmed 00:31:12.299 --> 00:31:12.599 the 00:31:12.599 --> 00:31:12.939 message 00:31:12.939 --> 00:31:13.179 of 00:31:13.179 --> 00:31:13.479 his 00:31:13.479 --> 00:31:14.019 grace 00:31:14.019 --> 00:31:15.459 by 00:31:15.459 --> 00:31:16.259 enabling 00:31:16.259 --> 00:31:16.919 them 00:31:16.919 --> 00:31:18.399 to do 00:31:18.399 --> 00:31:18.939 miraculous 00:31:18.939 --> 00:31:19.359 signs 00:31:19.359 --> 00:31:19.599 and 00:31:19.599 --> 00:31:20.019 wonders 00:31:20.019 --> 00:31:21.699 signs 00:31:21.699 --> 00:31:21.919 and 00:31:21.919 --> 00:31:22.219 wonders 00:31:22.219 --> 00:31:22.479 are 00:31:22.479 --> 00:31:22.899 acts 00:31:22.899 --> 00:31:23.079 of 00:31:23.079 --> 00:31:23.339 God 00:31:23.339 --> 00:31:23.579 which 00:31:23.579 --> 00:31:23.819 he 00:31:23.819 --> 00:31:24.279 enables 00:31:24.279 --> 00:31:24.799 people 00:31:24.799 --> 00:31:25.319 to 00:31:25.319 --> 00:31:25.679 do 00:31:25.679 --> 00:31:26.399 as 00:31:26.399 --> 00:31:26.679 he 00:31:26.679 --> 00:31:27.219 pleases 00:31:27.219 --> 00:31:27.899 to 00:31:27.899 --> 00:31:28.459 confirm 00:31:28.459 --> 00:31:28.799 his 00:31:28.799 --> 00:31:29.239 gospel 00:31:29.239 --> 00:31:29.719 and to 00:31:29.719 --> 00:31:30.000 see 00:31:30.000 --> 00:31:30.299 his 00:31:30.299 --> 00:31:30.619 word 00:31:30.619 --> 00:31:31.139 spread 00:31:31.139 --> 00:31:31.599 to 00:31:31.599 --> 00:31:31.939 all 00:31:31.939 --> 00:31:32.379 nations 00:31:32.379 --> 00:31:33.019 in 00:31:33.019 --> 00:31:33.239 other 00:31:33.239 --> 00:31:33.500 words 00:31:33.500 --> 00:31:33.739 we 00:31:33.739 --> 00:31:34.039 don't 00:31:34.039 --> 00:31:34.199 get 00:31:34.199 --> 00:31:34.379 to 00:31:34.379 --> 00:31:34.779 decide 00:31:34.779 --> 00:31:35.059 when 00:31:35.059 --> 00:31:35.239 and 00:31:35.239 --> 00:31:35.439 how 00:31:35.439 --> 00:31:35.659 that 00:31:35.659 --> 00:31:36.299 happens 00:31:36.299 --> 00:31:37.200 any 00:31:37.200 --> 00:31:37.480 more 00:31:37.480 --> 00:31:37.659 than 00:31:37.659 --> 00:31:37.839 we 00:31:37.839 --> 00:31:38.119 don't 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:38.559 decide 00:31:38.559 --> 00:31:38.799 who 00:31:38.799 --> 00:31:39.200 becomes 00:31:39.200 --> 00:31:39.359 a 00:31:39.359 --> 00:31:39.639 Christian 00:31:39.639 --> 00:31:39.859 and 00:31:39.859 --> 00:31:40.000 who 00:31:40.000 --> 00:31:41.359 doesn't 00:31:41.359 --> 00:31:42.500 acts 00:31:42.500 --> 00:31:42.700 says 00:31:42.700 --> 00:31:42.859 an 00:31:42.859 --> 00:31:43.039 awful 00:31:43.039 --> 00:31:43.379 lot 00:31:43.379 --> 00:31:43.659 about 00:31:43.659 --> 00:31:44.039 signs 00:31:44.039 --> 00:31:44.259 and 00:31:44.259 --> 00:31:44.599 wonders 00:31:44.599 --> 00:31:44.799 in 00:31:44.799 --> 00:31:44.919 the 00:31:44.919 --> 00:31:45.339 miraculous 00:31:45.339 --> 00:31:46.440 but 00:31:46.440 --> 00:31:46.599 they 00:31:46.599 --> 00:31:46.740 are 00:31:46.740 --> 00:31:47.000 never 00:31:47.000 --> 00:31:47.399 seen 00:31:47.399 --> 00:31:47.619 as 00:31:47.619 --> 00:31:48.460 necessary 00:31:48.460 --> 00:31:49.319 or 00:31:49.319 --> 00:31:49.960 essential 00:31:49.960 --> 00:31:50.960 to 00:31:50.960 --> 00:31:51.379 gospel 00:31:51.379 --> 00:31:52.159 proclamation 00:31:52.159 --> 00:31:55.480 however 00:31:55.480 --> 00:31:57.859 that 00:31:57.859 --> 00:31:58.099 does 00:31:58.099 --> 00:31:58.480 not 00:31:58.480 --> 00:31:58.779 mean 00:31:58.779 --> 00:31:59.019 we 00:31:59.019 --> 00:31:59.279 should 00:31:59.279 --> 00:31:59.680 not 00:31:59.680 --> 00:32:00.099 pray 00:32:00.099 --> 00:32:00.399 for 00:32:00.399 --> 00:32:00.659 God 00:32:00.659 --> 00:32:00.879 to 00:32:00.879 --> 00:32:01.099 work 00:32:01.099 --> 00:32:01.299 his 00:32:01.299 --> 00:32:01.720 miracles 00:32:01.720 --> 00:32:03.000 I 00:32:03.000 --> 00:32:03.339 believe 00:32:03.339 --> 00:32:03.559 we 00:32:03.559 --> 00:32:03.980 should 00:32:03.980 --> 00:32:04.480 in 00:32:04.480 --> 00:32:04.759 fact 00:32:04.759 --> 00:32:05.000 I 00:32:05.000 --> 00:32:05.279 believe 00:32:05.279 --> 00:32:05.779 scripture 00:32:05.779 --> 00:32:06.660 teaches 00:32:06.660 --> 00:32:08.200 that we 00:32:08.200 --> 00:32:08.440 can 00:32:08.440 --> 00:32:08.819 pray 00:32:08.819 --> 00:32:09.059 for 00:32:09.059 --> 00:32:09.299 these 00:32:09.299 --> 00:32:09.700 things 00:32:09.700 --> 00:32:10.099 and 00:32:10.099 --> 00:32:10.259 that 00:32:10.259 --> 00:32:10.420 we 00:32:10.420 --> 00:32:10.639 can 00:32:10.639 --> 00:32:11.200 seek 00:32:11.200 --> 00:32:11.819 these 00:32:11.819 --> 00:32:12.500 things 00:32:12.500 --> 00:32:14.180 but 00:32:14.180 --> 00:32:14.399 our 00:32:14.399 --> 00:32:14.859 prayers 00:32:14.859 --> 00:32:15.119 for 00:32:15.119 --> 00:32:15.480 such 00:32:15.480 --> 00:32:16.059 things 00:32:16.059 --> 00:32:17.019 should 00:32:17.019 --> 00:32:17.359 be 00:32:17.359 --> 00:32:17.599 for 00:32:17.599 --> 00:32:17.799 the 00:32:17.799 --> 00:32:18.119 sake 00:32:18.119 --> 00:32:18.579 of 00:32:18.579 --> 00:32:18.740 the 00:32:18.740 --> 00:32:19.119 gospel 00:32:19.119 --> 00:32:19.359 of 00:32:19.359 --> 00:32:19.660 Jesus 00:32:19.660 --> 00:32:20.200 Christ 00:32:20.200 --> 00:32:20.740 their 00:32:20.740 --> 00:32:21.579 purpose 00:32:21.579 --> 00:32:22.079 should 00:32:22.079 --> 00:32:22.359 God 00:32:22.359 --> 00:32:22.720 enable 00:32:22.720 --> 00:32:23.160 is to 00:32:23.160 --> 00:32:23.700 confirm 00:32:23.700 --> 00:32:23.960 the 00:32:23.960 --> 00:32:24.379 gospel 00:32:24.379 --> 00:32:25.019 and 00:32:25.019 --> 00:32:25.519 assist 00:32:25.519 --> 00:32:25.759 the 00:32:25.759 --> 00:32:26.139 gospel 00:32:26.139 --> 00:32:26.700 so 00:32:26.700 --> 00:32:26.899 that 00:32:26.899 --> 00:32:27.339 people 00:32:27.339 --> 00:32:27.700 come 00:32:27.700 --> 00:32:27.920 to 00:32:27.920 --> 00:32:28.399 faith 00:32:28.399 --> 00:32:29.000 in 00:32:29.000 --> 00:32:29.480 Christ 00:32:29.480 --> 00:32:33.200 now 00:32:33.200 --> 00:32:33.420 this 00:32:33.420 --> 00:32:33.740 is a 00:32:33.740 --> 00:32:34.039 whole 00:32:34.039 --> 00:32:34.319 big 00:32:34.319 --> 00:32:34.620 area 00:32:34.620 --> 00:32:34.880 that 00:32:34.880 --> 00:32:35.500 confuses 00:32:35.500 --> 00:32:35.779 a 00:32:35.779 --> 00:32:35.920 lot 00:32:35.920 --> 00:32:36.059 of 00:32:36.059 --> 00:32:36.420 people 00:32:36.420 --> 00:32:37.400 and 00:32:37.400 --> 00:32:37.640 gets 00:32:37.640 --> 00:32:37.819 a 00:32:37.819 --> 00:32:37.980 lot 00:32:37.980 --> 00:32:38.140 of 00:32:38.140 --> 00:32:38.559 churches 00:32:38.559 --> 00:32:39.000 mixed 00:32:39.000 --> 00:32:39.400 up 00:32:39.400 --> 00:32:40.720 but 00:32:40.720 --> 00:32:41.019 here 00:32:41.019 --> 00:32:41.200 we 00:32:41.200 --> 00:32:41.420 need 00:32:41.420 --> 00:32:41.559 a 00:32:41.559 --> 00:32:41.740 very 00:32:41.740 --> 00:32:42.259 clear 00:32:42.259 --> 00:32:42.759 purpose 00:32:42.759 --> 00:32:42.960 of 00:32:42.960 --> 00:32:43.440 signs 00:32:43.440 --> 00:32:43.660 and 00:32:43.660 --> 00:32:44.059 wonders 00:32:44.059 --> 00:32:45.339 in 00:32:45.339 --> 00:32:45.519 their 00:32:45.519 --> 00:32:46.000 relation 00:32:46.000 --> 00:32:46.799 to 00:32:46.799 --> 00:32:46.980 the 00:32:46.980 --> 00:32:47.380 gospel 00:32:47.380 --> 00:32:50.779 fourth 00:32:50.779 --> 00:32:51.059 then 00:32:51.059 --> 00:32:53.039 we 00:32:53.039 --> 00:32:53.259 need 00:32:53.259 --> 00:32:53.420 a 00:32:53.420 --> 00:32:53.799 trusting 00:32:53.799 --> 00:32:54.480 dependence 00:32:54.480 --> 00:32:55.500 on 00:32:55.500 --> 00:32:55.900 God's 00:32:55.900 --> 00:32:56.259 work 00:32:56.259 --> 00:32:57.680 verse 00:32:57.680 --> 00:32:58.059 four 00:32:58.059 --> 00:32:59.799 this 00:32:59.799 --> 00:33:00.000 is 00:33:00.000 --> 00:33:00.419 after 00:33:00.419 --> 00:33:00.659 the 00:33:00.659 --> 00:33:01.039 preaching 00:33:01.039 --> 00:33:01.240 of 00:33:01.240 --> 00:33:01.379 the 00:33:01.379 --> 00:33:01.740 gospel 00:33:01.740 --> 00:33:02.000 as 00:33:02.000 --> 00:33:02.119 we 00:33:02.119 --> 00:33:02.799 have 00:33:02.799 --> 00:33:03.159 seen 00:33:03.159 --> 00:33:03.659 and 00:33:03.659 --> 00:33:03.819 then 00:33:03.819 --> 00:33:03.980 in 00:33:03.980 --> 00:33:04.179 verse 00:33:04.179 --> 00:33:04.519 four 00:33:04.519 --> 00:33:05.200 the 00:33:05.200 --> 00:33:05.720 people 00:33:05.720 --> 00:33:06.059 of 00:33:06.059 --> 00:33:06.220 the 00:33:06.220 --> 00:33:06.559 city 00:33:06.559 --> 00:33:06.779 were 00:33:06.779 --> 00:33:07.319 divided 00:33:07.319 --> 00:33:08.619 some 00:33:08.619 --> 00:33:09.259 sided 00:33:09.259 --> 00:33:09.539 with 00:33:09.539 --> 00:33:09.700 the 00:33:09.700 --> 00:33:10.119 Jews 00:33:10.119 --> 00:33:11.159 and 00:33:11.159 --> 00:33:11.639 others 00:33:11.639 --> 00:33:11.899 with 00:33:11.899 --> 00:33:12.059 the 00:33:12.059 --> 00:33:12.480 apostles 00:33:12.480 --> 00:33:12.779 and 00:33:12.779 --> 00:33:12.940 I 00:33:12.940 --> 00:33:13.220 take 00:33:13.220 --> 00:33:13.339 it 00:33:13.339 --> 00:33:13.500 that 00:33:13.500 --> 00:33:13.759 some 00:33:13.759 --> 00:33:13.919 were 00:33:13.919 --> 00:33:14.419 opposed 00:33:14.419 --> 00:33:14.679 but 00:33:14.679 --> 00:33:15.059 also 00:33:15.059 --> 00:33:15.379 some 00:33:15.379 --> 00:33:16.000 believed 00:33:16.000 --> 00:33:18.480 the 00:33:18.480 --> 00:33:18.759 same 00:33:18.759 --> 00:33:19.159 happened 00:33:19.159 --> 00:33:19.319 in 00:33:19.319 --> 00:33:19.519 other 00:33:19.519 --> 00:33:19.960 places 00:33:19.960 --> 00:33:20.240 look 00:33:20.240 --> 00:33:20.440 at 00:33:20.440 --> 00:33:21.379 verse 00:33:21.379 --> 00:33:22.079 21 00:33:22.079 --> 00:33:23.139 or 00:33:23.139 --> 00:33:23.339 sorry 00:33:23.339 --> 00:33:23.539 the 00:33:23.539 --> 00:33:23.759 end 00:33:23.759 --> 00:33:23.879 of 00:33:23.879 --> 00:33:24.079 verse 00:33:24.079 --> 00:33:24.579 20 00:33:24.579 --> 00:33:25.179 the 00:33:25.179 --> 00:33:25.460 next 00:33:25.460 --> 00:33:25.740 day 00:33:25.740 --> 00:33:26.119 Paul 00:33:26.119 --> 00:33:26.299 and 00:33:26.299 --> 00:33:26.740 Barnabas 00:33:26.740 --> 00:33:27.019 left 00:33:27.019 --> 00:33:27.240 for 00:33:27.240 --> 00:33:27.659 Derby 00:33:27.660 --> 00:33:28.259 verse 00:33:28.259 --> 00:33:28.680 21 00:33:28.680 --> 00:33:28.880 they 00:33:28.880 --> 00:33:29.320 preached 00:33:29.320 --> 00:33:29.500 the 00:33:29.500 --> 00:33:29.700 good 00:33:29.700 --> 00:33:29.960 news 00:33:29.960 --> 00:33:30.160 in 00:33:30.160 --> 00:33:30.420 that 00:33:30.420 --> 00:33:30.840 city 00:33:30.840 --> 00:33:31.460 and 00:33:31.460 --> 00:33:31.779 won 00:33:31.779 --> 00:33:32.120 a 00:33:32.120 --> 00:33:32.580 large 00:33:32.580 --> 00:33:33.060 number 00:33:33.060 --> 00:33:33.480 of 00:33:33.480 --> 00:33:34.080 disciples 00:33:34.080 --> 00:33:36.000 now 00:33:36.000 --> 00:33:36.380 how did 00:33:36.380 --> 00:33:36.600 that 00:33:36.600 --> 00:33:36.920 happen 00:33:36.920 --> 00:33:37.360 how did 00:33:37.360 --> 00:33:37.840 so many 00:33:37.840 --> 00:33:38.200 people 00:33:38.200 --> 00:33:38.540 become 00:33:38.540 --> 00:33:38.980 followers 00:33:38.980 --> 00:33:39.220 of 00:33:39.220 --> 00:33:39.560 Jesus 00:33:39.560 --> 00:33:42.640 well 00:33:42.640 --> 00:33:42.940 look at 00:33:42.940 --> 00:33:43.140 verse 00:33:43.140 --> 00:33:43.940 26 00:33:43.940 --> 00:33:49.400 from 00:33:49.400 --> 00:33:49.420 from 00:33:49.420 --> 00:33:49.440 from 00:33:49.440 --> 00:33:49.940 Italia 00:33:49.940 --> 00:33:50.320 they 00:33:50.320 --> 00:33:50.820 sailed 00:33:50.820 --> 00:33:51.180 back 00:33:51.180 --> 00:33:51.420 to 00:33:51.420 --> 00:33:52.200 Antioch 00:33:52.200 --> 00:33:53.700 where 00:33:53.700 --> 00:33:53.920 they 00:33:53.920 --> 00:33:54.140 had 00:33:54.140 --> 00:33:54.380 been 00:33:54.380 --> 00:33:54.920 committed 00:33:54.920 --> 00:33:55.220 to 00:33:55.220 --> 00:33:55.420 the 00:33:55.420 --> 00:33:55.740 grace 00:33:55.740 --> 00:33:55.960 of 00:33:55.960 --> 00:33:56.279 God 00:33:56.279 --> 00:33:56.519 for 00:33:56.519 --> 00:33:56.700 the 00:33:56.700 --> 00:33:57.039 work 00:33:57.039 --> 00:33:57.279 they 00:33:57.279 --> 00:33:57.559 had 00:33:57.559 --> 00:33:59.200 now 00:33:59.200 --> 00:33:59.840 completed 00:33:59.839 --> 00:34:02.619 Calvary 00:34:04.619 --> 00:34:05.599 in 00:34:07.159 --> 00:34:08.460 just 00:34:08.460 --> 00:34:08.579 time 00:34:08.579 --> 00:34:08.880 and 00:34:08.880 --> 00:34:20.619 what do 00:34:20.619 --> 00:34:22.039 it 00:34:22.039 --> 00:34:23.159 say 00:34:23.159 --> 00:34:23.440 verse 00:34:23.440 --> 00:34:29.960 27. On arriving there, they gathered the church together, so everybody perhaps in a meeting just 00:34:29.960 --> 00:34:37.480 like this, they reported all that God had done through them, and how he had opened the door of 00:34:37.480 --> 00:34:47.579 faith to the Gentiles. That's how people became followers of Jesus. The Gentiles were a Bible-less, 00:34:47.579 --> 00:34:54.019 church-less, Christ-less bunch of people. They were pagans who were worshipping Zeus and Hermes, 00:34:54.799 --> 00:35:00.779 but yet they were completely transformed. They came to faith in Christ, a church was formed in their 00:35:00.779 --> 00:35:06.619 own town, and they began to teach the Bible to each other as they encouraged each other in the faith in 00:35:06.619 --> 00:35:14.400 all of the opposition. Not because of Paul's power, or because of Barnabas's power. No, it was all because 00:35:14.400 --> 00:35:23.400 of God's supernatural work. Look at verse 27, the end again. Because it was God who had opened the door 00:35:23.400 --> 00:35:33.059 of faith to the Gentiles. You know what? I can't convince anybody to be a Christian. You can't 00:35:33.059 --> 00:35:42.139 convince anybody to be a Christian. Your friends, people within your family who you long to turn to 00:35:42.139 --> 00:35:54.579 Christ. You cannot make them a Christian. That's God's work. He alone has the key to open people's 00:35:54.579 --> 00:36:03.279 hearts. He is the one who locks that bolted, tightened door that enables people to believe and to put their 00:36:03.280 --> 00:36:14.019 trust in Jesus. He opens the door of faith. And as a church, we exercise our dependence upon this 00:36:14.019 --> 00:36:21.620 supreme, powerful and awesome God who can cause people to believe. We express our dependence on him 00:36:21.619 --> 00:36:29.359 by simply telling people by simply telling people the gospel and praying and praying and praying 00:36:29.359 --> 00:36:36.139 that God will open their hearts so that they trust him. 00:36:39.400 --> 00:36:46.219 So here is God's strategy for mission. A mission that we have been called on individually. 00:36:46.219 --> 00:36:54.099 A mission that we have been called on together as a church. Our risen commander, the Lord Jesus, 00:36:54.599 --> 00:37:02.719 has given us our assignment until he should come again. Go and preach the gospel to all nations 00:37:02.719 --> 00:37:09.559 in the power of the Holy Spirit. See churches planted in each and every town and community. 00:37:09.559 --> 00:37:17.920 And the way that we can do that together is these four things. Faithfully communicating the gospel. 00:37:19.119 --> 00:37:26.739 Being prepared for consistent opposition. Having a clear purpose of signs and wonders. 00:37:28.079 --> 00:37:37.099 And a trusting dependence on God's work. May that be the case for those who are in Kinsale. 00:37:37.099 --> 00:37:48.639 May that be the case for us as a church together. And may this spur us on to send people who are even here today 00:37:48.639 --> 00:37:58.279 to new places and to plant new churches as God calls. Let's pray together. 00:37:58.280 --> 00:38:22.900 Our Father God, we thank you for this big picture view of your amazing mission plan and your mission strategy 00:38:22.900 --> 00:38:29.820 that you would call people like us. This church here in Carragalline 00:38:29.820 --> 00:38:35.840 to be at the heart of your mission purposes for this world. 00:38:37.180 --> 00:38:42.720 I pray that you would fill us and empower us by your Holy Spirit 00:38:42.720 --> 00:38:49.220 causing us to be people who speak the good news wherever we are. 00:38:49.219 --> 00:38:55.679 that you would raise up and call people out from this church. 00:38:55.779 --> 00:38:59.259 That we may together send them 00:38:59.259 --> 00:39:02.279 to be church planters. 00:39:03.899 --> 00:39:08.519 That we would get alongside them, praying for them, supporting them and encouraging them. 00:39:08.519 --> 00:39:15.519 And maybe now just in the quietness. 00:39:15.519 --> 00:39:20.880 That we would all surrender our wills, our dreams and our ambitions. 00:39:23.219 --> 00:39:27.480 That we would surrender them to the mission of God. 00:39:27.480 --> 00:39:55.920 Father, bless us as a church. 00:39:55.920 --> 00:40:00.000 use us to the building up of your kingdom 00:40:00.000 --> 00:40:03.079 and to the fulfilling of your mission. 00:40:04.200 --> 00:40:06.340 We pray this in Jesus' name. 00:40:07.539 --> 00:40:07.980 Amen. 00:40:16.380 --> 00:40:17.700 We're going to sing. 00:40:17.700 --> 00:40:17.760 Amen. 00:40:17.760 --> 00:40:17.840 Amen. 00:40:17.840 --> 00:40:17.920 Amen. 00:40:17.920 --> 00:40:18.039 Amen. 00:40:18.039 --> 00:40:18.099 Amen. 00:40:18.099 --> 00:40:18.180 Amen. 00:40:18.180 --> 00:40:18.200 Amen. 00:40:18.200 --> 00:40:18.240 Amen. 00:40:18.240 --> 00:40:18.300 Amen. 00:40:18.300 --> 00:40:19.800 Amen. 00:40:19.800 --> 00:40:20.240 Amen. 00:40:20.240 --> 00:40:20.300 Amen. 00:40:20.300 --> 00:40:21.800 Amen. 00:40:21.800 --> 00:40:21.860 Amen. 00:40:21.860 --> 00:40:21.880 Amen.