WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.740 Now at this point we're going to hear a Bible reading. 00:00:10.179 --> 00:00:15.700 ! Katrina is going to come and read the first section of Acts chapter 11 for us. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:39.280 The apostles and the believers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received 00:00:39.280 --> 00:00:40.320 the word of God. 00:00:41.380 --> 00:00:48.299 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, 00:00:48.700 --> 00:00:53.539 You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them. 00:00:54.980 --> 00:00:58.879 Starting from the beginning, Peter told them the whole story. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:05.180 I was in the city of Joppa praying and in a trance I saw a vision. 00:01:06.060 --> 00:01:11.960 I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners and it 00:01:11.960 --> 00:01:13.500 came down to where I was. 00:01:14.299 --> 00:01:21.780 I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. 00:01:22.760 --> 00:01:26.700 Then I heard a voice telling me, Get up, Peter. 00:01:27.180 --> 00:01:28.140 Kill and eat. 00:01:28.140 --> 00:01:32.659 I replied, Surely not, Lord. 00:01:33.180 --> 00:01:37.579 Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth. 00:01:38.680 --> 00:01:41.460 The voice spoke from heaven a second time. 00:01:42.359 --> 00:01:46.659 Do not call anything impure that God has made clean. 00:01:47.920 --> 00:01:52.960 This happened three times and then it was all pulled up to heaven again. 00:01:52.959 --> 00:02:00.959 Right then, three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. 00:02:02.000 --> 00:02:05.899 The spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. 00:02:06.699 --> 00:02:11.500 These six brothers also went with me and we entered the man's house. 00:02:11.500 --> 00:02:21.080 He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. 00:02:21.819 --> 00:02:26.719 He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved. 00:02:26.719 --> 00:02:36.479 As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. 00:02:36.479 --> 00:02:40.319 Then I remembered what the Lord had said. 00:02:40.319 --> 00:02:46.919 John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. 00:02:46.919 --> 00:02:54.239 So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus, 00:02:55.279 --> 00:02:58.819 who was I to think that I could stand in God's way? 00:03:00.459 --> 00:03:08.679 When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, 00:03:09.479 --> 00:03:15.899 So then even to the Gentiles, God has granted repentance that leads to life. 00:03:16.919 --> 00:03:17.319 Amen. 00:03:19.879 --> 00:03:23.060 Abel's once again to Acts chapter 11. 00:03:23.339 --> 00:03:25.919 We're going to pick up the reading at verse 19. 00:03:26.279 --> 00:03:29.319 So that's on page 1105 if you're using a church Bible. 00:03:30.439 --> 00:03:35.500 And in this chapter, we're going to see evidence that God is working. 00:03:37.319 --> 00:03:38.879 Acts 11 verse 19. 00:03:38.979 --> 00:03:43.419 Now, those who'd been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed 00:03:43.419 --> 00:03:48.899 traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 00:03:49.560 --> 00:03:56.199 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, 00:03:56.799 --> 00:03:58.839 telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 00:03:59.379 --> 00:04:04.019 The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. 00:04:04.839 --> 00:04:09.359 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 00:04:09.360 --> 00:04:18.379 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 00:04:18.960 --> 00:04:24.400 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. 00:04:25.480 --> 00:04:30.360 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. 00:04:30.699 --> 00:04:35.699 So for a whole year, Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. 00:04:35.699 --> 00:04:39.139 So the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. 00:04:39.920 --> 00:04:43.360 During this time, some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 00:04:43.779 --> 00:04:51.899 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit, predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. 00:04:52.599 --> 00:04:54.219 This happened during the reign of Claudius. 00:04:54.819 --> 00:05:00.819 The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. 00:05:00.819 --> 00:05:07.420 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul. 00:05:08.500 --> 00:05:11.040 Amen. This is God's words. 00:05:11.719 --> 00:05:12.439 Question. 00:05:12.980 --> 00:05:19.480 When was the last time you paused in order to wonder? 00:05:19.480 --> 00:05:32.120 Maybe, if you happened to be outside any time yesterday, maybe that's what made you stop to pause, to wonder, to see the power of a storm, perhaps. 00:05:32.840 --> 00:05:35.840 We were up in Fort Rose up north last week. 00:05:36.680 --> 00:05:39.800 We took a walk in the nighttime. 00:05:40.560 --> 00:05:47.720 We were on a particular path, and there was a moment where there was no streetlights, and we looked up, and there's this wonderful carpet of stars. 00:05:47.720 --> 00:05:51.940 A great moment to pause and to wonder. 00:05:52.600 --> 00:05:54.680 It may be something huge and dramatic. 00:05:54.960 --> 00:05:57.700 It may be a peacefully sleeping baby. 00:05:58.360 --> 00:06:03.480 It may be the change that we see in our own life or someone else's. 00:06:04.740 --> 00:06:09.600 But when God puts His wonderful works on display and we see them, 00:06:10.400 --> 00:06:15.740 it's good to stop, to wonder, and to worship. 00:06:15.740 --> 00:06:20.199 And I want to suggest that that's Luke's goal for us. 00:06:20.319 --> 00:06:26.920 In Acts chapter 11, he wants to show us that God is working, and He is doing wonderful things. 00:06:27.680 --> 00:06:31.939 He's bringing the Gentiles into the story of salvation. 00:06:32.780 --> 00:06:40.199 We're discovering that the rescuing love of God through Jesus, it spreads all around the globe. 00:06:40.199 --> 00:06:43.379 And He shows us that so that we might worship. 00:06:44.800 --> 00:06:47.699 He takes us back to the Cornelius story. 00:06:48.379 --> 00:06:49.979 We were in it a couple of weeks ago. 00:06:50.199 --> 00:06:53.120 This vital moment in the mission of Jesus. 00:06:53.339 --> 00:06:57.620 And it becomes crystal clear, as Peter gives us a recap, 00:06:58.539 --> 00:07:05.180 that this is God working by His grace and for His glory. 00:07:05.180 --> 00:07:07.180 It's a great chapter. 00:07:07.280 --> 00:07:11.500 It's a chapter, actually, that can help us to answer some questions that you may be asking 00:07:11.500 --> 00:07:13.620 or some questions you may have asked. 00:07:14.639 --> 00:07:16.100 Sometimes it's asked in history. 00:07:16.199 --> 00:07:21.300 Well, what explains the growth of Christianity within the Roman Empire? 00:07:22.040 --> 00:07:24.199 The initial signs don't seem very promising. 00:07:24.360 --> 00:07:28.620 You have Jesus, and He is crucified, and that seems humiliating. 00:07:28.620 --> 00:07:33.139 There is this small group of 12 ragtag disciples. 00:07:34.319 --> 00:07:37.720 And they face a lot of opposition and persecution. 00:07:38.160 --> 00:07:44.040 And yet, within 200 to 300 years, it spreads and dominates the empire. 00:07:44.220 --> 00:07:48.959 And today, there are hundreds of millions of people who proclaim that Jesus is Lord. 00:07:50.259 --> 00:07:53.899 The deepest, most foundational explanation to all of that? 00:07:54.579 --> 00:07:55.939 God is working. 00:07:55.939 --> 00:08:00.160 But it helps to answer the question at the personal level as well. 00:08:00.319 --> 00:08:05.120 When perhaps we're asked, well, what difference does Jesus make to your life anyway? 00:08:06.360 --> 00:08:11.459 What difference does it make to a group of people to have Jesus as their Lord? 00:08:12.360 --> 00:08:14.659 Acts 11 gives an amazingly positive answer. 00:08:15.879 --> 00:08:20.459 Because we begin to see there is in the gospel, the good news of Jesus, 00:08:20.639 --> 00:08:24.399 the power to begin the ending of prejudice. 00:08:24.399 --> 00:08:33.299 We have, with the reality of the risen Jesus, the courage to go on mission to spread His good news. 00:08:34.579 --> 00:08:39.539 And we see this wonderful capacity, when people love Jesus, 00:08:40.279 --> 00:08:45.379 to love one another across difference, and to share good gifts. 00:08:45.379 --> 00:08:47.939 So, Jesus is building His church. 00:08:48.480 --> 00:08:50.559 The global kingdom is crossing barriers. 00:08:51.059 --> 00:08:55.360 A multicultural family of God is being born. 00:08:55.840 --> 00:09:00.500 And we have an opportunity to stand back and to worship our God. 00:09:01.320 --> 00:09:02.939 So, let's see three things. 00:09:03.019 --> 00:09:04.700 Three evidences that God is working. 00:09:04.840 --> 00:09:07.379 First of all, the ending of prejudice. 00:09:07.379 --> 00:09:10.480 And this takes us back to the Cornelius story. 00:09:10.879 --> 00:09:13.460 We looked at it in detail a couple of weeks ago. 00:09:14.019 --> 00:09:19.439 But here, back in the first four verses of chapter 11, we see what's happening. 00:09:20.279 --> 00:09:24.659 So, we're told that these Gentiles, so non-Jewish people, have received God's Word. 00:09:25.240 --> 00:09:27.399 They have been saved by Jesus. 00:09:27.759 --> 00:09:33.379 The gospel has crossed the great dividing line, the great barrier, in that day. 00:09:33.379 --> 00:09:37.679 And we might expect celebration to break out. 00:09:38.019 --> 00:09:39.919 But instead, what does Peter meet? 00:09:40.679 --> 00:09:46.240 When Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him. 00:09:46.559 --> 00:09:51.480 You know, today, this would be Peter coming back and discovering this firestorm of protest, 00:09:51.620 --> 00:09:53.059 that Twitter is blowing up. 00:09:53.179 --> 00:09:55.500 Peter is being threatened with being canceled, 00:09:55.879 --> 00:10:00.960 because he's gone to eat with people from another culture. 00:10:00.960 --> 00:10:02.960 Peter is being threatened with people from another culture. 00:10:02.960 --> 00:10:09.840 The people of God had always been marked out by food laws and by circumcision. 00:10:10.740 --> 00:10:17.540 And they were told to avoid others who didn't share that, that they were considered unclean. 00:10:19.180 --> 00:10:25.139 And so, we see that this, over time, had become a prejudice that had blurred people's vision 00:10:25.139 --> 00:10:28.519 to the reality that God always wanted His kingdom to be global. 00:10:28.519 --> 00:10:35.960 And so, we have these Christians who cannot celebrate the fact that God's Word has come to another people group. 00:10:36.699 --> 00:10:40.879 And they're suspicious of Peter because they think he's broken the rules. 00:10:41.039 --> 00:10:48.659 And so, it's really important for Peter to tell the story in order to show this is God's work, this is God's plan. 00:10:48.659 --> 00:10:56.579 And so, Luke takes the time to repeat the Cornelius story so we do not miss how big and important this is, 00:10:56.679 --> 00:11:02.759 that Jesus has come to be a Savior, not just for some people, but for all people. 00:11:04.100 --> 00:11:08.519 So, again, just to very briefly kind of see it in verses 5 to 10, 00:11:08.939 --> 00:11:12.299 he tells them of that vision from God that Peter had. 00:11:12.399 --> 00:11:15.439 There was the blanket that came, the sheet that came down. 00:11:15.440 --> 00:11:17.740 There was clean meat, there was unclean meat. 00:11:18.040 --> 00:11:19.400 Peter is told to take some. 00:11:19.480 --> 00:11:22.140 He says, no, I've never eaten anything that's unclean. 00:11:22.520 --> 00:11:28.080 And God says three times, do not call anything impure that God has made clean. 00:11:28.860 --> 00:11:33.200 I want us to think about that sheet with the mixed meats being a bit like the church. 00:11:34.420 --> 00:11:39.940 That by God's design, the church is going to be made up of all different kinds of people. 00:11:39.940 --> 00:11:48.420 And that mix-up, that's all part of God's plan, and it's good news because it shows the power of God's grace. 00:11:49.820 --> 00:11:53.720 Well, after the vision comes the direction from God. 00:11:53.800 --> 00:11:55.520 Look at verses 11 to 14. 00:11:56.040 --> 00:12:00.760 You find God has directed these servants of Cornelius to arrive at Peter's house, 00:12:00.940 --> 00:12:07.760 and then the Spirit speaks to Peter, telling him to go with the men to visit Cornelius. 00:12:07.759 --> 00:12:11.080 And notice verse 14. 00:12:11.759 --> 00:12:15.360 We get some new information, important information. 00:12:16.319 --> 00:12:19.379 Sent to Joppa for Simon who's called Peter. 00:12:19.480 --> 00:12:20.539 That's what Cornelius is told. 00:12:20.879 --> 00:12:27.319 He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved. 00:12:27.960 --> 00:12:34.220 So Cornelius needs to hear this message about Jesus so that he might be saved. 00:12:34.220 --> 00:12:41.460 Last time we met Cornelius, we discovered he's very religious, he's very devout, he's doing the right things, he's worshiping God. 00:12:41.759 --> 00:12:42.820 But that's not enough. 00:12:44.680 --> 00:12:47.040 It's not enough for us to be religious people. 00:12:47.500 --> 00:12:49.580 It's not enough for us to attend church services. 00:12:49.740 --> 00:12:51.519 It's not enough for us to read our Bibles. 00:12:51.519 --> 00:12:56.860 We need to personally know Jesus as our Lord and Savior. 00:12:57.740 --> 00:13:02.799 We need to personally turn away from sin to place our trust in him. 00:13:02.840 --> 00:13:06.340 And that's what Cornelius does as he hears the message. 00:13:07.519 --> 00:13:09.199 Verse 15 and 16. 00:13:10.139 --> 00:13:13.340 We discover the action from God. 00:13:13.919 --> 00:13:17.779 That after Peter begins to speak, what do we hear in verse 15? 00:13:17.779 --> 00:13:23.579 The Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. 00:13:24.620 --> 00:13:29.699 And Peter reminds those listening, this is just as the Lord Jesus promised. 00:13:30.199 --> 00:13:34.259 This is God's plan of salvation working. 00:13:35.679 --> 00:13:38.039 And so Peter's conclusion is very direct. 00:13:38.919 --> 00:13:42.980 So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, 00:13:42.980 --> 00:13:46.600 who was I to think that I could stand in God's way? 00:13:47.779 --> 00:13:50.959 They believed the same gospel, the same good news, 00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:53.879 because they're believing in the same Jesus as Lord. 00:13:54.679 --> 00:13:57.259 And now they've received exactly the same gift, 00:13:57.399 --> 00:13:59.740 because God's Holy Spirit has come on them. 00:14:00.199 --> 00:14:02.299 And so Peter is left with two options, isn't he? 00:14:02.299 --> 00:14:04.000 He can either oppose God, 00:14:05.000 --> 00:14:07.559 or he can worship God and participate. 00:14:07.679 --> 00:14:08.799 And that's what he does. 00:14:08.799 --> 00:14:12.419 And when they hear this, verse 18, 00:14:13.359 --> 00:14:14.359 no more objections. 00:14:15.359 --> 00:14:17.079 Instead, they praise God, 00:14:18.379 --> 00:14:18.579 saying, 00:14:18.759 --> 00:14:20.019 So then even to Gentiles, 00:14:20.099 --> 00:14:22.299 God has granted repentance that leads to life. 00:14:22.439 --> 00:14:25.559 This is when criticism stops and praise begins, 00:14:25.559 --> 00:14:27.620 because it becomes blatantly obvious 00:14:27.620 --> 00:14:31.120 that God has been working. 00:14:31.779 --> 00:14:34.019 And so hearts are being softened. 00:14:34.019 --> 00:14:38.460 And isn't this something that we need in our world today? 00:14:39.980 --> 00:14:43.879 Don't we see and hear so much of the dark stain of prejudice? 00:14:45.079 --> 00:14:48.860 Whether we hear about the undercover reports of the views of politicians, 00:14:49.539 --> 00:14:54.299 or whether we're watching on our screens violent protests against migrants, 00:14:54.299 --> 00:14:59.659 whether we see, hear, or experience racism, 00:15:00.139 --> 00:15:01.559 or sectarianism, 00:15:02.639 --> 00:15:05.599 where we recognize a growing intolerance of people 00:15:05.599 --> 00:15:07.279 with different views and backgrounds, 00:15:07.339 --> 00:15:09.479 we recognize we need something better. 00:15:10.839 --> 00:15:13.139 And that something better is the power of the gospel. 00:15:14.399 --> 00:15:18.279 And what we see in Acts chapter 11 is that God's grace works. 00:15:18.279 --> 00:15:23.199 God's grace has the power to make very different people 00:15:23.199 --> 00:15:25.919 one in Christ Jesus. 00:15:27.659 --> 00:15:31.679 That those other identity markers that we might have, 00:15:32.000 --> 00:15:33.379 that we might place on ourselves, 00:15:33.480 --> 00:15:34.839 or we might place on others, 00:15:35.240 --> 00:15:39.720 they are not as important as belonging to Jesus. 00:15:40.819 --> 00:15:44.860 It's what enables a diverse church family to be established. 00:15:44.860 --> 00:15:51.120 No barriers to accepting others in Jesus. 00:15:52.460 --> 00:15:56.919 So this week I read of Palestinian Christians 00:15:56.919 --> 00:16:02.519 and Messianic Jewish Christians praying together. 00:16:03.300 --> 00:16:08.220 And they issued a statement affirming their unity in Christ Jesus, 00:16:08.700 --> 00:16:14.060 even as they were wrestling with deep political and social differences. 00:16:14.860 --> 00:16:17.500 That's evidence that God is working. 00:16:18.620 --> 00:16:20.340 I read this week that in Nigeria, 00:16:20.940 --> 00:16:22.919 there are Christian church members 00:16:22.919 --> 00:16:27.100 who have led people belonging to Boko Haram, 00:16:28.480 --> 00:16:29.659 the fundamentalist group, 00:16:29.919 --> 00:16:31.399 leading them to Christ. 00:16:32.860 --> 00:16:35.399 Having the courage to open their homes 00:16:35.399 --> 00:16:39.139 and their churches to former persecutors. 00:16:39.139 --> 00:16:44.840 That's God's grace at work in people's hearts. 00:16:46.199 --> 00:16:47.840 And that's what we see in Acts 11, 00:16:47.960 --> 00:16:50.799 God working to soften hearts to make enemies friends. 00:16:52.039 --> 00:16:54.460 And it's so important at the local level too. 00:16:54.699 --> 00:16:59.080 We have a vision here in our church to be a multicultural church. 00:16:59.600 --> 00:17:04.299 We want this church to be as diverse as the city in which we live. 00:17:04.299 --> 00:17:08.539 We want anyone to be able to come in here and to feel at home, 00:17:08.639 --> 00:17:10.399 to feel a welcome in Jesus' name. 00:17:10.720 --> 00:17:11.799 And for that to happen, 00:17:12.299 --> 00:17:14.419 we need God to work in our hearts all the time. 00:17:15.319 --> 00:17:19.299 We need our identity always to be built on Jesus first. 00:17:20.759 --> 00:17:21.940 That's how I think about myself. 00:17:22.019 --> 00:17:22.599 I am saved. 00:17:22.700 --> 00:17:23.599 I am a new creation. 00:17:23.740 --> 00:17:24.639 I have a new family. 00:17:25.599 --> 00:17:28.159 We need to let that define how we see ourselves 00:17:28.159 --> 00:17:30.039 and how we see one another. 00:17:30.039 --> 00:17:33.379 And we need to ask for that grace to make us ready 00:17:33.379 --> 00:17:35.480 to cross our own boundaries and barriers. 00:17:36.619 --> 00:17:39.039 Maybe that's age and stage. 00:17:39.799 --> 00:17:42.000 Maybe that's getting to know people from another country. 00:17:42.559 --> 00:17:44.960 Maybe it's mixing with people from different status, 00:17:45.159 --> 00:17:46.579 different education backgrounds, 00:17:46.740 --> 00:17:49.500 because we want to show in a real way 00:17:49.500 --> 00:17:52.099 the love of Jesus to one another. 00:17:53.579 --> 00:17:55.519 So there's the first evidence that we have. 00:17:55.519 --> 00:17:59.019 God is working to end prejudice and to promote peace 00:17:59.019 --> 00:18:01.099 in and through the gospel. 00:18:02.160 --> 00:18:04.519 And when we see it, we praise God for it. 00:18:05.200 --> 00:18:08.160 And we pray to participate in that. 00:18:09.359 --> 00:18:11.279 Second evidence that God is working, 00:18:12.400 --> 00:18:13.940 verses 19 to 21, 00:18:14.559 --> 00:18:17.779 the spreading of good news. 00:18:18.619 --> 00:18:20.819 Let me read verse 19 into verse 20. 00:18:20.819 --> 00:18:23.279 Now, those who've been scattered by the persecution 00:18:23.279 --> 00:18:25.000 that broke out when Stephen was killed 00:18:25.000 --> 00:18:27.740 traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, 00:18:27.819 --> 00:18:29.579 spreading the word only among Jews. 00:18:30.119 --> 00:18:32.759 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, 00:18:33.139 --> 00:18:35.559 went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks, 00:18:35.700 --> 00:18:38.799 also telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 00:18:40.119 --> 00:18:40.919 So again, this week, 00:18:41.000 --> 00:18:44.139 so I use an app on my phone called Prayer Mate. 00:18:44.899 --> 00:18:47.240 If you want help to pray regularly, 00:18:47.359 --> 00:18:48.399 I find that a really helpful one. 00:18:48.400 --> 00:18:50.280 And I get daily prayer feeds 00:18:50.280 --> 00:18:51.740 from different mission organizations. 00:18:51.900 --> 00:18:52.960 So again, this week, 00:18:53.320 --> 00:18:55.860 there was prayer requests from Iraq and Pakistan, 00:18:56.960 --> 00:18:59.140 places where believers are losing their jobs 00:18:59.140 --> 00:19:00.320 and losing freedoms 00:19:00.320 --> 00:19:02.960 because they are publicly following Christ. 00:19:03.080 --> 00:19:04.660 But you know what their prayer was? 00:19:05.519 --> 00:19:06.620 Help us to keep going. 00:19:07.420 --> 00:19:08.759 Help us to keep serving Jesus. 00:19:09.580 --> 00:19:10.740 In Saudi Arabia, 00:19:11.680 --> 00:19:13.640 teenagers becoming Christians 00:19:13.640 --> 00:19:17.240 are facing hostility from their own family members. 00:19:17.240 --> 00:19:19.359 And do you know what they're praying? 00:19:20.539 --> 00:19:23.420 Lord God, give us strength to be salt and light, 00:19:24.000 --> 00:19:25.799 even when our families oppose us. 00:19:26.660 --> 00:19:27.420 So humbling. 00:19:28.339 --> 00:19:30.099 These aren't super Christians. 00:19:30.259 --> 00:19:31.960 They're ordinary Christians 00:19:31.960 --> 00:19:34.359 wanting to live for Jesus 00:19:34.359 --> 00:19:35.799 and talking about Jesus 00:19:35.799 --> 00:19:38.339 in really difficult circumstances. 00:19:39.720 --> 00:19:42.720 It's exactly the same context as Acts 11, isn't it? 00:19:42.720 --> 00:19:45.700 Why were these people on the move? 00:19:46.019 --> 00:19:47.120 They were scattered 00:19:47.120 --> 00:19:48.640 because they were being persecuted 00:19:48.640 --> 00:19:50.460 because they're trusting in Jesus. 00:19:51.059 --> 00:19:52.140 But as they go, 00:19:52.259 --> 00:19:53.480 what are they doing in verse 20? 00:19:53.819 --> 00:19:56.100 They're speaking about Jesus. 00:19:58.180 --> 00:19:58.940 So on the one hand, 00:19:58.980 --> 00:19:59.740 you could look at them and say, 00:19:59.819 --> 00:20:00.480 well, these guys are, 00:20:00.620 --> 00:20:01.460 they're refugees. 00:20:04.059 --> 00:20:05.220 But in another sense, 00:20:05.279 --> 00:20:06.120 in a very real sense, 00:20:06.160 --> 00:20:07.460 they're acting as missionaries 00:20:07.460 --> 00:20:10.019 because wherever they're going, 00:20:10.440 --> 00:20:11.880 they're taking Jesus with them. 00:20:12.180 --> 00:20:14.500 And so the mission of Jesus is going on 00:20:14.500 --> 00:20:17.660 because the focus of their life 00:20:17.660 --> 00:20:20.100 is not their external circumstances. 00:20:20.279 --> 00:20:21.340 It must be 00:20:21.340 --> 00:20:24.160 the joy that they have of knowing Jesus 00:20:24.160 --> 00:20:26.019 and that sense of privilege 00:20:26.019 --> 00:20:26.819 that they had 00:20:26.819 --> 00:20:29.079 of making Him known. 00:20:29.079 --> 00:20:33.159 It's amazing to see in verse 20, 00:20:33.579 --> 00:20:33.740 you know, 00:20:33.799 --> 00:20:34.579 Luke highlights 00:20:34.579 --> 00:20:35.599 that some of them, 00:20:36.379 --> 00:20:38.319 they cross barriers of culture. 00:20:38.519 --> 00:20:39.539 They go to the Greeks 00:20:39.539 --> 00:20:40.899 to tell them the good news. 00:20:41.699 --> 00:20:42.659 And then in verse 21, 00:20:42.799 --> 00:20:44.339 we see God's response. 00:20:44.379 --> 00:20:45.779 How does God feel about that? 00:20:46.500 --> 00:20:47.019 Verse 21, 00:20:47.119 --> 00:20:48.819 the Lord's hand was with them 00:20:48.819 --> 00:20:50.839 and a great number of people 00:20:50.839 --> 00:20:52.220 believed and turned to the Lord. 00:20:52.419 --> 00:20:54.059 God is absolutely for this. 00:20:54.319 --> 00:20:55.799 He's behind this 00:20:55.799 --> 00:20:58.099 and He's pleased to act in power 00:20:58.099 --> 00:20:59.940 to save many. 00:21:00.919 --> 00:21:01.079 You know, 00:21:01.079 --> 00:21:02.599 if the gospel is a feast, 00:21:03.480 --> 00:21:05.240 there is room for many 00:21:05.240 --> 00:21:06.839 at the table. 00:21:07.460 --> 00:21:08.579 And so the invitation is, 00:21:08.720 --> 00:21:10.960 come and join the feast. 00:21:11.859 --> 00:21:13.099 What was their message? 00:21:14.579 --> 00:21:15.539 Well, they were sharing 00:21:15.539 --> 00:21:17.399 the good news about the Lord Jesus. 00:21:18.759 --> 00:21:20.619 Maybe they followed Peter's example 00:21:20.619 --> 00:21:22.899 that we read in chapter 10, 00:21:24.259 --> 00:21:25.480 reminding us about Jesus 00:21:25.480 --> 00:21:26.220 being announced 00:21:26.220 --> 00:21:27.700 as good news of great joy 00:21:27.700 --> 00:21:28.599 for all people, 00:21:29.759 --> 00:21:30.700 announcing to the world 00:21:30.700 --> 00:21:32.400 that the one who would save from sin, 00:21:32.819 --> 00:21:33.480 He has come, 00:21:34.259 --> 00:21:37.980 that Jesus is none other than God with us. 00:21:39.180 --> 00:21:40.460 Maybe they were telling people 00:21:40.460 --> 00:21:41.799 that Jesus was anointed 00:21:41.799 --> 00:21:43.440 as God's true King 00:21:43.440 --> 00:21:45.900 who had come to set up His kingdom, 00:21:47.220 --> 00:21:48.599 that to look at Jesus, 00:21:48.740 --> 00:21:50.539 we discover what God is like, 00:21:51.079 --> 00:21:53.160 that Jesus goes around doing good 00:21:53.160 --> 00:21:55.320 because Jesus truly is good. 00:21:55.980 --> 00:21:57.460 Think about His healings. 00:21:57.900 --> 00:21:59.080 Think about the welcomes 00:21:59.080 --> 00:21:59.720 that He offered. 00:21:59.840 --> 00:22:00.900 Think about the forgiveness 00:22:00.900 --> 00:22:02.040 that He extended. 00:22:03.200 --> 00:22:05.240 And Jesus too came to defeat 00:22:05.240 --> 00:22:08.100 the powers of evil and darkness. 00:22:08.940 --> 00:22:09.860 And ultimately, 00:22:09.960 --> 00:22:11.500 that would take Him to the cross. 00:22:12.040 --> 00:22:13.460 They would absolutely have told them 00:22:13.460 --> 00:22:15.279 that Jesus was crucified 00:22:15.279 --> 00:22:17.399 and then He rose again. 00:22:18.220 --> 00:22:19.940 That Jesus went to the cross 00:22:19.940 --> 00:22:21.720 to take on Himself 00:22:21.720 --> 00:22:23.519 the curse 00:22:23.519 --> 00:22:25.579 that should fall on us 00:22:25.579 --> 00:22:28.639 because we have rebelled against God. 00:22:29.019 --> 00:22:31.579 We have turned our backs on God. 00:22:32.579 --> 00:22:34.680 And we deserve condemnation. 00:22:35.559 --> 00:22:36.539 Jesus in love 00:22:36.539 --> 00:22:38.220 took that for us. 00:22:38.220 --> 00:22:41.460 Jesus on the cross 00:22:41.460 --> 00:22:43.460 goes into spiritual battle 00:22:43.460 --> 00:22:44.380 on our behalf. 00:22:45.319 --> 00:22:46.880 He goes to defeat sin 00:22:46.880 --> 00:22:47.920 and death 00:22:47.920 --> 00:22:48.839 and the devil. 00:22:49.539 --> 00:22:50.319 And the resurrection 00:22:50.319 --> 00:22:51.519 shows that He won 00:22:51.519 --> 00:22:54.200 that great and decisive victory. 00:22:56.100 --> 00:22:57.620 And now Jesus, 00:22:58.200 --> 00:22:59.360 having won that victory, 00:22:59.839 --> 00:23:01.220 having returned to heaven, 00:23:01.799 --> 00:23:03.180 He rules as King. 00:23:04.140 --> 00:23:05.680 And He will return one day. 00:23:05.680 --> 00:23:08.380 And as Peter reminded his listeners, 00:23:08.680 --> 00:23:09.720 He will come one day 00:23:09.720 --> 00:23:11.460 as our judge. 00:23:13.360 --> 00:23:14.519 Inviting the question, 00:23:14.660 --> 00:23:16.660 what have we done with Jesus? 00:23:17.259 --> 00:23:20.080 Am I trusting in Jesus as Lord? 00:23:21.360 --> 00:23:22.740 And when Jesus comes back, 00:23:23.180 --> 00:23:25.420 He will unite heaven and earth 00:23:25.420 --> 00:23:27.120 in the new creation, 00:23:28.140 --> 00:23:29.700 establishing a perfect world 00:23:29.700 --> 00:23:30.680 and a perfect kingdom 00:23:30.680 --> 00:23:32.560 that lasts forever. 00:23:34.180 --> 00:23:35.259 In Jesus. 00:23:35.680 --> 00:23:38.200 Jesus who is our peace. 00:23:39.259 --> 00:23:41.380 Jesus who brings God's forgiveness. 00:23:42.340 --> 00:23:44.860 Jesus who brings God's salvation. 00:23:46.060 --> 00:23:47.779 And so they went with that good news saying, 00:23:48.140 --> 00:23:49.440 believe in the Lord Jesus 00:23:49.440 --> 00:23:51.680 and you will be saved. 00:23:52.759 --> 00:23:53.759 Whoever you are, 00:23:53.860 --> 00:23:54.980 wherever you're from. 00:23:57.360 --> 00:23:58.740 It's good to stop 00:23:58.740 --> 00:24:00.180 and pause and reflect. 00:24:01.299 --> 00:24:02.860 Who's this group of ordinary Christians 00:24:02.859 --> 00:24:03.519 and they're hated 00:24:03.519 --> 00:24:05.119 because they love Jesus. 00:24:06.500 --> 00:24:08.459 But they won't stop talking about Him. 00:24:09.339 --> 00:24:11.819 And God honors them in that. 00:24:12.479 --> 00:24:14.419 And God is honored 00:24:14.419 --> 00:24:18.099 as He brings salvation to many people. 00:24:18.099 --> 00:24:21.099 And isn't this a message 00:24:21.099 --> 00:24:23.099 that we need to hear 00:24:23.099 --> 00:24:27.699 to remember that God loves to save people? 00:24:28.279 --> 00:24:29.559 And that's why He sent Jesus. 00:24:30.519 --> 00:24:31.519 Because sometimes 00:24:31.519 --> 00:24:34.240 it can be easy to give up. 00:24:35.619 --> 00:24:36.740 Don't we need to be reminded 00:24:36.740 --> 00:24:39.879 that God loves to save all kinds of people? 00:24:39.880 --> 00:24:43.560 Because sometimes we can easily place limits. 00:24:44.780 --> 00:24:45.580 We might imagine 00:24:45.580 --> 00:24:48.280 that some people are beyond God's help. 00:24:48.279 --> 00:24:51.619 And don't we remember that, 00:24:51.859 --> 00:24:52.579 don't we need to remember 00:24:52.579 --> 00:24:53.899 that God loves to use 00:24:53.899 --> 00:24:55.720 ordinary Christians 00:24:55.720 --> 00:24:58.740 in their ordinary witness for Jesus 00:24:58.740 --> 00:25:00.559 to bring Him glory? 00:25:01.599 --> 00:25:03.119 Because sometimes we might feel 00:25:03.119 --> 00:25:04.319 like our lives are not that big, 00:25:04.619 --> 00:25:05.460 not that significant. 00:25:05.599 --> 00:25:06.799 We might feel somewhat weak 00:25:06.799 --> 00:25:07.920 or useless. 00:25:08.079 --> 00:25:09.139 But God is pleased 00:25:09.139 --> 00:25:10.259 for His own glory 00:25:10.259 --> 00:25:12.139 to use people like us. 00:25:13.920 --> 00:25:16.119 Came across an interesting statistic 00:25:16.119 --> 00:25:16.700 this week. 00:25:16.700 --> 00:25:18.980 There was a survey done, 00:25:19.019 --> 00:25:20.240 I think it was four years ago. 00:25:21.160 --> 00:25:22.299 And they were polling, 00:25:22.420 --> 00:25:24.240 I think it was 16,000 Christians. 00:25:24.700 --> 00:25:26.340 And all of those, 00:25:26.779 --> 00:25:28.200 of those who'd become Christians 00:25:28.200 --> 00:25:30.920 in their adult years. 00:25:31.580 --> 00:25:33.500 So not those who had sort of grown up 00:25:33.500 --> 00:25:34.580 in Christian homes 00:25:34.580 --> 00:25:35.240 and become Christians 00:25:35.240 --> 00:25:35.840 when they were kids. 00:25:36.299 --> 00:25:37.500 For people who became Christians 00:25:37.500 --> 00:25:38.299 as adults, 00:25:38.819 --> 00:25:43.400 33% became Christians 00:25:43.400 --> 00:25:45.740 principally because of 00:25:45.740 --> 00:25:48.519 the influence of a friend 00:25:48.519 --> 00:25:50.400 or a family member. 00:25:51.200 --> 00:25:53.099 Somebody who invited them 00:25:53.099 --> 00:25:53.960 to read the Bible. 00:25:54.559 --> 00:25:56.200 Who answered their questions. 00:25:56.339 --> 00:25:57.940 Who took an interest. 00:25:59.240 --> 00:26:00.440 Shared Jesus with them. 00:26:00.839 --> 00:26:01.759 Took them to church. 00:26:04.039 --> 00:26:05.039 Think about that. 00:26:06.339 --> 00:26:07.339 Ordinary people 00:26:07.339 --> 00:26:09.339 going about their business, 00:26:09.779 --> 00:26:10.759 talking about Jesus. 00:26:10.759 --> 00:26:13.599 God uses it. 00:26:14.799 --> 00:26:15.440 Some of us, 00:26:15.519 --> 00:26:16.460 that's our story. 00:26:17.460 --> 00:26:17.740 And again, 00:26:17.859 --> 00:26:18.619 if that's you, 00:26:18.680 --> 00:26:19.119 if you can think, 00:26:19.519 --> 00:26:20.599 I am so thankful 00:26:20.599 --> 00:26:21.640 for that family member 00:26:21.640 --> 00:26:22.319 or that friend 00:26:22.319 --> 00:26:23.140 who took the time 00:26:23.140 --> 00:26:24.099 to answer my questions 00:26:24.099 --> 00:26:25.019 and to share Jesus. 00:26:25.720 --> 00:26:26.779 Give thanks to God. 00:26:28.160 --> 00:26:29.079 And maybe take some time 00:26:29.079 --> 00:26:30.519 to give thanks to them as well. 00:26:32.460 --> 00:26:33.879 And then on the flip side, 00:26:34.420 --> 00:26:35.059 for those of us 00:26:35.059 --> 00:26:35.539 who are here 00:26:35.539 --> 00:26:36.299 who are Christians, 00:26:37.299 --> 00:26:38.220 let's ask ourselves 00:26:38.220 --> 00:26:39.000 and let's ask God 00:26:39.000 --> 00:26:39.519 to guide us. 00:26:39.960 --> 00:26:40.720 Who can you and I 00:26:40.720 --> 00:26:42.660 be that kind of friend to? 00:26:44.339 --> 00:26:46.000 To make room for people 00:26:46.000 --> 00:26:47.400 and their questions 00:26:47.400 --> 00:26:49.400 and to pray for the courage 00:26:49.400 --> 00:26:50.980 to introduce Jesus 00:26:50.980 --> 00:26:52.539 into our conversations 00:26:52.539 --> 00:26:54.380 for the sake of people's 00:26:54.380 --> 00:26:55.279 eternal welfare. 00:26:56.799 --> 00:26:57.740 To do that, 00:26:57.839 --> 00:26:58.960 I think we need to discover 00:26:58.960 --> 00:26:59.640 or to recover 00:26:59.640 --> 00:27:00.700 some of what we see 00:27:00.700 --> 00:27:02.180 in the book of Acts. 00:27:02.259 --> 00:27:04.120 We need that gospel confidence 00:27:04.120 --> 00:27:05.039 that Peter had 00:27:05.039 --> 00:27:07.440 and these first Christians had. 00:27:07.700 --> 00:27:08.519 That the good news 00:27:08.519 --> 00:27:09.139 about Jesus, 00:27:09.299 --> 00:27:10.019 it's true. 00:27:11.000 --> 00:27:12.059 He really did die 00:27:12.059 --> 00:27:13.180 and he really did rise 00:27:13.180 --> 00:27:14.399 and he really does save 00:27:14.399 --> 00:27:14.899 from sin 00:27:14.899 --> 00:27:15.839 and he really does 00:27:15.839 --> 00:27:16.720 give eternal life. 00:27:17.059 --> 00:27:18.659 Are we convinced of that? 00:27:20.599 --> 00:27:21.639 Are we convinced 00:27:21.639 --> 00:27:22.759 that the good news 00:27:22.759 --> 00:27:24.680 is powerful? 00:27:25.599 --> 00:27:26.720 That the gospel 00:27:26.720 --> 00:27:27.940 is the power of God 00:27:27.940 --> 00:27:28.899 that brings salvation 00:27:28.899 --> 00:27:30.460 to all who believe? 00:27:30.460 --> 00:27:33.900 Do we recognize 00:27:33.900 --> 00:27:35.019 that the good news 00:27:35.019 --> 00:27:36.660 is for all people 00:27:36.660 --> 00:27:38.500 and that all people 00:27:38.500 --> 00:27:41.140 need to know Jesus? 00:27:42.240 --> 00:27:43.640 We need gospel confidence 00:27:43.640 --> 00:27:45.000 and we need gospel courage. 00:27:45.779 --> 00:27:47.140 We need to be made bold, 00:27:47.240 --> 00:27:48.519 not by our own boldness, 00:27:48.579 --> 00:27:49.660 but we need to be made bold 00:27:49.660 --> 00:27:50.700 by God's grace 00:27:50.700 --> 00:27:52.900 to be captivated by Jesus 00:27:52.900 --> 00:27:55.000 so that we're ready 00:27:55.000 --> 00:27:55.920 to live differently 00:27:55.920 --> 00:27:56.819 in our classrooms, 00:27:56.980 --> 00:27:57.779 in our workplaces, 00:27:57.900 --> 00:27:58.799 in our homes. 00:27:58.799 --> 00:28:00.720 that we be ready 00:28:00.720 --> 00:28:02.220 to give the reasons 00:28:02.220 --> 00:28:03.500 for the hope that we have, 00:28:04.200 --> 00:28:05.599 to be ready to say 00:28:05.599 --> 00:28:06.399 this is true 00:28:06.399 --> 00:28:08.619 and you do need Jesus. 00:28:11.659 --> 00:28:12.899 Let's pray for one another 00:28:12.899 --> 00:28:14.099 this week in that regard 00:28:14.099 --> 00:28:15.639 and while we pray 00:28:15.639 --> 00:28:16.619 for ourselves here, 00:28:16.700 --> 00:28:17.700 let's remember to pray 00:28:17.700 --> 00:28:19.279 for the persecuted church 00:28:19.279 --> 00:28:21.240 and for their ongoing witness. 00:28:23.500 --> 00:28:24.559 Last piece of evidence 00:28:24.559 --> 00:28:25.559 that God is working 00:28:25.559 --> 00:28:28.339 and it's here in verse 22 onwards, 00:28:28.339 --> 00:28:29.839 it's in the sharing 00:28:29.839 --> 00:28:32.819 of good gifts. 00:28:33.399 --> 00:28:34.720 So when we see generosity 00:28:34.720 --> 00:28:37.679 within this new family of God 00:28:37.679 --> 00:28:39.279 when different resources 00:28:39.279 --> 00:28:41.759 are shared to meet needs. 00:28:41.839 --> 00:28:42.539 So we're introduced 00:28:42.539 --> 00:28:44.119 in verses 22 to the end 00:28:44.119 --> 00:28:44.980 to two gifts 00:28:44.980 --> 00:28:45.639 that come from 00:28:45.639 --> 00:28:46.859 two different places, 00:28:47.519 --> 00:28:48.799 two different resources, 00:28:49.419 --> 00:28:51.019 but one God is working. 00:28:51.619 --> 00:28:52.699 Let's think first of all 00:28:52.699 --> 00:28:53.319 about the gift 00:28:53.319 --> 00:28:54.759 that comes from Jerusalem 00:28:54.759 --> 00:28:56.679 to Antioch. 00:28:56.759 --> 00:28:57.599 Look at verse 22. 00:28:57.599 --> 00:29:00.719 Who is the gift? 00:29:02.619 --> 00:29:03.759 News of this reached 00:29:03.759 --> 00:29:05.279 the church in Jerusalem 00:29:05.279 --> 00:29:06.939 and they sent Barnabas 00:29:07.500 --> 00:29:08.839 new church needs. 00:29:09.799 --> 00:29:11.119 They need Saul 00:29:11.119 --> 00:29:13.279 who's called the apostle 00:29:13.279 --> 00:29:13.939 to the Gentiles. 00:29:15.219 --> 00:29:16.399 And so in verse 25, 00:29:16.519 --> 00:29:17.879 he sends for Saul. 00:29:18.740 --> 00:29:19.959 And so Saul and Barnabas 00:29:19.959 --> 00:29:20.899 for a year 00:29:20.899 --> 00:29:22.839 are in this church 00:29:22.839 --> 00:29:23.899 and they're teaching 00:29:23.899 --> 00:29:25.000 these new Christians 00:29:25.000 --> 00:29:26.459 all about Jesus, 00:29:27.859 --> 00:29:29.519 that he came from God. 00:29:30.379 --> 00:29:30.980 They would have taught 00:29:30.980 --> 00:29:31.759 about his life 00:29:31.759 --> 00:29:32.899 of love and obedience. 00:29:33.500 --> 00:29:34.199 They would have taught 00:29:34.199 --> 00:29:35.199 about his death 00:29:35.199 --> 00:29:36.359 and its significance 00:29:36.359 --> 00:29:38.039 as the sacrifice, 00:29:38.220 --> 00:29:39.459 Jesus as substitute 00:29:39.459 --> 00:29:40.619 who takes the penalty 00:29:40.619 --> 00:29:41.879 that we might be forgiven. 00:29:41.880 --> 00:29:43.520 They would have spoken 00:29:43.520 --> 00:29:44.320 of the glory 00:29:44.320 --> 00:29:45.680 of his resurrection, 00:29:46.260 --> 00:29:47.080 of the gift 00:29:47.080 --> 00:29:47.780 of the Spirit, 00:29:47.880 --> 00:29:49.120 of his return to heaven, 00:29:49.400 --> 00:29:50.600 that Jesus is Lord. 00:29:50.660 --> 00:29:51.360 The rest of the city 00:29:51.360 --> 00:29:52.580 is saying Caesar is Lord. 00:29:53.700 --> 00:29:54.640 The Christians are saying 00:29:54.640 --> 00:29:55.520 Jesus is Lord. 00:29:56.320 --> 00:29:57.600 And it makes a huge impact. 00:29:58.940 --> 00:29:59.860 The people in the city 00:29:59.860 --> 00:30:00.680 are taking notice. 00:30:00.840 --> 00:30:01.380 Did you see that 00:30:01.380 --> 00:30:02.560 at the end of verse 26, 00:30:02.620 --> 00:30:03.420 that little sentence? 00:30:03.880 --> 00:30:05.100 The disciples were called 00:30:05.100 --> 00:30:06.160 Christians first 00:30:06.160 --> 00:30:06.980 to Antioch. 00:30:07.840 --> 00:30:09.900 The city gives the church 00:30:09.900 --> 00:30:10.759 a new name. 00:30:11.240 --> 00:30:12.080 Christian means 00:30:12.080 --> 00:30:14.000 loyal to Christ. 00:30:15.580 --> 00:30:16.360 They could see 00:30:16.360 --> 00:30:17.380 this group of people 00:30:17.380 --> 00:30:18.540 were living differently. 00:30:19.720 --> 00:30:20.700 Different way of life, 00:30:20.820 --> 00:30:21.480 different loyalty, 00:30:21.600 --> 00:30:22.180 so they give them 00:30:22.180 --> 00:30:22.860 a new name. 00:30:23.279 --> 00:30:24.380 So Jerusalem gave 00:30:24.380 --> 00:30:25.660 spiritual blessing 00:30:25.660 --> 00:30:27.100 through Barnabas 00:30:27.100 --> 00:30:28.100 to Antioch. 00:30:28.140 --> 00:30:28.640 But what about 00:30:28.640 --> 00:30:30.060 the second gift? 00:30:30.580 --> 00:30:31.279 Going in the 00:30:31.279 --> 00:30:32.700 reverse direction. 00:30:33.880 --> 00:30:35.000 That's what we read 00:30:35.000 --> 00:30:36.599 about in 27 to 30. 00:30:37.680 --> 00:30:39.259 So we meet a prophet 00:30:39.259 --> 00:30:40.220 called Agabus. 00:30:41.539 --> 00:30:42.279 And he predicts 00:30:42.279 --> 00:30:43.180 a severe famine. 00:30:44.440 --> 00:30:45.059 And this famine 00:30:45.059 --> 00:30:45.779 actually happened 00:30:45.779 --> 00:30:47.799 46 to 48 AD. 00:30:49.019 --> 00:30:50.420 The Nile flooded back. 00:30:50.500 --> 00:30:51.099 It's something we see 00:30:51.099 --> 00:30:51.640 in our own days. 00:30:51.819 --> 00:30:52.440 So imagine that 00:30:52.440 --> 00:30:53.599 the Nile flooded 00:30:53.599 --> 00:30:54.259 really badly, 00:30:54.380 --> 00:30:55.140 the Nile Delta. 00:30:55.339 --> 00:30:57.480 So their crops fail. 00:30:58.559 --> 00:31:00.180 And when such a large 00:31:00.180 --> 00:31:00.920 crop fails, 00:31:01.000 --> 00:31:01.680 what does that do? 00:31:01.759 --> 00:31:03.480 It puts the prices up. 00:31:03.480 --> 00:31:05.200 And it also means 00:31:05.200 --> 00:31:06.980 resources are scarce. 00:31:07.579 --> 00:31:09.000 And in those shortages, 00:31:09.259 --> 00:31:10.160 famine came. 00:31:11.299 --> 00:31:12.880 But the wonderful response 00:31:12.880 --> 00:31:13.880 in preparation 00:31:13.880 --> 00:31:16.220 is that the family of God 00:31:16.220 --> 00:31:17.880 here in Antioch, 00:31:18.240 --> 00:31:19.920 these Gentile Christians, 00:31:21.299 --> 00:31:21.980 the disciples, 00:31:22.160 --> 00:31:23.319 as each one was able, 00:31:23.799 --> 00:31:25.420 decided to provide help 00:31:25.420 --> 00:31:27.120 for the brothers and sisters 00:31:27.120 --> 00:31:29.120 living in Judea, 00:31:29.539 --> 00:31:31.680 freely and generously, 00:31:31.680 --> 00:31:34.000 giving of their resources. 00:31:34.320 --> 00:31:35.100 They'd never met 00:31:35.100 --> 00:31:36.400 these Christians 00:31:36.400 --> 00:31:37.279 back in Judea. 00:31:38.100 --> 00:31:38.560 Previously, 00:31:38.660 --> 00:31:39.460 they'd been regarded 00:31:39.460 --> 00:31:41.240 as unclean enemies 00:31:41.240 --> 00:31:42.539 of the people in Judea. 00:31:43.180 --> 00:31:44.519 But God is working. 00:31:46.039 --> 00:31:47.820 And hearts are being changed. 00:31:47.940 --> 00:31:48.480 They've received 00:31:48.480 --> 00:31:49.480 spiritual blessings. 00:31:50.400 --> 00:31:51.019 And one way 00:31:51.019 --> 00:31:51.779 that they're responding 00:31:51.779 --> 00:31:53.200 is by giving material 00:31:53.200 --> 00:31:54.680 gifts back. 00:31:54.680 --> 00:31:56.539 And we're getting 00:31:56.539 --> 00:31:57.220 a little insight 00:31:57.220 --> 00:31:57.860 into the beauty 00:31:57.860 --> 00:31:59.080 of gospel partnership. 00:32:00.279 --> 00:32:01.299 Hearts are being opened. 00:32:01.580 --> 00:32:02.580 Homes are being opened. 00:32:03.019 --> 00:32:04.140 Wallets are being opened. 00:32:04.279 --> 00:32:04.880 God's grace 00:32:04.880 --> 00:32:06.240 is bridging the gap. 00:32:07.100 --> 00:32:08.700 And there's this eager desire 00:32:08.700 --> 00:32:09.660 to be a blessing 00:32:09.660 --> 00:32:10.519 to others 00:32:10.519 --> 00:32:13.259 near and far. 00:32:13.259 --> 00:32:16.539 And so, 00:32:17.140 --> 00:32:17.920 Luke, 00:32:18.059 --> 00:32:19.599 in the book of Acts, 00:32:19.660 --> 00:32:20.400 he gives us 00:32:20.400 --> 00:32:21.599 this chapter 00:32:21.599 --> 00:32:24.240 so that we might 00:32:24.240 --> 00:32:25.240 pause 00:32:25.240 --> 00:32:26.519 and we might 00:32:26.519 --> 00:32:27.359 wonder 00:32:27.359 --> 00:32:28.859 and we might 00:32:28.859 --> 00:32:29.500 worship. 00:32:30.220 --> 00:32:31.200 As he shines 00:32:31.200 --> 00:32:31.920 the spotlight 00:32:31.920 --> 00:32:33.039 on the mission 00:32:33.039 --> 00:32:33.559 of Jesus, 00:32:33.680 --> 00:32:34.319 which is going 00:32:34.319 --> 00:32:34.940 to the ends 00:32:34.940 --> 00:32:35.420 of the earth, 00:32:36.539 --> 00:32:37.119 showing us 00:32:37.119 --> 00:32:38.480 the grace of God, 00:32:39.039 --> 00:32:39.740 the free, 00:32:39.980 --> 00:32:40.700 unmerited, 00:32:40.940 --> 00:32:41.980 loving kindness 00:32:41.980 --> 00:32:42.539 of God 00:32:42.539 --> 00:32:43.019 that flows 00:32:43.019 --> 00:32:44.099 far and wide 00:32:44.099 --> 00:32:45.920 in the good news 00:32:45.920 --> 00:32:46.799 of the Lord Jesus. 00:32:48.000 --> 00:32:48.839 He's showing us 00:32:48.839 --> 00:32:49.339 something about 00:32:49.339 --> 00:32:49.980 the transformation 00:32:49.980 --> 00:32:51.160 in the people of God. 00:32:51.279 --> 00:32:51.960 Here are Jews 00:32:51.960 --> 00:32:52.900 and Gentiles 00:32:52.900 --> 00:32:53.799 and they're drawn 00:32:53.799 --> 00:32:54.700 first to faith 00:32:54.700 --> 00:32:55.140 in Jesus. 00:32:55.279 --> 00:32:55.980 Now they're drawn 00:32:55.980 --> 00:32:56.920 together 00:32:56.920 --> 00:32:58.620 and they're acting 00:32:58.620 --> 00:32:59.039 and living 00:32:59.039 --> 00:33:00.319 like loving family. 00:33:02.400 --> 00:33:03.519 And Luke shows us 00:33:03.519 --> 00:33:04.579 the work of God 00:33:04.579 --> 00:33:06.460 so that God 00:33:06.460 --> 00:33:07.160 gets the glory 00:33:07.160 --> 00:33:08.079 for what happens 00:33:08.079 --> 00:33:09.819 in Cornelius' family 00:33:09.819 --> 00:33:11.380 and God gets 00:33:11.380 --> 00:33:11.819 the glory 00:33:11.819 --> 00:33:12.599 for what happens 00:33:12.599 --> 00:33:13.220 in the city 00:33:13.220 --> 00:33:14.259 of Antioch 00:33:14.259 --> 00:33:15.359 and God gets 00:33:15.359 --> 00:33:15.839 the glory 00:33:15.839 --> 00:33:17.000 as church members 00:33:17.000 --> 00:33:18.939 are giving generously. 00:33:20.839 --> 00:33:22.019 So as we close, 00:33:22.119 --> 00:33:22.899 two things 00:33:22.899 --> 00:33:24.759 that we can do 00:33:24.759 --> 00:33:25.339 in response, 00:33:25.419 --> 00:33:26.039 at least two. 00:33:26.299 --> 00:33:26.579 One, 00:33:27.759 --> 00:33:28.679 simply that we would 00:33:28.679 --> 00:33:29.179 join 00:33:29.179 --> 00:33:31.559 in praising God. 00:33:32.980 --> 00:33:34.279 In this week ahead, 00:33:34.379 --> 00:33:35.519 let's look together 00:33:35.519 --> 00:33:36.319 for evidence 00:33:36.319 --> 00:33:37.000 that God 00:33:37.000 --> 00:33:38.380 is working. 00:33:38.380 --> 00:33:40.839 That that would 00:33:40.839 --> 00:33:41.440 lead us 00:33:41.440 --> 00:33:42.960 to worship Him. 00:33:44.579 --> 00:33:45.740 And secondly, 00:33:46.099 --> 00:33:47.700 let's join 00:33:47.700 --> 00:33:49.299 in His mission. 00:33:50.019 --> 00:33:51.359 Let's trust 00:33:51.359 --> 00:33:52.240 in Jesus. 00:33:53.279 --> 00:33:54.180 Let's trust 00:33:54.180 --> 00:33:55.539 in His good news 00:33:55.539 --> 00:33:57.339 so that we might 00:33:57.339 --> 00:33:58.259 help others 00:33:58.259 --> 00:33:59.799 to get to know Him too. 00:34:00.759 --> 00:34:01.980 Let's pray together. 00:34:01.980 --> 00:34:03.880 God, 00:34:04.019 --> 00:34:04.620 our Father, 00:34:04.720 --> 00:34:05.360 we thank You 00:34:05.360 --> 00:34:06.279 that in our 00:34:06.279 --> 00:34:07.799 busy lives, 00:34:07.880 --> 00:34:08.519 You give us 00:34:08.519 --> 00:34:09.980 times to stop 00:34:09.980 --> 00:34:10.679 and worship. 00:34:11.300 --> 00:34:11.980 And thank You 00:34:11.980 --> 00:34:13.380 that You've given us 00:34:13.380 --> 00:34:14.420 Acts chapter 11 00:34:14.420 --> 00:34:15.179 so that we might 00:34:15.179 --> 00:34:16.539 stop and reflect 00:34:16.539 --> 00:34:18.039 on Your work 00:34:18.039 --> 00:34:19.360 in people's lives, 00:34:19.440 --> 00:34:20.199 in households 00:34:20.199 --> 00:34:21.860 and in cities, 00:34:22.480 --> 00:34:24.519 ending prejudices 00:34:24.519 --> 00:34:26.480 and showing people 00:34:26.480 --> 00:34:27.340 courageously 00:34:27.340 --> 00:34:28.739 sharing the good news 00:34:28.739 --> 00:34:30.059 and people lovingly, 00:34:30.199 --> 00:34:31.719 generously giving gifts 00:34:31.719 --> 00:34:32.539 to one another. 00:34:33.519 --> 00:34:34.159 And Lord, 00:34:34.219 --> 00:34:35.099 that You are honoured 00:34:35.099 --> 00:34:36.360 in all of that 00:34:36.360 --> 00:34:38.059 and it helps 00:34:38.059 --> 00:34:39.460 in the mission 00:34:39.460 --> 00:34:39.980 of Jesus. 00:34:41.059 --> 00:34:41.199 Lord, 00:34:41.239 --> 00:34:41.719 we pray 00:34:41.719 --> 00:34:42.639 that You would impress 00:34:42.639 --> 00:34:43.239 these truths 00:34:43.239 --> 00:34:44.480 upon our own hearts 00:34:44.480 --> 00:34:45.759 and help us 00:34:45.759 --> 00:34:47.199 to be on the lookout 00:34:47.199 --> 00:34:47.900 for where 00:34:47.900 --> 00:34:49.579 You are working 00:34:49.579 --> 00:34:51.019 and also where 00:34:51.019 --> 00:34:51.920 You would have us 00:34:51.920 --> 00:34:52.639 to be involved 00:34:52.639 --> 00:34:53.659 in Your work. 00:34:53.659 --> 00:34:55.039 Help us 00:34:55.039 --> 00:34:56.039 to love Jesus. 00:34:56.779 --> 00:34:57.199 Help us 00:34:57.199 --> 00:34:59.679 to be assured 00:34:59.679 --> 00:35:00.739 that the gospel 00:35:00.739 --> 00:35:01.500 is true 00:35:01.500 --> 00:35:02.559 and that it's good news 00:35:02.559 --> 00:35:03.159 for us 00:35:03.159 --> 00:35:04.099 and for everyone. 00:35:05.219 --> 00:35:05.839 Help us 00:35:05.839 --> 00:35:06.779 to be dependent 00:35:06.779 --> 00:35:07.539 on You, 00:35:08.019 --> 00:35:08.619 to be led 00:35:08.619 --> 00:35:09.299 by Your Spirit, 00:35:09.480 --> 00:35:10.719 to be dependent 00:35:10.719 --> 00:35:11.420 in prayer 00:35:11.420 --> 00:35:13.279 and give us chances, 00:35:13.460 --> 00:35:13.940 we ask, 00:35:14.000 --> 00:35:14.679 to be involved 00:35:14.679 --> 00:35:15.339 in Your mission 00:35:15.339 --> 00:35:16.339 in this coming week. 00:35:16.899 --> 00:35:17.579 For we ask it 00:35:17.579 --> 00:35:18.440 in Jesus' name. 00:35:18.960 --> 00:35:19.259 Amen.