WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.679 So we're going to be in Acts chapter 9 from verse 32 to the end of the chapter. 00:00:04.679 --> 00:00:08.560 That's on page 1103. 00:00:09.960 --> 00:00:13.439 So let's hear God's word together again. 00:00:14.560 --> 00:00:20.320 As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord's people who lived in Lydda. 00:00:21.120 --> 00:00:28.699 There he found a man named Anais, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. 00:00:28.699 --> 00:00:33.820 And Anais, Peter said to him, Jesus Christ heals you. 00:00:34.519 --> 00:00:37.340 Get up and roll up your mat. 00:00:38.200 --> 00:00:40.259 Immediately, Anais got up. 00:00:40.899 --> 00:00:46.340 All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. 00:00:47.340 --> 00:00:50.739 In Joppa, there was a disciple named Tabitha. 00:00:51.200 --> 00:00:53.539 In Greek, her name is Dorcas. 00:00:54.120 --> 00:00:56.200 She was always doing good and helping the poor. 00:00:56.200 --> 00:01:03.000 About that time, she became ill and died and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. 00:01:03.859 --> 00:01:05.079 Lydda was near Joppa. 00:01:05.579 --> 00:01:10.780 So when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, 00:01:11.560 --> 00:01:12.780 please come at once. 00:01:13.500 --> 00:01:17.520 Peter went with them and when he arrived, he was taken upstairs to the room. 00:01:17.519 --> 00:01:26.420 All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them. 00:01:27.340 --> 00:01:29.379 Peter sent them all out of the room. 00:01:29.920 --> 00:01:32.179 Then he got down on his knees and prayed. 00:01:32.899 --> 00:01:36.719 Turning towards the dead women, he said, Tabitha, get up. 00:01:37.259 --> 00:01:40.879 She opened her eyes and seeing Peter, she sat up. 00:01:40.879 --> 00:01:44.239 He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. 00:01:44.679 --> 00:01:51.219 Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. 00:01:51.939 --> 00:01:57.620 This became known all over Joppa and many people believed in the Lord. 00:01:58.659 --> 00:02:04.299 Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon. 00:02:04.299 --> 00:02:05.500 Amen. 00:02:06.280 --> 00:02:13.020 So this morning, what we're thinking about, who we are thinking about, is Jesus, the healer. 00:02:13.819 --> 00:02:19.659 We can see today's story as a point of transition within the story of Acts. 00:02:20.340 --> 00:02:26.919 Whenever we began looking at the book of Acts, we were saying the story of Acts is the story of the risen Jesus 00:02:26.919 --> 00:02:34.060 continuing his saving mission by his spirit and through his people. 00:02:34.300 --> 00:02:44.520 Last week, we were introduced in a dramatic way to Saul, the one-time persecutor who will go on to become 00:02:44.520 --> 00:02:47.820 the great preacher and apostle to the Gentiles. 00:02:47.860 --> 00:02:52.100 He's going to be a key leader taking the message of Jesus to the ends of the earth. 00:02:52.939 --> 00:03:03.180 But before we return back to Saul, who becomes Paul, Luke, as he writes his book, draws our attention back to Peter. 00:03:03.180 --> 00:03:05.099 So we're back with Peter today. 00:03:05.560 --> 00:03:08.020 Peter, who is an apostle. 00:03:09.099 --> 00:03:15.379 He has been commissioned and sent by Jesus to speak and work for Jesus. 00:03:15.740 --> 00:03:21.319 And in both of those stories, the Saul story and the stories that we see in Peter, 00:03:22.060 --> 00:03:24.700 we recognize that Jesus is still working. 00:03:25.280 --> 00:03:27.080 He is still building his church. 00:03:27.080 --> 00:03:31.980 He is still bringing salvation and he is still extending his kingdom. 00:03:33.100 --> 00:03:40.840 And so the big idea in this transition section is that Jesus is the healer who heals the helpless. 00:03:42.480 --> 00:03:46.700 And what I want us to see together is that is good news for us today. 00:03:46.699 --> 00:03:50.879 As we're introduced to God's Savior King. 00:03:51.719 --> 00:03:53.699 And we're introduced to his heart. 00:03:54.299 --> 00:03:59.099 We see his heart is still full of love for suffering people. 00:04:00.060 --> 00:04:07.039 And we recognize that Jesus from heaven, he still has power to heal and to transform. 00:04:07.039 --> 00:04:16.659 We discover that the word of Jesus still reaches across time and space to change people's lives. 00:04:18.099 --> 00:04:22.060 And that's good news as we stand separated in space and time. 00:04:22.639 --> 00:04:24.699 2,000 miles from where this action is happening. 00:04:24.839 --> 00:04:28.000 2,000 years from when the action was happening. 00:04:28.420 --> 00:04:31.360 But Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. 00:04:31.899 --> 00:04:35.060 So we're going to see it together in a variety of different ways. 00:04:35.060 --> 00:04:40.360 The first thing we're going to think about together is the pattern of Jesus. 00:04:41.019 --> 00:04:47.720 So I think we're familiar with the idea of patterns, of labels, of brands. 00:04:48.540 --> 00:04:52.519 And probably we understand the power of branding and labels. 00:04:52.639 --> 00:04:58.540 So for example, if I was to speak about the brand with three stripes, otherwise known as Adidas, 00:04:59.100 --> 00:05:04.480 many of us would instantly have a picture in our head of what that design is. 00:05:04.480 --> 00:05:10.200 So it's been around since 1949, but the design hasn't changed. 00:05:10.700 --> 00:05:13.259 Those three stripes are instantly recognizable. 00:05:13.460 --> 00:05:19.379 So if you see an Adidas shoe in 2026, it connects with the history all the way back since 1949. 00:05:20.439 --> 00:05:26.939 Now I tell you that because as Dr. Luke is recording these stories of the apostles working, 00:05:26.939 --> 00:05:34.160 he is recording them in a specific way so that we see clearly God's design. 00:05:34.959 --> 00:05:37.779 That we see God's pattern hasn't changed. 00:05:37.899 --> 00:05:39.660 That he's still at work. 00:05:39.800 --> 00:05:47.399 That these present miracles of healing connect absolutely with the past healing miracles of God. 00:05:47.399 --> 00:05:56.560 That the kingdom of God is still invading a broken and wounded world through Jesus, our Lord and Savior. 00:05:58.659 --> 00:06:01.639 Dr. Luke wrote two books or one book in two parts. 00:06:01.819 --> 00:06:04.799 Luke, the gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. 00:06:05.000 --> 00:06:11.479 And the pattern in part one in his gospel, Jesus was healing the sick, the paralyzed, the suffering. 00:06:11.480 --> 00:06:14.220 Those who had been dead were raised to life. 00:06:14.900 --> 00:06:20.460 And the pattern in part two in the book of Acts, Jesus is still doing those same things. 00:06:20.980 --> 00:06:25.860 But only now it's through his people on the earth by the power of the Spirit. 00:06:27.319 --> 00:06:30.540 Before we get to our immediate text, look at verse 31. 00:06:30.660 --> 00:06:32.800 If you have your Bibles, look at chapter 9, verse 31. 00:06:32.939 --> 00:06:37.360 Here's a important summary statement which reminds us that we've had a transition. 00:06:37.360 --> 00:06:45.160 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. 00:06:45.800 --> 00:06:51.639 Living in the fear of a Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. 00:06:51.819 --> 00:06:55.600 So you've got this time of peace and growth within the church. 00:06:55.759 --> 00:07:03.920 And it's in that context, verse 32, that Peter travels about the country visiting the Lord's people, visiting the saints. 00:07:04.160 --> 00:07:06.400 He's bringing the gospel to them. 00:07:06.399 --> 00:07:10.439 He's wanting to encourage them as he moves from place to place. 00:07:10.979 --> 00:07:20.419 And Luke deliberately tells us about two places that he stops and two people that Jesus heals through Peter. 00:07:21.139 --> 00:07:26.759 So our first stop is this place called Lydda and to a man called Aeneas. 00:07:27.159 --> 00:07:34.060 So to give you your geographical setting, we're about 25 miles northwest of Jerusalem. 00:07:34.060 --> 00:07:35.779 So we're heading towards the coast. 00:07:36.399 --> 00:07:37.560 And we meet Aeneas. 00:07:37.560 --> 00:07:44.779 In verse 33, we discover he is paralyzed, bedridden for eight years. 00:07:44.879 --> 00:07:50.319 And Luke records the eight years to remind us of his miserable condition, his suffering, 00:07:50.519 --> 00:07:56.379 but also to emphasize the miraculous power that Jesus is going to work through Peter. 00:07:56.379 --> 00:08:01.019 Here's the moment of healing. 00:08:01.019 --> 00:08:07.639 In verse 34, Aeneas, Peter said to him, Jesus Christ heals you. 00:08:08.120 --> 00:08:10.680 Get up and roll your mat. 00:08:11.399 --> 00:08:12.560 So notice this. 00:08:12.680 --> 00:08:15.159 Here is Peter the apostle, and this is a pattern. 00:08:16.060 --> 00:08:21.799 He points away from himself and to Jesus as the one who heals. 00:08:21.859 --> 00:08:23.759 He doesn't want to take any glory to himself. 00:08:23.759 --> 00:08:26.519 He gives glory to Jesus. 00:08:27.480 --> 00:08:29.500 And so he tells him to get up. 00:08:29.980 --> 00:08:32.559 And then there's that interesting detail, roll up your mat. 00:08:32.600 --> 00:08:35.620 And you might think, why is he talking about tidying his mat? 00:08:35.779 --> 00:08:37.019 What's that got to do with anything? 00:08:37.860 --> 00:08:38.980 Why does Luke record that? 00:08:38.980 --> 00:08:46.879 Because he wants to remind us of that earlier miracle that Jesus performed that we heard read about in Luke chapter five. 00:08:47.519 --> 00:08:52.920 So in that incident, Jesus was teaching in a house, and all of a sudden the roof tiles were removed, 00:08:53.060 --> 00:08:56.200 and a paralyzed man was lowered down on a mat. 00:08:56.740 --> 00:08:58.920 And Jesus looks, and he sees faith. 00:08:59.300 --> 00:09:03.500 And first of all, he forgave the man's sin. 00:09:04.680 --> 00:09:06.180 And do you know what that reminds us of? 00:09:06.179 --> 00:09:17.719 No matter what we are going through, our greatest priority and the greatest healing we need is to have our sin dealt with so that we are right with God. 00:09:18.219 --> 00:09:24.019 But then when he says to him, get up, take your mat, and go. 00:09:24.899 --> 00:09:26.419 It's the same pattern. 00:09:27.199 --> 00:09:35.179 So here is Jesus in heaven, and his heart hasn't changed, and his power hasn't changed, and his kingdom continues to grow. 00:09:35.179 --> 00:09:38.779 Next stop takes us to Joppa. 00:09:38.919 --> 00:09:41.759 So we're going another 11 miles northwest. 00:09:42.339 --> 00:09:46.599 So Joppa is now a suburb of modern-day Tel Aviv. 00:09:47.139 --> 00:09:49.799 And we meet a lady called Tabitha. 00:09:51.000 --> 00:09:54.439 In Joppa, verse 36, there was a disciple named Tabitha. 00:09:55.000 --> 00:09:58.339 She was always doing good and helping the poor. 00:09:58.340 --> 00:10:02.060 Now, this was an emphasis for God's people in the Old Testament. 00:10:02.600 --> 00:10:07.920 And we've already seen in the book of Acts, caring for the poor is something the New Testament church is supposed to do. 00:10:08.300 --> 00:10:10.519 The emphasis falls on the work of the deacons. 00:10:10.639 --> 00:10:17.460 But Tabitha knows every person who follows Jesus should be about mercy and care for the people around them, 00:10:17.600 --> 00:10:20.080 and especially towards those in need. 00:10:20.080 --> 00:10:26.639 Now, let's skip down to verse 39 to notice two things. 00:10:29.120 --> 00:10:30.720 Peter went with them. 00:10:30.920 --> 00:10:31.920 We'll come back to that. 00:10:32.420 --> 00:10:33.879 And when he arrived, here's the scene. 00:10:34.440 --> 00:10:35.420 There's some widows. 00:10:35.759 --> 00:10:40.440 They stood around him crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made. 00:10:40.440 --> 00:10:43.420 So notice the impact of her death. 00:10:43.740 --> 00:10:48.440 There is mourning and there is grief for the church and for the wider community. 00:10:49.160 --> 00:10:51.740 Death is always an enemy. 00:10:52.300 --> 00:10:53.600 Jesus came to conquer death. 00:10:54.080 --> 00:10:56.420 But we also see the impact of her life. 00:10:57.220 --> 00:11:00.940 Those clothes, the poor were being provided for. 00:11:02.240 --> 00:11:03.760 Hers is a wonderful testimony. 00:11:03.759 --> 00:11:10.220 But there's a question that I want us to ask ourselves in verse 38. 00:11:11.519 --> 00:11:20.100 Why is it that there are two men traveling these 11 miles with urgency to come to Peter, 00:11:21.039 --> 00:11:24.279 asking, urging him, please come at once? 00:11:24.580 --> 00:11:28.259 What is it they expect Peter to do? 00:11:28.980 --> 00:11:30.879 She is dead after all. 00:11:30.879 --> 00:11:35.419 Well, let me suggest again, there is a clue in our text. 00:11:36.120 --> 00:11:37.159 And it's easy to miss. 00:11:37.539 --> 00:11:41.480 Verse 37, we're told about this time. 00:11:42.139 --> 00:11:47.000 Tabitha became ill and died and her body was washed and placed where? 00:11:47.740 --> 00:11:49.299 In an upstairs room. 00:11:50.000 --> 00:11:55.139 Now, that might seem like an incidental detail, but Luke records it for a purpose. 00:11:55.879 --> 00:11:55.980 Okay. 00:11:55.980 --> 00:12:05.820 So, Peter arrives and what we find in verse 40 is he goes up to the upstairs room and he clears the room. 00:12:06.060 --> 00:12:07.060 So, he's there by himself. 00:12:07.480 --> 00:12:09.220 And then what does he do in verse 40? 00:12:09.360 --> 00:12:13.560 He gets down on his knees and he prays and then he speaks. 00:12:14.320 --> 00:12:20.600 And Tabitha gets up and then she is presented alive to the people who just recently had been mourning. 00:12:20.600 --> 00:12:24.360 I want us to see there is a pattern here too. 00:12:24.920 --> 00:12:27.519 And it's actually a pattern we can find all the way in the Old Testament. 00:12:28.060 --> 00:12:29.740 So, there was a prophet called Elisha. 00:12:30.220 --> 00:12:35.340 And Elisha was asked with urgency to come to see a boy who had died. 00:12:35.720 --> 00:12:38.340 And what happens is Elisha goes upstairs. 00:12:39.440 --> 00:12:41.540 The room is empty, apart from the dead boy. 00:12:41.940 --> 00:12:44.139 And he prays over the boy. 00:12:44.759 --> 00:12:47.820 And the boy is raised to life and returned to his mother. 00:12:47.820 --> 00:12:49.660 So, there's a pattern. 00:12:50.360 --> 00:12:53.240 And we see the pattern also in the life of Jesus. 00:12:53.480 --> 00:12:54.640 And Luke records it for us. 00:12:54.820 --> 00:12:55.940 Luke chapter 7. 00:12:56.320 --> 00:12:58.700 Here's one example of this pattern in Jesus' life. 00:12:59.140 --> 00:13:01.220 Jesus is walking to the town of Nain. 00:13:01.760 --> 00:13:04.720 And there is a funeral procession coming out of Nain. 00:13:05.220 --> 00:13:10.100 And it's being led by a widow who has just lost her only son. 00:13:10.100 --> 00:13:13.379 And Jesus comes to the coffin. 00:13:13.879 --> 00:13:16.220 And he stops the mourners. 00:13:16.480 --> 00:13:18.139 And he raises the boy. 00:13:18.320 --> 00:13:20.860 And he gives the boy back to his mother. 00:13:21.920 --> 00:13:22.759 Do you see the pattern? 00:13:23.320 --> 00:13:27.080 But it becomes even more clear in Luke chapter 9. 00:13:27.700 --> 00:13:32.040 So, in Luke chapter 9, there is a man who comes urgently to Jesus. 00:13:32.320 --> 00:13:32.960 It's Jairus. 00:13:33.560 --> 00:13:36.879 Jesus, will you come and heal my daughter? 00:13:36.960 --> 00:13:37.840 She's very sick. 00:13:37.840 --> 00:13:41.120 And then we discover, actually, she's now died. 00:13:42.280 --> 00:13:43.600 Well, Jesus goes. 00:13:44.720 --> 00:13:47.139 And what does Jesus do when he gets to the upstairs room? 00:13:47.960 --> 00:13:48.960 He clears it out. 00:13:49.340 --> 00:13:52.460 The only people that are there are Jairus and his wife. 00:13:53.120 --> 00:13:54.399 And three disciples. 00:13:54.519 --> 00:13:55.560 Peter, James, and John. 00:13:56.500 --> 00:13:58.300 And having cleared the room. 00:13:58.399 --> 00:13:59.300 Having gone upstairs. 00:14:00.060 --> 00:14:01.800 Jesus then speaks. 00:14:01.799 --> 00:14:03.879 Just two words. 00:14:03.879 --> 00:14:05.259 In Aramaic. 00:14:05.679 --> 00:14:06.479 Talitha. 00:14:07.079 --> 00:14:07.339 Kum. 00:14:08.559 --> 00:14:11.339 But words that Peter would never forget. 00:14:11.759 --> 00:14:14.459 As this little girl rose immediately to life. 00:14:14.919 --> 00:14:17.000 Because do you know what Peter says? 00:14:17.459 --> 00:14:19.019 As we come back to Joppa. 00:14:19.599 --> 00:14:20.559 Not Talitha. 00:14:20.620 --> 00:14:20.899 Kum. 00:14:21.639 --> 00:14:22.679 But Tabitha. 00:14:23.120 --> 00:14:23.379 Kum. 00:14:23.379 --> 00:14:28.220 Almost exactly the same words in Aramaic. 00:14:28.620 --> 00:14:34.019 Reminding us that Jesus is continuing this pattern of salvation. 00:14:35.120 --> 00:14:38.000 Jesus is bringing the kingdom of God. 00:14:38.659 --> 00:14:41.519 In these powerful healing miracles. 00:14:41.519 --> 00:14:44.559 And now what I want us to do. 00:14:45.100 --> 00:14:46.639 Is to tie these healings. 00:14:46.639 --> 00:14:48.860 And every healing that Jesus does. 00:14:49.019 --> 00:14:50.259 To the good news. 00:14:50.519 --> 00:14:51.799 Of the Christian faith. 00:14:52.879 --> 00:14:55.039 So back in Matthew chapter 8. 00:14:55.600 --> 00:14:57.759 Matthew chapter 8 is a wonderful example. 00:14:57.919 --> 00:15:00.360 Where Jesus is doing so many different kinds of miracles. 00:15:00.679 --> 00:15:03.139 Helping and healing so many different kinds of people. 00:15:03.600 --> 00:15:04.259 And Matthew. 00:15:04.519 --> 00:15:06.220 As he writes his gospel down. 00:15:06.340 --> 00:15:07.620 He includes the comment. 00:15:09.199 --> 00:15:11.299 He goes to Isaiah 53. 00:15:11.519 --> 00:15:15.720 And the part that talks about Jesus taking up our diseases. 00:15:16.720 --> 00:15:21.379 And he recognizes Jesus is fulfilling Isaiah 53. 00:15:21.960 --> 00:15:24.079 Jesus is the suffering servant. 00:15:25.579 --> 00:15:26.939 Now this matters. 00:15:28.059 --> 00:15:29.519 According to the Bible. 00:15:30.699 --> 00:15:33.259 The cause of all sickness. 00:15:33.740 --> 00:15:34.639 And suffering. 00:15:35.059 --> 00:15:37.059 And ultimately death in our lives. 00:15:37.299 --> 00:15:38.679 In some way or another. 00:15:38.679 --> 00:15:39.679 Connects back. 00:15:39.679 --> 00:15:40.259 Connects back. 00:15:40.959 --> 00:15:42.539 To the problem of sin. 00:15:42.659 --> 00:15:44.139 That entered into the world. 00:15:44.239 --> 00:15:45.219 When Adam and Eve. 00:15:45.639 --> 00:15:46.959 Rebelled against God. 00:15:48.199 --> 00:15:50.839 That all that has become broken in the world. 00:15:50.959 --> 00:15:53.159 Is like the ripple effect of sin. 00:15:53.620 --> 00:15:55.139 That causes all. 00:15:55.500 --> 00:15:56.439 That goes wrong. 00:15:56.440 --> 00:16:00.420 And the only answer. 00:16:00.420 --> 00:16:02.120 To the problem of sin. 00:16:02.120 --> 00:16:05.220 Is for Jesus to come and establish his kingdom. 00:16:06.220 --> 00:16:07.820 And the Bible tells us. 00:16:07.820 --> 00:16:09.480 That Jesus kingdom. 00:16:09.480 --> 00:16:10.400 One day. 00:16:10.780 --> 00:16:12.460 Will have no sickness. 00:16:13.000 --> 00:16:14.740 Will have no death. 00:16:15.420 --> 00:16:16.220 Forever. 00:16:16.220 --> 00:16:16.340 Forever. 00:16:17.340 --> 00:16:19.580 But the only way that can happen. 00:16:20.340 --> 00:16:21.100 Is if. 00:16:21.639 --> 00:16:23.139 God somehow finds a way. 00:16:23.320 --> 00:16:24.820 To deal with sin. 00:16:25.220 --> 00:16:27.000 Once and for all. 00:16:27.420 --> 00:16:29.279 To deal with that problem. 00:16:29.480 --> 00:16:30.620 And its ripple effects. 00:16:32.080 --> 00:16:33.800 And do you know how God does that? 00:16:34.759 --> 00:16:37.259 God does it by sending his son Jesus. 00:16:37.960 --> 00:16:40.379 And by Jesus willingly becoming. 00:16:40.720 --> 00:16:42.279 The suffering servant. 00:16:42.500 --> 00:16:44.399 Spoken about in Isaiah 53. 00:16:44.399 --> 00:16:47.799 So Jesus will go to the cross. 00:16:48.120 --> 00:16:50.240 And he will be loaded up. 00:16:50.340 --> 00:16:51.639 With our sin. 00:16:52.120 --> 00:16:53.399 With our guilt. 00:16:54.159 --> 00:16:55.579 With our shame. 00:16:56.360 --> 00:16:59.100 And he will pay the price in full. 00:16:59.419 --> 00:17:00.959 So that by his wounds. 00:17:01.100 --> 00:17:02.459 We can be healed. 00:17:03.240 --> 00:17:04.960 At the cross at Calvary. 00:17:05.619 --> 00:17:07.879 Jesus wins for his people. 00:17:08.519 --> 00:17:11.740 The promise of a world without sickness and death. 00:17:11.740 --> 00:17:12.279 Forever. 00:17:12.279 --> 00:17:12.399 Forever. 00:17:13.960 --> 00:17:15.799 The ripple effect. 00:17:16.119 --> 00:17:17.579 Of God's love. 00:17:17.740 --> 00:17:19.359 Extended to us at the cross. 00:17:19.480 --> 00:17:19.759 Is. 00:17:20.420 --> 00:17:21.319 Our forgiveness. 00:17:22.440 --> 00:17:24.779 And our eternal life. 00:17:25.399 --> 00:17:26.339 If our faith. 00:17:26.480 --> 00:17:27.240 Is in Jesus. 00:17:28.579 --> 00:17:30.539 If your faith is in Jesus today. 00:17:30.720 --> 00:17:31.779 Praise him for that. 00:17:32.920 --> 00:17:34.379 And if your faith isn't in Jesus. 00:17:34.539 --> 00:17:36.940 Let me invite you to trust him for that. 00:17:37.559 --> 00:17:39.240 For that perfect world. 00:17:39.319 --> 00:17:40.559 Of true healing. 00:17:40.559 --> 00:17:43.240 So that's the pattern of Jesus. 00:17:43.960 --> 00:17:44.579 Let's think. 00:17:45.019 --> 00:17:46.359 Now about the power. 00:17:46.919 --> 00:17:47.399 Of. 00:17:48.019 --> 00:17:48.399 Jesus. 00:17:50.240 --> 00:17:51.879 I think for most of us. 00:17:51.879 --> 00:17:54.119 We are used to thinking about the world. 00:17:54.339 --> 00:17:54.579 In a. 00:17:54.679 --> 00:17:55.759 In a material way. 00:17:56.639 --> 00:17:57.579 Many of us. 00:17:57.740 --> 00:17:58.819 We are in school. 00:17:58.879 --> 00:17:59.619 Or university. 00:17:59.619 --> 00:18:01.960 We are studying laws of science. 00:18:02.399 --> 00:18:03.059 Physics. 00:18:03.220 --> 00:18:03.619 Chemistry. 00:18:03.759 --> 00:18:04.299 Biology. 00:18:04.299 --> 00:18:11.619 And we can be so used to allowing the laws of science and nature to explain and govern everything. 00:18:11.619 --> 00:18:14.459 So we can have a thinking that says. 00:18:14.459 --> 00:18:16.239 Well all that we see. 00:18:16.399 --> 00:18:18.419 Is all that there is. 00:18:19.479 --> 00:18:23.219 And we can easily lose sense of the spiritual dimension. 00:18:23.919 --> 00:18:26.019 We can lose our sense of wonder. 00:18:26.299 --> 00:18:27.939 Even the wonder of our own bodies. 00:18:28.079 --> 00:18:29.459 With their healing capacity. 00:18:30.339 --> 00:18:31.659 I was thinking about that this week. 00:18:32.119 --> 00:18:32.339 You know. 00:18:32.339 --> 00:18:34.079 We get some kind of cut. 00:18:34.619 --> 00:18:35.839 Or we get a virus. 00:18:36.579 --> 00:18:37.679 Or we break a bone. 00:18:38.059 --> 00:18:42.459 And God has designed our bodies with the capacity to heal themselves. 00:18:43.559 --> 00:18:45.119 But all too easily. 00:18:45.879 --> 00:18:47.299 In the modern world. 00:18:47.659 --> 00:18:48.779 Our creator. 00:18:49.619 --> 00:18:51.079 Well he's removed from the picture. 00:18:51.079 --> 00:18:52.199 You know. 00:18:52.199 --> 00:18:54.419 Either we simply act as if he does not exist. 00:18:55.000 --> 00:18:56.439 Or that he is far away. 00:18:56.579 --> 00:18:57.839 And he's on the sidelines. 00:18:58.799 --> 00:19:00.720 But in the coming of Jesus. 00:19:01.240 --> 00:19:05.759 You and I are invited to see reality differently. 00:19:06.579 --> 00:19:08.960 Because this is the point in history. 00:19:09.220 --> 00:19:10.720 Where God the creator. 00:19:11.039 --> 00:19:12.679 Who is the creator of heaven and earth. 00:19:12.720 --> 00:19:13.439 Including history. 00:19:13.639 --> 00:19:14.639 He enters in. 00:19:15.759 --> 00:19:17.799 And he takes human form. 00:19:17.799 --> 00:19:20.919 That the son of God becomes one of us. 00:19:21.079 --> 00:19:26.039 And he begins to establish the kingdom of God in this world. 00:19:26.379 --> 00:19:28.740 This is the time when heaven and earth collide. 00:19:29.059 --> 00:19:32.099 As he displays his power and glory. 00:19:33.000 --> 00:19:37.899 And we begin to see renewal and restoration. 00:19:38.659 --> 00:19:43.619 We see life being transformed as the Lord God acts. 00:19:43.859 --> 00:19:46.419 And so every time in the gospels. 00:19:46.720 --> 00:19:48.119 Or every time in the book of Acts. 00:19:48.299 --> 00:19:50.579 We encounter a miracle of Jesus. 00:19:50.579 --> 00:19:56.460 We need to understand these are both a signpost to his glorious identity as the son of God. 00:19:56.559 --> 00:20:01.199 But also telling us more about what his kingdom is like. 00:20:01.200 --> 00:20:05.340 Now let's go back to Lydda and to Joppa. 00:20:06.340 --> 00:20:09.480 Because these are two powerful stories of hope. 00:20:10.140 --> 00:20:13.080 Because here we have through the apostle Peter. 00:20:13.180 --> 00:20:15.120 The powerful God of glory. 00:20:15.340 --> 00:20:18.480 Getting involved and showing his care. 00:20:19.220 --> 00:20:21.259 In the lives of two very different people. 00:20:21.259 --> 00:20:24.059 One is a paralyzed man. 00:20:24.059 --> 00:20:26.440 One is a very active in the community woman. 00:20:27.039 --> 00:20:28.660 But they are both helpless. 00:20:29.599 --> 00:20:31.319 And Jesus steps in to help both. 00:20:32.279 --> 00:20:33.559 In verse 34. 00:20:34.000 --> 00:20:36.480 The help of Jesus is really explicit. 00:20:37.680 --> 00:20:39.440 Peter said to Anais. 00:20:39.879 --> 00:20:42.180 Jesus Christ heals you. 00:20:42.180 --> 00:20:47.360 And in those words and in that moment there is instant healing. 00:20:48.060 --> 00:20:50.299 There is no need for him to be in bed anymore. 00:20:50.700 --> 00:20:52.940 There is no need for rehab or physio. 00:20:53.340 --> 00:20:56.080 The healing is instant and complete. 00:20:56.079 --> 00:21:02.019 The power of Jesus operating in the story of Tabitha. 00:21:02.419 --> 00:21:04.199 Well that's more implicit. 00:21:04.960 --> 00:21:06.899 Because what do we have in verse 40. 00:21:07.299 --> 00:21:08.699 Peter sent them out of the room. 00:21:09.079 --> 00:21:11.000 Then he got down on his knees. 00:21:11.799 --> 00:21:12.559 And he prayed. 00:21:14.259 --> 00:21:17.259 Peter knows he will not do this in his power. 00:21:17.259 --> 00:21:21.119 And so he prays for the Lord's power to be active. 00:21:21.500 --> 00:21:23.039 And in both cases. 00:21:23.039 --> 00:21:26.879 It is the life giving power of the risen Lord. 00:21:27.059 --> 00:21:30.299 The Lord who stands at the center of history. 00:21:30.700 --> 00:21:32.519 Who brings his healing. 00:21:33.220 --> 00:21:35.059 Who brings this transformation. 00:21:36.319 --> 00:21:40.859 And it's the way Jesus continues to operate to this day. 00:21:44.480 --> 00:21:45.740 And this section. 00:21:45.899 --> 00:21:46.779 Which is a wonderful section. 00:21:46.859 --> 00:21:48.440 Is part of a wider section. 00:21:48.819 --> 00:21:51.480 And this wider section that shows us the power. 00:21:51.480 --> 00:21:53.460 The transforming grace of Jesus. 00:21:53.620 --> 00:21:55.360 It can give all of us hope. 00:21:56.279 --> 00:21:57.940 I would suggest whoever we are. 00:21:58.019 --> 00:21:58.940 However we've come in here. 00:21:59.240 --> 00:22:01.420 There is hope for us in this story. 00:22:01.640 --> 00:22:03.200 So we met last week. 00:22:03.900 --> 00:22:04.400 Saul. 00:22:05.200 --> 00:22:07.839 Saul who didn't believe Jesus is Lord. 00:22:08.319 --> 00:22:11.180 Saul who is living in opposition to Jesus. 00:22:11.640 --> 00:22:13.019 Jesus came in power. 00:22:13.259 --> 00:22:14.559 And healed his heart. 00:22:15.759 --> 00:22:16.819 So he's converted. 00:22:16.819 --> 00:22:19.179 Then we meet. 00:22:19.639 --> 00:22:20.159 Aeneas. 00:22:20.659 --> 00:22:21.379 And Tabitha. 00:22:23.839 --> 00:22:25.099 And the feeling is. 00:22:25.500 --> 00:22:26.500 One of need. 00:22:26.960 --> 00:22:27.619 Or being helpless. 00:22:27.799 --> 00:22:28.480 Or being hopeless. 00:22:29.579 --> 00:22:31.599 And that might be where we find ourselves today. 00:22:32.059 --> 00:22:34.139 Maybe that's because of things going on physically. 00:22:34.740 --> 00:22:36.240 Maybe it's spiritually. 00:22:37.019 --> 00:22:39.480 And again there is hope from Jesus for us. 00:22:40.279 --> 00:22:42.579 There's an interesting figure in verse 43. 00:22:42.740 --> 00:22:44.439 We could easily skip by him. 00:22:45.039 --> 00:22:46.700 Peter stayed in Joppa for some time. 00:22:46.759 --> 00:22:47.500 With a tanner. 00:22:47.840 --> 00:22:48.460 Named Simon. 00:22:48.620 --> 00:22:49.960 So he's a leather worker. 00:22:50.080 --> 00:22:51.519 And do you know if you're a leather worker. 00:22:51.940 --> 00:22:53.140 And you're Jewish. 00:22:53.140 --> 00:22:55.340 You are religiously unclean. 00:22:56.600 --> 00:22:57.860 But here is Peter. 00:22:58.000 --> 00:22:59.039 The apostle of Jesus. 00:22:59.400 --> 00:23:01.320 And now he's spending time with this man. 00:23:01.440 --> 00:23:02.799 Sharing fellowship with him. 00:23:03.080 --> 00:23:04.900 And that speaks of God's grace. 00:23:05.279 --> 00:23:07.299 To those who maybe feel lonely. 00:23:07.980 --> 00:23:09.039 Or isolated. 00:23:09.900 --> 00:23:12.000 Or a social outcast in some way. 00:23:12.000 --> 00:23:14.859 And then next week. 00:23:15.440 --> 00:23:18.619 We get to spend time with a man called Cornelius. 00:23:19.119 --> 00:23:20.519 From a foreign army. 00:23:20.799 --> 00:23:22.240 From a foreign country. 00:23:22.920 --> 00:23:25.680 He has no claim on Jesus whatsoever. 00:23:25.680 --> 00:23:31.180 But he too discovers the mercy and grace of Jesus as Lord. 00:23:32.539 --> 00:23:35.000 In Jesus the healer. 00:23:35.400 --> 00:23:37.960 The Lord of creation and salvation. 00:23:37.960 --> 00:23:41.579 There is hope for all of us today. 00:23:42.579 --> 00:23:45.279 And in that there is an invitation today. 00:23:45.559 --> 00:23:48.620 To come to Jesus in faith. 00:23:49.360 --> 00:23:52.640 To find this healing that he promises. 00:23:52.640 --> 00:23:56.259 But what we're going to do to us now. 00:23:56.360 --> 00:23:57.900 Is we're going to pause for a moment. 00:23:58.020 --> 00:23:59.860 There's an important I think question. 00:23:59.860 --> 00:24:01.560 That we have to ask ourselves. 00:24:03.280 --> 00:24:04.920 What about healing today? 00:24:04.960 --> 00:24:07.720 Because we're talking about physical healing today. 00:24:08.540 --> 00:24:10.400 And so we need to ask ourselves. 00:24:10.580 --> 00:24:11.840 About healing today. 00:24:12.860 --> 00:24:14.620 I don't know if that's something that you've thought about. 00:24:14.660 --> 00:24:16.180 Maybe you've thought about it a lot. 00:24:17.120 --> 00:24:18.840 I'm going to share just a few thoughts. 00:24:19.320 --> 00:24:21.759 From someone I consider to be a helpful guide. 00:24:21.759 --> 00:24:23.079 So there's a pastor in the States. 00:24:23.099 --> 00:24:23.980 He's called Trip Lee. 00:24:24.559 --> 00:24:25.940 And I find him a helpful guide. 00:24:25.940 --> 00:24:27.879 Because he's suffered from a serious illness. 00:24:27.879 --> 00:24:29.039 For over 12 years. 00:24:29.200 --> 00:24:31.420 Struggling every day with serious illness. 00:24:31.500 --> 00:24:35.940 So when somebody speaks from a position of lived out experience. 00:24:35.940 --> 00:24:37.900 That's a useful voice for us. 00:24:38.740 --> 00:24:39.900 Some observations. 00:24:40.960 --> 00:24:43.579 First of all on the topic of healing and faith. 00:24:43.879 --> 00:24:45.900 So he's always very honest. 00:24:47.000 --> 00:24:48.920 But sometimes it can be a real struggle. 00:24:48.920 --> 00:24:50.599 To read these kind of texts. 00:24:50.599 --> 00:24:53.159 It makes it sound so easy. 00:24:53.719 --> 00:24:55.299 Just have faith. 00:24:55.719 --> 00:24:57.059 And healing will come. 00:24:59.000 --> 00:25:00.959 And so sometimes when the healing doesn't come. 00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:01.579 The question is. 00:25:01.740 --> 00:25:02.879 Well why not me? 00:25:02.939 --> 00:25:04.299 And why not now? 00:25:06.259 --> 00:25:07.859 If you've ever wrestled with that. 00:25:07.980 --> 00:25:09.599 This is Trip Lee's counsel. 00:25:09.719 --> 00:25:10.879 Which I think is really helpful. 00:25:11.719 --> 00:25:12.399 He says. 00:25:12.399 --> 00:25:14.500 Present your brokenness. 00:25:14.839 --> 00:25:16.779 With open handed faith. 00:25:16.779 --> 00:25:18.460 In other words. 00:25:18.559 --> 00:25:21.039 Come knowing that God can. 00:25:23.039 --> 00:25:25.579 And ask that God will. 00:25:27.240 --> 00:25:28.619 But recognize. 00:25:31.180 --> 00:25:33.379 We can't demand that God do. 00:25:33.899 --> 00:25:36.299 We can't try to bargain with God. 00:25:36.859 --> 00:25:38.039 We have to pray. 00:25:38.180 --> 00:25:39.799 Your will be done. 00:25:39.799 --> 00:25:41.200 So we pray. 00:25:41.359 --> 00:25:42.559 What's on our heart. 00:25:43.220 --> 00:25:45.720 And we're invited to pray with faith. 00:25:46.099 --> 00:25:48.619 And we trust that God is good. 00:25:49.659 --> 00:25:51.059 But that isn't a guarantee. 00:25:53.899 --> 00:25:55.779 Here's another thing to consider. 00:25:55.919 --> 00:25:57.559 When we think about healing today. 00:25:57.720 --> 00:26:00.460 Is to think about healing in biblical history. 00:26:00.460 --> 00:26:01.640 So in the story of the Bible. 00:26:02.279 --> 00:26:04.079 It may be somewhat surprising. 00:26:04.079 --> 00:26:04.940 To recognize. 00:26:05.100 --> 00:26:06.700 That there are limited windows. 00:26:07.360 --> 00:26:09.100 Where we see miracles. 00:26:09.900 --> 00:26:10.299 Active. 00:26:10.620 --> 00:26:11.840 Where God is active. 00:26:12.160 --> 00:26:13.420 In miracle working. 00:26:13.660 --> 00:26:14.980 So we see it around the time of Moses. 00:26:16.700 --> 00:26:18.480 And we see it around the time of Elijah. 00:26:18.480 --> 00:26:19.240 And Elisha. 00:26:19.900 --> 00:26:21.539 And then we see it especially. 00:26:22.100 --> 00:26:23.000 With Jesus. 00:26:23.440 --> 00:26:24.840 And then with the apostles. 00:26:25.600 --> 00:26:28.019 It comes at very important times. 00:26:28.019 --> 00:26:29.279 In salvation history. 00:26:29.279 --> 00:26:30.879 Here is this moment. 00:26:30.879 --> 00:26:32.779 Where the kingdom of God is breaking in. 00:26:32.839 --> 00:26:34.259 Because Jesus the king has come. 00:26:34.899 --> 00:26:36.700 And so there are lots of healing signs. 00:26:36.879 --> 00:26:39.460 That validate the messenger. 00:26:40.279 --> 00:26:42.180 And that demonstrate the mission. 00:26:43.720 --> 00:26:45.460 And that's just to help us recognize. 00:26:45.460 --> 00:26:47.440 That it's not the normal pattern. 00:26:47.440 --> 00:26:48.599 In biblical history. 00:26:49.639 --> 00:26:51.559 So we shouldn't necessarily expect. 00:26:51.559 --> 00:26:53.000 It to be the normal pattern. 00:26:53.000 --> 00:26:54.539 In all of history. 00:26:56.639 --> 00:26:57.899 Another important thing. 00:26:58.059 --> 00:26:58.740 To consider. 00:26:58.740 --> 00:27:00.259 When we come to the topic of healing. 00:27:00.259 --> 00:27:01.180 Is to think about healing. 00:27:01.180 --> 00:27:02.740 Within Jesus' own mission. 00:27:04.180 --> 00:27:05.039 Luke chapter 4. 00:27:05.140 --> 00:27:06.400 Is really important on this. 00:27:07.180 --> 00:27:07.960 Luke chapter 4. 00:27:07.960 --> 00:27:10.000 Records the beginning of Jesus' ministry. 00:27:10.339 --> 00:27:12.259 And the crucial emphasis for Jesus. 00:27:12.720 --> 00:27:13.019 Jesus. 00:27:13.160 --> 00:27:13.960 Why did you come? 00:27:14.960 --> 00:27:15.400 He would say. 00:27:15.480 --> 00:27:17.079 I came to preach. 00:27:17.480 --> 00:27:19.440 The good news of the kingdom of God. 00:27:20.079 --> 00:27:21.279 So there's a town. 00:27:21.500 --> 00:27:23.460 And Jesus has healed everyone in the town. 00:27:23.559 --> 00:27:24.440 And they're desperate. 00:27:24.440 --> 00:27:25.720 That Jesus stick around. 00:27:25.720 --> 00:27:27.900 But he won't stick around. 00:27:27.900 --> 00:27:29.660 To be their faith healer. 00:27:29.660 --> 00:27:32.620 It is more important to go other places. 00:27:32.620 --> 00:27:35.160 To preach good news. 00:27:38.620 --> 00:27:40.160 It's not enough. 00:27:40.880 --> 00:27:43.440 To come to Jesus for healing. 00:27:44.000 --> 00:27:45.360 It's not enough. 00:27:45.360 --> 00:27:47.940 To come to Jesus for any of his gifts. 00:27:47.940 --> 00:27:49.940 We need to come to him. 00:27:49.940 --> 00:27:51.019 As Lord. 00:27:51.460 --> 00:27:53.559 As king of kings. 00:27:54.000 --> 00:27:56.779 And to understand him on his own terms. 00:27:56.900 --> 00:27:58.340 He came to be a savior. 00:27:58.840 --> 00:27:59.960 For sinners. 00:28:00.279 --> 00:28:01.940 To save us primarily. 00:28:01.940 --> 00:28:03.340 From the problem of sin. 00:28:03.339 --> 00:28:08.859 Another thing that we see in Jesus' ministry. 00:28:08.859 --> 00:28:09.659 Is that healing. 00:28:10.019 --> 00:28:11.439 Is not a guarantee. 00:28:11.439 --> 00:28:12.720 That faith will follow. 00:28:14.220 --> 00:28:15.579 Maybe you've had these thoughts. 00:28:15.619 --> 00:28:16.839 Or had this kind of conversation. 00:28:16.939 --> 00:28:18.039 Well if only Jesus would. 00:28:18.199 --> 00:28:18.959 Would show up. 00:28:19.000 --> 00:28:20.619 And do some more miracles in our day. 00:28:20.720 --> 00:28:22.720 Then loads of people would become Christians. 00:28:24.339 --> 00:28:25.919 If you read the gospels. 00:28:26.500 --> 00:28:28.559 That logic doesn't add up. 00:28:29.179 --> 00:28:30.939 When Jesus did miracles. 00:28:30.940 --> 00:28:32.160 And he did all the miracles. 00:28:32.160 --> 00:28:34.000 With a perfect pure loving heart. 00:28:34.240 --> 00:28:35.259 He was rejected. 00:28:35.440 --> 00:28:36.960 And hated by the masses. 00:28:38.259 --> 00:28:39.380 When Jesus went. 00:28:39.519 --> 00:28:41.039 And raised his friend Lazarus. 00:28:41.140 --> 00:28:41.680 Publicly. 00:28:41.759 --> 00:28:43.019 Everybody knew he did it. 00:28:44.860 --> 00:28:46.420 People conspired. 00:28:46.900 --> 00:28:47.940 To kill him. 00:28:48.799 --> 00:28:50.120 And to kill Lazarus. 00:28:52.000 --> 00:28:53.299 So healing is not. 00:28:53.500 --> 00:28:54.779 Going to be a guarantee of faith. 00:28:56.320 --> 00:28:57.360 I think it's also. 00:28:57.779 --> 00:28:59.200 Important for us to understand. 00:28:59.320 --> 00:28:59.960 That healing. 00:29:00.940 --> 00:29:02.920 Is broader and deeper than we think. 00:29:04.220 --> 00:29:05.759 Now what do I mean by that? 00:29:06.700 --> 00:29:08.600 I mean it's important for us to think about. 00:29:08.920 --> 00:29:09.740 Spiritual healing. 00:29:10.720 --> 00:29:12.559 If you and I are here today. 00:29:12.559 --> 00:29:14.059 And we have been forgiven. 00:29:14.460 --> 00:29:16.100 And washed clean of our sin. 00:29:16.180 --> 00:29:17.320 And given a new heart. 00:29:19.120 --> 00:29:21.180 You have been healed. 00:29:22.480 --> 00:29:23.640 So that even if. 00:29:24.019 --> 00:29:25.920 Physical healing that you might long for. 00:29:26.019 --> 00:29:27.200 Does not come. 00:29:27.200 --> 00:29:29.000 We can still hold on with faith. 00:29:29.000 --> 00:29:30.039 We can still hold on with faith. 00:29:30.039 --> 00:29:32.440 To the reality of that. 00:29:32.779 --> 00:29:33.980 Deep healing. 00:29:33.980 --> 00:29:35.680 That Jesus has worked. 00:29:39.180 --> 00:29:40.940 And here's the last thing. 00:29:42.160 --> 00:29:44.160 That I need for us to hear. 00:29:45.279 --> 00:29:46.799 It's a promise really. 00:29:47.700 --> 00:29:48.460 That healing. 00:29:49.039 --> 00:29:50.340 Will be complete. 00:29:51.180 --> 00:29:52.180 One day. 00:29:52.180 --> 00:29:56.080 When we ask for healing. 00:29:56.080 --> 00:29:57.940 As a child of God. 00:29:58.759 --> 00:29:59.840 Recognize this. 00:30:00.160 --> 00:30:02.360 Jesus never says no. 00:30:02.880 --> 00:30:03.940 To his child. 00:30:05.080 --> 00:30:06.799 But he may say. 00:30:07.460 --> 00:30:08.600 Not yet. 00:30:10.600 --> 00:30:12.720 Let me remind you of the gospel. 00:30:12.720 --> 00:30:14.819 The gospel tells us. 00:30:14.819 --> 00:30:17.519 That by the wounds of Jesus. 00:30:17.920 --> 00:30:19.839 We are healed. 00:30:20.799 --> 00:30:22.120 That Jesus did. 00:30:22.500 --> 00:30:23.700 Purchase true. 00:30:23.920 --> 00:30:24.940 And ultimate. 00:30:25.200 --> 00:30:26.779 And eternal healing. 00:30:27.319 --> 00:30:28.240 For his people. 00:30:28.480 --> 00:30:29.279 On the cross. 00:30:29.500 --> 00:30:30.220 At Calvary. 00:30:31.440 --> 00:30:33.579 And when Jesus returns. 00:30:34.120 --> 00:30:36.779 We will have glorified bodies. 00:30:37.940 --> 00:30:39.180 Free of sickness. 00:30:39.500 --> 00:30:40.339 And pain. 00:30:40.339 --> 00:30:41.439 And suffering. 00:30:41.439 --> 00:30:41.579 And tears. 00:30:41.579 --> 00:30:41.579 00:30:41.579 --> 00:30:42.559 And death. 00:30:42.559 --> 00:30:43.619 And death. 00:30:44.019 --> 00:30:45.299 For all eternity. 00:30:45.480 --> 00:30:46.399 Time without end. 00:30:49.720 --> 00:30:51.179 So that while. 00:30:51.519 --> 00:30:52.720 We battle. 00:30:53.039 --> 00:30:54.059 With suffering. 00:30:54.179 --> 00:30:54.839 And sickness. 00:30:55.980 --> 00:30:57.539 There is a battle. 00:30:57.740 --> 00:30:58.419 For faith. 00:30:59.359 --> 00:31:00.439 That we turn. 00:31:00.599 --> 00:31:01.319 To Christ. 00:31:01.439 --> 00:31:02.139 On the cross. 00:31:03.179 --> 00:31:04.419 That we trust. 00:31:04.500 --> 00:31:05.079 To Jesus. 00:31:05.079 --> 00:31:06.699 Who bore the scars. 00:31:06.699 --> 00:31:07.819 For our salvation. 00:31:08.519 --> 00:31:09.480 To understand. 00:31:09.480 --> 00:31:10.980 That he is the son of God. 00:31:10.980 --> 00:31:12.240 Who cares deeply. 00:31:13.039 --> 00:31:14.420 And that he has entered. 00:31:14.640 --> 00:31:15.240 Into creation. 00:31:15.420 --> 00:31:16.000 To begin. 00:31:16.319 --> 00:31:17.640 A work of renewal. 00:31:17.640 --> 00:31:18.420 And healing. 00:31:18.720 --> 00:31:20.259 And he will return. 00:31:20.380 --> 00:31:21.160 To complete it. 00:31:23.720 --> 00:31:25.339 And because we know. 00:31:25.460 --> 00:31:26.259 He loves us. 00:31:26.940 --> 00:31:28.480 We can find comfort. 00:31:29.019 --> 00:31:30.339 And rest in him. 00:31:31.500 --> 00:31:32.920 And look to the future. 00:31:32.920 --> 00:31:33.519 With hope. 00:31:33.519 --> 00:31:36.440 It's the power of Jesus. 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:39.339 And let's think finally. 00:31:39.539 --> 00:31:41.000 About the salvation. 00:31:41.599 --> 00:31:42.440 Of Jesus. 00:31:42.559 --> 00:31:42.859 And again. 00:31:42.859 --> 00:31:43.720 It's very much. 00:31:44.839 --> 00:31:45.519 Interconnected. 00:31:45.839 --> 00:31:46.639 So as we said. 00:31:46.680 --> 00:31:47.079 At the beginning. 00:31:47.220 --> 00:31:48.079 Key to the story. 00:31:48.079 --> 00:31:49.200 Of the book of Acts. 00:31:49.200 --> 00:31:50.539 Is that the risen Jesus. 00:31:50.539 --> 00:31:51.359 From heaven. 00:31:51.720 --> 00:31:52.859 Continues his mission. 00:31:52.859 --> 00:31:53.740 By his spirit. 00:31:53.879 --> 00:31:54.879 And by his church. 00:31:55.079 --> 00:31:56.579 He's giving you life. 00:31:56.900 --> 00:31:57.819 People are hearing. 00:31:58.019 --> 00:31:59.759 And people are believing. 00:31:59.759 --> 00:32:03.440 And what Luke chooses to do. 00:32:03.660 --> 00:32:05.099 Is to record the words. 00:32:05.099 --> 00:32:06.879 Of Peter for us. 00:32:07.099 --> 00:32:08.720 And the words of Peter. 00:32:09.579 --> 00:32:10.740 Remind us. 00:32:11.819 --> 00:32:12.839 Of resurrection. 00:32:13.920 --> 00:32:15.900 When Peter says to Aeneas. 00:32:16.000 --> 00:32:16.960 In verse 34. 00:32:17.379 --> 00:32:17.759 Get up. 00:32:18.559 --> 00:32:20.420 Or when he says to Tabitha. 00:32:20.519 --> 00:32:21.460 In verse 40. 00:32:21.660 --> 00:32:22.539 Get up. 00:32:22.779 --> 00:32:25.180 It's the same word. 00:32:25.859 --> 00:32:27.799 That's used to speak of God. 00:32:28.119 --> 00:32:28.759 Raising Jesus. 00:32:28.759 --> 00:32:29.240 Jesus. 00:32:29.819 --> 00:32:30.480 From the dead. 00:32:33.420 --> 00:32:34.019 Jesus. 00:32:34.019 --> 00:32:35.339 The healer. 00:32:35.720 --> 00:32:37.079 Is providing. 00:32:37.079 --> 00:32:38.259 These signs. 00:32:38.259 --> 00:32:39.539 For us. 00:32:40.240 --> 00:32:41.200 To understand. 00:32:41.200 --> 00:32:42.420 That new life. 00:32:42.759 --> 00:32:43.200 Comes. 00:32:43.200 --> 00:32:44.920 Through the resurrection. 00:32:45.240 --> 00:32:46.640 Power of the Lord Jesus. 00:32:49.140 --> 00:32:50.440 And there's clues. 00:32:50.440 --> 00:32:51.200 Within this story. 00:32:52.119 --> 00:32:53.400 Of the power. 00:32:53.579 --> 00:32:55.119 Of the risen Jesus. 00:32:56.059 --> 00:32:56.879 So again. 00:32:56.960 --> 00:32:57.940 Like a stone. 00:32:58.119 --> 00:32:58.740 Dropped into. 00:32:58.759 --> 00:32:59.259 Upon. 00:32:59.359 --> 00:32:59.779 There is this. 00:32:59.779 --> 00:33:00.740 Ripple effect. 00:33:00.740 --> 00:33:01.519 Of salvation. 00:33:01.519 --> 00:33:02.079 Power. 00:33:02.079 --> 00:33:03.039 So verse. 00:33:03.460 --> 00:33:04.180 34. 00:33:05.019 --> 00:33:06.240 Aeneas is healed. 00:33:06.619 --> 00:33:07.460 Verse 35. 00:33:08.259 --> 00:33:09.220 All those who lived. 00:33:09.299 --> 00:33:09.640 In Lydda. 00:33:09.720 --> 00:33:10.079 And shared. 00:33:10.200 --> 00:33:10.660 And saw him. 00:33:10.779 --> 00:33:11.079 And turned. 00:33:11.180 --> 00:33:11.720 To the Lord. 00:33:12.379 --> 00:33:13.559 Verse 41. 00:33:14.379 --> 00:33:14.980 Tabitha. 00:33:15.059 --> 00:33:15.599 Is helped. 00:33:15.680 --> 00:33:16.220 To her feet. 00:33:16.379 --> 00:33:17.279 Raised from the dead. 00:33:17.660 --> 00:33:18.420 Verse 42. 00:33:18.879 --> 00:33:19.839 This became known. 00:33:20.079 --> 00:33:20.779 All over Joppa. 00:33:20.859 --> 00:33:21.680 And many people. 00:33:21.799 --> 00:33:22.259 Believed. 00:33:22.259 --> 00:33:22.940 In the Lord. 00:33:22.940 --> 00:33:23.440 The power. 00:33:23.440 --> 00:33:23.759 The power. 00:33:23.759 --> 00:33:24.640 And love. 00:33:24.640 --> 00:33:25.360 Of Jesus. 00:33:25.360 --> 00:33:26.259 Is experienced. 00:33:26.259 --> 00:33:28.299 By two individuals. 00:33:29.039 --> 00:33:30.160 That transformation. 00:33:30.160 --> 00:33:31.000 That God. 00:33:31.000 --> 00:33:32.240 Has clearly worked. 00:33:32.240 --> 00:33:32.840 Through his son. 00:33:32.880 --> 00:33:33.460 The Lord Jesus. 00:33:33.460 --> 00:33:35.580 It has a wider effect. 00:33:36.480 --> 00:33:37.039 And others. 00:33:37.179 --> 00:33:38.019 Come to be drawn. 00:33:38.179 --> 00:33:38.699 Into. 00:33:39.179 --> 00:33:40.039 The salvation. 00:33:40.039 --> 00:33:40.759 Of the king. 00:33:41.519 --> 00:33:42.339 That's a great pattern. 00:33:42.339 --> 00:33:43.299 Within God's kingdom. 00:33:43.759 --> 00:33:44.679 Think about our own. 00:33:44.879 --> 00:33:45.439 Witness. 00:33:45.539 --> 00:33:46.000 Whether we're thinking. 00:33:46.159 --> 00:33:46.579 Individually. 00:33:46.659 --> 00:33:47.419 Or as a church. 00:33:47.599 --> 00:33:48.579 As we worship. 00:33:48.679 --> 00:33:49.039 As we. 00:33:49.220 --> 00:33:49.879 Bear witness. 00:33:49.879 --> 00:33:51.319 To what Jesus has done. 00:33:51.599 --> 00:33:52.559 The difference. 00:33:52.559 --> 00:33:53.599 That Jesus makes. 00:33:53.599 --> 00:33:54.179 To our life. 00:33:54.179 --> 00:33:55.480 God is pleased. 00:33:55.619 --> 00:33:56.139 To use. 00:33:56.139 --> 00:33:57.139 Our witness. 00:33:57.140 --> 00:33:59.140 To extend. 00:33:59.360 --> 00:34:00.420 The saving power. 00:34:00.420 --> 00:34:01.200 Of Jesus. 00:34:01.680 --> 00:34:02.580 To others. 00:34:04.680 --> 00:34:05.700 Get up. 00:34:07.100 --> 00:34:08.019 Get up. 00:34:08.200 --> 00:34:09.240 Simple words. 00:34:09.360 --> 00:34:10.420 But so powerful. 00:34:13.059 --> 00:34:14.400 Take you back. 00:34:14.559 --> 00:34:15.300 As we close. 00:34:15.380 --> 00:34:16.380 To Easter Sunday. 00:34:17.960 --> 00:34:19.340 The Lord Jesus. 00:34:19.820 --> 00:34:20.619 Having died. 00:34:20.619 --> 00:34:21.420 On Good Friday. 00:34:21.539 --> 00:34:22.240 Having been buried. 00:34:22.240 --> 00:34:22.940 In the tomb. 00:34:24.119 --> 00:34:25.119 On that first. 00:34:25.119 --> 00:34:26.200 Easter Sunday. 00:34:26.200 --> 00:34:26.860 Morning. 00:34:27.139 --> 00:34:29.079 He hears those words. 00:34:29.079 --> 00:34:29.960 From his father. 00:34:30.119 --> 00:34:30.799 Get up. 00:34:31.659 --> 00:34:32.639 And he is raised. 00:34:32.639 --> 00:34:33.379 From the dead. 00:34:33.379 --> 00:34:34.699 By the power of God. 00:34:34.920 --> 00:34:35.839 And Jesus too. 00:34:36.000 --> 00:34:36.859 Tidies up. 00:34:37.059 --> 00:34:37.839 His mat. 00:34:37.920 --> 00:34:38.539 In the tomb. 00:34:38.719 --> 00:34:40.139 He has no more need of it. 00:34:40.359 --> 00:34:41.500 And he walks out. 00:34:41.500 --> 00:34:42.219 In glory. 00:34:42.219 --> 00:34:43.079 And victory. 00:34:43.079 --> 00:34:44.099 To continue. 00:34:44.339 --> 00:34:45.179 His mission. 00:34:45.179 --> 00:34:45.980 Of salvation. 00:34:48.019 --> 00:34:48.539 This. 00:34:49.039 --> 00:34:49.480 Jesus. 00:34:50.839 --> 00:34:52.359 The risen Jesus. 00:34:54.539 --> 00:34:55.359 He is the one. 00:34:55.440 --> 00:34:56.059 Who can heal us. 00:34:57.139 --> 00:34:58.619 He can heal us. 00:34:58.619 --> 00:34:58.619 00:34:58.739 --> 00:34:59.219 Ultimately. 00:34:59.219 --> 00:34:59.839 From our. 00:34:59.839 --> 00:35:02.159 Spiritual paralysis. 00:35:03.239 --> 00:35:04.719 Left to ourselves. 00:35:04.719 --> 00:35:05.759 When we are helpless. 00:35:06.379 --> 00:35:07.779 To please God. 00:35:08.179 --> 00:35:09.960 When we are unworthy. 00:35:09.960 --> 00:35:11.239 To know God. 00:35:12.400 --> 00:35:13.980 Crippled by our guilt. 00:35:14.079 --> 00:35:14.960 And our shame. 00:35:15.480 --> 00:35:15.859 Jesus. 00:35:16.199 --> 00:35:17.079 Can heal. 00:35:17.339 --> 00:35:17.920 And forgive. 00:35:17.920 --> 00:35:20.179 And this Jesus. 00:35:20.179 --> 00:35:21.960 Can raise you. 00:35:22.559 --> 00:35:24.559 From spiritual death. 00:35:24.559 --> 00:35:24.679 Life. 00:35:26.039 --> 00:35:26.519 Lifeless. 00:35:27.719 --> 00:35:28.900 Separated from God. 00:35:29.480 --> 00:35:30.360 Under his. 00:35:30.360 --> 00:35:31.380 Just judgment. 00:35:31.539 --> 00:35:33.320 And heading for eternal death. 00:35:34.239 --> 00:35:36.039 Jesus can give you new life. 00:35:36.679 --> 00:35:37.460 And he does it. 00:35:37.519 --> 00:35:38.779 By God's grace. 00:35:39.480 --> 00:35:40.539 In the true healing. 00:35:40.719 --> 00:35:41.079 Found. 00:35:41.559 --> 00:35:42.480 Through his cross. 00:35:43.139 --> 00:35:44.099 And resurrection. 00:35:45.259 --> 00:35:46.019 So again. 00:35:46.079 --> 00:35:47.579 If you trust Jesus today. 00:35:48.639 --> 00:35:49.840 I invite you to worship. 00:35:49.840 --> 00:35:50.699 With joy. 00:35:50.699 --> 00:35:52.799 And if you don't. 00:35:53.119 --> 00:35:53.939 Trust him yet. 00:35:54.059 --> 00:35:55.099 Will you ask Jesus. 00:35:55.259 --> 00:35:56.099 Even today. 00:35:56.759 --> 00:35:58.399 To be your healer. 00:35:59.319 --> 00:36:00.639 Let's pray together. 00:36:02.659 --> 00:36:03.299 Lord. 00:36:03.379 --> 00:36:03.960 Our God. 00:36:04.059 --> 00:36:04.899 We thank you. 00:36:05.679 --> 00:36:06.899 For being able to. 00:36:07.239 --> 00:36:08.759 Consider your words. 00:36:09.019 --> 00:36:09.779 And to see that. 00:36:09.919 --> 00:36:10.939 Jesus from heaven. 00:36:11.359 --> 00:36:12.059 It continues. 00:36:12.299 --> 00:36:12.980 To display. 00:36:13.179 --> 00:36:13.839 His power. 00:36:14.039 --> 00:36:14.819 And love. 00:36:15.139 --> 00:36:16.000 In the lives. 00:36:16.179 --> 00:36:17.079 Of people. 00:36:17.739 --> 00:36:18.579 And we pray. 00:36:18.579 --> 00:36:19.679 For each one of us. 00:36:19.679 --> 00:36:21.339 That we might experience this. 00:36:21.980 --> 00:36:22.539 Powerfully. 00:36:22.539 --> 00:36:23.739 And personally. 00:36:24.339 --> 00:36:25.599 The saving work. 00:36:25.699 --> 00:36:26.519 Of God. 00:36:26.639 --> 00:36:27.779 In our lives. 00:36:27.819 --> 00:36:28.719 As we would come. 00:36:28.879 --> 00:36:29.599 To trust. 00:36:29.779 --> 00:36:30.440 In Jesus. 00:36:31.179 --> 00:36:31.940 We thank you. 00:36:32.019 --> 00:36:32.980 For his death. 00:36:33.399 --> 00:36:34.519 And resurrection. 00:36:35.279 --> 00:36:35.960 We thank you. 00:36:36.000 --> 00:36:37.619 That in his being raised up. 00:36:37.739 --> 00:36:38.359 We too. 00:36:38.919 --> 00:36:40.159 Can be raised up. 00:36:40.579 --> 00:36:41.519 To new life. 00:36:41.619 --> 00:36:42.379 With our God. 00:36:42.799 --> 00:36:43.859 Give us faith. 00:36:43.980 --> 00:36:44.440 To believe. 00:36:45.539 --> 00:36:45.759 Lord. 00:36:45.799 --> 00:36:46.619 We give you thanks. 00:36:46.619 --> 00:36:47.480 This morning. 00:36:47.919 --> 00:36:48.899 For the good news. 00:36:48.900 --> 00:36:49.960 For our church family. 00:36:49.960 --> 00:36:51.639 Of the safe arrival. 00:36:51.639 --> 00:36:52.800 Of baby Finley. 00:36:53.420 --> 00:36:54.160 And we do pray. 00:36:54.160 --> 00:36:55.000 For him. 00:36:55.280 --> 00:36:55.960 That you would continue. 00:36:55.960 --> 00:36:57.019 To grant to him. 00:36:57.160 --> 00:36:57.519 Health. 00:36:58.160 --> 00:36:59.240 We give thanks. 00:36:59.240 --> 00:37:00.400 With Kellen and Sarah. 00:37:00.400 --> 00:37:01.740 And with their families. 00:37:02.360 --> 00:37:02.900 We pray. 00:37:02.980 --> 00:37:03.680 That you would give them. 00:37:03.820 --> 00:37:04.519 Great joy. 00:37:04.760 --> 00:37:05.900 In these early days. 00:37:05.900 --> 00:37:06.960 Of family life. 00:37:07.340 --> 00:37:08.119 And we pray. 00:37:08.119 --> 00:37:08.740 For Finley. 00:37:08.740 --> 00:37:10.079 That he would grow up. 00:37:10.440 --> 00:37:11.200 To know. 00:37:11.360 --> 00:37:11.880 To love. 00:37:11.980 --> 00:37:12.940 To trust you. 00:37:13.440 --> 00:37:14.340 To experience. 00:37:14.340 --> 00:37:15.579 His saving power. 00:37:16.139 --> 00:37:17.639 In his life. 00:37:17.639 --> 00:37:18.440 To experience. 00:37:18.440 --> 00:37:19.500 Your saving power. 00:37:19.500 --> 00:37:20.319 In his life. 00:37:20.960 --> 00:37:22.139 That there would never be a day. 00:37:22.139 --> 00:37:23.460 When he wouldn't know Jesus. 00:37:23.859 --> 00:37:24.739 As Lord. 00:37:24.920 --> 00:37:25.839 And as Savior. 00:37:26.679 --> 00:37:26.859 Lord. 00:37:26.900 --> 00:37:28.219 We also want to give you thanks. 00:37:28.559 --> 00:37:29.480 For the provision. 00:37:29.599 --> 00:37:30.559 Of a church lunch. 00:37:30.980 --> 00:37:31.639 And we thank you. 00:37:31.679 --> 00:37:33.039 That we can share friendship. 00:37:33.259 --> 00:37:33.799 And food. 00:37:33.900 --> 00:37:34.779 Because there are those. 00:37:34.879 --> 00:37:36.019 Who are using their gifts. 00:37:36.019 --> 00:37:37.039 To serve us. 00:37:37.460 --> 00:37:38.359 So generously. 00:37:38.559 --> 00:37:39.400 And sacrificially. 00:37:39.799 --> 00:37:40.379 And we pray. 00:37:40.460 --> 00:37:41.139 That you would bless. 00:37:41.279 --> 00:37:42.259 Our time together. 00:37:42.759 --> 00:37:43.379 And we pray. 00:37:43.379 --> 00:37:44.239 That we would be. 00:37:44.239 --> 00:37:45.239 A church where. 00:37:46.179 --> 00:37:47.659 Friendship can be established. 00:37:48.379 --> 00:37:49.179 That it would feel. 00:37:49.179 --> 00:37:50.279 Like a church family. 00:37:50.739 --> 00:37:51.959 For whoever comes. 00:37:52.039 --> 00:37:52.959 For however long. 00:37:53.339 --> 00:37:54.059 And we've been here. 00:37:54.179 --> 00:37:55.039 Whether that's decades. 00:37:55.039 --> 00:37:55.819 Or days. 00:37:56.899 --> 00:37:57.099 Lord. 00:37:57.139 --> 00:37:58.379 We pray today too. 00:37:58.519 --> 00:37:59.059 For those. 00:37:59.459 --> 00:38:00.199 Who feel. 00:38:00.639 --> 00:38:01.579 And their sense. 00:38:01.579 --> 00:38:02.479 Of being helpless. 00:38:02.479 --> 00:38:03.199 And hopeless. 00:38:04.299 --> 00:38:05.519 Those who feel. 00:38:05.519 --> 00:38:06.119 The need. 00:38:06.219 --> 00:38:07.219 Of your healing. 00:38:08.039 --> 00:38:08.299 Lord. 00:38:08.379 --> 00:38:08.859 We pray. 00:38:08.979 --> 00:38:10.259 That you would extend mercy. 00:38:10.959 --> 00:38:11.539 We pray. 00:38:11.539 --> 00:38:12.639 That you would draw near. 00:38:12.639 --> 00:38:13.819 We pray. 00:38:13.920 --> 00:38:15.119 That you would grant comfort. 00:38:15.779 --> 00:38:16.299 And we pray. 00:38:16.480 --> 00:38:17.799 That you would be glorified. 00:38:18.539 --> 00:38:20.019 In people's lives. 00:38:20.039 --> 00:38:20.839 As they would come. 00:38:20.980 --> 00:38:22.259 To lean on you. 00:38:23.239 --> 00:38:24.940 To call out to you. 00:38:25.500 --> 00:38:26.379 And to rest. 00:38:26.579 --> 00:38:27.119 In your love. 00:38:27.239 --> 00:38:27.759 For them. 00:38:28.779 --> 00:38:29.139 Lord. 00:38:29.159 --> 00:38:30.019 We also want to pray. 00:38:30.579 --> 00:38:31.599 For our world. 00:38:31.719 --> 00:38:32.079 We pray. 00:38:32.239 --> 00:38:33.099 Especially for. 00:38:33.519 --> 00:38:34.199 The continent. 00:38:34.319 --> 00:38:34.859 Of Africa. 00:38:35.000 --> 00:38:36.099 As we've been asked to. 00:38:36.199 --> 00:38:36.400 By. 00:38:37.179 --> 00:38:37.659 African. 00:38:37.659 --> 00:38:38.259 Christian. 00:38:38.259 --> 00:38:38.639 Church. 00:38:38.639 --> 00:38:39.000 Leaders. 00:38:39.639 --> 00:38:39.819 Lord. 00:38:39.859 --> 00:38:40.379 We pray. 00:38:40.599 --> 00:38:41.480 For healing. 00:38:41.480 --> 00:38:43.199 From violence. 00:38:43.500 --> 00:38:44.579 And extremism. 00:38:45.099 --> 00:38:46.639 From all the attacks. 00:38:46.639 --> 00:38:47.639 On Christians. 00:38:47.639 --> 00:38:48.539 And churches. 00:38:49.480 --> 00:38:50.219 And we pray. 00:38:50.360 --> 00:38:51.300 That you would be pleased. 00:38:51.300 --> 00:38:52.619 To grant healing. 00:38:53.039 --> 00:38:53.900 In lives. 00:38:54.000 --> 00:38:54.780 And communities. 00:38:54.780 --> 00:38:56.300 And in society. 00:38:56.760 --> 00:38:58.059 As people would turn. 00:38:58.260 --> 00:38:58.800 From darkness. 00:38:59.280 --> 00:39:00.159 To the light. 00:39:00.219 --> 00:39:00.800 Of Jesus. 00:39:01.440 --> 00:39:02.420 And it's in his name. 00:39:02.500 --> 00:39:02.940 We pray. 00:39:03.579 --> 00:39:03.940 Amen. 00:39:03.940 --> 00:39:04.000 Amen. 00:39:04.000 --> 00:39:04.039 Amen. 00:39:04.039 --> 00:39:04.539 Amen. 00:39:04.539 --> 00:39:04.940 Amen. 00:39:04.940 --> 00:39:04.940 00:39:04.940 --> 00:39:04.940 00:39:04.940 --> 00:39:04.940 00:39:04.940 --> 00:39:04.940 00:39:04.940 --> 00:39:04.940 00:39:04.940 --> 00:39:04.940 00:39:04.940 --> 00:39:04.940 00:39:04.940 --> 00:39:04.940 00:39:04.940 --> 00:39:04.940 00:39:04.940 --> 00:39:04.940 00:39:04.940 --> 00:39:04.940 00:39:04.940 --> 00:39:04.940 00:39:04.940 --> 00:39:04.940 00:39:04.940 --> 00:39:04.940 00:39:04.940 --> 00:39:05.940 Amen. 00:39:05.940 --> 00:39:05.940 00:39:05.940 --> 00:39:06.940 Amen. 00:39:06.940 --> 00:39:06.940 00:39:06.940 --> 00:39:07.940 Amen. 00:39:07.940 --> 00:39:07.940 00:39:07.940 --> 00:39:07.940 00:39:07.940 --> 00:39:08.940 Amen. 00:39:08.940 --> 00:39:08.940 00:39:08.940 --> 00:39:09.940 Amen. 00:39:09.940 --> 00:39:10.940 Amen.