WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.140 We hope that you enjoy this teaching from Christchurch. 00:00:03.280 --> 00:00:13.320 This material is copyrighted and no unauthorized duplication, redistribution, or any other use of any part is permitted without prior consent from Christchurch. 00:00:13.320 --> 00:00:20.519 Please consider donating to this work in the San Francisco Bay Area online at Christchurcheastbay.org. 00:00:26.039 --> 00:00:29.980 Good morning. My name is Dorothy and I'm a member of the youth group here at Christchurch. 00:00:30.800 --> 00:00:36.740 Today's scripture reading is from the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 3, verses 1 to 21, as printed in your liturgy. 00:00:37.380 --> 00:00:39.299 A reading from the Acts of the Apostles. 00:00:41.200 --> 00:00:46.379 One day, Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer, at three in the afternoon. 00:00:47.240 --> 00:00:54.679 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 00:00:55.320 --> 00:00:58.780 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 00:00:58.780 --> 00:01:01.579 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. 00:01:02.200 --> 00:01:03.920 Then Peter said, Look at us. 00:01:04.299 --> 00:01:07.540 So the man gave him his attention, expecting to get something from them. 00:01:08.400 --> 00:01:13.099 Then Peter said, Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. 00:01:13.099 --> 00:01:16.140 In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. 00:01:16.859 --> 00:01:21.899 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. 00:01:22.459 --> 00:01:24.500 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. 00:01:25.019 --> 00:01:29.319 Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping and praising God. 00:01:29.319 --> 00:01:36.959 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful. 00:01:37.539 --> 00:01:40.559 And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 00:01:41.599 --> 00:01:47.939 While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade. 00:01:47.939 --> 00:01:52.879 When Peter saw this, he said to them, Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? 00:01:53.280 --> 00:01:57.519 Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 00:01:58.280 --> 00:02:03.259 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. 00:02:04.000 --> 00:02:09.039 You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 00:02:09.680 --> 00:02:13.419 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 00:02:14.000 --> 00:02:16.520 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. 00:02:16.520 --> 00:02:18.340 We are witnesses of this. 00:02:18.980 --> 00:02:22.840 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. 00:02:23.400 --> 00:02:28.960 It is Jesus' name and the faith that it comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see. 00:02:29.700 --> 00:02:33.939 Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance as did your leaders, 00:02:34.379 --> 00:02:39.780 but this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. 00:02:40.520 --> 00:02:43.600 Repent then and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, 00:02:43.800 --> 00:02:46.140 that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 00:02:46.520 --> 00:02:50.800 and that he may send the Messiah who has been appointed for you, even Jesus. 00:02:51.680 --> 00:02:55.879 Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, 00:02:56.340 --> 00:02:58.400 as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 00:02:58.939 --> 00:03:00.080 This is the word of the Lord. 00:03:00.660 --> 00:03:00.980 Thanks. 00:03:00.979 --> 00:03:05.459 Thank you, Dorothy, for that excellent reading. 00:03:06.280 --> 00:03:09.500 If you are new to Christchurch within the past few weeks, 00:03:10.120 --> 00:03:15.060 hello, my name is Jonathan, and I'm one of the pastors here. 00:03:15.759 --> 00:03:22.039 I'm so grateful to our many elders and different friends, guest preachers who've come 00:03:22.039 --> 00:03:25.939 so that Catherine and I could get some extended time with our families. 00:03:26.639 --> 00:03:32.280 And I'm very, very happy to be back home here in Berkeley and with you all here at Christchurch. 00:03:32.840 --> 00:03:37.340 I hope that you celebrated the semi-quincentennial yesterday. 00:03:37.340 --> 00:03:42.300 And I know some of you did not get much sleep because of all the noise last night, 00:03:42.439 --> 00:03:45.039 but hopefully I can help wake you up a bit. 00:03:45.800 --> 00:03:52.460 Also, I hope that you plan to celebrate a U.S. victory over Belgium tomorrow evening. 00:03:52.819 --> 00:03:57.460 And if you're from Belgium, no disrespect, but we do hope to beat you. 00:03:59.420 --> 00:04:02.099 We're diving back into the Acts of the Apostles. 00:04:02.099 --> 00:04:06.840 It's one of the most exciting books in the Bible and really in all of literature. 00:04:07.719 --> 00:04:11.939 And some of you will remember that we explored Acts 1 to 2, 00:04:12.659 --> 00:04:16.959 which is the story about how the resurrected and ascended Jesus 00:04:16.959 --> 00:04:19.759 poured out the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. 00:04:20.079 --> 00:04:24.480 And the gospel began to go out and it began to be believed. 00:04:24.600 --> 00:04:28.860 It began to be lived out by new believers. 00:04:28.860 --> 00:04:34.500 And we read there in Acts 2.42 that the early church devoted themselves 00:04:34.500 --> 00:04:36.980 to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, 00:04:37.720 --> 00:04:39.740 to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 00:04:39.920 --> 00:04:44.420 And it says that the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. 00:04:44.520 --> 00:04:48.319 So as we read this book, you can almost feel the life of God 00:04:48.319 --> 00:04:54.759 and the presence of God and the power of God pulsating in the life of the early church. 00:04:54.759 --> 00:04:58.939 And today we pick back up in the story in Acts chapter 3 00:04:58.939 --> 00:05:03.379 where this lame man sits at the temple gate. 00:05:04.019 --> 00:05:07.480 He's over 40 years old, as we learn in Acts chapter 4. 00:05:08.219 --> 00:05:15.620 He has this congenital disease that has caused him to be so severely disabled from birth 00:05:15.620 --> 00:05:19.099 that he can't use his feet. 00:05:19.180 --> 00:05:20.199 He can't use his ankles. 00:05:20.319 --> 00:05:22.060 He has to be carried everywhere. 00:05:22.060 --> 00:05:24.240 He's reduced to begging. 00:05:24.759 --> 00:05:28.819 And his humanity has been diminished significantly. 00:05:30.079 --> 00:05:33.339 And so as we look at the experience of this man 00:05:33.339 --> 00:05:37.439 and as we listen to Peter's explanation of his experience, 00:05:38.240 --> 00:05:39.620 we want to ask ourselves today, 00:05:39.740 --> 00:05:46.259 what does it mean to tell us about the church's mission and the church's message? 00:05:46.259 --> 00:05:51.779 What does this mean for us today as we seek to carry on the mission 00:05:51.779 --> 00:05:57.079 and to share out the message here in the Bay Area in 2026? 00:05:57.719 --> 00:06:00.620 And so I want us to look at three things today. 00:06:00.819 --> 00:06:02.139 The lame are leaping, 00:06:02.639 --> 00:06:04.379 the power is proclaimed, 00:06:05.219 --> 00:06:07.639 and the repentant will be refreshed. 00:06:08.300 --> 00:06:10.659 So if you're taking notes, three things. 00:06:10.660 --> 00:06:12.560 The lame are leaping, 00:06:13.020 --> 00:06:14.240 the power is proclaimed, 00:06:14.980 --> 00:06:17.520 and the repentant will be refreshed. 00:06:18.000 --> 00:06:20.620 Let's start with the lame are leaping. 00:06:20.740 --> 00:06:21.360 Verse 1. 00:06:22.360 --> 00:06:22.640 It says, 00:06:22.740 --> 00:06:26.180 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer 00:06:26.180 --> 00:06:28.100 at three in the afternoon. 00:06:28.220 --> 00:06:29.060 And in just a moment, 00:06:29.140 --> 00:06:29.980 we're going to explore 00:06:29.980 --> 00:06:33.900 the way that Jesus' resurrection power is displayed 00:06:33.900 --> 00:06:36.000 in the life of this lame man. 00:06:36.000 --> 00:06:38.839 But let's first note the source and the secret 00:06:38.839 --> 00:06:44.579 of how Jesus' power flowed into his disciple community 00:06:44.579 --> 00:06:46.500 so that it might flow through them. 00:06:47.500 --> 00:06:50.220 It says they went to prayer meetings. 00:06:51.379 --> 00:06:55.300 There was a daily prayer meeting at 3 p.m. 00:06:55.920 --> 00:06:56.980 And they went to it. 00:06:57.000 --> 00:06:58.139 It was their holy habit. 00:06:58.259 --> 00:06:59.540 It was their predictable pattern. 00:06:59.660 --> 00:07:01.439 It was their regular rhythm 00:07:01.439 --> 00:07:05.699 to pray in community as a church. 00:07:06.819 --> 00:07:08.040 Acts 2.42 says, 00:07:08.180 --> 00:07:10.439 They devoted themselves to prayer. 00:07:11.339 --> 00:07:14.360 Just as Jesus had devoted himself to prayer. 00:07:15.240 --> 00:07:17.040 Mark 1.35 says that 00:07:17.040 --> 00:07:18.319 Very early in the morning, 00:07:18.439 --> 00:07:19.279 while it was still dark, 00:07:19.360 --> 00:07:20.259 Jesus got up, 00:07:20.600 --> 00:07:21.639 and he went out of the house, 00:07:21.680 --> 00:07:23.300 and he went off to a solitary place 00:07:23.300 --> 00:07:25.259 where he prayed to the Father. 00:07:25.420 --> 00:07:27.920 And this was the source and the secret of power 00:07:27.920 --> 00:07:29.339 in the life of Jesus. 00:07:29.339 --> 00:07:31.819 It was from this place of prayer 00:07:31.819 --> 00:07:33.920 that he went out and healed the lame 00:07:33.920 --> 00:07:36.000 and the blind and the sick. 00:07:36.939 --> 00:07:40.340 Prayer is plugging into the power of God. 00:07:40.920 --> 00:07:42.800 Anyone have an electric vehicle here? 00:07:43.319 --> 00:07:44.360 Some of you do, I know. 00:07:44.740 --> 00:07:47.860 And your life is like that electric vehicle, 00:07:48.200 --> 00:07:50.580 and prayer is plugging your EV 00:07:50.580 --> 00:07:55.259 into the supercharger of God's presence and his power. 00:07:55.259 --> 00:07:58.920 Until you do that, you're empty. 00:07:59.839 --> 00:08:01.719 But when you do that, you're full. 00:08:02.920 --> 00:08:03.319 Right? 00:08:03.399 --> 00:08:05.300 You go in without any power, 00:08:05.379 --> 00:08:07.680 and you come out with much power. 00:08:08.699 --> 00:08:09.800 And Peter and John, 00:08:09.879 --> 00:08:12.240 they go to this time of prayer regularly 00:08:12.240 --> 00:08:14.199 so that they can be filled up 00:08:14.199 --> 00:08:15.639 with the power of God 00:08:15.639 --> 00:08:17.199 and so that they can be ready 00:08:17.199 --> 00:08:20.120 when they encounter a situation 00:08:20.120 --> 00:08:22.860 that far exceeds their own abilities 00:08:22.860 --> 00:08:24.439 and their own resources. 00:08:24.920 --> 00:08:26.160 They know how to respond 00:08:26.160 --> 00:08:27.699 because they've been in prayer. 00:08:28.939 --> 00:08:29.860 Can I get an amen? 00:08:30.340 --> 00:08:30.740 Amen. 00:08:31.620 --> 00:08:34.340 So, they go to the hour of prayer, 00:08:35.120 --> 00:08:36.460 and then verse 2 says 00:08:36.460 --> 00:08:38.379 that now a man was lame from birth. 00:08:38.480 --> 00:08:40.200 He was being carried to the temple gate 00:08:40.200 --> 00:08:41.139 called Beautiful, 00:08:42.000 --> 00:08:43.080 where he was put every day 00:08:43.080 --> 00:08:45.279 to beg from those going into the temple courts. 00:08:45.700 --> 00:08:47.720 And when he saw Peter and John about to enter, 00:08:47.720 --> 00:08:49.480 he asked them for money. 00:08:50.660 --> 00:08:51.700 So, here's this man. 00:08:51.800 --> 00:08:52.899 He's lame from birth, 00:08:53.320 --> 00:08:56.060 and he cannot walk into the temple 00:08:56.060 --> 00:08:58.620 in order to praise God. 00:08:59.440 --> 00:09:02.060 And really, he represents the helplessness 00:09:02.060 --> 00:09:05.060 and the hopelessness of the whole world. 00:09:06.019 --> 00:09:06.500 Right? 00:09:06.620 --> 00:09:08.680 His physical disability 00:09:08.680 --> 00:09:11.879 is a picture of humanity's 00:09:11.879 --> 00:09:14.759 spiritual paralysis before God. 00:09:14.840 --> 00:09:17.200 That in our fallen, sinful condition, 00:09:17.720 --> 00:09:20.279 we are not able to enter into the presence of God. 00:09:20.360 --> 00:09:22.940 We're not able to have a right relationship 00:09:22.940 --> 00:09:24.700 of praise to God. 00:09:25.879 --> 00:09:27.379 We are lame spiritually 00:09:27.379 --> 00:09:29.840 as he is lame physically. 00:09:30.820 --> 00:09:33.139 And did you notice what this man asked for? 00:09:33.220 --> 00:09:34.860 Does he ask to be healed in his body? 00:09:34.940 --> 00:09:37.180 Does he ask to be saved in his soul? 00:09:37.259 --> 00:09:38.840 No, he asked for alms. 00:09:38.920 --> 00:09:39.740 He asked for money 00:09:39.740 --> 00:09:42.340 so that he can buy his daily bread. 00:09:42.420 --> 00:09:44.940 He just wants to live another day 00:09:44.940 --> 00:09:47.940 so that he can ask for more alms tomorrow. 00:09:49.300 --> 00:09:52.480 He expects very little. 00:09:52.580 --> 00:09:54.780 He hopes for very little. 00:09:54.880 --> 00:09:57.100 And it's a sad and tragic situation. 00:09:57.340 --> 00:09:59.160 And he is the microcosm 00:09:59.160 --> 00:10:01.080 of the state of our world. 00:10:01.160 --> 00:10:02.780 This man is put before us 00:10:02.780 --> 00:10:04.600 at the beginning of the Acts of the Apostles 00:10:04.600 --> 00:10:06.500 as a picture of the world 00:10:06.500 --> 00:10:08.920 to which the church is sent. 00:10:08.919 --> 00:10:12.579 And how do Peter and John respond? 00:10:13.699 --> 00:10:15.199 How do these Christians respond? 00:10:15.899 --> 00:10:17.419 Do they give this man the money 00:10:17.419 --> 00:10:18.679 that he asked for? 00:10:18.779 --> 00:10:20.339 Well, you know, 00:10:20.399 --> 00:10:22.039 Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan, 00:10:22.179 --> 00:10:23.899 Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount 00:10:23.899 --> 00:10:26.879 teach us that it's obviously important 00:10:26.879 --> 00:10:29.719 to give alms to the poor 00:10:29.719 --> 00:10:32.159 as an expression of our faith in God 00:10:32.159 --> 00:10:33.079 and our love for God. 00:10:33.199 --> 00:10:34.379 It's obviously important 00:10:34.379 --> 00:10:36.879 to feed people and clothe people 00:10:36.879 --> 00:10:39.240 and house people and nurse people. 00:10:39.320 --> 00:10:41.139 It's why Christians invented hospitals. 00:10:41.340 --> 00:10:42.580 It's why Christians have always, 00:10:42.700 --> 00:10:43.960 you know, had soup kitchens 00:10:43.960 --> 00:10:45.379 and all these other things. 00:10:46.600 --> 00:10:48.559 But the point here is that the church 00:10:48.559 --> 00:10:50.939 has something far better than alms. 00:10:52.080 --> 00:10:53.740 The church has something far better 00:10:53.740 --> 00:10:55.419 than money to give. 00:10:56.299 --> 00:10:57.879 It says in verse 4 that 00:10:57.879 --> 00:11:00.179 Peter looked straight at the man 00:11:00.179 --> 00:11:00.980 as did John. 00:11:01.039 --> 00:11:01.779 And then Peter said, 00:11:01.879 --> 00:11:02.639 look at us. 00:11:03.320 --> 00:11:04.899 And so the man gave them his attention 00:11:04.899 --> 00:11:06.539 expecting to get something from them. 00:11:06.539 --> 00:11:07.360 And then Peter said, 00:11:07.519 --> 00:11:09.579 silver or gold I do not have, 00:11:09.639 --> 00:11:11.699 but what I do have I give you. 00:11:12.459 --> 00:11:14.899 In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, 00:11:15.099 --> 00:11:15.699 walk. 00:11:16.519 --> 00:11:18.139 And taking him by the right hand, 00:11:18.179 --> 00:11:18.839 he helped him up 00:11:18.839 --> 00:11:20.120 and instantly the man's feet 00:11:20.120 --> 00:11:22.439 and ankles became strong. 00:11:23.860 --> 00:11:24.980 You see, Peter and John 00:11:24.980 --> 00:11:26.459 had been discipled by Jesus. 00:11:26.620 --> 00:11:28.659 They had learned how to pray from Jesus. 00:11:28.779 --> 00:11:29.860 They had learned from Jesus 00:11:29.860 --> 00:11:30.639 what to do 00:11:30.639 --> 00:11:32.919 in these kind of desperate situations 00:11:32.919 --> 00:11:35.159 of helplessness and hopelessness. 00:11:35.159 --> 00:11:37.299 And so Peter says, 00:11:37.480 --> 00:11:38.939 I may not have power 00:11:38.939 --> 00:11:40.620 in the way that the world 00:11:40.620 --> 00:11:41.579 thinks of power. 00:11:43.139 --> 00:11:46.079 I'm not rich with silver and gold. 00:11:46.819 --> 00:11:48.620 But also you have problems 00:11:48.620 --> 00:11:50.839 that money can't touch. 00:11:52.419 --> 00:11:53.279 And so Peter says, 00:11:53.360 --> 00:11:54.839 the power that we offer 00:11:54.839 --> 00:11:57.259 is an infinitely greater power. 00:11:57.360 --> 00:11:58.639 It's a power that the world knows 00:11:58.639 --> 00:12:00.639 very little to nothing about. 00:12:00.639 --> 00:12:03.480 It's a power that's greater 00:12:03.480 --> 00:12:04.539 than silver and gold. 00:12:04.620 --> 00:12:05.539 It's a power that's greater 00:12:05.539 --> 00:12:06.799 than banks and businesses 00:12:06.799 --> 00:12:08.720 and governments can offer to you. 00:12:08.779 --> 00:12:11.019 It's the power of a name. 00:12:11.600 --> 00:12:12.460 And what's the name? 00:12:12.639 --> 00:12:14.439 The name is Yeshua. 00:12:15.860 --> 00:12:16.299 Jesus. 00:12:16.519 --> 00:12:17.899 It means God saves. 00:12:18.819 --> 00:12:20.360 That's the meaning of his name. 00:12:21.419 --> 00:12:24.299 And the title attached to that name 00:12:24.299 --> 00:12:25.039 is Christ, 00:12:25.120 --> 00:12:26.840 which means God's anointed king. 00:12:26.840 --> 00:12:28.980 And this Jesus, 00:12:29.240 --> 00:12:30.780 this Christ of Nazareth, 00:12:31.120 --> 00:12:32.540 just a few months before, 00:12:32.660 --> 00:12:34.560 God had raised from the dead. 00:12:35.560 --> 00:12:36.800 And so Peter says, 00:12:37.160 --> 00:12:38.379 I'm offering to you 00:12:38.379 --> 00:12:39.840 the name of Jesus, 00:12:39.980 --> 00:12:41.540 the power of Jesus. 00:12:41.540 --> 00:12:42.440 That's what he says 00:12:42.440 --> 00:12:44.300 to this broken man. 00:12:46.060 --> 00:12:47.820 Now I just want to pause here 00:12:47.820 --> 00:12:49.100 and speak to those of you 00:12:49.100 --> 00:12:51.340 who may be exploring Christianity 00:12:51.340 --> 00:12:52.360 for the first time. 00:12:52.500 --> 00:12:53.639 And just acknowledge that 00:12:53.639 --> 00:12:55.379 some people struggle 00:12:55.379 --> 00:12:57.860 to believe the miracles 00:12:57.860 --> 00:12:59.159 in the New Testament. 00:13:00.240 --> 00:13:01.240 And stories like this 00:13:01.240 --> 00:13:02.460 can kind of feel embarrassing 00:13:02.460 --> 00:13:03.360 when we read them. 00:13:03.639 --> 00:13:04.519 People say, 00:13:04.620 --> 00:13:06.299 well, these must just be legends 00:13:06.299 --> 00:13:08.720 of primitive superstition 00:13:08.720 --> 00:13:10.220 that somehow crept into 00:13:10.220 --> 00:13:11.340 the oral tradition 00:13:11.340 --> 00:13:13.580 and then later got written down. 00:13:13.639 --> 00:13:14.580 But we know that 00:13:14.580 --> 00:13:15.539 the laws of nature 00:13:15.539 --> 00:13:16.419 cannot be broken 00:13:16.419 --> 00:13:18.600 and therefore miracles like this 00:13:18.600 --> 00:13:19.480 are impossible. 00:13:19.639 --> 00:13:20.480 Now if that's you 00:13:20.480 --> 00:13:21.740 and that's how you think, 00:13:21.840 --> 00:13:22.720 I want you to consider 00:13:22.720 --> 00:13:24.460 just a few things for a moment. 00:13:24.580 --> 00:13:25.200 First of all, 00:13:26.019 --> 00:13:26.920 chaos theory 00:13:26.920 --> 00:13:28.899 and quantum mechanics 00:13:28.899 --> 00:13:30.620 have told us that 00:13:30.620 --> 00:13:31.779 the world we live in 00:13:31.779 --> 00:13:32.540 is much stranger 00:13:32.540 --> 00:13:34.460 than we have ever really imagined. 00:13:35.580 --> 00:13:36.060 Secondly, 00:13:36.980 --> 00:13:38.279 if God created everything 00:13:38.279 --> 00:13:39.139 and sustains it 00:13:39.139 --> 00:13:40.460 by the power of his word, 00:13:40.940 --> 00:13:42.160 then the laws of nature 00:13:42.160 --> 00:13:43.580 are just another way 00:13:43.580 --> 00:13:44.440 of talking about 00:13:44.440 --> 00:13:46.320 God's customary way 00:13:46.320 --> 00:13:48.060 of sustaining his creation. 00:13:48.660 --> 00:13:50.720 But if God wants to go above 00:13:50.720 --> 00:13:52.820 and around his customary ways, 00:13:52.920 --> 00:13:54.279 who's to say that God's not free 00:13:54.279 --> 00:13:55.460 to do whatever he wants? 00:13:56.860 --> 00:13:57.620 Third thing 00:13:57.620 --> 00:13:58.940 is that the miracle 00:13:58.940 --> 00:14:00.740 at the heart of all the miracles 00:14:00.740 --> 00:14:01.399 in the Bible 00:14:01.399 --> 00:14:03.220 is the resurrection of Jesus. 00:14:03.320 --> 00:14:04.420 And if that didn't happen, 00:14:04.580 --> 00:14:05.820 then we're wasting time 00:14:05.820 --> 00:14:06.399 talking about 00:14:06.399 --> 00:14:07.639 any of these other miracles. 00:14:08.800 --> 00:14:10.240 But if you look at the compelling 00:14:10.240 --> 00:14:11.879 historical evidence 00:14:11.879 --> 00:14:13.980 for the resurrection of Jesus 00:14:13.980 --> 00:14:15.340 and if you become convinced 00:14:15.340 --> 00:14:16.399 that he was in fact 00:14:16.399 --> 00:14:17.519 raised from the dead, 00:14:17.519 --> 00:14:19.460 then it follows 00:14:19.460 --> 00:14:21.259 that if Jesus defeated death 00:14:21.259 --> 00:14:21.879 in his tomb 00:14:21.879 --> 00:14:23.439 and if he won a victory 00:14:23.439 --> 00:14:24.899 over sin on his cross, 00:14:25.399 --> 00:14:26.840 then dealing with 00:14:26.840 --> 00:14:29.360 powerless feet 00:14:29.360 --> 00:14:30.919 and weak ankles, 00:14:31.220 --> 00:14:32.759 that's not a problem for him. 00:14:33.539 --> 00:14:33.720 Right? 00:14:34.220 --> 00:14:35.539 If he can do the greater thing, 00:14:35.639 --> 00:14:36.899 he can do the lesser thing. 00:14:37.879 --> 00:14:39.360 Fourth thing I want you to consider 00:14:39.360 --> 00:14:40.360 is that miracles, 00:14:41.379 --> 00:14:42.620 the miracles of Jesus 00:14:42.620 --> 00:14:44.179 are never naked displays 00:14:44.179 --> 00:14:46.059 of power. 00:14:46.059 --> 00:14:48.199 We never see Jesus 00:14:48.199 --> 00:14:49.359 acting like Superman 00:14:49.359 --> 00:14:50.699 in the Gospels. 00:14:51.079 --> 00:14:51.239 Right? 00:14:51.299 --> 00:14:53.000 He's never flying through the air. 00:14:53.119 --> 00:14:54.559 He never has lasers 00:14:54.559 --> 00:14:55.759 coming out of his eyes. 00:14:56.719 --> 00:14:57.939 Have you noticed this? 00:14:57.979 --> 00:14:58.959 He's never breathing 00:14:58.959 --> 00:15:00.619 like cold air on people 00:15:00.619 --> 00:15:02.659 and running at supersonic speed. 00:15:03.039 --> 00:15:03.419 No. 00:15:04.039 --> 00:15:05.219 What does Jesus do? 00:15:05.339 --> 00:15:06.639 Jesus is putting 00:15:06.639 --> 00:15:07.819 the creator's fallen 00:15:07.819 --> 00:15:09.699 and broken creatures 00:15:09.699 --> 00:15:10.719 back together again. 00:15:11.979 --> 00:15:15.259 When he's working on people, 00:15:15.259 --> 00:15:17.120 he's giving the blind sight. 00:15:17.240 --> 00:15:19.080 He's making the lame walk. 00:15:19.179 --> 00:15:20.279 He's not suspending 00:15:20.279 --> 00:15:21.240 the natural order. 00:15:21.460 --> 00:15:22.360 He's restoring 00:15:22.360 --> 00:15:23.779 the natural order. 00:15:24.720 --> 00:15:26.759 He's taking powerless feet 00:15:26.759 --> 00:15:27.279 and ankles 00:15:27.279 --> 00:15:28.559 and he's putting his power 00:15:28.559 --> 00:15:29.500 into them. 00:15:30.480 --> 00:15:32.539 He's taking people 00:15:32.539 --> 00:15:33.639 who have been told 00:15:33.639 --> 00:15:35.080 you're never going to walk again 00:15:35.080 --> 00:15:36.059 and he's not just saying 00:15:36.059 --> 00:15:38.120 rise and hobble 00:15:38.120 --> 00:15:38.860 or limp away. 00:15:38.960 --> 00:15:39.319 He's saying, 00:15:39.600 --> 00:15:40.580 no, you can go walk 00:15:40.580 --> 00:15:41.360 and jump away. 00:15:41.360 --> 00:15:44.419 Here's the fifth thing 00:15:44.419 --> 00:15:45.500 I want you to consider 00:15:45.500 --> 00:15:46.860 if you're exploring Christianity 00:15:46.860 --> 00:15:48.139 is that every Jew 00:15:48.139 --> 00:15:50.080 witnessing this event 00:15:50.080 --> 00:15:51.000 and reading this story 00:15:51.000 --> 00:15:52.460 knew the ancient prophecy 00:15:52.460 --> 00:15:54.259 of Isaiah 35. 00:15:55.399 --> 00:15:57.300 And the prophecy went like this 00:15:57.300 --> 00:15:59.060 that when God comes 00:15:59.060 --> 00:15:59.659 to his people, 00:15:59.779 --> 00:16:02.500 when the messianic age begins, 00:16:03.180 --> 00:16:04.240 Isaiah says this, 00:16:04.240 --> 00:16:06.299 Then the eyes of the blind 00:16:06.299 --> 00:16:07.159 will be opened 00:16:07.159 --> 00:16:08.720 and the ears of the deaf 00:16:08.720 --> 00:16:09.500 unstopped. 00:16:09.860 --> 00:16:11.419 Then shall the lame man 00:16:11.419 --> 00:16:12.860 leap like a deer 00:16:12.860 --> 00:16:15.060 and the tongue of the mute 00:16:15.060 --> 00:16:16.180 shout for joy 00:16:16.180 --> 00:16:17.240 and you shall see 00:16:17.240 --> 00:16:18.360 the glory of the Lord, 00:16:18.700 --> 00:16:20.519 the majesty of our God. 00:16:21.759 --> 00:16:22.399 And you see, 00:16:22.480 --> 00:16:23.419 when Jesus heals 00:16:23.419 --> 00:16:24.120 the disabled 00:16:24.120 --> 00:16:24.840 and paralyzed 00:16:24.840 --> 00:16:25.879 in the gospels 00:16:25.879 --> 00:16:27.440 and when the resurrected 00:16:27.440 --> 00:16:28.360 and ascended Jesus 00:16:28.360 --> 00:16:30.419 is healing this lame man 00:16:30.419 --> 00:16:32.460 now through his disciple community, 00:16:32.460 --> 00:16:34.240 this prophecy 00:16:34.240 --> 00:16:35.920 is being fulfilled. 00:16:36.040 --> 00:16:36.920 The kingdom of God, 00:16:37.000 --> 00:16:38.360 the kingdom of the Messiah 00:16:38.360 --> 00:16:40.440 has in fact arrived. 00:16:41.980 --> 00:16:43.280 And here's the sixth thing 00:16:43.280 --> 00:16:44.160 I want you to consider 00:16:44.160 --> 00:16:45.560 if you're exploring Christianity. 00:16:46.060 --> 00:16:46.920 If you look down 00:16:46.920 --> 00:16:47.700 in verse 21, 00:16:47.879 --> 00:16:48.820 Peter speaks about 00:16:48.820 --> 00:16:50.960 a future time, 00:16:51.360 --> 00:16:51.740 quote unquote, 00:16:51.900 --> 00:16:52.960 time for God 00:16:52.960 --> 00:16:54.740 to restore everything. 00:16:54.740 --> 00:16:56.860 And what that means 00:16:56.860 --> 00:16:58.480 is that Jesus' healings 00:16:58.480 --> 00:16:59.600 are these small 00:16:59.600 --> 00:17:01.419 temporary signposts 00:17:01.419 --> 00:17:02.519 that point forward 00:17:02.519 --> 00:17:04.759 to God's future restoration 00:17:04.759 --> 00:17:06.079 of all things. 00:17:07.559 --> 00:17:08.640 When what was broken 00:17:08.640 --> 00:17:09.720 in God's good creation 00:17:09.720 --> 00:17:10.539 in the Garden of Eden 00:17:10.539 --> 00:17:12.539 will finally be put right. 00:17:12.620 --> 00:17:13.519 When all the poverty 00:17:13.519 --> 00:17:14.839 that we see around us, 00:17:14.880 --> 00:17:15.640 when all the sickness, 00:17:15.819 --> 00:17:17.019 when all injustice, 00:17:17.240 --> 00:17:18.640 when all disease and death 00:17:18.640 --> 00:17:20.960 will finally be abolished. 00:17:20.960 --> 00:17:24.000 every time you read 00:17:24.000 --> 00:17:25.620 about a healing of Jesus, 00:17:25.620 --> 00:17:26.660 it tells us that 00:17:26.660 --> 00:17:28.819 he hates suffering 00:17:28.819 --> 00:17:30.620 in this sinful world 00:17:30.620 --> 00:17:31.759 more than you do. 00:17:32.740 --> 00:17:34.220 And also that he's committed 00:17:34.220 --> 00:17:36.279 to someday dealing with it 00:17:36.279 --> 00:17:37.559 and restoring everything 00:17:37.559 --> 00:17:39.019 once and for all. 00:17:40.160 --> 00:17:41.100 And the restoration 00:17:41.100 --> 00:17:42.440 of this lame man 00:17:42.440 --> 00:17:43.400 to wholeness 00:17:43.400 --> 00:17:45.600 is providing for us 00:17:45.600 --> 00:17:46.200 a preview 00:17:46.200 --> 00:17:48.140 of coming attractions. 00:17:48.319 --> 00:17:48.960 It's a preview 00:17:48.960 --> 00:17:50.420 of the coming cosmic 00:17:50.420 --> 00:17:51.980 comprehensive restoration 00:17:51.980 --> 00:17:53.259 that God will give 00:17:53.259 --> 00:17:55.140 to his entire creation 00:17:55.140 --> 00:17:55.880 and what Jesus 00:17:55.880 --> 00:17:57.100 is asking you to do. 00:17:57.180 --> 00:17:58.340 If you're exploring Christianity, 00:17:58.559 --> 00:17:59.620 Jesus is just saying, 00:18:00.120 --> 00:18:00.620 trust me. 00:18:01.960 --> 00:18:03.180 Trust the power 00:18:03.180 --> 00:18:04.559 in my name. 00:18:05.440 --> 00:18:06.920 And all of this healing, 00:18:07.059 --> 00:18:07.840 all of the strength 00:18:07.840 --> 00:18:08.559 that's in me 00:18:08.559 --> 00:18:10.259 will come into you. 00:18:11.980 --> 00:18:12.460 Now, 00:18:13.079 --> 00:18:13.860 that's for those of you 00:18:13.860 --> 00:18:14.920 who are exploring Christianity. 00:18:15.039 --> 00:18:15.880 If you're a Christian, 00:18:16.880 --> 00:18:18.279 I want to speak to you 00:18:18.279 --> 00:18:18.840 just for a minute 00:18:18.839 --> 00:18:19.500 and say that 00:18:19.500 --> 00:18:20.639 what happened to this man 00:18:20.639 --> 00:18:21.279 physically, 00:18:21.559 --> 00:18:23.059 invisibly in his body, 00:18:23.959 --> 00:18:26.359 it's a picture 00:18:26.359 --> 00:18:27.980 of what happens to us 00:18:27.980 --> 00:18:29.819 spiritually and invisibly 00:18:29.819 --> 00:18:30.799 in our soul 00:18:30.799 --> 00:18:32.480 that's disabled 00:18:32.480 --> 00:18:33.099 and paralyzed 00:18:33.099 --> 00:18:34.339 by sin. 00:18:35.419 --> 00:18:36.619 That when Jesus, 00:18:36.839 --> 00:18:37.500 when the gospel 00:18:37.500 --> 00:18:38.500 comes into us 00:18:38.500 --> 00:18:39.899 on that deeper level, 00:18:40.779 --> 00:18:42.720 that which was dead 00:18:42.720 --> 00:18:44.859 and useless inside of us 00:18:44.859 --> 00:18:45.779 is made alive 00:18:45.779 --> 00:18:46.619 and useful. 00:18:46.619 --> 00:18:49.279 that which was bound 00:18:49.279 --> 00:18:52.379 and held up 00:18:52.379 --> 00:18:52.799 within us 00:18:52.799 --> 00:18:53.659 is released 00:18:53.659 --> 00:18:54.799 and set free. 00:18:54.939 --> 00:18:56.519 That which was diseased 00:18:56.519 --> 00:18:57.339 in our soul 00:18:57.339 --> 00:18:59.119 becomes healthy 00:18:59.119 --> 00:18:59.879 and the power 00:18:59.879 --> 00:19:00.779 and the strength 00:19:00.779 --> 00:19:02.479 of the resurrected Jesus 00:19:02.479 --> 00:19:03.219 himself 00:19:03.219 --> 00:19:04.899 comes into your soul. 00:19:05.719 --> 00:19:06.379 That's what it means 00:19:06.379 --> 00:19:07.259 to become a Christian. 00:19:08.299 --> 00:19:09.299 And how do you know 00:19:09.299 --> 00:19:10.379 that that's happened to you? 00:19:10.439 --> 00:19:11.339 Well, look at verse 8. 00:19:11.339 --> 00:19:13.839 It says that 00:19:13.839 --> 00:19:14.859 he jumped to his feet 00:19:14.859 --> 00:19:15.819 and began to walk 00:19:15.819 --> 00:19:16.459 and then he went 00:19:16.459 --> 00:19:17.159 with them 00:19:17.159 --> 00:19:18.079 into the temple courts 00:19:18.079 --> 00:19:19.319 walking and jumping 00:19:19.319 --> 00:19:21.119 and praising God. 00:19:21.980 --> 00:19:22.740 And when all the people 00:19:22.740 --> 00:19:23.579 saw him walking 00:19:23.579 --> 00:19:24.619 and praising God, 00:19:25.319 --> 00:19:26.439 they recognized him 00:19:26.439 --> 00:19:27.379 as the same man 00:19:27.379 --> 00:19:28.539 who used to sit begging 00:19:28.539 --> 00:19:29.799 at the temple gate 00:19:29.799 --> 00:19:30.379 called Beautiful 00:19:30.379 --> 00:19:31.279 and they were filled 00:19:31.279 --> 00:19:32.179 with wonder 00:19:32.179 --> 00:19:32.899 and amazement 00:19:32.899 --> 00:19:34.119 at what had happened 00:19:34.119 --> 00:19:34.939 to him. 00:19:34.940 --> 00:19:36.700 You see, 00:19:36.759 --> 00:19:37.640 God's power 00:19:37.640 --> 00:19:39.559 to save 00:19:39.559 --> 00:19:41.820 leads you to praise 00:19:41.820 --> 00:19:44.120 and then your praise 00:19:44.120 --> 00:19:45.940 leads other people 00:19:45.940 --> 00:19:46.440 to wonder 00:19:46.440 --> 00:19:47.539 and amazement. 00:19:47.740 --> 00:19:48.420 And we went 00:19:48.420 --> 00:19:49.299 to this church 00:19:49.299 --> 00:19:50.480 last weekend. 00:19:50.620 --> 00:19:51.019 Catherine and I 00:19:51.019 --> 00:19:51.640 went to the church 00:19:51.640 --> 00:19:52.600 where we got married 00:19:52.600 --> 00:19:55.380 and if you had been there, 00:19:56.320 --> 00:19:57.500 you would have been 00:19:57.500 --> 00:19:58.340 blown away 00:19:58.340 --> 00:20:00.340 at the way 00:20:00.340 --> 00:20:01.279 that these Christians 00:20:01.279 --> 00:20:02.700 were praising their God. 00:20:02.700 --> 00:20:06.460 It was amazing 00:20:06.460 --> 00:20:07.140 because it was 00:20:07.140 --> 00:20:09.380 low budget musicians, 00:20:09.900 --> 00:20:10.100 right? 00:20:10.360 --> 00:20:12.759 This was non-professional music. 00:20:13.440 --> 00:20:14.559 It was just a piano 00:20:14.559 --> 00:20:15.299 and a guitar 00:20:15.299 --> 00:20:17.240 and a couple vocalists, 00:20:17.299 --> 00:20:17.920 no screens, 00:20:18.160 --> 00:20:19.059 just a page 00:20:19.059 --> 00:20:20.019 with some notes 00:20:20.019 --> 00:20:21.220 and some words on it. 00:20:21.680 --> 00:20:22.039 But, 00:20:22.559 --> 00:20:23.440 oh my goodness, 00:20:24.680 --> 00:20:25.440 the power 00:20:25.440 --> 00:20:27.140 of their praise, 00:20:27.240 --> 00:20:27.960 the strength 00:20:27.960 --> 00:20:29.640 of their singing, 00:20:29.740 --> 00:20:30.180 the depth 00:20:30.180 --> 00:20:30.779 and intensity 00:20:30.779 --> 00:20:31.640 of their joy 00:20:31.640 --> 00:20:32.720 was obvious. 00:20:32.820 --> 00:20:33.600 These Christians 00:20:33.600 --> 00:20:35.200 were like this 00:20:35.200 --> 00:20:36.140 lame man 00:20:36.140 --> 00:20:36.860 leaping 00:20:36.860 --> 00:20:38.540 and they were 00:20:38.540 --> 00:20:39.400 unashamed 00:20:39.400 --> 00:20:41.160 to praise the God 00:20:41.160 --> 00:20:42.340 who had healed them 00:20:42.340 --> 00:20:43.460 and had saved them. 00:20:44.140 --> 00:20:45.000 It wasn't 00:20:45.000 --> 00:20:46.220 World Cup level 00:20:46.220 --> 00:20:47.640 but it was 00:20:47.640 --> 00:20:48.400 approaching 00:20:48.400 --> 00:20:49.380 World Cup level 00:20:49.380 --> 00:20:51.280 like Argentinian 00:20:51.280 --> 00:20:52.420 Mexican level. 00:20:53.020 --> 00:20:53.940 It was amazing. 00:20:54.180 --> 00:20:54.460 I don't know 00:20:54.460 --> 00:20:54.920 if you've seen 00:20:54.920 --> 00:20:55.540 the fans 00:20:55.540 --> 00:20:57.220 but that's the kind 00:20:57.220 --> 00:20:57.580 of way 00:20:57.580 --> 00:20:58.220 this guy 00:20:58.220 --> 00:20:59.380 is praising God. 00:20:59.380 --> 00:21:01.800 And do you know 00:21:01.800 --> 00:21:02.420 the impact 00:21:02.420 --> 00:21:02.980 that this had 00:21:02.980 --> 00:21:03.840 on me and Catherine 00:21:03.840 --> 00:21:04.880 as we were sitting there 00:21:04.880 --> 00:21:06.200 listening to their praise, 00:21:06.400 --> 00:21:07.400 we were filled 00:21:07.400 --> 00:21:08.400 with wonder 00:21:08.400 --> 00:21:09.460 and amazement. 00:21:10.000 --> 00:21:11.440 Not just at their praise 00:21:11.440 --> 00:21:12.220 but at the God 00:21:12.220 --> 00:21:12.980 of their praise. 00:21:13.500 --> 00:21:14.780 We were strengthened 00:21:14.780 --> 00:21:15.340 in our faith. 00:21:15.460 --> 00:21:16.480 We were encouraged 00:21:16.480 --> 00:21:17.740 in our hearts 00:21:17.740 --> 00:21:19.540 because we remembered, 00:21:19.720 --> 00:21:20.320 oh my goodness, 00:21:20.600 --> 00:21:21.700 the presence of God 00:21:21.700 --> 00:21:22.980 and the power of God 00:21:22.980 --> 00:21:24.340 is in this place. 00:21:24.339 --> 00:21:26.359 the grace of God 00:21:26.359 --> 00:21:27.339 and the glory of God 00:21:27.339 --> 00:21:28.259 is available 00:21:28.259 --> 00:21:29.699 even to us. 00:21:30.720 --> 00:21:31.679 And we 00:21:31.679 --> 00:21:33.379 were wondering, 00:21:33.799 --> 00:21:34.779 we were amazed 00:21:34.779 --> 00:21:35.980 in a way 00:21:35.980 --> 00:21:36.879 that only the praises 00:21:36.879 --> 00:21:37.720 of God's people 00:21:37.720 --> 00:21:38.500 can cause you 00:21:38.500 --> 00:21:38.939 to wonder 00:21:38.939 --> 00:21:39.759 and be amazed. 00:21:41.099 --> 00:21:41.859 And you see 00:21:41.859 --> 00:21:42.399 this man 00:21:42.399 --> 00:21:43.159 who once sat 00:21:43.159 --> 00:21:43.759 outside 00:21:43.759 --> 00:21:45.259 of God's temple 00:21:45.259 --> 00:21:46.359 not praising 00:21:46.359 --> 00:21:47.199 but begging. 00:21:48.279 --> 00:21:49.659 He's been transformed 00:21:49.659 --> 00:21:50.279 to now 00:21:50.279 --> 00:21:51.759 become a worshiper. 00:21:51.899 --> 00:21:52.220 He's gone 00:21:52.220 --> 00:21:53.559 all the way inside, 00:21:53.559 --> 00:21:54.259 all the way 00:21:54.259 --> 00:21:54.799 into the presence 00:21:54.799 --> 00:21:55.240 of God 00:21:55.240 --> 00:21:55.980 and it says 00:21:55.980 --> 00:21:56.980 that he's leaping 00:21:56.980 --> 00:21:58.379 and he's praising 00:21:58.379 --> 00:21:59.119 his God. 00:22:02.059 --> 00:22:02.799 The lame 00:22:02.799 --> 00:22:03.460 are leaping. 00:22:04.879 --> 00:22:05.659 But also, 00:22:05.819 --> 00:22:06.419 it's not just 00:22:06.419 --> 00:22:07.000 that the lame 00:22:07.000 --> 00:22:07.639 are leaping, 00:22:07.679 --> 00:22:08.259 it says that 00:22:08.259 --> 00:22:09.619 the power 00:22:09.619 --> 00:22:10.639 is being proclaimed. 00:22:11.799 --> 00:22:12.619 The power 00:22:12.619 --> 00:22:13.379 is being proclaimed. 00:22:13.579 --> 00:22:14.559 Look at verse 11. 00:22:14.659 --> 00:22:14.899 It says, 00:22:15.000 --> 00:22:15.599 while the man 00:22:15.599 --> 00:22:16.500 held on to Peter 00:22:16.500 --> 00:22:16.919 and John, 00:22:16.919 --> 00:22:17.759 all the people 00:22:17.759 --> 00:22:19.039 were astonished 00:22:19.039 --> 00:22:20.159 and came running 00:22:20.159 --> 00:22:21.059 to them in the place 00:22:21.059 --> 00:22:22.980 called Solomon's Colonnade. 00:22:23.559 --> 00:22:24.440 And when Peter 00:22:24.440 --> 00:22:24.960 saw this, 00:22:25.000 --> 00:22:25.579 he said to them, 00:22:25.659 --> 00:22:26.359 people of Israel, 00:22:26.500 --> 00:22:27.639 why does this surprise you? 00:22:27.700 --> 00:22:29.059 Why do you stare at us 00:22:29.059 --> 00:22:31.059 as if by our own power 00:22:31.059 --> 00:22:31.659 or godliness 00:22:31.659 --> 00:22:32.879 we had made this man 00:22:32.879 --> 00:22:33.639 walk? 00:22:35.519 --> 00:22:36.259 This man 00:22:36.259 --> 00:22:37.259 who's now healed, 00:22:37.379 --> 00:22:38.220 he's now whole, 00:22:38.579 --> 00:22:39.440 he's clinging 00:22:39.440 --> 00:22:40.599 to Peter 00:22:40.599 --> 00:22:41.440 in a bear hug 00:22:41.440 --> 00:22:42.399 while Peter's 00:22:42.399 --> 00:22:43.079 trying to start 00:22:43.079 --> 00:22:43.539 preaching. 00:22:44.720 --> 00:22:45.679 And you notice 00:22:45.679 --> 00:22:46.720 that because 00:22:46.720 --> 00:22:48.159 Jesus changed 00:22:48.159 --> 00:22:49.319 this man's life, 00:22:49.319 --> 00:22:50.859 it causes 00:22:50.859 --> 00:22:51.779 other people 00:22:51.779 --> 00:22:53.079 to wake up, 00:22:53.279 --> 00:22:54.039 it causes them 00:22:54.039 --> 00:22:55.240 to be hungry 00:22:55.240 --> 00:22:56.000 and thirsty 00:22:56.000 --> 00:22:57.799 to hear an explanation 00:22:57.799 --> 00:22:59.579 for what in the world 00:22:59.579 --> 00:23:00.439 just happened to him, 00:23:00.519 --> 00:23:01.279 what power 00:23:01.279 --> 00:23:02.480 has transformed 00:23:02.480 --> 00:23:03.339 him. 00:23:04.200 --> 00:23:05.439 And that's what happens 00:23:05.439 --> 00:23:06.079 in the history 00:23:06.079 --> 00:23:06.819 of the church 00:23:06.819 --> 00:23:07.720 during periods 00:23:07.720 --> 00:23:08.859 of revival. 00:23:09.059 --> 00:23:09.779 You don't have to 00:23:09.779 --> 00:23:10.639 convince people 00:23:10.639 --> 00:23:11.519 to come and listen, 00:23:11.779 --> 00:23:12.799 they start to run. 00:23:13.500 --> 00:23:14.299 Like this passage 00:23:14.299 --> 00:23:14.539 says, 00:23:14.599 --> 00:23:15.240 they're running 00:23:15.240 --> 00:23:17.039 to hear an explanation 00:23:17.039 --> 00:23:18.259 of the power. 00:23:19.180 --> 00:23:19.920 What is it 00:23:19.920 --> 00:23:20.639 that makes people 00:23:20.639 --> 00:23:21.079 whole? 00:23:22.180 --> 00:23:22.659 And what does 00:23:22.659 --> 00:23:23.420 the apostle Peter 00:23:23.420 --> 00:23:24.259 say to these people? 00:23:24.359 --> 00:23:24.839 Well he's quick 00:23:24.839 --> 00:23:25.879 to say as the church 00:23:25.879 --> 00:23:26.879 should always say, 00:23:27.180 --> 00:23:28.240 don't even think 00:23:28.240 --> 00:23:29.599 this is about us. 00:23:30.700 --> 00:23:31.740 Don't even think 00:23:31.740 --> 00:23:32.779 that it's our power 00:23:32.779 --> 00:23:34.399 or that it's our godliness 00:23:34.399 --> 00:23:35.399 or that it's our, 00:23:35.519 --> 00:23:37.079 the piety of our prayers 00:23:37.079 --> 00:23:37.579 that somehow 00:23:37.579 --> 00:23:38.539 changed this man. 00:23:38.579 --> 00:23:38.839 He says, 00:23:38.920 --> 00:23:39.799 why do you stare 00:23:39.799 --> 00:23:40.859 at us? 00:23:42.119 --> 00:23:42.960 Let me turn 00:23:42.960 --> 00:23:43.579 your focus 00:23:43.579 --> 00:23:44.339 on the one 00:23:44.339 --> 00:23:45.039 who's worthy 00:23:45.039 --> 00:23:45.960 of wonder. 00:23:47.039 --> 00:23:47.460 And oh, 00:23:47.500 --> 00:23:48.440 I wish we had time 00:23:48.440 --> 00:23:49.379 to fully unpack 00:23:49.379 --> 00:23:50.279 what Peter says here 00:23:50.279 --> 00:23:51.259 but look at verse 13. 00:23:51.359 --> 00:23:51.700 He says, 00:23:52.240 --> 00:23:53.240 the God of Abraham, 00:23:54.159 --> 00:23:55.379 the God of Isaac, 00:23:55.500 --> 00:23:56.139 the God of Jacob, 00:23:56.220 --> 00:23:58.039 the God of our fathers 00:23:58.039 --> 00:23:59.639 has glorified 00:23:59.639 --> 00:24:00.539 his servant Jesus. 00:24:01.619 --> 00:24:02.680 You handed him over 00:24:02.680 --> 00:24:03.240 to be killed 00:24:03.240 --> 00:24:04.079 and you disowned him 00:24:04.079 --> 00:24:04.859 before Pilate 00:24:04.859 --> 00:24:05.639 though he had decided 00:24:05.639 --> 00:24:06.279 to let him go. 00:24:06.399 --> 00:24:07.039 You disowned 00:24:07.039 --> 00:24:08.779 the holy and righteous one 00:24:08.779 --> 00:24:10.079 and asked that a murderer 00:24:10.079 --> 00:24:11.059 be released to you. 00:24:11.159 --> 00:24:11.759 You killed 00:24:11.759 --> 00:24:13.059 the author of life 00:24:13.059 --> 00:24:13.700 but God 00:24:13.700 --> 00:24:15.180 raised him from the dead 00:24:15.180 --> 00:24:16.119 and we are witnesses 00:24:16.119 --> 00:24:17.859 of these things. 00:24:19.739 --> 00:24:20.579 That's the message 00:24:20.579 --> 00:24:21.139 of the Bible 00:24:21.139 --> 00:24:22.199 in a nutshell. 00:24:23.500 --> 00:24:24.479 That the God, 00:24:24.579 --> 00:24:25.539 the creator God 00:24:25.539 --> 00:24:26.199 who said, 00:24:26.399 --> 00:24:27.079 let there be light. 00:24:28.239 --> 00:24:29.699 That same creator God 00:24:29.699 --> 00:24:30.779 who came to Abraham 00:24:30.779 --> 00:24:31.299 and said, 00:24:31.379 --> 00:24:32.239 I'm going to bless you 00:24:32.239 --> 00:24:32.799 and through you 00:24:32.799 --> 00:24:33.639 all the nations 00:24:33.639 --> 00:24:34.479 are going to be blessed. 00:24:35.619 --> 00:24:37.659 That same creator God 00:24:37.659 --> 00:24:39.679 who came to Abraham's 00:24:39.679 --> 00:24:40.559 enslaved children 00:24:40.559 --> 00:24:41.899 and liberated, 00:24:42.099 --> 00:24:43.579 dismantled an empire 00:24:43.579 --> 00:24:44.879 to set them free 00:24:44.879 --> 00:24:46.159 and to walk them 00:24:46.159 --> 00:24:46.759 through the wilderness 00:24:46.759 --> 00:24:47.960 and lead them into 00:24:47.960 --> 00:24:49.539 freedom in the promised land. 00:24:49.599 --> 00:24:49.939 He says, 00:24:50.319 --> 00:24:51.539 that living God 00:24:51.539 --> 00:24:52.460 of our fathers 00:24:52.460 --> 00:24:55.220 has fulfilled 00:24:55.220 --> 00:24:56.099 his promises 00:24:56.099 --> 00:24:58.460 when he sent Jesus 00:24:58.460 --> 00:24:59.159 his son 00:24:59.159 --> 00:25:00.419 and servant 00:25:00.419 --> 00:25:01.759 out of eternity 00:25:01.759 --> 00:25:03.000 and into time. 00:25:04.199 --> 00:25:05.559 And when the author 00:25:05.559 --> 00:25:06.720 of life came to us, 00:25:06.779 --> 00:25:07.339 Peter said, 00:25:07.919 --> 00:25:09.339 we live in a world 00:25:09.339 --> 00:25:10.819 that killed him. 00:25:10.819 --> 00:25:13.700 But God vindicated 00:25:13.700 --> 00:25:15.599 and glorified Jesus. 00:25:17.220 --> 00:25:18.659 When the only truly 00:25:18.659 --> 00:25:20.399 holy and righteous person 00:25:20.399 --> 00:25:21.599 came to us, 00:25:21.639 --> 00:25:22.079 what do we do? 00:25:22.159 --> 00:25:23.139 We disowned him. 00:25:24.179 --> 00:25:25.639 But God raised him 00:25:25.639 --> 00:25:26.579 from the dead. 00:25:27.619 --> 00:25:28.480 And Peter says, 00:25:28.619 --> 00:25:29.939 that is the power 00:25:29.939 --> 00:25:31.460 that I proclaim to you. 00:25:31.539 --> 00:25:33.220 That the once rejected Jesus 00:25:33.220 --> 00:25:36.240 is now the resurrected 00:25:36.240 --> 00:25:38.240 and reigning Lord. 00:25:39.460 --> 00:25:39.899 And so, 00:25:39.900 --> 00:25:40.700 verse 16, 00:25:40.840 --> 00:25:41.300 he says, 00:25:41.300 --> 00:25:42.620 by faith in the name 00:25:42.620 --> 00:25:43.060 of Jesus, 00:25:43.200 --> 00:25:44.460 this man whom you see 00:25:44.460 --> 00:25:45.019 and know 00:25:45.019 --> 00:25:46.280 was made strong 00:25:46.280 --> 00:25:47.380 and in Jesus' name 00:25:47.380 --> 00:25:48.220 and the faith 00:25:48.220 --> 00:25:49.240 that comes through him 00:25:49.240 --> 00:25:50.519 that has completely 00:25:50.519 --> 00:25:51.480 healed him 00:25:51.480 --> 00:25:53.100 as you can all see. 00:25:54.220 --> 00:25:54.840 Peter says, 00:25:54.900 --> 00:25:55.680 do you want to know 00:25:55.680 --> 00:25:56.780 how this man 00:25:56.780 --> 00:25:57.460 was restored 00:25:57.460 --> 00:25:58.120 and made whole? 00:25:58.220 --> 00:25:59.019 Do you want to know 00:25:59.019 --> 00:26:00.259 how that can happen 00:26:00.259 --> 00:26:00.880 to you? 00:26:02.019 --> 00:26:03.019 You got to trust 00:26:03.019 --> 00:26:03.620 in the name 00:26:03.620 --> 00:26:04.700 and the power 00:26:04.700 --> 00:26:05.740 of Jesus. 00:26:07.560 --> 00:26:08.500 Peter's proclamation 00:26:08.500 --> 00:26:09.180 of power 00:26:09.180 --> 00:26:10.299 power is actually 00:26:10.299 --> 00:26:11.960 quite countercultural 00:26:11.960 --> 00:26:13.039 when you think about it. 00:26:13.860 --> 00:26:14.980 Because when you drive 00:26:14.980 --> 00:26:16.039 through the Bay Area, 00:26:16.220 --> 00:26:18.340 what is every billboard 00:26:18.340 --> 00:26:19.400 in the Bay Area 00:26:19.400 --> 00:26:20.560 about right now? 00:26:21.820 --> 00:26:23.019 It's about the power 00:26:23.019 --> 00:26:23.460 of what? 00:26:23.519 --> 00:26:23.960 What did you say? 00:26:24.460 --> 00:26:25.980 The power of AI. 00:26:26.320 --> 00:26:27.440 It's about the silver 00:26:27.440 --> 00:26:28.279 and gold 00:26:28.279 --> 00:26:29.000 that AI 00:26:29.000 --> 00:26:30.340 is going to give 00:26:30.340 --> 00:26:31.120 to us. 00:26:31.119 --> 00:26:33.279 The United States 00:26:33.279 --> 00:26:33.779 and China 00:26:33.779 --> 00:26:34.519 are in an all-out 00:26:34.519 --> 00:26:35.079 sprint 00:26:35.079 --> 00:26:36.679 to be the first 00:26:36.679 --> 00:26:37.279 and the best 00:26:37.279 --> 00:26:38.099 at harnessing 00:26:38.099 --> 00:26:38.739 the power 00:26:38.739 --> 00:26:41.059 of artificial intelligence, 00:26:41.759 --> 00:26:42.819 of biotechnology, 00:26:43.699 --> 00:26:44.659 of what's called 00:26:44.659 --> 00:26:46.019 the electric stack 00:26:46.019 --> 00:26:47.039 of batteries 00:26:47.039 --> 00:26:48.799 and magnetic motors 00:26:48.799 --> 00:26:50.099 and power electronics. 00:26:50.519 --> 00:26:51.199 And why 00:26:51.199 --> 00:26:52.339 are they racing 00:26:52.339 --> 00:26:54.199 to this finish line? 00:26:54.200 --> 00:26:56.759 because just like 00:26:56.759 --> 00:26:57.740 steam power 00:26:57.740 --> 00:26:59.180 and steel manufacturing 00:26:59.180 --> 00:27:00.319 and the combustion 00:27:00.319 --> 00:27:00.900 engines 00:27:00.900 --> 00:27:02.880 of the industrial age 00:27:02.880 --> 00:27:04.940 and just like 00:27:04.940 --> 00:27:06.620 the semiconductors 00:27:06.620 --> 00:27:07.340 and computers 00:27:07.340 --> 00:27:08.000 and internet 00:27:08.000 --> 00:27:09.400 of the digital age, 00:27:09.500 --> 00:27:10.120 these civilizations 00:27:10.120 --> 00:27:11.720 know that 00:27:11.720 --> 00:27:13.039 if we control 00:27:13.039 --> 00:27:13.960 these technologies, 00:27:13.960 --> 00:27:15.140 then we'll have 00:27:15.140 --> 00:27:15.680 the power 00:27:15.680 --> 00:27:16.920 to rule the world. 00:27:18.539 --> 00:27:19.660 We will rule 00:27:19.660 --> 00:27:20.299 the world. 00:27:20.299 --> 00:27:22.759 But you see, 00:27:22.839 --> 00:27:23.559 Peter is talking 00:27:23.559 --> 00:27:24.680 about a different power. 00:27:25.899 --> 00:27:26.680 He's talking 00:27:26.680 --> 00:27:27.779 about a deeper power. 00:27:28.759 --> 00:27:29.500 He says, 00:27:29.599 --> 00:27:30.519 this is a power 00:27:30.519 --> 00:27:32.319 that these nations 00:27:32.319 --> 00:27:33.259 and the little men 00:27:33.259 --> 00:27:33.680 and women 00:27:33.680 --> 00:27:34.279 who are leading 00:27:34.279 --> 00:27:34.859 these nations 00:27:34.859 --> 00:27:36.240 know nothing about. 00:27:37.940 --> 00:27:39.759 It's a supernatural power. 00:27:40.779 --> 00:27:42.339 It's resurrection power. 00:27:43.059 --> 00:27:43.859 It's a power 00:27:43.859 --> 00:27:44.659 that doesn't come 00:27:44.659 --> 00:27:45.460 from inside 00:27:45.460 --> 00:27:46.159 of this world. 00:27:46.240 --> 00:27:46.639 It's a power 00:27:46.639 --> 00:27:47.299 that comes to us 00:27:47.299 --> 00:27:47.980 from outside 00:27:47.980 --> 00:27:49.139 of this world. 00:27:49.200 --> 00:27:49.819 It's a power 00:27:49.819 --> 00:27:50.399 that comes 00:27:50.399 --> 00:27:51.740 and lays down 00:27:51.740 --> 00:27:52.679 its life 00:27:52.679 --> 00:27:54.439 for the sake 00:27:54.439 --> 00:27:54.980 of humanity 00:27:54.980 --> 00:27:55.759 only to take 00:27:55.759 --> 00:27:56.379 that life 00:27:56.379 --> 00:27:57.419 up again. 00:27:57.559 --> 00:27:58.460 Peter calls Jesus 00:27:58.460 --> 00:27:59.879 the author of life. 00:28:01.000 --> 00:28:01.919 The holy 00:28:01.919 --> 00:28:02.819 and righteous one, 00:28:02.859 --> 00:28:03.419 the servant 00:28:03.419 --> 00:28:04.379 of God. 00:28:04.460 --> 00:28:05.059 And Peter says, 00:28:05.139 --> 00:28:06.240 he's been glorified 00:28:06.240 --> 00:28:07.799 and he's been raised 00:28:07.799 --> 00:28:08.799 from the dead. 00:28:10.220 --> 00:28:11.259 And by faith 00:28:11.259 --> 00:28:11.819 in his name, 00:28:12.019 --> 00:28:12.980 you can have something 00:28:12.980 --> 00:28:13.519 that AI 00:28:13.519 --> 00:28:15.079 and biotech 00:28:15.079 --> 00:28:16.339 and electric power 00:28:16.339 --> 00:28:17.599 cannot give you. 00:28:17.599 --> 00:28:19.919 because Jesus 00:28:19.919 --> 00:28:21.719 in the restoration 00:28:21.719 --> 00:28:22.839 of all things 00:28:22.839 --> 00:28:23.379 will do 00:28:23.379 --> 00:28:24.500 way more 00:28:24.500 --> 00:28:25.139 for you 00:28:25.139 --> 00:28:26.480 than he did 00:28:26.480 --> 00:28:27.459 for this lame man 00:28:27.459 --> 00:28:27.919 leaping. 00:28:29.279 --> 00:28:30.059 He'll give you 00:28:30.059 --> 00:28:31.139 a resurrection body 00:28:31.139 --> 00:28:33.439 like his resurrection body. 00:28:34.319 --> 00:28:35.439 And even now 00:28:35.439 --> 00:28:36.319 as we wait for that, 00:28:36.399 --> 00:28:37.379 the life of God 00:28:37.379 --> 00:28:38.980 can come into your soul 00:28:38.980 --> 00:28:39.959 because of what God 00:28:39.959 --> 00:28:40.679 accomplished 00:28:40.679 --> 00:28:42.219 in his servant Jesus, 00:28:42.359 --> 00:28:43.639 the author of life, 00:28:43.640 --> 00:28:45.700 hung up on a cross. 00:28:47.240 --> 00:28:47.720 Friends, 00:28:47.780 --> 00:28:48.600 do you recognize 00:28:48.600 --> 00:28:49.240 in Jesus 00:28:49.240 --> 00:28:49.960 a power 00:28:49.960 --> 00:28:51.360 above and beyond 00:28:51.360 --> 00:28:52.300 all the powers 00:28:52.300 --> 00:28:52.940 of this world? 00:28:54.940 --> 00:28:55.820 It's a power 00:28:55.820 --> 00:28:56.320 that's greater 00:28:56.320 --> 00:28:57.520 than your silver and gold. 00:28:58.660 --> 00:28:59.520 It's a power 00:28:59.520 --> 00:29:00.000 that's greater 00:29:00.000 --> 00:29:01.140 than the United States 00:29:01.140 --> 00:29:01.720 and China. 00:29:02.580 --> 00:29:03.480 It's a power 00:29:03.480 --> 00:29:03.960 that's greater 00:29:03.960 --> 00:29:04.940 than the robots 00:29:04.940 --> 00:29:06.480 and all the people 00:29:06.480 --> 00:29:07.480 building the robots. 00:29:08.860 --> 00:29:10.020 Jesus can do 00:29:10.020 --> 00:29:10.540 for you 00:29:10.540 --> 00:29:11.160 what none 00:29:11.160 --> 00:29:11.800 of these things 00:29:11.800 --> 00:29:12.820 can do for you. 00:29:13.639 --> 00:29:14.539 Because only 00:29:14.539 --> 00:29:15.639 he has the power 00:29:15.639 --> 00:29:16.119 to meet 00:29:16.119 --> 00:29:18.159 the most fundamental needs 00:29:18.159 --> 00:29:19.339 not only of your body 00:29:19.339 --> 00:29:19.939 and your soul 00:29:19.939 --> 00:29:20.839 but of our planet 00:29:20.839 --> 00:29:23.159 and of our entire universe. 00:29:23.460 --> 00:29:24.500 His is a power 00:29:24.500 --> 00:29:26.839 to heal your soul 00:29:26.839 --> 00:29:28.359 and to resurrect 00:29:28.359 --> 00:29:29.220 your body. 00:29:30.460 --> 00:29:31.599 His is a power 00:29:31.599 --> 00:29:33.659 to restore all things 00:29:33.659 --> 00:29:35.619 and to enable us 00:29:35.619 --> 00:29:36.559 human beings 00:29:36.559 --> 00:29:37.359 made in the image 00:29:37.359 --> 00:29:37.740 of God 00:29:37.740 --> 00:29:38.720 to live again 00:29:38.720 --> 00:29:39.700 in the goodness 00:29:39.700 --> 00:29:41.339 of God's creation. 00:29:42.119 --> 00:29:42.759 No one else 00:29:42.759 --> 00:29:43.660 can do that 00:29:43.660 --> 00:29:45.279 and Jesus says 00:29:45.279 --> 00:29:46.160 this is the power 00:29:46.160 --> 00:29:46.799 Peter says 00:29:46.799 --> 00:29:47.740 this is the power 00:29:47.740 --> 00:29:48.960 that I proclaim 00:29:48.960 --> 00:29:49.819 to you 00:29:49.819 --> 00:29:50.879 silver and gold. 00:29:50.879 --> 00:29:52.299 I do not have 00:29:52.299 --> 00:29:53.519 and frankly 00:29:53.519 --> 00:29:54.440 I don't need 00:29:54.440 --> 00:29:56.960 but I have something 00:29:56.960 --> 00:29:58.180 far more powerful 00:29:58.180 --> 00:30:00.240 and it's the glorified 00:30:00.240 --> 00:30:00.960 and resurrected 00:30:00.960 --> 00:30:02.059 Christ. 00:30:03.660 --> 00:30:04.579 And that's why 00:30:04.579 --> 00:30:05.640 the lame are leaping 00:30:05.640 --> 00:30:07.079 and that's why 00:30:07.079 --> 00:30:07.740 I'm proclaiming 00:30:07.740 --> 00:30:08.619 to you this power 00:30:08.619 --> 00:30:10.599 and Peter goes on 00:30:10.599 --> 00:30:11.159 to finish 00:30:11.159 --> 00:30:11.719 he says 00:30:11.719 --> 00:30:13.519 the repentant 00:30:13.519 --> 00:30:15.179 will be refreshed. 00:30:16.279 --> 00:30:17.279 The repentant 00:30:17.279 --> 00:30:18.199 will be refreshed. 00:30:18.299 --> 00:30:18.859 The question is 00:30:18.859 --> 00:30:19.399 how do we 00:30:19.399 --> 00:30:21.059 access this power? 00:30:21.179 --> 00:30:21.859 How do we tap 00:30:21.859 --> 00:30:23.299 into this power 00:30:23.299 --> 00:30:23.859 that is above 00:30:23.859 --> 00:30:24.799 and beyond this world? 00:30:25.939 --> 00:30:26.679 Well Peter says 00:30:26.679 --> 00:30:27.299 very simply 00:30:27.299 --> 00:30:28.139 in verse 19 00:30:28.139 --> 00:30:28.659 he says 00:30:28.659 --> 00:30:29.219 repent 00:30:29.219 --> 00:30:30.139 then 00:30:30.139 --> 00:30:31.079 and turn 00:30:31.079 --> 00:30:31.979 to God. 00:30:33.579 --> 00:30:34.239 Repent 00:30:34.239 --> 00:30:34.519 then 00:30:34.519 --> 00:30:35.019 and turn 00:30:35.019 --> 00:30:35.700 to God. 00:30:36.759 --> 00:30:37.599 Peter uses 00:30:37.599 --> 00:30:38.480 a key word 00:30:38.480 --> 00:30:40.539 that is repeated 00:30:40.539 --> 00:30:41.359 over and over 00:30:41.359 --> 00:30:42.079 in the New Testament 00:30:42.079 --> 00:30:43.099 from John the Baptist 00:30:43.099 --> 00:30:44.099 to Jesus 00:30:44.099 --> 00:30:45.299 to the apostles 00:30:45.299 --> 00:30:46.339 all of them 00:30:46.339 --> 00:30:46.980 are talking about 00:30:46.980 --> 00:30:48.319 this one simple word 00:30:48.319 --> 00:30:49.299 repent. 00:30:49.619 --> 00:30:50.440 Repent then 00:30:50.440 --> 00:30:51.379 and turn 00:30:51.379 --> 00:30:52.299 to God. 00:30:52.460 --> 00:30:53.480 Peter ends his sermon 00:30:53.480 --> 00:30:54.660 where all good preaching 00:30:54.660 --> 00:30:55.599 leads 00:30:55.599 --> 00:30:57.720 and he emphasizes 00:30:57.720 --> 00:30:58.460 the necessity 00:30:58.460 --> 00:30:59.660 and the blessings 00:30:59.660 --> 00:31:00.920 of repentance. 00:31:02.299 --> 00:31:03.799 This Greek word 00:31:03.799 --> 00:31:04.879 metanoeo 00:31:04.880 --> 00:31:05.500 repent. 00:31:06.320 --> 00:31:07.540 It means literally 00:31:07.540 --> 00:31:09.080 change your mind. 00:31:10.240 --> 00:31:11.440 Change your mind. 00:31:12.720 --> 00:31:13.580 Make a change 00:31:13.580 --> 00:31:14.600 of principle 00:31:14.600 --> 00:31:16.000 and practice. 00:31:17.460 --> 00:31:18.320 Peter is calling 00:31:18.320 --> 00:31:18.820 for 00:31:18.820 --> 00:31:20.600 a turnaround 00:31:20.600 --> 00:31:22.420 and an about 00:31:22.420 --> 00:31:23.000 face 00:31:23.000 --> 00:31:24.860 and put negatively 00:31:24.860 --> 00:31:26.140 to repent 00:31:26.140 --> 00:31:27.060 involves 00:31:27.060 --> 00:31:28.160 turning away 00:31:28.160 --> 00:31:28.980 from yourself. 00:31:29.860 --> 00:31:30.720 Turning away 00:31:30.720 --> 00:31:31.220 from 00:31:31.220 --> 00:31:32.700 all of your 00:31:32.700 --> 00:31:33.540 self-serving 00:31:33.540 --> 00:31:34.680 and self-dealing 00:31:34.680 --> 00:31:36.120 and self-centeredness 00:31:36.120 --> 00:31:38.860 and turning away 00:31:38.860 --> 00:31:39.900 from your old 00:31:39.900 --> 00:31:40.960 worldview 00:31:40.960 --> 00:31:41.700 and your old 00:31:41.700 --> 00:31:42.120 mindset 00:31:42.120 --> 00:31:42.720 and your old 00:31:42.720 --> 00:31:43.940 ways of thinking 00:31:43.940 --> 00:31:44.940 about yourself 00:31:44.940 --> 00:31:46.140 in this universe 00:31:46.140 --> 00:31:48.240 and put positively 00:31:48.240 --> 00:31:49.019 to repent 00:31:49.019 --> 00:31:49.460 means 00:31:49.460 --> 00:31:51.600 turning to God 00:31:51.600 --> 00:31:53.340 and embracing 00:31:53.340 --> 00:31:54.440 a new worldview 00:31:54.440 --> 00:31:55.240 a new mindset 00:31:55.240 --> 00:31:56.400 new ways of thinking 00:31:56.400 --> 00:31:56.880 based on 00:31:56.880 --> 00:31:58.180 who he's revealed 00:31:58.180 --> 00:31:59.900 himself to be 00:31:59.900 --> 00:32:00.640 through the Bible 00:32:00.640 --> 00:32:01.360 in Jesus 00:32:01.359 --> 00:32:02.879 by the Holy Spirit. 00:32:02.879 --> 00:32:03.339 So repent 00:32:03.339 --> 00:32:05.899 is a radical 00:32:05.899 --> 00:32:07.240 change 00:32:07.240 --> 00:32:08.839 both of your 00:32:08.839 --> 00:32:09.399 mind 00:32:09.399 --> 00:32:11.119 and of the 00:32:11.119 --> 00:32:11.579 direction 00:32:11.579 --> 00:32:12.379 and the trajectory 00:32:12.379 --> 00:32:13.779 of your life. 00:32:14.240 --> 00:32:14.819 And Peter says 00:32:14.819 --> 00:32:15.159 everybody 00:32:15.159 --> 00:32:16.479 needs to 00:32:16.479 --> 00:32:17.659 repent 00:32:17.659 --> 00:32:18.679 and turn to God. 00:32:18.680 --> 00:32:20.400 and he says 00:32:20.400 --> 00:32:21.100 if you repent 00:32:21.100 --> 00:32:22.060 three successive 00:32:22.060 --> 00:32:22.539 blessings 00:32:22.539 --> 00:32:23.620 will happen 00:32:23.620 --> 00:32:24.460 and here they are 00:32:24.460 --> 00:32:25.259 in verse 19 00:32:25.259 --> 00:32:25.960 repent then 00:32:25.960 --> 00:32:26.680 and turn to God 00:32:26.680 --> 00:32:28.100 so that your sins 00:32:28.100 --> 00:32:30.080 may be wiped out 00:32:30.080 --> 00:32:31.980 the times of refreshing 00:32:31.980 --> 00:32:33.220 may come from the Lord 00:32:33.220 --> 00:32:34.940 and that he may send 00:32:34.940 --> 00:32:35.680 the Messiah 00:32:35.680 --> 00:32:36.420 who has been 00:32:36.420 --> 00:32:37.299 appointed for you 00:32:37.299 --> 00:32:38.060 even Jesus 00:32:38.060 --> 00:32:39.440 heaven must receive him 00:32:39.440 --> 00:32:40.519 until the time comes 00:32:40.519 --> 00:32:41.460 for God 00:32:41.460 --> 00:32:42.400 to restore 00:32:42.400 --> 00:32:43.299 everything. 00:32:43.420 --> 00:32:44.039 Did you hear those 00:32:44.039 --> 00:32:45.799 three successive blessings 00:32:45.799 --> 00:32:46.740 to those who repent? 00:32:46.740 --> 00:32:47.400 Number one 00:32:47.400 --> 00:32:48.480 your sins will be 00:32:48.480 --> 00:32:48.960 wiped out 00:32:48.960 --> 00:32:49.620 Number two 00:32:49.620 --> 00:32:50.920 times of refreshing 00:32:50.920 --> 00:32:52.059 will come from the Lord 00:32:52.059 --> 00:32:52.819 and number three 00:32:52.819 --> 00:32:54.400 God will send the Messiah 00:32:54.400 --> 00:32:55.140 to restore 00:32:55.140 --> 00:32:56.079 everything 00:32:56.079 --> 00:32:56.880 and I just want to try 00:32:56.880 --> 00:32:57.819 to tie this together 00:32:57.819 --> 00:32:58.680 as we close. 00:32:59.599 --> 00:33:01.000 That first promised 00:33:01.000 --> 00:33:02.059 blessing to those 00:33:02.059 --> 00:33:02.539 who repent 00:33:02.539 --> 00:33:02.920 says 00:33:02.920 --> 00:33:04.019 your sins 00:33:04.019 --> 00:33:05.579 will be wiped out 00:33:05.579 --> 00:33:09.240 even the worst sins 00:33:09.240 --> 00:33:11.759 he just talked about 00:33:11.759 --> 00:33:12.700 people who killed 00:33:12.700 --> 00:33:13.620 the author of life 00:33:13.620 --> 00:33:14.720 even that sin 00:33:14.720 --> 00:33:16.400 in an instant 00:33:16.400 --> 00:33:17.160 in a moment 00:33:17.160 --> 00:33:19.100 can be blotted out 00:33:19.100 --> 00:33:19.680 and erased 00:33:19.680 --> 00:33:20.460 and obliterated 00:33:20.460 --> 00:33:21.140 it's not hard 00:33:21.140 --> 00:33:21.600 for God 00:33:21.600 --> 00:33:22.320 to do that 00:33:22.320 --> 00:33:27.080 but now let's jump 00:33:27.080 --> 00:33:27.500 over that 00:33:27.500 --> 00:33:28.519 second promised 00:33:28.519 --> 00:33:28.900 blessing 00:33:28.900 --> 00:33:29.960 to those who repent 00:33:29.960 --> 00:33:30.800 and look at the third 00:33:30.800 --> 00:33:31.480 in verse 21 00:33:31.480 --> 00:33:31.860 it says 00:33:31.860 --> 00:33:33.000 heaven must receive 00:33:33.000 --> 00:33:34.300 the Messiah 00:33:34.300 --> 00:33:34.700 Jesus 00:33:34.700 --> 00:33:35.519 until the time 00:33:35.519 --> 00:33:36.300 comes for God 00:33:36.300 --> 00:33:36.900 to restore 00:33:36.900 --> 00:33:37.880 everything 00:33:37.880 --> 00:33:38.680 and what that means 00:33:38.680 --> 00:33:39.400 is that Jesus 00:33:39.400 --> 00:33:40.320 even now 00:33:40.320 --> 00:33:41.800 is awaiting 00:33:41.800 --> 00:33:42.380 the signal 00:33:42.380 --> 00:33:43.340 from God the Father 00:33:43.340 --> 00:33:44.500 to return 00:33:44.500 --> 00:33:45.940 as the king 00:33:45.940 --> 00:33:47.759 who will bring 00:33:47.759 --> 00:33:48.779 about a restoration 00:33:48.779 --> 00:33:49.859 of all things 00:33:49.859 --> 00:33:50.559 and will launch 00:33:50.559 --> 00:33:51.799 the new creation 00:33:51.799 --> 00:33:52.859 in which brokenness 00:33:52.859 --> 00:33:53.579 and sin 00:33:53.579 --> 00:33:55.059 and self-centeredness 00:33:55.059 --> 00:33:55.779 will finally 00:33:55.779 --> 00:33:57.259 and fully be removed 00:33:57.259 --> 00:33:58.920 and Peter's saying 00:33:58.920 --> 00:33:59.819 if you repent 00:33:59.819 --> 00:34:02.200 you'll get to participate 00:34:02.200 --> 00:34:02.759 in that 00:34:02.759 --> 00:34:05.619 can you imagine 00:34:05.619 --> 00:34:06.779 a restored creation 00:34:06.779 --> 00:34:08.519 how beautiful 00:34:08.519 --> 00:34:09.179 it will be 00:34:09.179 --> 00:34:10.659 how pleasant 00:34:10.659 --> 00:34:11.199 it will be 00:34:11.199 --> 00:34:11.899 how wonderful 00:34:11.899 --> 00:34:13.000 it will be 00:34:13.000 --> 00:34:14.519 to experience 00:34:14.519 --> 00:34:15.359 that with Jesus 00:34:15.359 --> 00:34:18.480 Peter says 00:34:18.480 --> 00:34:19.460 the Christian life 00:34:19.460 --> 00:34:20.179 is sandwiched 00:34:20.179 --> 00:34:20.579 between 00:34:20.579 --> 00:34:21.859 your sins 00:34:21.859 --> 00:34:22.759 being wiped out 00:34:22.759 --> 00:34:24.399 and everything 00:34:24.399 --> 00:34:25.279 being restored 00:34:25.279 --> 00:34:27.279 and in between 00:34:27.279 --> 00:34:28.519 these two great 00:34:28.519 --> 00:34:29.099 events 00:34:29.099 --> 00:34:30.779 there's this 00:34:30.779 --> 00:34:31.639 second promised 00:34:31.639 --> 00:34:32.059 blessing 00:34:32.059 --> 00:34:33.079 to those who repent 00:34:33.079 --> 00:34:33.679 and here it is 00:34:33.679 --> 00:34:34.379 in verse 19 00:34:34.379 --> 00:34:34.799 it says 00:34:34.799 --> 00:34:36.500 times of refreshing 00:34:36.500 --> 00:34:37.599 will come 00:34:37.599 --> 00:34:38.599 from the Lord 00:34:38.599 --> 00:34:41.639 times of refreshing 00:34:41.639 --> 00:34:43.259 will come 00:34:43.259 --> 00:34:43.699 from the Lord 00:34:43.699 --> 00:34:44.219 that's what the 00:34:44.219 --> 00:34:44.839 Christian life 00:34:44.839 --> 00:34:45.819 is meant to be about 00:34:45.819 --> 00:34:48.119 have you ever been 00:34:48.119 --> 00:34:48.679 in a place 00:34:48.679 --> 00:34:49.239 of such 00:34:49.239 --> 00:34:50.339 oppressive heat 00:34:50.339 --> 00:34:52.339 I've just come 00:34:52.339 --> 00:34:53.259 from such a place 00:34:53.259 --> 00:34:55.360 in the southeast 00:34:55.360 --> 00:34:56.559 a place of such 00:34:56.559 --> 00:34:57.819 oppressive heat 00:34:57.819 --> 00:34:58.860 you're indoors 00:34:58.860 --> 00:35:00.420 there's no air conditioning 00:35:00.420 --> 00:35:02.559 it's exhausting 00:35:02.559 --> 00:35:04.619 it's suffocating 00:35:04.619 --> 00:35:05.880 and then all of a sudden 00:35:05.880 --> 00:35:07.279 somebody opens 00:35:07.280 --> 00:35:07.700 a window 00:35:07.700 --> 00:35:08.740 or opens a door 00:35:08.740 --> 00:35:10.320 and this fresh 00:35:10.320 --> 00:35:11.880 burst of cool 00:35:11.880 --> 00:35:12.700 breeze 00:35:12.700 --> 00:35:13.580 just comes flowing 00:35:13.580 --> 00:35:14.160 in and somebody 00:35:14.160 --> 00:35:15.320 comes and hands 00:35:15.320 --> 00:35:16.900 you an ice cold 00:35:16.900 --> 00:35:18.519 crisp drink 00:35:18.519 --> 00:35:19.440 and you take 00:35:19.440 --> 00:35:20.260 a deep breath 00:35:20.260 --> 00:35:21.120 and you take 00:35:21.120 --> 00:35:22.240 a deep drink 00:35:22.240 --> 00:35:23.240 and somehow 00:35:23.240 --> 00:35:24.140 your strength 00:35:24.140 --> 00:35:24.900 returns 00:35:24.900 --> 00:35:26.140 and you feel 00:35:26.140 --> 00:35:27.000 revived 00:35:27.000 --> 00:35:27.600 anybody ever 00:35:27.600 --> 00:35:28.160 experienced 00:35:28.160 --> 00:35:28.780 that kind of 00:35:28.780 --> 00:35:29.280 refreshing 00:35:29.280 --> 00:35:32.019 Peter says 00:35:32.019 --> 00:35:32.880 you can have 00:35:32.880 --> 00:35:33.700 that in the 00:35:33.700 --> 00:35:34.260 Christian life 00:35:34.260 --> 00:35:34.720 you can have 00:35:34.720 --> 00:35:35.980 times of refreshing 00:35:35.980 --> 00:35:37.300 that come from 00:35:37.300 --> 00:35:37.579 the Lord 00:35:37.579 --> 00:35:38.139 and literally 00:35:38.139 --> 00:35:38.719 it says 00:35:38.719 --> 00:35:39.880 times of refreshing 00:35:39.880 --> 00:35:40.639 that come from 00:35:40.639 --> 00:35:41.400 the face 00:35:41.400 --> 00:35:42.500 of the Lord 00:35:42.500 --> 00:35:44.860 times of refreshing 00:35:44.860 --> 00:35:45.500 that come from 00:35:45.500 --> 00:35:46.800 the very countenance 00:35:46.800 --> 00:35:48.840 of the Lord 00:35:48.840 --> 00:35:49.500 as he looks 00:35:49.500 --> 00:35:50.440 upon you 00:35:50.440 --> 00:35:51.179 and you gaze 00:35:51.179 --> 00:35:52.320 upon him 00:35:52.320 --> 00:35:54.960 Peter says 00:35:54.960 --> 00:35:56.340 you can go 00:35:56.340 --> 00:35:56.740 to God 00:35:56.740 --> 00:35:57.179 today 00:35:57.179 --> 00:35:59.280 you can go 00:35:59.280 --> 00:35:59.760 to God 00:35:59.760 --> 00:36:00.719 tomorrow morning 00:36:00.719 --> 00:36:02.319 you can go 00:36:02.319 --> 00:36:02.779 to God 00:36:02.779 --> 00:36:03.539 in your worst 00:36:03.539 --> 00:36:04.159 moment 00:36:04.159 --> 00:36:04.919 this week 00:36:04.919 --> 00:36:05.959 and you can 00:36:05.959 --> 00:36:06.559 look him 00:36:06.559 --> 00:36:07.519 in the face 00:36:07.519 --> 00:36:09.059 the face 00:36:09.059 --> 00:36:09.759 that he's revealed 00:36:09.759 --> 00:36:10.679 in Jesus Christ 00:36:10.679 --> 00:36:12.779 and from that 00:36:12.779 --> 00:36:13.299 place 00:36:13.299 --> 00:36:14.839 you can ask 00:36:14.839 --> 00:36:15.000 him 00:36:15.000 --> 00:36:15.719 please give me 00:36:15.719 --> 00:36:16.519 a cold 00:36:16.519 --> 00:36:17.559 breath 00:36:17.559 --> 00:36:18.759 of air 00:36:18.759 --> 00:36:19.319 from the Holy 00:36:19.319 --> 00:36:19.619 Spirit 00:36:19.619 --> 00:36:20.339 please give me 00:36:20.339 --> 00:36:21.359 a fresh 00:36:21.359 --> 00:36:22.239 deep drink 00:36:22.239 --> 00:36:23.419 from your presence 00:36:23.419 --> 00:36:24.599 and he will 00:36:24.599 --> 00:36:26.199 refresh you 00:36:26.199 --> 00:36:29.559 you can expect 00:36:29.559 --> 00:36:30.059 the God 00:36:30.059 --> 00:36:32.059 who has graciously 00:36:32.059 --> 00:36:32.619 wiped out 00:36:32.619 --> 00:36:33.319 your sins 00:36:33.319 --> 00:36:35.059 to give you 00:36:35.059 --> 00:36:36.059 times of refreshing 00:36:36.059 --> 00:36:37.000 now 00:36:37.000 --> 00:36:37.739 today 00:36:37.739 --> 00:36:38.839 that are foretaste 00:36:38.839 --> 00:36:39.859 of that wonderful 00:36:39.859 --> 00:36:41.099 final restoration 00:36:41.099 --> 00:36:42.379 that's coming 00:36:42.379 --> 00:36:43.519 at the return 00:36:43.519 --> 00:36:44.059 of the king 00:36:44.059 --> 00:36:47.119 times of refreshment 00:36:47.119 --> 00:36:47.859 that come from 00:36:47.859 --> 00:36:48.859 the very presence 00:36:48.859 --> 00:36:49.480 of the Lord 00:36:49.480 --> 00:36:49.960 himself 00:36:49.960 --> 00:36:51.539 from his face 00:36:51.539 --> 00:36:53.839 that because 00:36:53.839 --> 00:36:54.239 of Jesus 00:36:54.239 --> 00:36:55.199 looks upon you 00:36:55.199 --> 00:36:55.859 with love 00:36:55.860 --> 00:36:57.900 with mercy 00:36:57.900 --> 00:36:59.880 with compassion 00:36:59.880 --> 00:37:01.660 and with grace 00:37:01.660 --> 00:37:03.539 and you can 00:37:03.539 --> 00:37:04.200 expect him 00:37:04.200 --> 00:37:05.160 to give to you 00:37:05.160 --> 00:37:06.480 an advance 00:37:06.480 --> 00:37:07.760 anticipation 00:37:07.760 --> 00:37:09.780 of the final 00:37:09.780 --> 00:37:10.720 and full 00:37:10.720 --> 00:37:11.599 refreshment 00:37:11.599 --> 00:37:13.360 that we expect 00:37:13.360 --> 00:37:13.800 when God 00:37:13.800 --> 00:37:14.200 will come 00:37:14.200 --> 00:37:14.700 and complete 00:37:14.700 --> 00:37:15.200 his work 00:37:15.200 --> 00:37:15.860 at last 00:37:15.860 --> 00:37:17.840 and so my 00:37:17.840 --> 00:37:18.240 question 00:37:18.240 --> 00:37:19.360 for you today 00:37:19.360 --> 00:37:20.000 is friends 00:37:20.000 --> 00:37:22.059 who here 00:37:22.059 --> 00:37:22.519 needs 00:37:22.519 --> 00:37:23.480 deep soul 00:37:23.480 --> 00:37:24.019 rest 00:37:24.019 --> 00:37:27.259 just me 00:37:27.259 --> 00:37:30.019 who here 00:37:30.019 --> 00:37:30.460 needs 00:37:30.460 --> 00:37:31.360 deep 00:37:31.360 --> 00:37:32.699 existential 00:37:32.699 --> 00:37:33.420 relief 00:37:33.420 --> 00:37:35.980 who here 00:37:35.980 --> 00:37:36.639 is longing 00:37:36.639 --> 00:37:37.440 and thirsting 00:37:37.440 --> 00:37:37.759 for 00:37:37.759 --> 00:37:38.920 spiritual 00:37:38.920 --> 00:37:40.239 refreshment 00:37:40.239 --> 00:37:43.219 friends 00:37:43.219 --> 00:37:43.559 do you 00:37:43.559 --> 00:37:44.099 look around 00:37:44.099 --> 00:37:44.539 the church 00:37:44.539 --> 00:37:45.019 in the Bay Area 00:37:45.019 --> 00:37:45.320 and say 00:37:45.320 --> 00:37:45.739 you know 00:37:45.739 --> 00:37:46.099 I think 00:37:46.099 --> 00:37:47.039 that the church 00:37:47.039 --> 00:37:47.440 here might 00:37:47.440 --> 00:37:47.840 need to be 00:37:47.840 --> 00:37:48.239 revived 00:37:48.239 --> 00:37:48.639 I think 00:37:48.639 --> 00:37:48.940 it might 00:37:48.940 --> 00:37:49.340 need to be 00:37:49.340 --> 00:37:49.900 refreshed 00:37:49.900 --> 00:37:51.940 well the way 00:37:51.940 --> 00:37:52.380 into this 00:37:52.380 --> 00:37:52.880 is so 00:37:52.880 --> 00:37:53.840 so simple 00:37:53.840 --> 00:37:55.619 repent 00:37:55.619 --> 00:37:56.240 therefore 00:37:56.240 --> 00:37:57.400 and turn 00:37:57.400 --> 00:37:57.880 to God 00:37:57.880 --> 00:38:00.119 just simply 00:38:00.119 --> 00:38:00.700 turn away 00:38:00.700 --> 00:38:01.360 from yourself 00:38:01.360 --> 00:38:03.059 and turn 00:38:03.059 --> 00:38:03.579 to God 00:38:03.579 --> 00:38:05.260 and the Lord 00:38:05.260 --> 00:38:05.720 will give us 00:38:05.720 --> 00:38:06.340 a foretaste 00:38:06.340 --> 00:38:07.079 of that final 00:38:07.079 --> 00:38:07.880 refreshing 00:38:07.880 --> 00:38:08.820 that's coming 00:38:08.820 --> 00:38:10.480 and for which 00:38:10.480 --> 00:38:10.980 we wait 00:38:10.980 --> 00:38:11.980 and hope 00:38:11.980 --> 00:38:13.740 let's just take 00:38:13.740 --> 00:38:14.380 a moment now 00:38:14.380 --> 00:38:14.760 as we 00:38:14.760 --> 00:38:15.519 we're going to 00:38:15.519 --> 00:38:16.039 come to this 00:38:16.039 --> 00:38:16.420 table 00:38:16.420 --> 00:38:17.400 to the very 00:38:17.400 --> 00:38:18.000 presence of 00:38:18.000 --> 00:38:18.260 the Lord 00:38:18.260 --> 00:38:18.760 the face 00:38:18.760 --> 00:38:19.300 of the Lord 00:38:19.300 --> 00:38:20.559 where he 00:38:20.559 --> 00:38:20.900 wants to 00:38:20.900 --> 00:38:21.480 refresh us 00:38:21.480 --> 00:38:21.820 and so I 00:38:21.820 --> 00:38:22.220 just want to 00:38:22.220 --> 00:38:22.460 give you 00:38:22.460 --> 00:38:22.880 time and 00:38:22.880 --> 00:38:23.340 space to 00:38:23.340 --> 00:38:23.960 ask God 00:38:23.960 --> 00:38:24.240 to come 00:38:24.240 --> 00:38:24.480 and do 00:38:24.480 --> 00:38:24.820 that for 00:38:24.820 --> 00:38:25.019 you 00:38:25.019 --> 00:38:25.659 in whatever 00:38:25.659 --> 00:38:26.960 personal way 00:38:26.960 --> 00:38:28.000 and particular 00:38:28.000 --> 00:38:28.500 way you 00:38:28.500 --> 00:38:28.800 need it 00:38:28.800 --> 00:38:29.159 today 00:38:29.159 --> 00:38:30.539 let's go to 00:38:30.539 --> 00:38:30.840 him now 00:38:30.840 --> 00:38:31.180 in prayer 00:38:31.180 --> 00:38:31.519 in the name 00:38:31.519 --> 00:38:31.720 of the 00:38:31.720 --> 00:38:31.920 Father 00:38:31.920 --> 00:38:32.180 Son 00:38:32.180 --> 00:38:32.480 and Holy 00:38:32.480 --> 00:38:32.860 Spirit 00:38:32.860 --> 00:38:33.659 Amen