WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.740 A rousing speech can change the course of events, inspire valor and courage, and turn the tide of history in some cases. 00:00:10.540 --> 00:00:17.740 Oration is an incredible thing when it is used to communicate truth and inspire those that hear it. 00:00:18.699 --> 00:00:20.460 And history has been full of such orations. 00:00:21.500 --> 00:00:25.320 I Have a Dream by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 00:00:25.320 --> 00:00:35.000 Just take a look at any of William Wilberforce's speech for the abolition of slavery or the slave trade in the British Parliament. 00:00:35.259 --> 00:00:40.859 Or Churchill's famous, We Shall Fight on the Beaches, as Britain was going to war. 00:00:42.260 --> 00:00:44.820 It's incredible what oration can do. 00:00:46.299 --> 00:00:47.659 Sermons have this power as well. 00:00:47.879 --> 00:00:50.500 And I'm not saying necessarily my sermons. 00:00:51.140 --> 00:00:54.740 Okay, I'm not bigging myself up to that degree. 00:00:55.320 --> 00:00:57.579 But sermons have the power to do this as well. 00:00:58.480 --> 00:01:02.820 For they communicate the truth of God's Word in such a way that grips the listener. 00:01:04.960 --> 00:01:10.060 Even more so because we trust that the sermon that is preached according to God's Word 00:01:10.060 --> 00:01:15.659 is then infused with the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of all those who listen. 00:01:15.659 --> 00:01:22.479 So the proclaimed Spirit infused Word, we see it all through its scripture. 00:01:23.099 --> 00:01:26.539 Through the way in which God communicates to his people. 00:01:27.039 --> 00:01:34.640 So whether we see that with Joseph or Moses or Samuel, David, Jeremiah, Jesus himself. 00:01:34.879 --> 00:01:36.299 And in this case we'll look at Peter. 00:01:36.299 --> 00:01:46.179 The proclamation or preaching of God's Word has been the means by which people hear and come to know the risen Christ as Savior and Lord. 00:01:46.340 --> 00:01:49.179 It's the way God reveals himself to us. 00:01:49.180 --> 00:01:54.600 So important is the proclaimed Word that the Apostle Paul says, 00:01:55.180 --> 00:01:56.860 Without it salvation cannot happen. 00:01:57.180 --> 00:01:59.860 Romans 10, 14-15 says this, 00:01:59.860 --> 00:02:03.500 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? 00:02:03.620 --> 00:02:07.640 And how are they to believe in him whom they have never heard? 00:02:07.719 --> 00:02:10.659 And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 00:02:11.159 --> 00:02:13.340 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? 00:02:13.340 --> 00:02:17.460 As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news. 00:02:20.099 --> 00:02:22.980 After the risen Lord Jesus Christ ascends to heaven, 00:02:23.080 --> 00:02:24.420 we looked at that a couple weeks ago. 00:02:24.500 --> 00:02:26.140 Remember we had a guest speaker last week. 00:02:26.719 --> 00:02:31.480 But a couple weeks ago we looked at how Jesus ascended. 00:02:31.620 --> 00:02:33.719 It was the ascension after he was resurrected. 00:02:34.460 --> 00:02:36.840 Forty days he met with the disciples. 00:02:37.080 --> 00:02:37.800 He ascended. 00:02:38.680 --> 00:02:41.060 He told them then to wait ten days. 00:02:41.159 --> 00:02:41.939 Well he didn't say ten days. 00:02:41.939 --> 00:02:43.900 He said wait for the coming of the Holy Spirit. 00:02:44.020 --> 00:02:45.259 Ten days transpired. 00:02:45.879 --> 00:02:52.120 And then we read last time how the Holy Spirit descended on the church at Pentecost. 00:02:53.139 --> 00:02:56.099 So after Jesus ascends to heaven, 00:02:56.500 --> 00:02:57.960 the disciples are given the Holy Spirit. 00:02:58.379 --> 00:03:03.620 Peter rises up and he gives the first sermon of the Christian church. 00:03:04.199 --> 00:03:07.360 He gives a speech, an oration, 00:03:07.900 --> 00:03:11.579 that we will see absolutely grips the listeners. 00:03:11.939 --> 00:03:18.780 In this speech, in this sermon, as he preaches, 00:03:19.259 --> 00:03:22.539 he proclaims three things about the risen and ascended Christ. 00:03:22.960 --> 00:03:26.859 That not only prove that Jesus was indeed both Messiah and Lord, 00:03:28.020 --> 00:03:33.340 but that in Jesus all of our deepest problems are exposed 00:03:33.340 --> 00:03:36.439 and our deepest longings are fulfilled. 00:03:36.439 --> 00:03:42.400 So Peter, and these are the three points because you've got to have some points. 00:03:43.039 --> 00:03:46.580 Peter proclaims Christ's life and death. 00:03:47.420 --> 00:03:51.159 Peter also proclaims Christ's resurrection and ascension. 00:03:51.159 --> 00:04:00.019 And Peter proclaims divine salvation that has both personal and communal consequences or realities. 00:04:01.319 --> 00:04:05.759 So we're going to spend time in the text that Ken read, starting at verse 22. 00:04:06.019 --> 00:04:08.519 But I don't want to skip over verse 14 to 21. 00:04:08.659 --> 00:04:10.800 I'm briefly going to touch on it here. 00:04:10.800 --> 00:04:14.540 So verse 14 to 21, as a bit of a summary, 00:04:15.219 --> 00:04:19.480 this pretty intense thing happens. 00:04:19.720 --> 00:04:22.020 The sound of rushing wind is heard. 00:04:22.500 --> 00:04:27.220 These working class Galileans, uneducated folk, 00:04:27.319 --> 00:04:30.080 come out speaking a plethora of different languages 00:04:30.079 --> 00:04:37.899 to this pilgrim people that have come from all over the known world to Jerusalem 00:04:37.899 --> 00:04:39.639 for this Jewish holiday. 00:04:40.479 --> 00:04:43.439 And they're hearing the gospel being proclaimed in their own voice. 00:04:43.919 --> 00:04:45.180 Now, there's some scoffers. 00:04:45.680 --> 00:04:48.479 There's some people that are criticizing them and making fun of them. 00:04:48.819 --> 00:04:50.779 And they say, these guys are drunk. 00:04:51.399 --> 00:04:54.439 Like, it's very clear they're not drunk. 00:04:54.860 --> 00:04:56.000 It's too early in the morning. 00:04:56.000 --> 00:05:01.100 And it's not like they're doing something that would look like a drunk person would do. 00:05:01.199 --> 00:05:04.620 But what they're trying to do is totally just dispel them, 00:05:05.680 --> 00:05:07.779 you know, marginalize them, put them to the side, 00:05:07.899 --> 00:05:09.300 make little of what is happening. 00:05:10.439 --> 00:05:15.079 So Peter stands up and he proclaims that not at all are we drunk. 00:05:15.180 --> 00:05:19.220 In fact, this is a fulfillment of a prophecy. 00:05:19.600 --> 00:05:22.519 Some, I mean, we don't know entirely when Joel was written, 00:05:22.519 --> 00:05:28.180 but the prophecy of the prophet Joel that was written maybe some 500, 600 years prior. 00:05:29.120 --> 00:05:32.180 And he goes on to read from Joel chapter 2 00:05:32.180 --> 00:05:36.699 and explain that what has happened at Pentecost was foreordained by God 00:05:36.699 --> 00:05:40.919 and that this was the beginning of the last days, 00:05:41.539 --> 00:05:43.299 the beginning of the end. 00:05:43.300 --> 00:05:50.699 Just on an aside before we jump back into our text, starting verse 22. 00:05:52.759 --> 00:05:57.100 If you're a Christian and you proclaim the gospel of Christ, 00:05:57.160 --> 00:05:58.540 you share your faith with somebody. 00:05:59.060 --> 00:06:00.460 You bear witness to the cross. 00:06:02.019 --> 00:06:07.019 Do not be surprised if you will experience something maybe similar to this. 00:06:07.100 --> 00:06:08.439 Maybe somebody doesn't call you drunk. 00:06:08.840 --> 00:06:09.680 They're a bit more polite. 00:06:09.680 --> 00:06:11.660 But that there will be pushback. 00:06:11.759 --> 00:06:12.639 There will be insults. 00:06:12.720 --> 00:06:18.139 There will be skirting you away because you might be crazy or overly zealous. 00:06:18.560 --> 00:06:19.680 Just know you're in good company. 00:06:19.939 --> 00:06:22.840 This is what has happened to the church from the very beginning. 00:06:22.960 --> 00:06:25.139 In fact, it happened to Christ himself. 00:06:25.960 --> 00:06:26.579 Christ saying, 00:06:27.019 --> 00:06:28.560 No servant is greater than his master. 00:06:28.699 --> 00:06:32.300 If they persecuted me, they will persecute you as well. 00:06:32.300 --> 00:06:38.520 So that is where we come to leading up into verse 22. 00:06:39.340 --> 00:06:44.699 And Peter continues his sermon by proclaiming the truth about Christ's life and death. 00:06:44.759 --> 00:06:47.259 Look with me, verses 22 and 23. 00:06:49.180 --> 00:06:51.240 Men of Israel, hear these words. 00:06:52.080 --> 00:06:56.620 Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders 00:06:56.620 --> 00:07:02.500 and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know, 00:07:03.160 --> 00:07:07.879 this Jesus delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, 00:07:08.600 --> 00:07:13.000 you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 00:07:14.319 --> 00:07:18.660 Peter establishes the facts of who Jesus was and what he came to do, 00:07:18.759 --> 00:07:20.819 beginning with the obvious, where he came from, 00:07:20.819 --> 00:07:22.939 and the things he did during his ministry, 00:07:23.019 --> 00:07:28.099 the things that were known to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to his speakers. 00:07:29.199 --> 00:07:33.860 Peter says that Jesus of Nazareth was sent by God to perform miraculous deeds, 00:07:34.959 --> 00:07:38.339 and that would attest to God's power and truth, 00:07:38.579 --> 00:07:41.379 but also cause astonishment among the peoples. 00:07:41.379 --> 00:07:46.519 That's the signs and the wonders that Peter references here. 00:07:46.519 --> 00:07:51.539 Jesus met people in their lowest moments. 00:07:51.779 --> 00:07:54.000 I mean, we just read from Matthew chapter 9, 00:07:54.399 --> 00:07:58.399 the gospel reading, where Jesus meets a paralyzed man who can do nothing. 00:07:58.539 --> 00:08:00.099 He meets people right where they're at. 00:08:01.319 --> 00:08:02.339 He heals them. 00:08:02.500 --> 00:08:07.319 He preaches to them and challenges them also to change their worldview, 00:08:07.879 --> 00:08:11.759 to get on board with the gospel and the kingdom of God. 00:08:11.839 --> 00:08:13.419 That's what he came to do. 00:08:13.659 --> 00:08:14.979 That's what he did in Nazareth. 00:08:14.980 --> 00:08:20.000 That's what he did as he came to Jerusalem in the last week of his life. 00:08:21.560 --> 00:08:26.500 No one could deny that there was buzz around Jesus before he was crucified, 00:08:27.460 --> 00:08:32.379 spreading all over the land from the north all the way to Jerusalem itself. 00:08:32.800 --> 00:08:35.940 The man, Jesus of Nazareth, was surely known to them. 00:08:37.180 --> 00:08:41.940 However, the same Jesus was crucified and killed by the Romans, 00:08:41.940 --> 00:08:46.680 but Peter, rather, he puts the blame on the nation of Israel. 00:08:47.420 --> 00:08:48.640 We'll just pause real quick. 00:08:49.500 --> 00:08:56.580 Especially this week with the amount of anti-Semitism that has been going on in the world 00:08:56.580 --> 00:09:02.620 with different gatherings. 00:09:02.900 --> 00:09:03.720 It's not gatherings. 00:09:03.720 --> 00:09:09.519 The words, you know, missing, protests across the world in the UK, in Canada. 00:09:09.720 --> 00:09:10.420 I mean, you name it. 00:09:10.419 --> 00:09:16.379 I struggled with having to explain this because this is a key text that is used, 00:09:16.959 --> 00:09:21.360 that was used, that has been used throughout time to call Jews Christ killer. 00:09:22.199 --> 00:09:24.019 I have a friend, I was talking to him about this. 00:09:24.079 --> 00:09:25.919 He's just like, listen, just blame it on the Italians. 00:09:26.179 --> 00:09:27.339 It's their fault Jesus died. 00:09:28.039 --> 00:09:31.419 I was a bit tempted to, but I decided not to. 00:09:31.419 --> 00:09:35.039 I don't want to make light of God's word. 00:09:35.860 --> 00:09:41.879 But know this, even though the Jewish people were culpable. 00:09:42.699 --> 00:09:44.240 I mean, this is what God's word says, 00:09:44.339 --> 00:09:46.860 that they were responsible for Jesus being hung on a tree. 00:09:47.559 --> 00:09:51.240 Just know that it was not just the Jewish nation, but all of us. 00:09:52.500 --> 00:09:55.639 I mean, we sang the hymn right at the end, 00:09:55.719 --> 00:09:57.639 How Deep the Father's Love for Us, 00:09:57.699 --> 00:09:59.879 and I'm glad because I was going to put it in my sermon notes, 00:09:59.879 --> 00:10:00.480 but it's here. 00:10:01.240 --> 00:10:01.480 It says, 00:10:01.600 --> 00:10:04.620 Behold the man upon a cross, my sin upon his shoulders. 00:10:05.159 --> 00:10:09.259 Ashamed I hear my mocking voice call out among the scoffers. 00:10:09.299 --> 00:10:14.200 It was my sin that held him there until it was accomplished. 00:10:15.659 --> 00:10:18.700 This isn't an issue with the Jewish people. 00:10:18.840 --> 00:10:21.939 It is an issue primarily with humanity. 00:10:23.200 --> 00:10:25.120 We have rebelled against God. 00:10:25.679 --> 00:10:29.200 We have called the Savior himself a charlatan. 00:10:29.200 --> 00:10:33.560 And a demon-possessed man as the religious leaders did. 00:10:33.640 --> 00:10:36.580 Not maybe literally, but we functionally, 00:10:36.920 --> 00:10:40.100 before we have known Christ, we were his enemies. 00:10:40.100 --> 00:10:57.080 Although it was the Jewish nation and their leaders who fomented the cries for crucify, crucify, 00:10:57.700 --> 00:11:01.720 we're also told here that it was God's intention all along. 00:11:01.720 --> 00:11:09.060 And this is the interesting interplay in the tension that we have between the sovereignty of God, 00:11:09.360 --> 00:11:13.160 who has ordained things from the beginning of time, 00:11:13.720 --> 00:11:16.279 and how we have choice and agency, 00:11:16.580 --> 00:11:19.420 and somehow one doesn't negate the other, 00:11:19.419 --> 00:11:26.439 and yet God's predestined plans always come to pass. 00:11:27.759 --> 00:11:28.679 And this is what it said. 00:11:28.799 --> 00:11:32.500 I mean, it says it right here in verse 23, 00:11:32.620 --> 00:11:35.719 according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God. 00:11:36.360 --> 00:11:38.199 And I think that's what's important here. 00:11:38.200 --> 00:11:43.160 Jesus was hung upon a cross. 00:11:43.300 --> 00:11:43.520 Why? 00:11:44.080 --> 00:11:45.759 Because God deemed it so. 00:11:46.540 --> 00:11:49.600 And Peter doesn't get to atonement or the reason why, 00:11:49.780 --> 00:11:54.640 and we're going to discover that with Peter as he continues to preach. 00:11:54.639 --> 00:11:59.059 But we surely will have to ask the question, 00:11:59.399 --> 00:12:03.460 well, why did God preordain Jesus to hang on the tree? 00:12:04.120 --> 00:12:07.080 If Jesus is this wonder worker, 00:12:07.299 --> 00:12:09.639 this preacher from the Galilee in the north, 00:12:09.740 --> 00:12:10.699 who has come to Jerusalem, 00:12:11.120 --> 00:12:12.179 who was hung on the cross, 00:12:12.580 --> 00:12:15.059 why was it that God preordained him? 00:12:15.100 --> 00:12:15.860 He's just a man. 00:12:16.740 --> 00:12:18.740 What's so special about Jesus? 00:12:19.139 --> 00:12:21.340 I mean, there are other people that claim to be the Messiah. 00:12:21.340 --> 00:12:26.000 There are other people that would perform, quote-unquote, miracles. 00:12:26.220 --> 00:12:27.519 There are other people that would preach 00:12:27.519 --> 00:12:33.540 and be kind of renowned rabbis of renown. 00:12:33.680 --> 00:12:38.360 So what made it so that Jesus himself would die on the cross? 00:12:38.460 --> 00:12:41.879 This is how Peter is leading his hearers. 00:12:42.780 --> 00:12:44.300 This is what he's leading them towards. 00:12:44.980 --> 00:12:47.420 So really the question here is, 00:12:48.540 --> 00:12:50.759 who is Jesus and why did he hang on the tree? 00:12:51.899 --> 00:12:54.860 And really this is the question of questions for all of us. 00:12:55.500 --> 00:12:56.700 Who really was Jesus? 00:12:57.420 --> 00:13:02.560 And it's very easy for us as people that have been at church for a long time, 00:13:02.600 --> 00:13:04.160 or maybe they have come back, 00:13:04.220 --> 00:13:05.960 maybe you've come back after a season away, 00:13:06.040 --> 00:13:08.180 but by and large you would say Jesus, the Son of God. 00:13:08.600 --> 00:13:12.480 It's kind of like baked within our cultural received knowledge. 00:13:12.720 --> 00:13:14.019 But ask the question, 00:13:14.019 --> 00:13:16.460 and I think even as mature believers, 00:13:16.639 --> 00:13:17.440 ask the question, 00:13:17.840 --> 00:13:19.180 who really was Jesus? 00:13:19.179 --> 00:13:22.059 Was he a miracle worker? 00:13:23.579 --> 00:13:24.979 Was that all he did? 00:13:25.199 --> 00:13:27.199 Was he a messianic pretender? 00:13:28.199 --> 00:13:33.319 Was he a great moral teacher or philosopher like Socrates or Plutarch? 00:13:33.320 --> 00:13:39.560 This is the question we must go to the scriptures to time and again, 00:13:39.640 --> 00:13:42.520 if we are to walk in the truth. 00:13:44.680 --> 00:13:49.040 Peter will spend the next 13 verses explaining and proving who Jesus was 00:13:49.040 --> 00:13:52.240 by proclaiming the resurrection and ascension of Christ. 00:13:52.320 --> 00:13:53.440 And this brings us to our second point. 00:13:53.440 --> 00:13:56.400 So Peter proclaims a life and death of Christ. 00:13:56.520 --> 00:13:59.660 Now he will proclaim the resurrection and ascension of Christ. 00:14:00.420 --> 00:14:03.220 We'll see this in verses 24 all the way to 36, 00:14:03.360 --> 00:14:05.440 but we'll look at verses 24 to 32 first. 00:14:06.460 --> 00:14:07.320 This is what it says. 00:14:07.320 --> 00:14:11.020 God raised Jesus up, 00:14:11.460 --> 00:14:13.060 loosing the pangs of death, 00:14:13.260 --> 00:14:15.960 because it was not possible for him to be held by it. 00:14:16.900 --> 00:14:17.520 For David, 00:14:17.720 --> 00:14:18.820 this is King David, 00:14:18.980 --> 00:14:21.920 the writer of many Psalms. 00:14:22.440 --> 00:14:24.480 For David says concerning him, 00:14:25.260 --> 00:14:27.120 I saw the Lord always before me, 00:14:27.180 --> 00:14:28.560 for he is at my right hand, 00:14:28.840 --> 00:14:30.160 that I may not be shaken. 00:14:30.720 --> 00:14:33.080 Therefore my heart was glad and my tongue rejoiced. 00:14:33.460 --> 00:14:35.620 My flesh also will dwell in hope, 00:14:35.620 --> 00:14:38.740 for you will not abandon my soul to Hades. 00:14:38.820 --> 00:14:41.419 That is just to say the place of the dead. 00:14:42.259 --> 00:14:45.820 That is where dead people go. 00:14:45.919 --> 00:14:46.700 It's the grave. 00:14:47.560 --> 00:14:49.960 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, 00:14:50.220 --> 00:14:52.539 or let your Holy One see corruption. 00:14:52.679 --> 00:14:55.139 You have made known to me the paths of life. 00:14:55.240 --> 00:14:58.600 You will make me full of gladness with your presence. 00:14:59.039 --> 00:15:00.180 So he quotes, 00:15:00.680 --> 00:15:02.539 David quotes Psalm 16, 00:15:03.000 --> 00:15:03.940 the latter half of it, 00:15:04.120 --> 00:15:05.399 verses 8 to 11. 00:15:05.620 --> 00:15:07.019 And then he explains it. 00:15:07.080 --> 00:15:10.340 He gives an interpretation of what that Psalm really means. 00:15:10.399 --> 00:15:11.000 And he says this, 00:15:11.080 --> 00:15:11.320 Brothers, 00:15:11.460 --> 00:15:13.639 I may say to you with confidence, 00:15:13.960 --> 00:15:15.340 about the patriarch David, 00:15:15.899 --> 00:15:17.700 that he both died and was buried, 00:15:17.820 --> 00:15:19.600 and his tomb is with us today. 00:15:20.480 --> 00:15:21.679 Being therefore a prophet, 00:15:22.240 --> 00:15:24.879 and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, 00:15:24.940 --> 00:15:28.879 that he would set one of his descendants on the throne, 00:15:28.879 --> 00:15:32.519 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, 00:15:32.519 --> 00:15:35.799 that he was not abandoned to Hades, 00:15:36.600 --> 00:15:40.100 nor did his flesh see corruption. 00:15:40.340 --> 00:15:41.820 This Jesus God raised up, 00:15:42.360 --> 00:15:44.000 and of that we are all witnesses. 00:15:45.340 --> 00:15:49.059 Peter says that God raised Jesus from the dead, 00:15:49.139 --> 00:15:51.100 not because he was a mere man, 00:15:51.159 --> 00:15:55.039 but because he was the long-awaited Messiah. 00:15:55.039 --> 00:15:59.419 And we start to see this picture that Peter is painting with this speech, 00:15:59.819 --> 00:16:01.240 this preaching, 00:16:01.360 --> 00:16:02.079 this proclamation. 00:16:03.179 --> 00:16:05.579 Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah. 00:16:05.759 --> 00:16:06.059 In fact, 00:16:06.120 --> 00:16:07.120 he is God in the flesh. 00:16:08.639 --> 00:16:10.240 Death tried to swallow him up, 00:16:10.919 --> 00:16:14.360 but God cannot be swallowed by death, 00:16:14.439 --> 00:16:16.000 because he is the source of life. 00:16:16.000 --> 00:16:18.820 It's like in a movie, 00:16:19.120 --> 00:16:21.320 or, you know, 00:16:21.460 --> 00:16:23.720 kind of a big blockbuster sci-fi thing, 00:16:23.799 --> 00:16:29.139 where a big giant monster or sea creature eats up the hero, 00:16:29.940 --> 00:16:32.039 and all is lost. 00:16:32.159 --> 00:16:32.679 Hope is gone. 00:16:32.740 --> 00:16:35.039 And then the hero bursts out 00:16:35.039 --> 00:16:39.600 and absolutely explodes the monster into a bunch of pieces, 00:16:39.600 --> 00:16:42.519 and the monster is unsalvageable. 00:16:42.639 --> 00:16:43.360 It's gone. 00:16:43.700 --> 00:16:45.080 It's kind of like this. 00:16:46.639 --> 00:16:49.980 Death tries to eat the creator, 00:16:50.659 --> 00:16:51.580 the giver of life. 00:16:51.700 --> 00:16:52.240 Death does. 00:16:53.360 --> 00:16:54.480 And in doing so, 00:16:55.139 --> 00:16:56.399 death destroys itself, 00:16:56.519 --> 00:16:58.779 because Christ could not be held down, 00:16:59.120 --> 00:17:01.059 and he explodes out of the grave. 00:17:02.240 --> 00:17:04.359 The grave can't be salvaged. 00:17:04.700 --> 00:17:05.259 It's done. 00:17:06.720 --> 00:17:09.440 This is what Peter is saying here. 00:17:09.759 --> 00:17:10.779 The grave is no more. 00:17:11.579 --> 00:17:13.799 The grave certainly does have power, 00:17:13.799 --> 00:17:15.960 but only in this life, 00:17:16.019 --> 00:17:17.460 because it takes our life, 00:17:17.460 --> 00:17:23.259 but the death that we will experience will not extend into eternity, 00:17:24.119 --> 00:17:26.899 because the grave has been destroyed. 00:17:26.900 --> 00:17:34.920 And this is what Peter is referring to in Psalm 16, 00:17:35.620 --> 00:17:37.540 where he is referring to David's, 00:17:37.540 --> 00:17:42.140 he is prophesying that the Messiah would come. 00:17:42.140 --> 00:17:45.080 And this is excellent news for us. 00:17:46.759 --> 00:17:51.060 We have been exposed to unbelievable images of death this week. 00:17:52.180 --> 00:17:52.940 And you know what? 00:17:52.980 --> 00:17:56.880 We've been exposed to horrific images of death almost daily with the news cycle. 00:17:56.880 --> 00:18:02.960 I haven't had a conversation with somebody about the war in Ukraine in weeks, maybe months. 00:18:03.860 --> 00:18:04.840 We forget about these things. 00:18:04.920 --> 00:18:06.180 It's almost like we are so, 00:18:06.980 --> 00:18:09.220 images of death wash over us, 00:18:09.440 --> 00:18:11.680 that we become numb to them. 00:18:12.660 --> 00:18:13.740 But especially this week, 00:18:13.880 --> 00:18:14.380 it was, 00:18:14.520 --> 00:18:15.340 there were unbelievable, 00:18:15.620 --> 00:18:16.780 horrific pictures. 00:18:17.740 --> 00:18:19.560 And to know that Christ has conquered death, 00:18:19.640 --> 00:18:23.340 so that its reaches do not extend beyond this life, 00:18:23.400 --> 00:18:24.280 that is good news. 00:18:24.279 --> 00:18:29.299 That if you have put your faith in Christ, 00:18:29.960 --> 00:18:32.660 that this proclamation we'll see is for everybody. 00:18:34.200 --> 00:18:35.960 That it's extended to everybody. 00:18:36.160 --> 00:18:38.740 That if we trust the source of life, 00:18:38.839 --> 00:18:41.879 we will not be subject to the power of death any longer. 00:18:45.079 --> 00:18:49.519 The grave swallows up all kingdoms and empires. 00:18:50.940 --> 00:18:53.319 Every power that has existed, 00:18:54.279 --> 00:18:56.440 that currently doesn't exist, 00:18:56.559 --> 00:18:57.160 came to an end, 00:18:57.240 --> 00:18:57.980 which is remarkable. 00:18:59.220 --> 00:19:00.420 But with the resurrection, 00:19:00.779 --> 00:19:02.099 this Davidic kingdom, 00:19:02.740 --> 00:19:05.339 the kingdom that God establishes 00:19:05.339 --> 00:19:06.980 through David, 00:19:07.220 --> 00:19:09.799 promising that his descendant will be on the throne forever, 00:19:10.339 --> 00:19:13.899 this kingdom will forever exist. 00:19:13.900 --> 00:19:16.280 So that the greater King David, 00:19:16.280 --> 00:19:17.180 Jesus Christ, 00:19:17.320 --> 00:19:18.580 who has conquered death, 00:19:18.640 --> 00:19:20.660 he sits forever enthroned, 00:19:20.740 --> 00:19:22.000 never to be usurped. 00:19:22.920 --> 00:19:24.540 This is the good news of the gospel. 00:19:26.000 --> 00:19:28.920 This is what it means for Jesus to be the Messiah, 00:19:29.180 --> 00:19:30.000 the anointed one, 00:19:30.080 --> 00:19:32.380 the savior of mankind. 00:19:32.860 --> 00:19:33.519 And to this, 00:19:33.620 --> 00:19:33.860 Peter, 00:19:33.980 --> 00:19:35.380 he gives two proofs, 00:19:35.460 --> 00:19:36.180 based on, 00:19:36.180 --> 00:19:38.900 based on the scriptures, 00:19:39.120 --> 00:19:41.039 but also on his own, 00:19:41.140 --> 00:19:43.019 and in the apostolic witness of, 00:19:43.140 --> 00:19:44.460 of all of the apostles. 00:19:45.140 --> 00:19:46.299 So the first is scriptural. 00:19:46.400 --> 00:19:47.640 He quotes Psalm 16, 00:19:47.740 --> 00:19:48.360 like I mentioned. 00:19:49.360 --> 00:19:50.400 And he is saying that, 00:19:50.460 --> 00:19:50.620 listen, 00:19:50.799 --> 00:19:51.560 David wrote this, 00:19:51.640 --> 00:19:52.880 but it certainly wasn't about David. 00:19:53.019 --> 00:19:53.259 I mean, 00:19:53.420 --> 00:19:53.640 listen, 00:19:53.700 --> 00:19:55.400 we could go and see David's tomb now. 00:19:55.960 --> 00:19:56.200 It's, 00:19:56.200 --> 00:19:56.799 it's present. 00:19:57.440 --> 00:19:58.320 We could check it out. 00:19:58.380 --> 00:19:58.460 Now, 00:19:58.480 --> 00:19:59.620 I don't think today, 00:19:59.619 --> 00:20:01.839 the tomb of David is, 00:20:01.839 --> 00:20:03.519 is accessible. 00:20:04.299 --> 00:20:05.199 But back then, 00:20:05.959 --> 00:20:07.119 it seems it was. 00:20:07.659 --> 00:20:08.699 David's still buried. 00:20:09.699 --> 00:20:10.079 He hasn't, 00:20:10.219 --> 00:20:10.539 he hasn't, 00:20:11.039 --> 00:20:12.019 this can't be about him. 00:20:12.099 --> 00:20:12.279 I mean, 00:20:12.319 --> 00:20:13.139 what did it just say? 00:20:13.419 --> 00:20:13.979 My flesh, 00:20:14.500 --> 00:20:17.579 for you will not abandon my soul to Hades, 00:20:17.799 --> 00:20:19.399 or let your holy ones see corruption. 00:20:19.539 --> 00:20:19.779 That's, 00:20:19.779 --> 00:20:21.459 that's images of decomposition, 00:20:22.059 --> 00:20:23.059 of being in a grave. 00:20:23.299 --> 00:20:24.019 David's in the grave. 00:20:24.319 --> 00:20:25.279 It's not about David. 00:20:26.500 --> 00:20:27.099 He's saying, 00:20:27.179 --> 00:20:27.379 no, 00:20:27.459 --> 00:20:29.199 this is a prophecy of David, 00:20:29.200 --> 00:20:30.960 about the ultimate David, 00:20:31.259 --> 00:20:32.299 this holy one. 00:20:33.019 --> 00:20:34.220 It's about Jesus, 00:20:34.900 --> 00:20:36.380 this long awaited Messiah. 00:20:36.480 --> 00:20:38.059 The second proof that Peter gives, 00:20:38.480 --> 00:20:39.360 is apostolic. 00:20:39.400 --> 00:20:40.299 And what do I mean by that? 00:20:41.380 --> 00:20:44.559 This is to say that the apostles saw Jesus rise from the grave. 00:20:46.120 --> 00:20:46.420 That, 00:20:46.480 --> 00:20:46.740 that, 00:20:46.819 --> 00:20:49.100 that it wasn't just one or two apostles. 00:20:49.240 --> 00:20:50.640 It wasn't the 11 apostles, 00:20:50.640 --> 00:20:52.319 or then later the 12 apostles. 00:20:52.680 --> 00:20:53.400 But it was, 00:20:53.860 --> 00:20:54.600 the multitude, 00:20:54.799 --> 00:20:56.519 at least 120 people in, 00:20:56.620 --> 00:20:56.819 in, 00:20:57.080 --> 00:20:58.200 actually in the gospels, 00:20:58.240 --> 00:20:59.019 it says that there's, 00:20:59.019 --> 00:21:00.720 hundreds of people that saw the risen Christ. 00:21:01.299 --> 00:21:02.019 They testify, 00:21:02.319 --> 00:21:03.259 eyewitness test, 00:21:03.480 --> 00:21:04.480 testifying to that. 00:21:06.559 --> 00:21:07.000 This, 00:21:07.000 --> 00:21:09.240 this apostolic witness, 00:21:09.539 --> 00:21:12.000 we can understand really as the New Testament, 00:21:12.220 --> 00:21:12.420 as it, 00:21:12.500 --> 00:21:12.859 as it, 00:21:13.139 --> 00:21:14.400 as the letters are written, 00:21:14.500 --> 00:21:15.639 as the apostles spread out, 00:21:15.879 --> 00:21:16.819 proclaiming the gospel. 00:21:17.119 --> 00:21:18.119 So what we have here, 00:21:18.119 --> 00:21:19.460 is an Old Testament, 00:21:19.920 --> 00:21:20.980 and a New Testament, 00:21:21.480 --> 00:21:22.359 proof, 00:21:22.480 --> 00:21:22.859 in a sense, 00:21:22.940 --> 00:21:24.480 that Christ really was, 00:21:24.619 --> 00:21:25.859 that Jesus really was the Christ. 00:21:25.980 --> 00:21:26.799 He really was the Messiah. 00:21:26.799 --> 00:21:28.379 He really rose from the grave. 00:21:28.779 --> 00:21:29.639 He really is, 00:21:29.639 --> 00:21:31.200 the Holy One of God. 00:21:31.299 --> 00:21:32.440 He really is God, 00:21:32.859 --> 00:21:33.240 Himself. 00:21:34.440 --> 00:21:34.779 And this, 00:21:35.019 --> 00:21:36.859 tells us a beautiful thing about our faith. 00:21:37.599 --> 00:21:38.019 Because, 00:21:38.139 --> 00:21:38.980 elsewhere in scripture, 00:21:39.159 --> 00:21:40.240 the Apostle Paul says, 00:21:40.579 --> 00:21:41.779 if the resurrection didn't happen, 00:21:42.379 --> 00:21:43.139 the faith is, 00:21:43.200 --> 00:21:43.440 is, 00:21:43.539 --> 00:21:44.059 is done. 00:21:44.259 --> 00:21:44.839 It's gonzo. 00:21:45.039 --> 00:21:46.220 It's not worth believing in. 00:21:46.220 --> 00:21:48.100 And here, 00:21:49.180 --> 00:21:50.299 the key claim, 00:21:50.839 --> 00:21:53.600 which our entire faith rises and falls upon, 00:21:54.039 --> 00:21:55.579 isn't a matter of blind faith. 00:21:56.299 --> 00:21:56.559 But, 00:21:56.740 --> 00:21:57.200 instead, 00:21:58.079 --> 00:21:59.079 it is, 00:21:59.079 --> 00:22:01.400 is backed by real evidence, 00:22:01.559 --> 00:22:03.400 through supernatural predictions, 00:22:03.940 --> 00:22:04.640 that were, 00:22:04.640 --> 00:22:06.380 were prophesied hundreds, 00:22:06.620 --> 00:22:07.019 and hundreds, 00:22:07.160 --> 00:22:08.039 and hundreds of years, 00:22:08.400 --> 00:22:10.440 prior that have come to pass. 00:22:10.519 --> 00:22:10.880 And also, 00:22:10.980 --> 00:22:12.640 the eyewitnesses of not one, 00:22:12.980 --> 00:22:13.759 or two, 00:22:13.759 --> 00:22:15.220 but of hundreds, 00:22:15.379 --> 00:22:15.779 and hundreds, 00:22:15.980 --> 00:22:16.980 and hundreds of people. 00:22:18.440 --> 00:22:20.119 It is very hard, 00:22:20.220 --> 00:22:21.379 to corroborate, 00:22:22.039 --> 00:22:23.039 a fake story, 00:22:23.119 --> 00:22:24.119 with hundreds of people. 00:22:24.879 --> 00:22:25.519 One or two, 00:22:25.700 --> 00:22:26.420 a hundred percent, 00:22:26.519 --> 00:22:27.019 you could do it. 00:22:27.160 --> 00:22:27.420 Three, 00:22:27.619 --> 00:22:27.900 maybe, 00:22:28.819 --> 00:22:29.559 maybe ten, 00:22:29.920 --> 00:22:30.180 if, 00:22:30.299 --> 00:22:31.059 if you really, 00:22:31.059 --> 00:22:31.839 really crack the whip, 00:22:31.940 --> 00:22:33.039 this is what we're going to believe. 00:22:33.500 --> 00:22:34.099 But hundreds? 00:22:35.220 --> 00:22:35.519 And yet, 00:22:35.559 --> 00:22:36.299 they all testify, 00:22:36.460 --> 00:22:37.339 to the risen Christ. 00:22:38.200 --> 00:22:38.579 What is, 00:22:38.799 --> 00:22:39.819 what I'm trying to say, 00:22:40.539 --> 00:22:42.140 we don't check our brains, 00:22:42.180 --> 00:22:42.599 at the door, 00:22:42.680 --> 00:22:43.200 with the scriptures. 00:22:43.200 --> 00:22:44.140 We test the scriptures. 00:22:44.299 --> 00:22:45.500 We push back on the scriptures. 00:22:45.660 --> 00:22:46.319 How on earth, 00:22:46.400 --> 00:22:47.240 did Jesus rise, 00:22:47.360 --> 00:22:48.240 from the grave? 00:22:49.420 --> 00:22:50.740 He rose from the grave. 00:22:51.059 --> 00:22:51.720 It was a proof, 00:22:51.920 --> 00:22:53.000 that David, 00:22:53.400 --> 00:22:54.440 prophesied about him, 00:22:54.500 --> 00:22:55.019 but also, 00:22:55.360 --> 00:22:56.180 there was history, 00:22:56.400 --> 00:22:57.220 of hundreds, 00:22:57.400 --> 00:22:57.960 of witnesses, 00:22:58.420 --> 00:22:58.640 today. 00:22:59.799 --> 00:23:00.900 Don't make the mistake, 00:23:01.160 --> 00:23:01.580 in thinking, 00:23:01.759 --> 00:23:02.799 just because we don't have, 00:23:03.200 --> 00:23:04.259 a recorded video, 00:23:04.920 --> 00:23:05.779 of Jesus rising, 00:23:05.779 --> 00:23:06.340 from the grave, 00:23:06.380 --> 00:23:06.980 it didn't happen. 00:23:09.819 --> 00:23:10.960 And with the resurrection, 00:23:11.160 --> 00:23:12.100 Peter goes to speak, 00:23:12.099 --> 00:23:12.719 also, 00:23:12.719 --> 00:23:13.559 of the ascension, 00:23:14.559 --> 00:23:15.259 as the reason, 00:23:15.419 --> 00:23:16.179 why the Holy Spirit, 00:23:16.259 --> 00:23:17.579 has then descended, 00:23:17.719 --> 00:23:18.500 and been poured out, 00:23:18.559 --> 00:23:19.319 onto all believers. 00:23:19.439 --> 00:23:20.179 And this is what it says, 00:23:20.279 --> 00:23:22.159 in verses 33 to 36. 00:23:22.699 --> 00:23:23.259 Being therefore, 00:23:23.399 --> 00:23:23.819 exalted, 00:23:23.959 --> 00:23:25.099 at the right hand of God, 00:23:25.699 --> 00:23:26.559 and having received, 00:23:26.679 --> 00:23:27.179 from the Father, 00:23:27.259 --> 00:23:27.759 the promise, 00:23:27.819 --> 00:23:28.659 of the Holy Spirit, 00:23:29.659 --> 00:23:29.959 he, 00:23:30.539 --> 00:23:30.859 Jesus, 00:23:31.000 --> 00:23:32.039 has poured out, 00:23:32.199 --> 00:23:32.419 this, 00:23:32.519 --> 00:23:33.539 that you yourselves, 00:23:33.740 --> 00:23:34.879 are seeing, 00:23:35.019 --> 00:23:35.319 and hearing. 00:23:35.419 --> 00:23:35.959 For David, 00:23:36.099 --> 00:23:36.339 again, 00:23:36.379 --> 00:23:37.099 he's quoting David, 00:23:37.099 --> 00:23:38.279 this time, 00:23:38.359 --> 00:23:39.579 from Psalm 110. 00:23:40.639 --> 00:23:41.059 For David, 00:23:41.059 --> 00:23:42.119 did not ascend, 00:23:42.159 --> 00:23:42.959 into the heavens, 00:23:43.099 --> 00:23:44.079 but he himself says, 00:23:44.639 --> 00:23:45.039 the Lord, 00:23:45.279 --> 00:23:46.419 said to my Lord, 00:23:47.059 --> 00:23:48.059 sit at my right hand, 00:23:48.099 --> 00:23:49.339 until I make your enemies, 00:23:49.839 --> 00:23:50.539 your footstool. 00:23:51.959 --> 00:23:52.759 Verse 36, 00:23:53.000 --> 00:23:54.259 let all the house of Israel, 00:23:54.439 --> 00:23:54.619 therefore, 00:23:54.799 --> 00:23:55.539 know for certain, 00:23:56.119 --> 00:23:57.279 that God has made him, 00:23:57.559 --> 00:23:58.000 both Lord, 00:23:58.519 --> 00:23:59.339 and Christ, 00:23:59.480 --> 00:24:00.099 this Jesus, 00:24:00.619 --> 00:24:01.599 whom you crucified. 00:24:02.019 --> 00:24:02.799 I'll make a brief, 00:24:02.799 --> 00:24:03.599 mention of this, 00:24:03.659 --> 00:24:04.259 because it might, 00:24:04.859 --> 00:24:05.719 suggest that, 00:24:06.000 --> 00:24:07.059 Jesus wasn't Lord, 00:24:07.099 --> 00:24:07.480 in Christ, 00:24:07.599 --> 00:24:08.259 prior to God, 00:24:08.339 --> 00:24:09.219 making him Lord, 00:24:09.240 --> 00:24:09.619 in Christ. 00:24:10.139 --> 00:24:11.559 This is simply to say, 00:24:11.980 --> 00:24:13.419 that what Jesus was, 00:24:13.959 --> 00:24:14.379 prior, 00:24:15.059 --> 00:24:15.459 to, 00:24:15.679 --> 00:24:16.519 his death, 00:24:16.559 --> 00:24:17.119 and resurrection, 00:24:17.719 --> 00:24:18.539 God declared, 00:24:18.779 --> 00:24:19.419 after it. 00:24:20.939 --> 00:24:22.480 As with Psalm 16, 00:24:22.839 --> 00:24:23.500 Psalm 110, 00:24:23.659 --> 00:24:24.059 quoted here, 00:24:24.159 --> 00:24:25.039 proves that David, 00:24:25.480 --> 00:24:26.379 was not referring, 00:24:26.519 --> 00:24:26.679 again, 00:24:26.759 --> 00:24:27.259 to himself, 00:24:28.039 --> 00:24:29.139 but to this Lord, 00:24:29.139 --> 00:24:30.059 who is deeply, 00:24:30.059 --> 00:24:31.240 connected to God, 00:24:31.819 --> 00:24:32.639 and is victorious, 00:24:32.640 --> 00:24:33.940 over all evil, 00:24:34.120 --> 00:24:35.100 and enemy powers. 00:24:36.240 --> 00:24:37.300 And it is upon this truth, 00:24:37.340 --> 00:24:37.900 that the Holy Spirit, 00:24:37.980 --> 00:24:39.340 is poured out upon us. 00:24:40.080 --> 00:24:40.980 Jesus said as much, 00:24:41.040 --> 00:24:41.280 in verses, 00:24:41.880 --> 00:24:43.020 in chapter 1, 00:24:43.080 --> 00:24:43.460 verse 8, 00:24:43.480 --> 00:24:43.840 when he said, 00:24:43.940 --> 00:24:44.440 I'm going, 00:24:44.900 --> 00:24:45.440 the Holy Spirit, 00:24:45.500 --> 00:24:46.560 will descend upon you. 00:24:47.259 --> 00:24:47.880 In John, 00:24:47.980 --> 00:24:48.480 he says, 00:24:48.600 --> 00:24:49.620 it is good that I go, 00:24:49.860 --> 00:24:50.960 then the helper will come. 00:24:52.600 --> 00:24:53.560 And how does God, 00:24:53.620 --> 00:24:54.860 pour out the promised, 00:24:54.980 --> 00:24:55.620 Holy Spirit? 00:24:56.340 --> 00:24:56.960 Does he do it, 00:24:56.960 --> 00:24:57.720 with a little sprinkle, 00:24:57.720 --> 00:24:58.920 here and there? 00:24:59.759 --> 00:24:59.940 I mean, 00:25:00.040 --> 00:25:01.820 I kind of feel, 00:25:01.819 --> 00:25:02.740 cheap sometimes, 00:25:02.859 --> 00:25:03.419 because it's like, 00:25:03.480 --> 00:25:03.579 oh, 00:25:03.639 --> 00:25:04.700 here's a little bit of wine. 00:25:05.000 --> 00:25:05.179 You know, 00:25:05.220 --> 00:25:05.720 it's like I'm, 00:25:06.240 --> 00:25:06.720 like just, 00:25:07.740 --> 00:25:08.039 I don't know, 00:25:08.099 --> 00:25:08.879 cutting you guys short, 00:25:08.919 --> 00:25:09.339 a little bit. 00:25:09.399 --> 00:25:09.759 Is that what, 00:25:09.819 --> 00:25:10.639 is that what God does? 00:25:10.659 --> 00:25:11.519 Just a little sprinkle, 00:25:11.519 --> 00:25:12.359 of the Holy Spirit? 00:25:14.000 --> 00:25:14.240 The, 00:25:14.240 --> 00:25:14.539 the, 00:25:14.539 --> 00:25:14.700 the, 00:25:14.700 --> 00:25:16.000 the image, 00:25:16.119 --> 00:25:17.000 that we have here, 00:25:17.039 --> 00:25:17.919 seems to be, 00:25:18.559 --> 00:25:19.439 of a downpour. 00:25:20.179 --> 00:25:20.799 Our kids, 00:25:20.919 --> 00:25:21.559 for whatever reason, 00:25:21.619 --> 00:25:22.359 they love the rain, 00:25:22.799 --> 00:25:23.939 and they love, 00:25:24.019 --> 00:25:25.159 differentiating between, 00:25:25.159 --> 00:25:25.659 the rain, 00:25:26.819 --> 00:25:27.399 regular rain, 00:25:27.539 --> 00:25:28.299 and a downpour. 00:25:28.819 --> 00:25:29.419 And they'll come, 00:25:29.519 --> 00:25:29.759 and run, 00:25:29.759 --> 00:25:31.000 it's a downpour, 00:25:31.220 --> 00:25:31.559 mom. 00:25:32.920 --> 00:25:33.240 And, 00:25:33.640 --> 00:25:34.119 in fact, 00:25:34.359 --> 00:25:35.259 it is a downpour. 00:25:35.559 --> 00:25:35.779 It's, 00:25:36.259 --> 00:25:36.859 you go out there, 00:25:36.980 --> 00:25:38.500 you can't hope to stay dry. 00:25:39.980 --> 00:25:40.420 In fact, 00:25:40.500 --> 00:25:41.579 I think the best picture, 00:25:41.799 --> 00:25:42.079 of what, 00:25:42.319 --> 00:25:42.980 the pouring out, 00:25:43.000 --> 00:25:43.660 of the Holy Spirit, 00:25:43.799 --> 00:25:44.440 looks like, 00:25:44.480 --> 00:25:45.240 for the church, 00:25:45.819 --> 00:25:46.879 comes from the parable, 00:25:46.879 --> 00:25:47.220 of, 00:25:47.359 --> 00:25:48.279 of the two sons, 00:25:48.519 --> 00:25:48.819 where, 00:25:49.180 --> 00:25:50.200 the prodigal son, 00:25:50.279 --> 00:25:50.799 goes out, 00:25:51.240 --> 00:25:51.819 and he, 00:25:52.339 --> 00:25:53.079 blows, 00:25:53.420 --> 00:25:54.000 through his, 00:25:54.259 --> 00:25:54.940 his inheritance. 00:25:55.740 --> 00:25:56.180 He is, 00:25:56.359 --> 00:25:57.220 almost silly, 00:25:57.220 --> 00:25:58.279 with how much, 00:25:58.279 --> 00:25:58.860 he gives away, 00:25:58.920 --> 00:25:59.299 and how much, 00:25:59.360 --> 00:26:00.019 he spends. 00:26:00.480 --> 00:26:01.100 It seems, 00:26:01.299 --> 00:26:02.460 irresponsible. 00:26:04.019 --> 00:26:04.220 And, 00:26:04.299 --> 00:26:04.660 that word, 00:26:04.759 --> 00:26:05.279 prodigal, 00:26:05.519 --> 00:26:05.960 interestingly, 00:26:06.140 --> 00:26:06.579 it was the, 00:26:06.579 --> 00:26:06.920 the, 00:26:06.920 --> 00:26:08.180 the title, 00:26:08.299 --> 00:26:08.759 for one of, 00:26:08.799 --> 00:26:10.120 Tim Keller's books. 00:26:10.220 --> 00:26:10.539 Tim Keller, 00:26:10.539 --> 00:26:11.660 was a Presbyterian minister, 00:26:11.759 --> 00:26:12.420 he passed away, 00:26:13.299 --> 00:26:14.519 earlier this year, 00:26:14.579 --> 00:26:15.059 but he called, 00:26:15.220 --> 00:26:15.759 he called God, 00:26:15.819 --> 00:26:16.519 the prodigal God, 00:26:16.559 --> 00:26:17.440 and I think it's wonderful, 00:26:17.559 --> 00:26:18.440 to look at it like that. 00:26:19.180 --> 00:26:19.680 That God, 00:26:19.819 --> 00:26:20.819 he pours out, 00:26:20.900 --> 00:26:21.980 in such measure, 00:26:22.420 --> 00:26:23.180 that it seems, 00:26:23.740 --> 00:26:24.339 it seems almost, 00:26:24.460 --> 00:26:25.039 irresponsible. 00:26:25.039 --> 00:26:27.799 He's not a cheap God. 00:26:28.659 --> 00:26:30.259 He's a very generous God. 00:26:32.839 --> 00:26:34.220 God gives us the power, 00:26:34.539 --> 00:26:35.139 the Holy Spirit, 00:26:35.220 --> 00:26:35.899 he gives us the power, 00:26:36.000 --> 00:26:37.519 that draws us to him, 00:26:37.940 --> 00:26:38.639 through the conviction, 00:26:38.639 --> 00:26:39.259 of sins. 00:26:39.899 --> 00:26:40.119 He, 00:26:40.240 --> 00:26:41.259 he gives us the power, 00:26:41.399 --> 00:26:41.879 to obey, 00:26:42.399 --> 00:26:43.460 and he also gives us, 00:26:43.500 --> 00:26:43.899 the ability, 00:26:44.139 --> 00:26:44.259 to, 00:26:44.319 --> 00:26:45.139 to enjoy, 00:26:45.659 --> 00:26:46.099 true, 00:26:46.539 --> 00:26:46.839 worship, 00:26:47.119 --> 00:26:47.539 in him. 00:26:48.259 --> 00:26:49.079 And he does, 00:26:49.220 --> 00:26:49.579 so, 00:26:49.700 --> 00:26:51.059 in a ridiculous way. 00:26:52.819 --> 00:26:53.259 And, 00:26:53.339 --> 00:26:54.700 is this not our heart's desire, 00:26:54.700 --> 00:26:55.519 to be empowered, 00:26:55.799 --> 00:26:56.380 to be connected, 00:26:56.500 --> 00:26:57.480 to the transcendent? 00:26:57.940 --> 00:26:58.240 I mean, 00:26:59.360 --> 00:27:02.580 do we not desire, 00:27:02.920 --> 00:27:04.120 to connect with something, 00:27:04.120 --> 00:27:05.019 bigger and greater, 00:27:05.059 --> 00:27:05.660 than ourselves? 00:27:06.440 --> 00:27:07.140 Do we not, 00:27:07.220 --> 00:27:09.000 get so frustrated, 00:27:09.180 --> 00:27:10.080 when we stumble, 00:27:10.240 --> 00:27:11.299 and trip through this life, 00:27:11.400 --> 00:27:13.039 and continually find ourselves, 00:27:13.240 --> 00:27:14.500 doing the same things, 00:27:14.559 --> 00:27:15.660 that we do not want to do, 00:27:16.360 --> 00:27:16.580 where, 00:27:16.660 --> 00:27:16.920 where, 00:27:17.180 --> 00:27:17.880 we struggle, 00:27:18.340 --> 00:27:19.039 and we want to, 00:27:19.539 --> 00:27:20.380 not struggle. 00:27:20.380 --> 00:27:22.920 do we, 00:27:23.140 --> 00:27:24.420 do we not want joy, 00:27:24.660 --> 00:27:24.840 that, 00:27:24.920 --> 00:27:25.140 that, 00:27:25.140 --> 00:27:27.100 that is deep in our hearts, 00:27:27.140 --> 00:27:27.940 that doesn't just come, 00:27:28.040 --> 00:27:28.400 and go? 00:27:28.520 --> 00:27:28.860 And I mean, 00:27:29.700 --> 00:27:30.480 whether or not, 00:27:31.020 --> 00:27:32.420 you or others, 00:27:32.540 --> 00:27:33.640 see that as, 00:27:34.600 --> 00:27:35.040 a heart, 00:27:35.180 --> 00:27:35.960 your heart's desire, 00:27:36.060 --> 00:27:36.880 to connect with God, 00:27:36.920 --> 00:27:37.240 or not, 00:27:37.280 --> 00:27:38.220 that's exactly what, 00:27:38.600 --> 00:27:39.200 is happening. 00:27:40.260 --> 00:27:41.140 This desire, 00:27:41.140 --> 00:27:42.160 for the transcendent, 00:27:42.240 --> 00:27:42.920 the desire to, 00:27:43.160 --> 00:27:43.480 in a sense, 00:27:43.540 --> 00:27:44.160 be perfect, 00:27:44.300 --> 00:27:44.380 and, 00:27:44.560 --> 00:27:44.800 and, 00:27:44.800 --> 00:27:45.800 without struggle, 00:27:45.800 --> 00:27:46.520 and this desire, 00:27:46.600 --> 00:27:47.200 to have joy, 00:27:47.320 --> 00:27:48.100 that never ends. 00:27:48.099 --> 00:27:50.399 We vainly look, 00:27:50.699 --> 00:27:51.259 within, 00:27:52.259 --> 00:27:53.899 for this, 00:27:54.179 --> 00:27:54.599 power, 00:27:55.459 --> 00:27:57.159 and we, 00:27:57.639 --> 00:27:58.339 engage in, 00:27:58.399 --> 00:27:59.279 futile searches, 00:27:59.959 --> 00:28:01.159 outside of us, 00:28:01.219 --> 00:28:01.659 whether it be, 00:28:01.879 --> 00:28:02.799 through philosophies, 00:28:02.859 --> 00:28:03.439 or programs, 00:28:03.659 --> 00:28:03.740 or, 00:28:03.959 --> 00:28:04.599 or things, 00:28:04.779 --> 00:28:05.439 or friends, 00:28:06.000 --> 00:28:06.699 or love, 00:28:06.759 --> 00:28:07.519 or experiences, 00:28:07.519 --> 00:28:08.559 that promise us, 00:28:08.959 --> 00:28:09.959 this true, 00:28:10.139 --> 00:28:11.459 and ultimate satisfaction, 00:28:11.980 --> 00:28:13.119 that only the pouring out, 00:28:13.139 --> 00:28:13.799 of the Holy Spirit, 00:28:13.879 --> 00:28:14.240 can give. 00:28:14.759 --> 00:28:15.539 So with the resurrection, 00:28:15.719 --> 00:28:16.359 crushing death, 00:28:16.899 --> 00:28:17.740 and the ascension, 00:28:17.740 --> 00:28:19.079 enthroning Christ, 00:28:19.480 --> 00:28:20.059 and being, 00:28:20.160 --> 00:28:20.839 the mechanism, 00:28:20.839 --> 00:28:21.980 by which the Holy Spirit, 00:28:22.319 --> 00:28:23.539 is poured out, 00:28:23.620 --> 00:28:24.799 generously upon us, 00:28:25.240 --> 00:28:26.099 we begin to start, 00:28:26.380 --> 00:28:27.900 we begin to see, 00:28:28.099 --> 00:28:28.640 this complete, 00:28:29.079 --> 00:28:29.779 and whole victory, 00:28:29.819 --> 00:28:30.839 of Christ taking place, 00:28:30.900 --> 00:28:31.559 and this is what, 00:28:31.819 --> 00:28:33.120 Peter is proclaiming, 00:28:33.180 --> 00:28:34.599 in this first sermon. 00:28:35.000 --> 00:28:35.220 He, 00:28:35.400 --> 00:28:35.799 in a sense, 00:28:35.920 --> 00:28:36.160 is, 00:28:36.240 --> 00:28:37.500 is spelling out, 00:28:37.579 --> 00:28:38.079 the gospel, 00:28:38.819 --> 00:28:39.819 this good news, 00:28:39.880 --> 00:28:40.559 that demands, 00:28:41.039 --> 00:28:42.200 a response from us, 00:28:42.299 --> 00:28:42.960 and here's the thing, 00:28:43.440 --> 00:28:44.779 apathy towards the gospel, 00:28:44.900 --> 00:28:45.680 is still a response. 00:28:45.680 --> 00:28:45.860 response. 00:28:48.259 --> 00:28:49.039 It's a failure, 00:28:49.420 --> 00:28:50.259 to grasp, 00:28:50.380 --> 00:28:51.019 the good news, 00:28:51.180 --> 00:28:51.680 that Christ, 00:28:52.299 --> 00:28:53.480 has won, 00:28:53.600 --> 00:28:54.220 on the cross, 00:28:54.299 --> 00:28:54.840 of Calvary. 00:28:55.740 --> 00:28:56.180 So, 00:28:56.299 --> 00:28:57.220 I'm going to wrap things up, 00:28:57.279 --> 00:28:58.380 with this final point. 00:28:59.820 --> 00:29:00.860 Peter proclaims, 00:29:01.019 --> 00:29:01.980 the death and resurrection, 00:29:02.220 --> 00:29:02.580 of Christ, 00:29:03.140 --> 00:29:03.460 or sorry, 00:29:03.560 --> 00:29:04.299 the life and death, 00:29:04.360 --> 00:29:04.700 of Christ, 00:29:05.100 --> 00:29:05.799 then he proclaims, 00:29:05.820 --> 00:29:06.340 the resurrection, 00:29:06.500 --> 00:29:07.259 and ascension of Christ, 00:29:07.320 --> 00:29:08.500 and now he proclaims, 00:29:08.620 --> 00:29:09.740 divine salvation, 00:29:09.900 --> 00:29:10.620 that has been extended, 00:29:10.960 --> 00:29:12.019 both to the individual, 00:29:12.620 --> 00:29:13.299 and that also, 00:29:13.740 --> 00:29:14.779 creates a community. 00:29:14.779 --> 00:29:15.420 And look with me, 00:29:15.460 --> 00:29:17.079 verses 37 and 41, 00:29:17.200 --> 00:29:18.160 and this is how we'll wrap up. 00:29:19.480 --> 00:29:20.660 Now when they heard this, 00:29:20.720 --> 00:29:21.039 that is, 00:29:21.119 --> 00:29:22.319 the listeners in Jerusalem, 00:29:23.879 --> 00:29:24.839 now when they heard this, 00:29:24.920 --> 00:29:25.519 they were cut, 00:29:25.680 --> 00:29:26.639 to the heart, 00:29:27.839 --> 00:29:28.819 and said to Peter, 00:29:29.059 --> 00:29:30.059 and the rest of the apostles, 00:29:30.920 --> 00:29:31.240 brothers, 00:29:31.359 --> 00:29:32.059 what shall we do? 00:29:33.759 --> 00:29:34.639 And Peter said to them, 00:29:34.720 --> 00:29:35.019 repent, 00:29:35.119 --> 00:29:35.720 and be baptized, 00:29:35.980 --> 00:29:36.639 every one of you, 00:29:36.680 --> 00:29:37.920 in the name of Jesus Christ, 00:29:38.359 --> 00:29:39.779 for the forgiveness of sins, 00:29:40.259 --> 00:29:41.299 and you will receive, 00:29:41.399 --> 00:29:42.599 the gift of the Holy Spirit, 00:29:43.119 --> 00:29:44.420 for the promises for you, 00:29:44.420 --> 00:29:45.900 and for your children, 00:29:46.400 --> 00:29:47.120 and for all, 00:29:47.240 --> 00:29:48.019 who are far off, 00:29:48.120 --> 00:29:49.400 everyone whom the Lord, 00:29:49.500 --> 00:29:50.019 our God, 00:29:50.100 --> 00:29:51.320 calls to himself. 00:29:52.400 --> 00:29:52.960 And with many, 00:29:53.080 --> 00:29:54.800 with many other words, 00:29:54.840 --> 00:29:55.440 he bore witness, 00:29:55.560 --> 00:29:56.880 and continued to exhort them, 00:29:57.140 --> 00:29:57.400 saying, 00:29:58.140 --> 00:29:58.880 save yourselves, 00:29:59.000 --> 00:30:00.680 from this crooked generation. 00:30:01.860 --> 00:30:02.440 Verse 41, 00:30:03.140 --> 00:30:04.560 so those who received his word, 00:30:04.620 --> 00:30:05.060 were baptized, 00:30:05.360 --> 00:30:06.560 and they were added that day, 00:30:06.680 --> 00:30:08.400 about 3,000 souls. 00:30:08.400 --> 00:30:11.500 This response from the crowd, 00:30:11.580 --> 00:30:12.120 is very good. 00:30:13.759 --> 00:30:14.700 What are we supposed to do? 00:30:15.259 --> 00:30:16.560 There's no self-justification, 00:30:16.720 --> 00:30:16.940 in that. 00:30:17.940 --> 00:30:18.400 There's not, 00:30:18.560 --> 00:30:18.780 well, 00:30:18.940 --> 00:30:19.160 like, 00:30:19.500 --> 00:30:19.900 I don't know, 00:30:19.980 --> 00:30:20.980 I've actually had a pretty good, 00:30:21.040 --> 00:30:21.680 track record, 00:30:21.860 --> 00:30:22.140 or, 00:30:23.140 --> 00:30:23.280 you know, 00:30:23.320 --> 00:30:23.980 I believed in Jesus, 00:30:24.220 --> 00:30:24.580 all along, 00:30:24.620 --> 00:30:25.540 I don't know about you guys. 00:30:25.640 --> 00:30:25.759 Like, 00:30:25.840 --> 00:30:26.700 there's no kind of, 00:30:26.780 --> 00:30:27.519 skirting around, 00:30:27.620 --> 00:30:28.160 the conviction, 00:30:28.519 --> 00:30:29.500 that they are, 00:30:29.800 --> 00:30:30.680 on the wrong side, 00:30:30.759 --> 00:30:31.200 looking in. 00:30:31.200 --> 00:30:36.259 How should we respond? 00:30:36.940 --> 00:30:37.400 It's a question, 00:30:37.500 --> 00:30:38.460 we should ask ourselves too. 00:30:38.539 --> 00:30:39.740 How should we respond to Jesus? 00:30:41.200 --> 00:30:42.380 Peter is clear and simple. 00:30:43.019 --> 00:30:43.720 It's what he says. 00:30:43.980 --> 00:30:44.240 He says, 00:30:44.480 --> 00:30:45.460 stop building up your own empire. 00:30:46.259 --> 00:30:48.200 Stop chasing after your own dreams, 00:30:48.340 --> 00:30:49.240 and swear allegiance, 00:30:49.700 --> 00:30:50.279 to Christ, 00:30:50.360 --> 00:30:51.259 who is the King of Kings. 00:30:51.840 --> 00:30:53.019 And he calls them to repent, 00:30:53.480 --> 00:30:54.259 and be baptized. 00:30:55.259 --> 00:30:56.140 And the result, 00:30:56.400 --> 00:30:57.279 is a promise. 00:30:59.160 --> 00:31:00.299 Forgiveness of sins, 00:31:00.299 --> 00:31:01.619 and the poured out Holy Spirit, 00:31:01.700 --> 00:31:02.359 into our hearts. 00:31:05.099 --> 00:31:06.460 You receive a new status, 00:31:06.700 --> 00:31:07.440 and gradually, 00:31:07.859 --> 00:31:08.940 you become a new person, 00:31:09.180 --> 00:31:09.740 in a sense. 00:31:10.259 --> 00:31:11.680 You don't become perfect right away, 00:31:11.839 --> 00:31:12.759 when you come to faith. 00:31:13.819 --> 00:31:15.419 But your status changes. 00:31:15.639 --> 00:31:16.180 You are, 00:31:16.180 --> 00:31:18.720 a part of the kingdom of God. 00:31:18.839 --> 00:31:20.240 You are part of his family. 00:31:20.759 --> 00:31:22.200 Salvation has come to you. 00:31:23.119 --> 00:31:24.680 You have been united to Christ. 00:31:25.960 --> 00:31:27.220 And the wonderful thing about this, 00:31:27.279 --> 00:31:28.139 it says in verse 30, 00:31:28.339 --> 00:31:28.919 sorry, 00:31:29.039 --> 00:31:29.720 in verse 39, 00:31:30.299 --> 00:31:32.399 for the promise is for you, 00:31:33.119 --> 00:31:34.419 for your family, 00:31:34.539 --> 00:31:35.200 for your children, 00:31:35.539 --> 00:31:37.319 and for all who are far off, 00:31:37.960 --> 00:31:39.940 everyone whom the Lord, 00:31:40.039 --> 00:31:40.720 our God, 00:31:40.919 --> 00:31:42.220 calls to himself. 00:31:43.419 --> 00:31:44.000 And that's it. 00:31:44.759 --> 00:31:45.859 If God calls you, 00:31:46.039 --> 00:31:46.859 and you respond, 00:31:47.399 --> 00:31:50.319 this irrevocable promise, 00:31:50.319 --> 00:31:50.940 of forgiveness, 00:31:51.279 --> 00:31:51.720 of sins, 00:31:51.779 --> 00:31:53.299 and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, 00:31:53.759 --> 00:31:54.680 it is yours, 00:31:55.220 --> 00:31:56.079 till kingdom come. 00:31:57.079 --> 00:31:57.639 It is yours, 00:31:57.700 --> 00:31:58.339 till kingdom come. 00:31:58.339 --> 00:32:02.519 everyone God calls to himself, 00:32:02.659 --> 00:32:03.179 through Christ, 00:32:03.259 --> 00:32:03.879 by the Spirit, 00:32:04.359 --> 00:32:05.259 will receive, 00:32:05.699 --> 00:32:08.039 the most dynamite promises, 00:32:08.559 --> 00:32:10.399 that can never be taken away from you. 00:32:11.699 --> 00:32:12.919 A clean conscience, 00:32:13.679 --> 00:32:14.959 and the power to live, 00:32:15.459 --> 00:32:16.240 into, 00:32:17.240 --> 00:32:19.099 what God has created you for. 00:32:19.099 --> 00:32:23.699 So Christ calls individuals, 00:32:24.259 --> 00:32:25.059 and as a result, 00:32:25.139 --> 00:32:26.459 he creates this new community. 00:32:26.959 --> 00:32:27.619 And surely, 00:32:27.799 --> 00:32:29.879 what is being communicated here, 00:32:29.939 --> 00:32:30.659 in verse 39, 00:32:31.019 --> 00:32:32.059 for all who are afar, 00:32:32.619 --> 00:32:34.379 it's those that aren't a part of, 00:32:34.379 --> 00:32:35.799 this in crowd. 00:32:36.699 --> 00:32:37.939 It is the known world. 00:32:37.940 --> 00:32:39.340 It is those, 00:32:39.840 --> 00:32:41.039 that are yet, 00:32:41.380 --> 00:32:44.000 to experience life, 00:32:44.059 --> 00:32:45.600 outside of the darkness, 00:32:45.720 --> 00:32:46.640 they currently live in. 00:32:46.740 --> 00:32:48.100 It is for people, 00:32:48.440 --> 00:32:49.900 in North America, 00:32:50.279 --> 00:32:51.120 in Europe, 00:32:51.360 --> 00:32:52.960 in parts of Asia, 00:32:53.460 --> 00:32:54.759 parts of Africa, 00:32:54.940 --> 00:32:56.720 all over the known world. 00:32:56.799 --> 00:32:57.620 It is for everyone. 00:32:58.740 --> 00:32:59.580 And as a result, 00:32:59.720 --> 00:33:01.000 God creates this new community, 00:33:01.420 --> 00:33:03.080 of both Greek and Jew, 00:33:04.059 --> 00:33:04.880 that all are one, 00:33:04.960 --> 00:33:05.759 in Christ Jesus. 00:33:05.759 --> 00:33:07.379 That salvation is both the means, 00:33:07.500 --> 00:33:07.740 friends, 00:33:08.220 --> 00:33:09.140 by which we are saved, 00:33:09.220 --> 00:33:09.859 but also, 00:33:10.660 --> 00:33:11.140 as God, 00:33:11.740 --> 00:33:13.079 it's a means by which God, 00:33:13.140 --> 00:33:14.319 creates this community. 00:33:15.359 --> 00:33:15.900 And the nature, 00:33:16.019 --> 00:33:17.279 and result of Peter's sermon, 00:33:17.400 --> 00:33:18.099 was the public, 00:33:19.460 --> 00:33:20.379 communal forming, 00:33:20.440 --> 00:33:21.140 of God's people. 00:33:21.359 --> 00:33:21.980 Three thousand, 00:33:22.119 --> 00:33:22.660 come to faith. 00:33:25.680 --> 00:33:26.879 Will we be like the crowd, 00:33:26.980 --> 00:33:27.259 and ask, 00:33:27.359 --> 00:33:27.940 what shall we do? 00:33:28.980 --> 00:33:29.819 You're a Christian, 00:33:30.079 --> 00:33:30.839 it's very good, 00:33:31.059 --> 00:33:32.180 the promises are yours, 00:33:33.379 --> 00:33:33.640 but, 00:33:34.039 --> 00:33:35.220 ask the question to God, 00:33:35.220 --> 00:33:36.059 what shall I do? 00:33:36.319 --> 00:33:37.339 What will you have me do? 00:33:38.620 --> 00:33:39.120 How do I, 00:33:39.420 --> 00:33:41.620 how do I stop, 00:33:41.839 --> 00:33:43.140 looking, 00:33:43.900 --> 00:33:45.180 to my own kingdom, 00:33:45.319 --> 00:33:46.600 even though I say, 00:33:46.700 --> 00:33:47.319 I'm in your kingdom, 00:33:47.519 --> 00:33:48.319 and my flesh, 00:33:48.680 --> 00:33:50.140 pulls me over here, 00:33:50.299 --> 00:33:51.019 and the world, 00:33:51.120 --> 00:33:52.380 entices me over there, 00:33:52.579 --> 00:33:53.579 and the devil, 00:33:53.680 --> 00:33:54.740 whispers in my ear, 00:33:55.039 --> 00:33:55.799 to go over there, 00:33:56.579 --> 00:33:57.240 what should I do? 00:33:57.339 --> 00:33:57.839 How can I, 00:33:58.220 --> 00:33:59.339 how can I come back, 00:34:00.000 --> 00:34:00.880 through your son? 00:34:01.240 --> 00:34:01.860 And that's not to say, 00:34:01.960 --> 00:34:03.220 that we get saved again, 00:34:03.220 --> 00:34:03.500 but, 00:34:03.720 --> 00:34:04.620 but it's the question, 00:34:04.620 --> 00:34:05.299 that we ask, 00:34:05.380 --> 00:34:06.079 so that we will, 00:34:06.200 --> 00:34:08.039 remain connected, 00:34:08.039 --> 00:34:09.179 to the Lord, 00:34:09.579 --> 00:34:10.960 in a way that will bring us, 00:34:11.019 --> 00:34:12.480 the joy that he has promised, 00:34:13.920 --> 00:34:15.280 and our life will continue, 00:34:15.639 --> 00:34:15.780 will, 00:34:15.780 --> 00:34:16.059 will, 00:34:16.059 --> 00:34:17.179 will get ever more, 00:34:17.679 --> 00:34:19.539 made into his image. 00:34:19.539 --> 00:34:24.559 Peter ends by saying, 00:34:24.820 --> 00:34:25.759 save yourself, 00:34:25.860 --> 00:34:27.059 from this crooked generation, 00:34:27.860 --> 00:34:28.860 and that's our call today, 00:34:28.960 --> 00:34:29.500 and that's not, 00:34:30.480 --> 00:34:31.219 I say that not, 00:34:31.320 --> 00:34:32.019 because I want to start, 00:34:32.019 --> 00:34:32.860 punching at, 00:34:33.000 --> 00:34:34.460 all of the crookedness, 00:34:34.599 --> 00:34:35.259 that seems to, 00:34:35.699 --> 00:34:36.639 exist in our, 00:34:37.039 --> 00:34:37.840 in our day, 00:34:38.380 --> 00:34:40.219 but it is to say, 00:34:41.219 --> 00:34:42.420 that every path, 00:34:42.539 --> 00:34:43.860 that is not of Christ, 00:34:44.000 --> 00:34:44.440 is crooked, 00:34:45.940 --> 00:34:47.360 Christ's path is straight, 00:34:47.360 --> 00:34:50.539 and it leads us to him, 00:34:51.760 --> 00:34:53.360 and the other paths, 00:34:53.539 --> 00:34:53.620 they, 00:34:53.620 --> 00:34:53.780 they, 00:34:53.780 --> 00:34:55.480 they promise a straight, 00:34:55.720 --> 00:34:57.240 direct connection, 00:34:57.240 --> 00:34:58.460 to whatever, 00:34:58.760 --> 00:35:00.140 it may be that it promises, 00:35:00.300 --> 00:35:00.860 but it's crooked, 00:35:01.300 --> 00:35:02.360 it goes left and right, 00:35:03.320 --> 00:35:05.059 it goes into brambles, 00:35:05.140 --> 00:35:06.079 and it goes into, 00:35:06.760 --> 00:35:07.640 areas where the path, 00:35:07.640 --> 00:35:08.660 doesn't exist anymore, 00:35:09.360 --> 00:35:10.700 the crooked generation, 00:35:11.280 --> 00:35:12.280 is just to say, 00:35:12.280 --> 00:35:14.960 mankind's attempt, 00:35:15.440 --> 00:35:17.440 to be God, 00:35:17.860 --> 00:35:19.420 and to make their own kingdom, 00:35:19.700 --> 00:35:20.700 and Peter, 00:35:20.780 --> 00:35:21.380 what does he say here, 00:35:21.460 --> 00:35:22.160 save yourselves, 00:35:22.620 --> 00:35:23.220 throw yourselves, 00:35:23.280 --> 00:35:24.720 at the mercy of Christ, 00:35:25.240 --> 00:35:26.180 and he will save you, 00:35:27.120 --> 00:35:27.840 friends, 00:35:28.540 --> 00:35:29.660 the promise is ours, 00:35:29.840 --> 00:35:30.960 forgiveness of sins, 00:35:31.440 --> 00:35:32.960 and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, 00:35:33.820 --> 00:35:34.500 let us take, 00:35:34.500 --> 00:35:35.960 hold of what, 00:35:36.040 --> 00:35:37.060 has been promised to us, 00:35:37.120 --> 00:35:37.500 this morning, 00:35:37.680 --> 00:35:38.100 let's pray, 00:35:38.099 --> 00:35:38.759 thank you, 00:35:39.559 --> 00:35:40.759 thank you, 00:35:41.000 --> 00:35:43.299 let us remember, 00:35:43.559 --> 00:35:43.739 and Tony, 00:35:44.940 --> 00:35:45.179 thank you, 00:35:45.179 --> 00:35:46.599 so recently, 00:35:46.599 --> 00:35:46.739 thank you, 00:35:46.779 --> 00:35:47.579 so first of all, 00:35:47.980 --> 00:35:49.119 we have answered, 00:35:49.179 --> 00:35:50.480 to Switzerland, 00:35:50.599 --> 00:35:52.400 a question that we do 00:35:52.400 --> 00:35:52.579 to? 00:35:52.920 --> 00:35:53.079 If you think about 00:35:53.079 --> 00:35:54.460 includingود level, 00:35:55.139 --> 00:35:55.839 one example, 00:35:55.880 --> 00:35:57.019 two Shall Peter, 00:35:57.860 --> 00:35:59.719 one example, 00:35:59.799 --> 00:36:00.960 to re 넌,