WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.660 Greetings, and so glad to speak with you again. 00:00:04.360 --> 00:00:07.440 If you do not know me, my name is John Lau, 00:00:07.900 --> 00:00:10.140 and I'm still the minister here at St. Paul's. 00:00:11.740 --> 00:00:13.800 Do you like to follow TV series? 00:00:14.480 --> 00:00:16.859 I was following a couple from the US, 00:00:17.300 --> 00:00:21.960 but I was forced to stop because the channel is working out 00:00:21.960 --> 00:00:24.400 whether they will continue the show or not. 00:00:24.980 --> 00:00:29.179 TV channels always leave the viewers hanging 00:00:29.179 --> 00:00:34.280 between series, and we are left to wonder 00:00:34.280 --> 00:00:36.479 what is going to happen next. 00:00:38.399 --> 00:00:42.240 And what is worse is they also do not tell you 00:00:42.240 --> 00:00:44.640 when we start the series, 00:00:45.119 --> 00:00:48.239 or they will start a very similar franchise, 00:00:49.000 --> 00:00:52.600 like all the different CSI and NCIS series. 00:00:53.340 --> 00:00:57.420 And I really, really don't like the cliffhangers 00:00:57.420 --> 00:00:58.820 in between series. 00:00:59.679 --> 00:01:03.420 We are in the middle of a series looking through the book of Acts 00:01:03.420 --> 00:01:05.180 in the New Testament. 00:01:05.560 --> 00:01:08.019 We are looking into how the first generation 00:01:08.019 --> 00:01:13.079 of believers of Jesus live out their life in a new world. 00:01:14.340 --> 00:01:17.039 We come to a point in the book of Acts, 00:01:17.280 --> 00:01:18.659 there are four cliffhangers. 00:01:19.280 --> 00:01:23.680 But these kinds of cliffhangers are good and worth looking into. 00:01:23.680 --> 00:01:27.840 These are the kinds of intercession that I enjoy. 00:01:27.840 --> 00:01:33.780 The chapter we are looking into today can be divided into three mini-series 00:01:33.780 --> 00:01:36.060 based on the three main characters. 00:01:36.980 --> 00:01:40.060 They are Philip, Simon the sorcerer, 00:01:40.560 --> 00:01:42.960 and the Ethiopian unit with no name. 00:01:43.920 --> 00:01:47.480 So let's ask two questions for each of these characters. 00:01:47.480 --> 00:01:49.579 What happened to them? 00:01:49.579 --> 00:01:51.040 And what is next? 00:01:52.180 --> 00:01:54.120 If you already have turned your Bible, 00:01:54.380 --> 00:01:57.840 or if you haven't, please turn with me to Acts chapter 8. 00:01:58.340 --> 00:02:01.120 And we'll begin with Philip from verse 4. 00:02:01.120 --> 00:02:05.240 In verse 1 to 3, there are a couple of characters 00:02:05.240 --> 00:02:07.160 called Stephen and Saul, 00:02:07.540 --> 00:02:09.560 which we have already addressed last week. 00:02:10.360 --> 00:02:14.580 Stephen was chosen to be a leader of the early church, 00:02:15.080 --> 00:02:17.259 and he became the first martyr. 00:02:18.540 --> 00:02:23.060 And Saul is a major character in the development of Christianity. 00:02:23.060 --> 00:02:27.520 Luke, the writer of Book of Acts, 00:02:27.920 --> 00:02:31.520 has given us a bit of teaser, like a movie trailer, 00:02:32.120 --> 00:02:34.840 in the chapter leading into our chapter, 00:02:35.719 --> 00:02:37.520 and following our passage today. 00:02:38.439 --> 00:02:40.300 Since we'll be meeting Saul, 00:02:41.180 --> 00:02:44.819 and Luke dedicated a whole episode for him next week, 00:02:45.500 --> 00:02:47.259 I will not spoil your enjoyment. 00:02:48.020 --> 00:02:51.140 Stay tuned and come back next week to find out what happened to Saul, 00:02:51.139 --> 00:02:56.359 and what's next about the proclamation of God's good news of salvation. 00:02:58.859 --> 00:03:02.699 After Stephen was martyred towards the end of last chapter, 00:03:03.799 --> 00:03:08.819 naturally, when a significant local leader in any movement was killed, 00:03:09.619 --> 00:03:12.279 we were asked, what's going to happen to the movement? 00:03:13.839 --> 00:03:16.459 In Acts 1, chapter 8, told us that 00:03:16.459 --> 00:03:19.679 Jesus started this saving work of God 00:03:19.680 --> 00:03:21.719 by commissioning his disciples 00:03:21.719 --> 00:03:23.860 to take the good news of salvation 00:03:23.860 --> 00:03:26.700 from Judea to Samaria, 00:03:27.500 --> 00:03:28.560 to the Gentiles, 00:03:28.860 --> 00:03:29.939 and to the end of the earth. 00:03:31.200 --> 00:03:32.099 Stephen's death 00:03:32.099 --> 00:03:35.480 started this expansion of proclamation of good news 00:03:35.480 --> 00:03:36.860 to the new ground, 00:03:37.719 --> 00:03:40.680 and we came to see what happens to another leader, Philip. 00:03:41.400 --> 00:03:44.800 So in chapter 8, first one says, 00:03:44.800 --> 00:03:47.020 On that day, a great persecution 00:03:47.020 --> 00:03:49.300 broke out against a church in Jerusalem, 00:03:49.980 --> 00:03:51.520 and all except the apostles 00:03:51.520 --> 00:03:54.439 were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 00:03:55.460 --> 00:03:57.040 And then we jump down to verse 4. 00:03:57.780 --> 00:04:00.380 Those who had been scattered preached the word 00:04:00.380 --> 00:04:01.439 wherever they went. 00:04:02.020 --> 00:04:04.120 Philip went down to a city in Samaria 00:04:04.120 --> 00:04:06.140 and proclaimed the Messiah there. 00:04:06.139 --> 00:04:09.959 What has happened to Stephen 00:04:09.959 --> 00:04:11.879 has become an impetus. 00:04:12.739 --> 00:04:15.299 The believers had stayed in Jerusalem 00:04:15.299 --> 00:04:16.519 since chapter 2, 00:04:16.779 --> 00:04:17.680 is now scattered. 00:04:18.800 --> 00:04:21.479 The scattering is a corrective action 00:04:21.479 --> 00:04:23.079 done by God 00:04:23.079 --> 00:04:25.319 because the good news of salvation 00:04:25.319 --> 00:04:26.519 was meant to go out. 00:04:28.459 --> 00:04:30.959 Philip was chosen with Stephen 00:04:30.959 --> 00:04:34.379 initially to look after food distribution 00:04:34.379 --> 00:04:36.420 among the believers in Jerusalem. 00:04:37.819 --> 00:04:40.100 Now, he went down to Samaria, 00:04:41.100 --> 00:04:43.120 and instead of distributing food 00:04:43.120 --> 00:04:44.779 for physical need, 00:04:45.339 --> 00:04:46.719 he proclaimed the Messiah 00:04:46.719 --> 00:04:48.560 and preached the word of Jesus 00:04:48.560 --> 00:04:51.100 to provide food for the soul. 00:04:53.060 --> 00:04:54.779 A new proclamation has begun. 00:04:55.659 --> 00:04:58.500 It's new because we have new agents 00:04:58.500 --> 00:05:00.040 and new locations. 00:05:01.560 --> 00:05:02.579 Adding to the apostles 00:05:02.579 --> 00:05:04.479 who remain in Jerusalem. 00:05:05.199 --> 00:05:06.399 Now we have believers 00:05:06.399 --> 00:05:09.060 scattered throughout Judea and Samaria, 00:05:09.859 --> 00:05:11.659 preaching and proclaiming as they go. 00:05:13.159 --> 00:05:14.680 Philip brought the gospel 00:05:14.680 --> 00:05:16.319 to a city in Samaria, 00:05:17.039 --> 00:05:17.959 proclaiming Jesus. 00:05:19.699 --> 00:05:21.419 Verse 6 to 8 tell us 00:05:21.419 --> 00:05:23.079 how the crowd responded. 00:05:24.299 --> 00:05:24.759 They say, 00:05:25.299 --> 00:05:26.279 when they heard Philip 00:05:26.279 --> 00:05:28.879 and saw the signs that he performed, 00:05:29.319 --> 00:05:31.019 they all paid close attention 00:05:31.019 --> 00:05:32.319 to what he said. 00:05:33.439 --> 00:05:34.939 And there were great joys 00:05:34.939 --> 00:05:36.099 in the city 00:05:36.099 --> 00:05:39.399 because many immediate needs 00:05:39.399 --> 00:05:40.339 were fulfilled. 00:05:41.319 --> 00:05:42.299 Then in verse 12, 00:05:43.379 --> 00:05:44.799 when they believed Philip 00:05:44.799 --> 00:05:46.259 as he proclaimed the good news 00:05:46.259 --> 00:05:47.339 of the kingdom of God 00:05:47.339 --> 00:05:48.959 and the name of Jesus Christ, 00:05:49.339 --> 00:05:50.240 they were baptized, 00:05:50.719 --> 00:05:51.879 both men and women. 00:05:53.199 --> 00:05:55.859 They heard and accepted the good news. 00:05:55.860 --> 00:05:57.400 They responded 00:05:57.400 --> 00:05:59.199 by their action, 00:05:59.439 --> 00:06:00.520 just like those believers 00:06:00.520 --> 00:06:01.800 back in Acts 2. 00:06:03.480 --> 00:06:05.199 This is not the first time 00:06:05.199 --> 00:06:07.120 the name of Jesus 00:06:07.120 --> 00:06:08.860 proclaimed in Samaria. 00:06:09.819 --> 00:06:11.360 In John chapter 4, 00:06:11.620 --> 00:06:13.259 verse 39 to 42, 00:06:14.180 --> 00:06:15.360 Jesus' name was proclaimed 00:06:15.360 --> 00:06:16.100 by a woman 00:06:16.100 --> 00:06:17.840 who met Jesus. 00:06:18.660 --> 00:06:19.680 And this also happened 00:06:19.680 --> 00:06:20.340 to the crowd. 00:06:21.240 --> 00:06:22.540 John chapter 4. 00:06:22.540 --> 00:06:26.980 Many of the Samaritans 00:06:26.980 --> 00:06:27.939 from that time 00:06:27.939 --> 00:06:28.840 believed in him 00:06:28.840 --> 00:06:30.680 because of the woman's testimony. 00:06:31.760 --> 00:06:32.800 So when the Samaritan 00:06:32.800 --> 00:06:33.620 came to him, 00:06:34.120 --> 00:06:34.720 they urged him 00:06:34.720 --> 00:06:35.760 to stay with them, 00:06:36.060 --> 00:06:36.860 and he stayed. 00:06:37.720 --> 00:06:39.020 And because of his words, 00:06:39.400 --> 00:06:39.939 many more 00:06:39.939 --> 00:06:40.939 become believers. 00:06:41.680 --> 00:06:42.720 They said to the woman, 00:06:43.360 --> 00:06:44.439 we no longer believe 00:06:44.439 --> 00:06:46.200 just because of what you said, 00:06:46.660 --> 00:06:48.300 but we have heard for ourselves, 00:06:48.300 --> 00:06:49.939 and we know this man 00:06:49.939 --> 00:06:51.540 really is the savior 00:06:51.540 --> 00:06:52.240 of the world. 00:06:52.540 --> 00:06:55.840 From these two occasions, 00:06:56.560 --> 00:06:57.620 if I'm going to think 00:06:57.620 --> 00:06:58.780 about a body part 00:06:58.780 --> 00:07:00.319 to represent the people 00:07:00.319 --> 00:07:01.060 of Samaria, 00:07:02.020 --> 00:07:02.720 I would definitely 00:07:02.720 --> 00:07:04.180 define them 00:07:04.180 --> 00:07:04.900 as a people 00:07:04.900 --> 00:07:06.180 of active ears, 00:07:07.300 --> 00:07:08.420 actively listening, 00:07:09.200 --> 00:07:09.740 attentive, 00:07:10.180 --> 00:07:10.860 and responsive. 00:07:12.280 --> 00:07:13.660 They all heard 00:07:13.660 --> 00:07:14.600 and believed 00:07:14.600 --> 00:07:15.320 the proclamation 00:07:15.320 --> 00:07:16.259 and responded. 00:07:17.320 --> 00:07:17.960 They believed 00:07:17.960 --> 00:07:18.620 what they heard 00:07:18.620 --> 00:07:19.860 from the witness, 00:07:20.439 --> 00:07:21.100 but they did not 00:07:21.100 --> 00:07:21.740 stop there. 00:07:22.540 --> 00:07:23.340 They seek out 00:07:23.340 --> 00:07:24.020 the object 00:07:24.020 --> 00:07:24.960 of their belief 00:07:24.960 --> 00:07:25.860 to confirm 00:07:25.860 --> 00:07:26.520 he really 00:07:26.520 --> 00:07:27.780 is the savior 00:07:27.780 --> 00:07:28.560 of the world. 00:07:30.160 --> 00:07:31.439 Our current climate, 00:07:31.939 --> 00:07:32.420 living under 00:07:32.420 --> 00:07:32.860 the shadow 00:07:32.860 --> 00:07:33.540 of a pandemic, 00:07:34.180 --> 00:07:34.920 has opened up 00:07:34.920 --> 00:07:35.600 a lot of people 00:07:35.600 --> 00:07:36.540 towards the idea 00:07:36.540 --> 00:07:37.840 that they may 00:07:37.840 --> 00:07:38.800 also need a savior. 00:07:40.160 --> 00:07:40.920 They want 00:07:40.920 --> 00:07:41.720 some comfort 00:07:41.720 --> 00:07:42.759 to their worries 00:07:42.759 --> 00:07:44.079 and religion 00:07:44.079 --> 00:07:44.139 and religion 00:07:44.139 --> 00:07:45.620 seems to be able 00:07:45.620 --> 00:07:46.259 to provide. 00:07:47.839 --> 00:07:49.439 It would be so great 00:07:49.439 --> 00:07:50.719 if they have 00:07:50.719 --> 00:07:51.659 the active ears 00:07:51.659 --> 00:07:52.579 of Samaritans 00:07:52.579 --> 00:07:54.180 to truly know 00:07:54.180 --> 00:07:57.680 and confirm 00:07:57.680 --> 00:07:58.699 Jesus really 00:07:58.699 --> 00:07:59.620 is the savior 00:07:59.620 --> 00:08:00.420 of the world. 00:08:00.420 --> 00:08:02.780 our current 00:08:02.780 --> 00:08:03.259 climate 00:08:03.259 --> 00:08:04.759 also reveals 00:08:04.759 --> 00:08:05.400 a lot of 00:08:05.400 --> 00:08:06.040 ignorance 00:08:06.040 --> 00:08:06.900 and arrogance 00:08:06.900 --> 00:08:07.980 of religious people, 00:08:09.180 --> 00:08:09.860 believing that 00:08:09.860 --> 00:08:10.560 they are above 00:08:10.560 --> 00:08:11.600 the health advice 00:08:11.600 --> 00:08:12.439 of their government 00:08:12.439 --> 00:08:13.980 because their God 00:08:13.980 --> 00:08:15.379 will protect them. 00:08:16.180 --> 00:08:16.960 And we can see 00:08:16.960 --> 00:08:18.080 the sad consequences 00:08:18.080 --> 00:08:19.220 of many 00:08:19.220 --> 00:08:20.500 infection clusters 00:08:20.500 --> 00:08:21.660 from religious 00:08:21.660 --> 00:08:22.540 establishments. 00:08:22.540 --> 00:08:24.860 is it possible 00:08:24.860 --> 00:08:26.460 that they aren't 00:08:26.460 --> 00:08:27.160 really following 00:08:27.160 --> 00:08:28.500 the real savior 00:08:28.500 --> 00:08:30.020 and just going 00:08:30.020 --> 00:08:30.660 through motions? 00:08:32.220 --> 00:08:33.420 Is it possible 00:08:33.420 --> 00:08:34.899 that they believe 00:08:34.899 --> 00:08:35.800 just because of 00:08:35.800 --> 00:08:36.620 what the other 00:08:36.620 --> 00:08:37.659 humans tell them 00:08:37.659 --> 00:08:38.740 and have not 00:08:38.740 --> 00:08:39.960 heed for themselves 00:08:39.960 --> 00:08:40.860 and come to 00:08:40.860 --> 00:08:41.700 real knowledge 00:08:41.700 --> 00:08:43.740 of who really 00:08:43.740 --> 00:08:44.440 is the savior 00:08:44.440 --> 00:08:45.080 of the world? 00:08:47.480 --> 00:08:48.899 People will end up 00:08:48.899 --> 00:08:50.039 putting their life 00:08:50.039 --> 00:08:51.019 and the life 00:08:51.019 --> 00:08:52.159 of other people 00:08:52.159 --> 00:08:53.039 and many other 00:08:53.039 --> 00:08:53.919 people's at risk 00:08:53.919 --> 00:08:55.159 if they do not 00:08:55.159 --> 00:08:56.379 take God seriously. 00:08:58.139 --> 00:08:59.139 Our second character 00:08:59.139 --> 00:09:00.259 gives us a very 00:09:00.259 --> 00:09:01.299 stern warning 00:09:01.299 --> 00:09:02.620 that something 00:09:02.620 --> 00:09:03.339 serious 00:09:03.339 --> 00:09:04.219 is at hand. 00:09:05.819 --> 00:09:06.500 It is more 00:09:06.500 --> 00:09:07.000 deadly 00:09:07.000 --> 00:09:07.819 than catching 00:09:07.819 --> 00:09:08.779 COVID-19 00:09:08.779 --> 00:09:10.199 and that character 00:09:10.199 --> 00:09:11.740 is Simon the sorcerer. 00:09:12.919 --> 00:09:13.419 Let's read 00:09:13.419 --> 00:09:14.219 what happened to him, 00:09:14.600 --> 00:09:15.219 see what happened 00:09:15.219 --> 00:09:15.839 next starting 00:09:15.839 --> 00:09:16.699 from verse 9. 00:09:18.339 --> 00:09:19.799 Now for some time 00:09:19.799 --> 00:09:21.299 a man named Simon 00:09:21.299 --> 00:09:22.099 had practiced 00:09:22.099 --> 00:09:23.759 sorcery in the city 00:09:23.759 --> 00:09:24.779 and amazed 00:09:24.779 --> 00:09:25.559 all the people 00:09:25.559 --> 00:09:26.179 of Samaria. 00:09:27.479 --> 00:09:28.399 He boasts that 00:09:28.399 --> 00:09:29.219 he was someone 00:09:29.219 --> 00:09:30.599 great and all 00:09:30.599 --> 00:09:31.079 the people 00:09:31.079 --> 00:09:32.359 both high and low 00:09:32.359 --> 00:09:33.719 give him their 00:09:33.719 --> 00:09:34.659 attention and 00:09:34.659 --> 00:09:35.279 exclaim, 00:09:35.799 --> 00:09:36.699 this man is really 00:09:36.699 --> 00:09:38.139 called the great 00:09:38.139 --> 00:09:39.019 power of God. 00:09:39.819 --> 00:09:40.839 They follow him 00:09:40.839 --> 00:09:41.679 because he had 00:09:41.679 --> 00:09:42.359 amazed them 00:09:42.359 --> 00:09:43.319 for a long time 00:09:43.319 --> 00:09:44.459 with his sorcery. 00:09:44.460 --> 00:09:47.560 I believe we can 00:09:47.560 --> 00:09:48.440 assume that 00:09:48.440 --> 00:09:49.379 Simon is not 00:09:49.379 --> 00:09:50.780 originally from 00:09:50.780 --> 00:09:51.940 Samaria by the 00:09:51.940 --> 00:09:53.280 way that he 00:09:53.280 --> 00:09:53.860 was introduced. 00:09:54.700 --> 00:09:55.580 He was a man 00:09:55.580 --> 00:09:56.660 that came to 00:09:56.660 --> 00:09:57.280 the city 00:09:57.280 --> 00:09:58.379 and amazed 00:09:58.379 --> 00:09:59.180 all the people 00:09:59.180 --> 00:09:59.960 of Samaria. 00:10:01.060 --> 00:10:02.280 He's most likely 00:10:02.280 --> 00:10:03.000 a traveling 00:10:03.000 --> 00:10:03.800 sorcerer, 00:10:04.200 --> 00:10:05.220 making a living 00:10:05.220 --> 00:10:06.100 out of selling 00:10:06.100 --> 00:10:06.820 sorcery. 00:10:07.440 --> 00:10:07.920 And when he 00:10:07.920 --> 00:10:08.800 came to Samaria, 00:10:09.259 --> 00:10:10.080 he got so much 00:10:10.080 --> 00:10:11.259 attention and 00:10:11.259 --> 00:10:11.720 publicity, 00:10:12.139 --> 00:10:12.800 so he stayed. 00:10:12.799 --> 00:10:14.779 If we read on, 00:10:14.859 --> 00:10:15.000 it says, 00:10:15.379 --> 00:10:17.639 but when they 00:10:17.639 --> 00:10:18.399 believed Philip 00:10:18.399 --> 00:10:19.839 as he proclaimed 00:10:19.839 --> 00:10:20.479 the good news 00:10:20.479 --> 00:10:21.139 of the kingdom 00:10:21.139 --> 00:10:21.699 of God 00:10:21.699 --> 00:10:22.599 and the name 00:10:22.599 --> 00:10:23.439 of Jesus Christ, 00:10:23.819 --> 00:10:24.559 they were baptized 00:10:24.559 --> 00:10:25.379 both men and 00:10:25.379 --> 00:10:25.659 women. 00:10:26.339 --> 00:10:27.240 Simon himself 00:10:27.240 --> 00:10:28.240 believed and 00:10:28.240 --> 00:10:28.799 was baptized. 00:10:30.419 --> 00:10:31.179 Simon seems to 00:10:31.179 --> 00:10:31.519 be a great 00:10:31.519 --> 00:10:32.039 comfort. 00:10:32.439 --> 00:10:33.259 He believed 00:10:33.259 --> 00:10:34.019 and responded. 00:10:34.559 --> 00:10:35.419 He got baptized. 00:10:35.599 --> 00:10:36.000 He followed 00:10:36.000 --> 00:10:36.959 Philip everywhere. 00:10:37.699 --> 00:10:38.539 He was devoted 00:10:38.539 --> 00:10:39.479 and paid full 00:10:39.479 --> 00:10:39.959 attention. 00:10:41.319 --> 00:10:42.019 So what is 00:10:42.019 --> 00:10:42.500 the danger? 00:10:43.279 --> 00:10:44.159 What was wrong 00:10:44.159 --> 00:10:45.099 with his situation? 00:10:46.539 --> 00:10:47.559 Let's look at him 00:10:47.559 --> 00:10:48.319 closely again. 00:10:48.399 --> 00:10:48.879 Let's go back 00:10:48.879 --> 00:10:49.559 to verse 9. 00:10:50.459 --> 00:10:51.079 He boasts 00:10:51.079 --> 00:10:52.199 that he was 00:10:52.199 --> 00:10:53.019 someone great 00:10:53.019 --> 00:10:54.500 and all the people 00:10:54.500 --> 00:10:55.079 gave him 00:10:55.079 --> 00:10:55.779 their attention. 00:10:57.000 --> 00:10:57.979 Then in verse 11, 00:10:58.459 --> 00:10:59.259 he had amazed 00:10:59.259 --> 00:11:00.240 people for a long 00:11:00.240 --> 00:11:00.959 time with his 00:11:00.959 --> 00:11:01.500 sorcery. 00:11:02.219 --> 00:11:03.179 And verse 13, 00:11:04.359 --> 00:11:04.879 he followed 00:11:04.879 --> 00:11:05.959 Philip everywhere, 00:11:06.479 --> 00:11:07.740 astonished by the 00:11:07.740 --> 00:11:08.419 great sign 00:11:08.419 --> 00:11:09.219 and miracle 00:11:09.219 --> 00:11:10.199 he saw. 00:11:10.200 --> 00:11:12.600 Do you start 00:11:12.600 --> 00:11:13.340 to see the picture 00:11:13.340 --> 00:11:14.000 of who he is? 00:11:15.040 --> 00:11:16.200 He's an attention 00:11:16.200 --> 00:11:16.820 seeker. 00:11:17.740 --> 00:11:18.560 He put his 00:11:18.560 --> 00:11:19.300 attention at 00:11:19.300 --> 00:11:19.960 great signs 00:11:19.960 --> 00:11:20.580 and miracles. 00:11:21.660 --> 00:11:22.259 He's not like 00:11:22.259 --> 00:11:22.960 the Samaritan 00:11:22.960 --> 00:11:23.840 that wanted to 00:11:23.840 --> 00:11:24.420 find out for 00:11:24.420 --> 00:11:25.160 themselves who 00:11:25.160 --> 00:11:26.780 Jesus really is. 00:11:27.580 --> 00:11:28.620 He seems to 00:11:28.620 --> 00:11:29.500 have become a 00:11:29.500 --> 00:11:30.180 Christian for the 00:11:30.180 --> 00:11:30.960 wrong reason. 00:11:32.000 --> 00:11:32.580 Why do I say 00:11:32.580 --> 00:11:32.860 that? 00:11:33.420 --> 00:11:34.180 Let's read on 00:11:34.179 --> 00:11:36.079 verse 18 to 19. 00:11:37.839 --> 00:11:38.500 When Simon 00:11:38.500 --> 00:11:39.719 saw the Spirit 00:11:39.719 --> 00:11:41.000 was given to 00:11:41.000 --> 00:11:42.039 all at the 00:11:42.039 --> 00:11:42.799 laying hand 00:11:42.799 --> 00:11:43.879 of the 00:11:43.879 --> 00:11:44.859 apostle's hand, 00:11:45.459 --> 00:11:45.879 he offered 00:11:45.879 --> 00:11:46.500 them money 00:11:46.500 --> 00:11:47.319 and said, 00:11:48.039 --> 00:11:48.559 give me also 00:11:48.559 --> 00:11:49.359 this ability 00:11:49.359 --> 00:11:49.879 so that 00:11:49.879 --> 00:11:51.179 everyone on 00:11:51.179 --> 00:11:51.719 whom I lay 00:11:51.719 --> 00:11:52.199 my hands 00:11:52.199 --> 00:11:52.939 may receive 00:11:52.939 --> 00:11:53.739 the Holy Spirit. 00:11:55.000 --> 00:11:56.059 When Peter and 00:11:56.059 --> 00:11:57.099 John were sent 00:11:57.099 --> 00:11:57.719 from Jerusalem 00:11:57.719 --> 00:11:58.500 to Samaria 00:11:58.500 --> 00:11:59.439 to bring 00:11:59.439 --> 00:12:00.179 encouragement 00:12:00.179 --> 00:12:01.039 and spiritual 00:12:01.039 --> 00:12:01.439 gifts, 00:12:01.939 --> 00:12:02.519 they prayed 00:12:02.519 --> 00:12:03.259 for the people 00:12:03.259 --> 00:12:03.879 to receive 00:12:03.879 --> 00:12:04.559 the Holy Spirit. 00:12:05.639 --> 00:12:06.399 Simon wanted 00:12:06.399 --> 00:12:07.159 that ability 00:12:07.159 --> 00:12:07.600 too, 00:12:08.139 --> 00:12:08.740 and he thought 00:12:08.740 --> 00:12:09.360 he could buy 00:12:09.360 --> 00:12:10.139 it off Peter 00:12:10.139 --> 00:12:10.720 and John. 00:12:11.759 --> 00:12:12.360 Why does he 00:12:12.360 --> 00:12:13.019 want the ability? 00:12:13.319 --> 00:12:13.539 It say, 00:12:14.019 --> 00:12:14.840 so that everyone 00:12:14.840 --> 00:12:16.139 on whom he 00:12:16.139 --> 00:12:16.980 lay his hands 00:12:16.980 --> 00:12:17.819 may receive 00:12:17.819 --> 00:12:18.519 the Holy Spirit. 00:12:20.399 --> 00:12:21.319 Do you remember 00:12:21.319 --> 00:12:21.819 how the people 00:12:21.819 --> 00:12:22.679 reacted to him 00:12:22.679 --> 00:12:22.980 earlier? 00:12:23.919 --> 00:12:24.840 They treated him 00:12:24.840 --> 00:12:25.759 like a superstar, 00:12:26.759 --> 00:12:27.460 and maybe that 00:12:27.460 --> 00:12:28.019 was what he 00:12:28.019 --> 00:12:28.399 missed, 00:12:29.779 --> 00:12:30.519 the feeling 00:12:30.519 --> 00:12:31.439 of being 00:12:31.439 --> 00:12:32.039 important, 00:12:32.039 --> 00:12:33.259 being the 00:12:33.259 --> 00:12:33.740 center of 00:12:33.740 --> 00:12:34.360 the universe. 00:12:35.659 --> 00:12:36.599 His desire 00:12:36.599 --> 00:12:38.360 blinded him. 00:12:39.579 --> 00:12:40.559 He no longer 00:12:40.559 --> 00:12:41.699 see the price 00:12:41.699 --> 00:12:42.179 that God 00:12:42.179 --> 00:12:42.639 had paid 00:12:42.639 --> 00:12:43.099 for him, 00:12:44.199 --> 00:12:44.620 that he 00:12:44.620 --> 00:12:45.279 is purchased 00:12:45.279 --> 00:12:46.379 by the life 00:12:46.379 --> 00:12:46.839 of God's 00:12:46.839 --> 00:12:47.659 one and only 00:12:47.659 --> 00:12:48.039 son. 00:12:49.159 --> 00:12:50.219 He is blinded 00:12:50.219 --> 00:12:51.000 to how much 00:12:51.000 --> 00:12:51.439 God 00:12:51.439 --> 00:12:52.579 values him. 00:12:53.599 --> 00:12:54.120 Instead of 00:12:54.120 --> 00:12:54.860 rejoicing and 00:12:54.860 --> 00:12:55.519 full of gratitude 00:12:55.519 --> 00:12:56.319 towards God, 00:12:57.000 --> 00:12:57.860 he wants to 00:12:57.860 --> 00:12:58.439 get back to 00:12:58.439 --> 00:12:58.939 his own way 00:12:58.939 --> 00:12:59.519 of life, 00:12:59.519 --> 00:13:01.019 to represent 00:13:01.019 --> 00:13:01.579 the great 00:13:01.579 --> 00:13:02.360 power of God. 00:13:03.579 --> 00:13:03.980 He is 00:13:03.980 --> 00:13:04.699 blinded to the 00:13:04.699 --> 00:13:05.159 fact that 00:13:05.159 --> 00:13:05.960 he was not 00:13:05.960 --> 00:13:06.960 representing the 00:13:06.960 --> 00:13:07.819 real savior 00:13:07.819 --> 00:13:08.960 of the world. 00:13:09.960 --> 00:13:10.860 All along, 00:13:11.360 --> 00:13:12.419 he was puffing up 00:13:12.419 --> 00:13:13.639 the idol of 00:13:13.639 --> 00:13:14.919 his self-gratification, 00:13:15.659 --> 00:13:16.379 the idol of 00:13:16.379 --> 00:13:16.799 himself. 00:13:18.139 --> 00:13:18.980 He allowed 00:13:18.980 --> 00:13:19.759 bitterness to 00:13:19.759 --> 00:13:20.360 grow within 00:13:20.360 --> 00:13:20.620 him. 00:13:21.220 --> 00:13:21.879 He craved 00:13:21.879 --> 00:13:22.579 power and 00:13:22.579 --> 00:13:23.519 attention, 00:13:24.519 --> 00:13:25.720 but did not 00:13:25.720 --> 00:13:26.419 get what he 00:13:26.419 --> 00:13:26.799 wanted. 00:13:26.799 --> 00:13:28.539 he is 00:13:28.539 --> 00:13:29.339 unsatisfied 00:13:29.339 --> 00:13:30.039 with God 00:13:30.039 --> 00:13:31.039 and with 00:13:31.039 --> 00:13:31.379 his new 00:13:31.379 --> 00:13:31.799 life. 00:13:33.740 --> 00:13:33.939 His 00:13:33.939 --> 00:13:34.459 situation 00:13:34.459 --> 00:13:34.939 in this 00:13:34.939 --> 00:13:35.459 stage is 00:13:35.459 --> 00:13:36.159 diastrate. 00:13:36.919 --> 00:13:37.259 And Peter 00:13:37.259 --> 00:13:37.879 said to him 00:13:37.879 --> 00:13:38.199 in verse 00:13:38.199 --> 00:13:38.679 20, 00:13:39.819 --> 00:13:40.279 may your 00:13:40.279 --> 00:13:41.059 money perish 00:13:41.059 --> 00:13:41.639 with you 00:13:41.639 --> 00:13:42.539 because you 00:13:42.539 --> 00:13:43.199 thought you 00:13:43.199 --> 00:13:43.620 could buy 00:13:43.620 --> 00:13:44.159 the gift of 00:13:44.159 --> 00:13:44.620 God with 00:13:44.620 --> 00:13:44.959 money. 00:13:45.899 --> 00:13:46.240 You have 00:13:46.240 --> 00:13:47.059 no part of 00:13:47.059 --> 00:13:47.939 share in 00:13:47.939 --> 00:13:48.719 this ministry 00:13:48.719 --> 00:13:49.620 because your 00:13:49.620 --> 00:13:50.479 heart is 00:13:50.479 --> 00:13:51.919 not right 00:13:51.919 --> 00:13:52.559 before God. 00:13:52.559 --> 00:13:55.819 this is a 00:13:55.819 --> 00:13:56.619 very serious 00:13:56.619 --> 00:13:57.279 indictment, 00:13:58.559 --> 00:13:58.939 but Peter 00:13:58.939 --> 00:13:59.339 did not 00:13:59.339 --> 00:13:59.699 leave him 00:13:59.699 --> 00:14:00.019 hanging. 00:14:01.319 --> 00:14:01.719 Peter did 00:14:01.719 --> 00:14:02.219 not say 00:14:02.219 --> 00:14:03.319 he has no 00:14:03.319 --> 00:14:03.919 part or 00:14:03.919 --> 00:14:04.379 share in 00:14:04.379 --> 00:14:04.859 the kingdom 00:14:04.859 --> 00:14:05.399 of God. 00:14:06.179 --> 00:14:06.699 It was in 00:14:06.699 --> 00:14:07.559 the ministry 00:14:07.559 --> 00:14:08.399 of God 00:14:08.399 --> 00:14:09.079 that Simon 00:14:09.079 --> 00:14:09.819 is not fit 00:14:09.819 --> 00:14:10.459 to be 00:14:10.459 --> 00:14:11.019 involved in 00:14:11.019 --> 00:14:11.539 at this 00:14:11.539 --> 00:14:11.939 stage. 00:14:12.939 --> 00:14:13.279 And Peter 00:14:13.279 --> 00:14:13.719 goes on 00:14:13.719 --> 00:14:14.039 saying, 00:14:15.299 --> 00:14:16.139 repent of 00:14:16.139 --> 00:14:17.019 this wickedness 00:14:17.019 --> 00:14:18.039 and pray to 00:14:18.039 --> 00:14:18.539 the Lord 00:14:18.539 --> 00:14:19.500 in the hope 00:14:19.500 --> 00:14:20.179 that he 00:14:20.179 --> 00:14:20.779 may forgive 00:14:20.779 --> 00:14:21.539 you for 00:14:21.539 --> 00:14:22.079 having such 00:14:22.080 --> 00:14:22.520 a thought 00:14:22.520 --> 00:14:22.840 in your 00:14:22.840 --> 00:14:23.240 heart. 00:14:23.820 --> 00:14:24.160 For I 00:14:24.160 --> 00:14:24.639 see that 00:14:24.639 --> 00:14:25.080 you are 00:14:25.080 --> 00:14:25.500 full of 00:14:25.500 --> 00:14:25.879 bitterness 00:14:25.879 --> 00:14:26.680 and 00:14:26.680 --> 00:14:27.139 captive 00:14:27.139 --> 00:14:27.940 in sin. 00:14:29.860 --> 00:14:30.500 Peter 00:14:30.500 --> 00:14:31.100 knows 00:14:31.100 --> 00:14:31.800 where 00:14:31.800 --> 00:14:32.300 Simon 00:14:32.300 --> 00:14:32.960 is at 00:14:32.960 --> 00:14:33.840 and 00:14:33.840 --> 00:14:34.160 calls 00:14:34.160 --> 00:14:34.320 him 00:14:34.320 --> 00:14:34.460 to 00:14:34.460 --> 00:14:34.940 repentance 00:14:34.940 --> 00:14:35.720 and 00:14:35.720 --> 00:14:36.180 direct 00:14:36.180 --> 00:14:36.440 him 00:14:36.440 --> 00:14:36.759 to 00:14:36.759 --> 00:14:36.960 how 00:14:36.960 --> 00:14:37.139 to 00:14:37.139 --> 00:14:37.340 get 00:14:37.340 --> 00:14:37.620 right 00:14:37.620 --> 00:14:37.820 with 00:14:37.820 --> 00:14:38.180 God. 00:14:39.300 --> 00:14:39.980 Pray 00:14:39.980 --> 00:14:40.540 in the 00:14:40.540 --> 00:14:40.800 hope 00:14:40.800 --> 00:14:41.240 for 00:14:41.240 --> 00:14:41.759 forgiveness 00:14:41.759 --> 00:14:42.680 to 00:14:42.680 --> 00:14:43.160 address 00:14:43.160 --> 00:14:43.420 the 00:14:43.420 --> 00:14:43.800 bitterness 00:14:43.800 --> 00:14:44.300 of 00:14:44.300 --> 00:14:44.440 the 00:14:44.440 --> 00:14:44.820 heart 00:14:44.820 --> 00:14:45.560 and 00:14:45.560 --> 00:14:45.879 flee 00:14:45.879 --> 00:14:46.140 from 00:14:46.140 --> 00:14:46.520 sin. 00:14:50.280 --> 00:14:50.960 At 00:14:50.960 --> 00:14:51.200 that 00:14:51.200 --> 00:14:51.520 point, 00:14:51.519 --> 00:14:52.079 we are 00:14:52.079 --> 00:14:53.259 told Simon 00:14:53.259 --> 00:14:54.039 respond by 00:14:54.039 --> 00:14:54.879 requesting Peter 00:14:54.879 --> 00:14:55.319 to pray 00:14:55.319 --> 00:14:55.799 for him. 00:14:56.740 --> 00:14:57.159 Pray to 00:14:57.159 --> 00:14:57.519 the Lord 00:14:57.519 --> 00:14:57.980 for me 00:14:57.980 --> 00:14:58.500 so that 00:14:58.500 --> 00:14:59.000 nothing you 00:14:59.000 --> 00:14:59.419 have said 00:14:59.419 --> 00:15:00.000 may happen 00:15:00.000 --> 00:15:00.460 to me. 00:15:03.159 --> 00:15:04.019 It seems 00:15:04.019 --> 00:15:04.319 to be 00:15:04.319 --> 00:15:04.799 right to 00:15:04.799 --> 00:15:05.480 respond when 00:15:05.480 --> 00:15:06.279 someone calls 00:15:06.279 --> 00:15:07.039 you to 00:15:07.039 --> 00:15:07.620 repentance 00:15:07.620 --> 00:15:08.519 to ask 00:15:08.519 --> 00:15:09.039 for prayer. 00:15:10.460 --> 00:15:10.699 But 00:15:10.699 --> 00:15:11.139 something 00:15:11.139 --> 00:15:12.039 seems very 00:15:12.039 --> 00:15:12.620 strange to 00:15:12.620 --> 00:15:12.860 me. 00:15:14.340 --> 00:15:14.779 What 00:15:14.779 --> 00:15:15.179 would it 00:15:15.179 --> 00:15:15.799 be like 00:15:15.799 --> 00:15:16.860 if Peter 00:15:16.860 --> 00:15:17.319 followed 00:15:17.319 --> 00:15:18.139 precisely 00:15:18.139 --> 00:15:19.819 what 00:15:19.819 --> 00:15:20.340 Simon 00:15:20.340 --> 00:15:20.659 has 00:15:20.659 --> 00:15:21.240 requested 00:15:21.240 --> 00:15:22.259 and 00:15:22.259 --> 00:15:22.519 pray 00:15:22.519 --> 00:15:22.759 that 00:15:22.759 --> 00:15:23.199 nothing 00:15:23.199 --> 00:15:23.559 he 00:15:23.559 --> 00:15:23.779 has 00:15:23.779 --> 00:15:24.100 said 00:15:24.100 --> 00:15:24.639 may 00:15:24.639 --> 00:15:24.980 happen 00:15:24.980 --> 00:15:25.199 to 00:15:25.199 --> 00:15:25.539 Simon. 00:15:26.879 --> 00:15:27.399 Does 00:15:27.399 --> 00:15:27.580 that 00:15:27.580 --> 00:15:27.919 mean 00:15:27.919 --> 00:15:28.679 Simon's 00:15:28.679 --> 00:15:28.939 money 00:15:28.939 --> 00:15:29.139 will 00:15:29.139 --> 00:15:29.340 not 00:15:29.340 --> 00:15:29.659 perish 00:15:29.659 --> 00:15:29.879 with 00:15:29.879 --> 00:15:30.059 him? 00:15:31.319 --> 00:15:31.799 That 00:15:31.799 --> 00:15:31.960 he 00:15:31.960 --> 00:15:32.199 can 00:15:32.199 --> 00:15:32.419 take 00:15:32.419 --> 00:15:32.740 part 00:15:32.740 --> 00:15:32.939 and 00:15:32.939 --> 00:15:33.199 share 00:15:33.199 --> 00:15:33.340 in 00:15:33.340 --> 00:15:33.460 the 00:15:33.460 --> 00:15:33.860 ministry? 00:15:34.980 --> 00:15:35.220 That 00:15:35.220 --> 00:15:35.379 he 00:15:35.379 --> 00:15:35.819 does 00:15:35.819 --> 00:15:36.080 not 00:15:36.080 --> 00:15:36.480 repent 00:15:36.480 --> 00:15:36.720 of 00:15:36.720 --> 00:15:37.100 his 00:15:37.100 --> 00:15:37.699 wickedness 00:15:37.699 --> 00:15:38.259 and 00:15:38.259 --> 00:15:38.439 the 00:15:38.439 --> 00:15:38.639 Lord 00:15:38.639 --> 00:15:38.939 does 00:15:38.939 --> 00:15:39.159 not 00:15:39.159 --> 00:15:39.480 forgive 00:15:39.480 --> 00:15:39.679 him? 00:15:41.679 --> 00:15:42.159 We 00:15:42.159 --> 00:15:42.299 are 00:15:42.299 --> 00:15:42.559 left 00:15:42.559 --> 00:15:42.860 with a 00:15:42.860 --> 00:15:43.580 huge 00:15:43.580 --> 00:15:44.080 cliffhanger 00:15:44.080 --> 00:15:44.559 because 00:15:44.559 --> 00:15:45.240 Luke 00:15:45.240 --> 00:15:45.580 did not 00:15:45.580 --> 00:15:46.080 tell us 00:15:46.080 --> 00:15:46.220 what 00:15:46.220 --> 00:15:46.500 happened 00:15:46.500 --> 00:15:46.680 to 00:15:46.680 --> 00:15:46.840 him. 00:15:48.960 --> 00:15:49.240 Luke 00:15:49.240 --> 00:15:49.420 got 00:15:49.420 --> 00:15:49.660 back 00:15:49.660 --> 00:15:49.780 to 00:15:49.780 --> 00:15:49.860 the 00:15:49.860 --> 00:15:50.000 main 00:15:50.000 --> 00:15:50.460 story 00:15:50.460 --> 00:15:51.240 of 00:15:51.240 --> 00:15:51.420 what 00:15:51.420 --> 00:15:51.580 the 00:15:51.580 --> 00:15:51.780 book 00:15:51.780 --> 00:15:51.940 of 00:15:51.940 --> 00:15:52.120 Acts 00:15:52.120 --> 00:15:52.259 is 00:15:52.259 --> 00:15:52.600 about. 00:15:53.220 --> 00:15:53.500 It's 00:15:53.500 --> 00:15:53.740 about 00:15:53.740 --> 00:15:53.920 the 00:15:53.920 --> 00:15:54.300 proclamation 00:15:54.300 --> 00:15:54.820 of the 00:15:54.820 --> 00:15:55.000 word 00:15:55.000 --> 00:15:55.300 of the 00:15:55.300 --> 00:15:55.580 Lord. 00:15:56.100 --> 00:15:56.220 In 00:15:56.220 --> 00:15:56.400 verse 00:15:56.400 --> 00:15:57.020 25, 00:15:57.560 --> 00:15:57.800 after 00:15:57.800 --> 00:15:57.980 they 00:15:57.980 --> 00:15:58.100 had 00:15:58.100 --> 00:15:58.360 further 00:15:58.360 --> 00:15:58.780 proclaimed 00:15:58.780 --> 00:15:58.960 the 00:15:58.960 --> 00:15:59.120 word 00:15:59.120 --> 00:15:59.259 of 00:15:59.259 --> 00:15:59.379 the 00:15:59.379 --> 00:15:59.600 Lord 00:15:59.600 --> 00:15:59.920 and 00:15:59.920 --> 00:16:00.320 testified 00:16:00.320 --> 00:16:00.660 about 00:16:00.660 --> 00:16:01.040 Jesus, 00:16:01.780 --> 00:16:01.980 Peter 00:16:01.980 --> 00:16:02.220 and 00:16:02.220 --> 00:16:02.440 John 00:16:02.440 --> 00:16:02.840 returned 00:16:02.840 --> 00:16:03.000 to 00:16:03.000 --> 00:16:03.500 Jerusalem 00:16:03.500 --> 00:16:04.240 and 00:16:04.240 --> 00:16:04.540 preached 00:16:04.540 --> 00:16:04.700 the 00:16:04.700 --> 00:16:04.980 gospel 00:16:04.980 --> 00:16:05.460 in 00:16:05.460 --> 00:16:05.759 many 00:16:05.759 --> 00:16:06.259 Samaritan 00:16:06.259 --> 00:16:06.800 villages. 00:16:08.639 --> 00:16:08.879 What 00:16:08.879 --> 00:16:09.040 a 00:16:09.040 --> 00:16:09.480 cliffhanger! 00:16:11.300 --> 00:16:11.680 I 00:16:11.680 --> 00:16:12.180 believe 00:16:12.180 --> 00:16:12.780 Luke 00:16:12.780 --> 00:16:13.460 lets 00:16:13.460 --> 00:16:14.500 at a 00:16:14.500 --> 00:16:15.000 cliffhanger 00:16:15.000 --> 00:16:15.360 for 00:16:15.360 --> 00:16:15.919 excellent 00:16:15.919 --> 00:16:16.399 reason. 00:16:17.639 --> 00:16:17.779 We 00:16:17.779 --> 00:16:18.159 need 00:16:18.159 --> 00:16:18.419 to 00:16:18.419 --> 00:16:19.000 realize 00:16:19.000 --> 00:16:19.460 that 00:16:19.460 --> 00:16:20.600 starting 00:16:20.600 --> 00:16:21.139 right 00:16:21.139 --> 00:16:21.960 is 00:16:21.960 --> 00:16:22.379 only 00:16:22.379 --> 00:16:22.639 the 00:16:22.639 --> 00:16:23.019 beginning. 00:16:24.299 --> 00:16:24.480 And 00:16:24.480 --> 00:16:24.639 it 00:16:24.639 --> 00:16:24.879 is 00:16:24.879 --> 00:16:25.200 so 00:16:25.200 --> 00:16:25.860 easy 00:16:25.860 --> 00:16:26.980 things 00:16:26.980 --> 00:16:27.639 slowly 00:16:27.639 --> 00:16:28.419 lure 00:16:28.419 --> 00:16:28.879 back 00:16:28.879 --> 00:16:29.460 to our 00:16:29.460 --> 00:16:29.679 old 00:16:29.679 --> 00:16:29.899 way. 00:16:31.259 --> 00:16:31.580 This 00:16:31.580 --> 00:16:32.100 cliffhanger 00:16:32.100 --> 00:16:32.340 is 00:16:32.340 --> 00:16:32.779 reminding 00:16:32.779 --> 00:16:33.159 us 00:16:33.159 --> 00:16:33.740 to 00:16:33.740 --> 00:16:34.539 continue 00:16:34.539 --> 00:16:34.960 to 00:16:34.960 --> 00:16:35.500 examine 00:16:35.500 --> 00:16:35.799 our 00:16:35.799 --> 00:16:36.200 heart 00:16:36.200 --> 00:16:36.820 to 00:16:36.820 --> 00:16:37.100 make 00:16:37.100 --> 00:16:37.500 sure 00:16:37.500 --> 00:16:37.820 it 00:16:37.820 --> 00:16:37.899 is 00:16:37.899 --> 00:16:38.159 right 00:16:38.159 --> 00:16:38.460 before 00:16:38.460 --> 00:16:38.840 God. 00:16:39.700 --> 00:16:40.080 To 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00:19:42.059 acts 00:19:42.059 --> 00:19:42.220 in 00:19:42.220 --> 00:19:42.879 obedience. 00:19:43.940 --> 00:19:44.079 The 00:19:44.079 --> 00:19:44.440 man 00:19:44.440 --> 00:19:44.879 shows 00:19:44.879 --> 00:19:45.220 his 00:19:45.220 --> 00:19:45.639 love 00:19:45.639 --> 00:19:45.879 for 00:19:45.879 --> 00:19:46.419 God's 00:19:46.419 --> 00:19:46.679 word 00:19:46.679 --> 00:19:47.240 with 00:19:47.240 --> 00:19:47.619 humble 00:19:47.619 --> 00:19:48.379 authenticity. 00:19:49.379 --> 00:19:49.919 All 00:19:49.919 --> 00:19:50.319 speak 00:19:50.319 --> 00:19:50.599 to 00:19:50.599 --> 00:19:50.819 what 00:19:50.819 --> 00:19:51.099 we 00:19:51.099 --> 00:19:51.440 value 00:19:51.440 --> 00:19:51.839 here 00:19:51.839 --> 00:19:52.379 in 00:19:52.379 --> 00:19:52.639 St. 00:19:52.700 --> 00:19:52.819 Paul 00:19:52.819 --> 00:19:53.379 Cheswood. 00:19:54.919 --> 00:19:55.200 Luke 00:19:55.200 --> 00:19:55.859 told us 00:19:55.859 --> 00:19:56.460 the 00:19:56.460 --> 00:19:56.839 person 00:19:56.839 --> 00:19:57.099 was 00:19:57.099 --> 00:19:57.379 reading 00:19:57.379 --> 00:19:57.599 a 00:19:57.599 --> 00:19:57.879 passage 00:19:57.880 --> 00:19:58.280 about 00:19:58.280 --> 00:19:59.080 personal 00:19:59.080 --> 00:19:59.860 sacrifice, 00:20:00.680 --> 00:20:01.220 submission, 00:20:02.320 --> 00:20:03.100 humiliation, 00:20:04.120 --> 00:20:04.220 the 00:20:04.220 --> 00:20:04.920 deprivity 00:20:04.920 --> 00:20:05.200 of 00:20:05.200 --> 00:20:05.760 justice, 00:20:06.440 --> 00:20:06.580 the 00:20:06.580 --> 00:20:07.380 impossibility 00:20:07.380 --> 00:20:07.640 of 00:20:07.640 --> 00:20:07.900 having 00:20:07.900 --> 00:20:08.340 offspring. 00:20:09.500 --> 00:20:10.060 All 00:20:10.060 --> 00:20:10.560 these 00:20:10.560 --> 00:20:11.300 seem 00:20:11.300 --> 00:20:11.480 to 00:20:11.480 --> 00:20:11.660 be 00:20:11.660 --> 00:20:12.060 speaking 00:20:12.060 --> 00:20:12.420 about 00:20:12.420 --> 00:20:12.660 this 00:20:12.660 --> 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00:23:03.740 --> 00:23:04.000 you. 00:23:04.000 --> 00:23:05.859 Jesus 00:23:05.859 --> 00:23:06.799 the 00:23:06.799 --> 00:23:07.619 real 00:23:07.619 --> 00:23:08.039 savior 00:23:08.039 --> 00:23:08.259 of 00:23:08.259 --> 00:23:08.400 the 00:23:08.400 --> 00:23:08.740 world 00:23:08.740 --> 00:23:09.400 is 00:23:09.400 --> 00:23:09.579 our 00:23:09.579 --> 00:23:10.019 place 00:23:10.019 --> 00:23:10.220 of 00:23:10.220 --> 00:23:10.740 identity. 00:23:11.839 --> 00:23:11.980 He 00:23:11.980 --> 00:23:12.160 is 00:23:12.160 --> 00:23:12.380 what 00:23:12.380 --> 00:23:12.839 completes 00:23:12.839 --> 00:23:13.200 us. 00:23:17.400 --> 00:23:17.920 There 00:23:17.920 --> 00:23:18.039 are 00:23:18.039 --> 00:23:18.200 a few 00:23:18.200 --> 00:23:18.720 cliffhangers 00:23:18.720 --> 00:23:19.519 in our 00:23:19.519 --> 00:23:19.819 passage 00:23:19.819 --> 00:23:20.240 today 00:23:20.240 --> 00:23:21.640 and I'm 00:23:21.640 --> 00:23:22.079 sure we 00:23:22.079 --> 00:23:22.500 all feel 00:23:22.500 --> 00:23:23.140 the cliffhanger 00:23:23.140 --> 00:23:24.299 of COVID-19. 00:23:25.039 --> 00:23:25.279 Feels 00:23:25.279 --> 00:23:25.839 like our 00:23:25.839 --> 00:23:26.339 life is 00:23:26.339 --> 00:23:26.640 hanging 00:23:26.640 --> 00:23:27.019 about. 00:23:28.400 --> 00:23:29.220 God is 00:23:29.220 --> 00:23:29.579 calling 00:23:29.579 --> 00:23:30.259 you and 00:23:30.259 --> 00:23:30.680 warning 00:23:30.680 --> 00:23:31.319 you to 00:23:31.319 --> 00:23:31.779 take this 00:23:31.779 --> 00:23:32.279 time to 00:23:32.279 --> 00:23:32.819 examine 00:23:32.819 --> 00:23:33.359 yourself. 00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:34.859 to make 00:23:34.859 --> 00:23:35.460 sure there 00:23:35.460 --> 00:23:35.819 is no 00:23:35.819 --> 00:23:36.319 bitterness 00:23:36.319 --> 00:23:37.380 that builds 00:23:37.380 --> 00:23:37.680 up in 00:23:37.680 --> 00:23:37.819 your 00:23:37.819 --> 00:23:38.180 heart. 00:23:39.480 --> 00:23:40.259 God is 00:23:40.259 --> 00:23:40.859 reaching out 00:23:40.859 --> 00:23:41.319 to you 00:23:41.319 --> 00:23:42.119 to set 00:23:42.119 --> 00:23:42.619 you free 00:23:42.619 --> 00:23:43.279 from sin 00:23:43.279 --> 00:23:44.480 because his 00:23:44.480 --> 00:23:45.099 one and only 00:23:45.099 --> 00:23:45.940 son Jesus 00:23:45.940 --> 00:23:47.259 had died 00:23:47.259 --> 00:23:47.579 on the 00:23:47.579 --> 00:23:48.099 cross for 00:23:48.099 --> 00:23:49.259 you and 00:23:49.259 --> 00:23:49.720 raised from 00:23:49.720 --> 00:23:50.220 the dead 00:23:50.220 --> 00:23:50.759 to set 00:23:50.759 --> 00:23:51.220 you free. 00:23:53.880 --> 00:23:54.640 When you 00:23:54.640 --> 00:23:55.339 are certain 00:23:55.339 --> 00:23:56.339 that Jesus 00:23:56.339 --> 00:23:57.960 is really 00:23:57.960 --> 00:23:58.440 the savior 00:23:58.440 --> 00:23:58.779 of the 00:23:58.779 --> 00:23:59.180 world 00:23:59.180 --> 00:24:00.819 and he 00:24:00.819 --> 00:24:01.140 is your 00:24:01.140 --> 00:24:01.660 place of 00:24:01.660 --> 00:24:02.240 identity, 00:24:02.240 --> 00:24:04.440 he has 00:24:04.440 --> 00:24:04.859 complete 00:24:04.859 --> 00:24:05.980 you and 00:24:05.980 --> 00:24:06.240 you can 00:24:06.240 --> 00:24:06.620 go on 00:24:06.620 --> 00:24:06.960 your way 00:24:06.960 --> 00:24:07.579 rejoicing. 00:24:10.579 --> 00:24:11.200 If you 00:24:11.200 --> 00:24:11.680 have started 00:24:11.680 --> 00:24:12.039 following 00:24:12.039 --> 00:24:13.099 Jesus but 00:24:13.099 --> 00:24:13.579 have been 00:24:13.579 --> 00:24:14.200 lured back 00:24:14.200 --> 00:24:14.559 to your 00:24:14.559 --> 00:24:15.059 old way, 00:24:15.779 --> 00:24:16.579 now is 00:24:16.579 --> 00:24:16.880 a good 00:24:16.880 --> 00:24:17.740 time to 00:24:17.740 --> 00:24:19.039 repent and 00:24:19.039 --> 00:24:19.519 pray to 00:24:19.519 --> 00:24:20.019 God for 00:24:20.019 --> 00:24:20.500 forgiveness. 00:24:21.740 --> 00:24:22.339 If you 00:24:22.339 --> 00:24:22.700 do not 00:24:22.700 --> 00:24:23.359 know Jesus 00:24:23.359 --> 00:24:24.480 as savior, 00:24:25.680 --> 00:24:26.240 now is 00:24:26.240 --> 00:24:26.500 a good 00:24:26.500 --> 00:24:27.140 time to 00:24:27.140 --> 00:24:27.660 ask for 00:24:27.660 --> 00:24:28.339 explanation 00:24:28.339 --> 00:24:29.500 about the 00:24:29.500 --> 00:24:29.940 good news 00:24:29.940 --> 00:24:30.420 of Jesus 00:24:30.420 --> 00:24:31.440 and get 00:24:31.440 --> 00:24:31.779 to know 00:24:31.779 --> 00:24:32.140 God. 00:24:33.380 --> 00:24:34.240 He knows 00:24:34.240 --> 00:24:34.500 you are 00:24:34.500 --> 00:24:35.019 looking for 00:24:35.019 --> 00:24:36.240 him and 00:24:36.240 --> 00:24:36.759 maybe already 00:24:36.759 --> 00:24:37.160 sending 00:24:37.160 --> 00:24:37.720 someone your 00:24:37.720 --> 00:24:38.740 way to 00:24:38.740 --> 00:24:39.180 help you 00:24:39.180 --> 00:24:39.820 define him. 00:24:41.380 --> 00:24:42.660 Today is 00:24:42.660 --> 00:24:43.539 a day you 00:24:43.539 --> 00:24:44.059 can rest 00:24:44.059 --> 00:24:44.519 your heart 00:24:44.519 --> 00:24:45.039 in God 00:24:45.039 --> 00:24:46.019 and be 00:24:46.019 --> 00:24:46.519 complete 00:24:46.519 --> 00:24:47.460 in him.