WEBVTT 00:00:00.660 --> 00:00:08.040 Good morning, church family. We're going to read all of chapter 1 of Acts. So Acts chapter 1, verse 1. 00:00:09.800 --> 00:00:18.379 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach until the day when he was taken up, 00:00:18.920 --> 00:00:23.780 after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 00:00:23.780 --> 00:00:35.539 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 00:00:36.600 --> 00:00:44.400 And while staying with them, he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which he said, 00:00:44.579 --> 00:00:52.560 You heard from me, for John baptised with water, but you will be baptised with the Holy Spirit not many days from now. 00:00:53.780 --> 00:01:01.460 So when they had come together, they asked him, Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? 00:01:02.500 --> 00:01:09.700 He said to them, It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority, 00:01:10.500 --> 00:01:14.439 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, 00:01:14.920 --> 00:01:21.700 and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth. 00:01:21.700 --> 00:01:30.140 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 00:01:30.140 --> 00:01:39.480 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes and said, 00:01:40.239 --> 00:01:44.040 Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? 00:01:44.920 --> 00:01:52.640 This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven. 00:01:52.640 --> 00:02:02.239 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. 00:02:03.040 --> 00:02:07.379 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room where they were staying, 00:02:08.080 --> 00:02:13.060 Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, 00:02:13.680 --> 00:02:17.979 James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the zealot and Judas the son of James. 00:02:17.979 --> 00:02:23.280 All these, with one accord, were devoting themselves to prayer, 00:02:23.899 --> 00:02:27.799 together with the women and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. 00:02:29.339 --> 00:02:35.179 In those days, Peter stood up among the brothers, the company of persons was in all about 120, 00:02:35.180 --> 00:02:36.819 and said, 00:02:36.819 --> 00:02:40.780 Brothers, the scripture had to be fulfilled, 00:02:41.400 --> 00:02:46.540 which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, 00:02:46.879 --> 00:02:49.960 who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 00:02:50.960 --> 00:02:55.580 For he was numbered among us, and was allotted his share in this ministry. 00:02:55.580 --> 00:03:00.219 Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, 00:03:00.420 --> 00:03:05.640 and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle, and all his bowels gushed out. 00:03:06.040 --> 00:03:08.980 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, 00:03:09.439 --> 00:03:11.880 so that the field was called, in their own language, 00:03:12.380 --> 00:03:15.060 Akeldama, that is, fields of blood. 00:03:16.500 --> 00:03:18.760 For it is written in the book of Psalms, 00:03:18.759 --> 00:03:32.419 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time 00:03:32.419 --> 00:03:35.199 that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 00:03:35.639 --> 00:03:37.399 beginning from the baptism of John, 00:03:37.780 --> 00:03:40.280 until the day when he was taken up from us, 00:03:40.819 --> 00:03:45.840 one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection. 00:03:45.840 --> 00:03:49.080 And they put forward two, 00:03:49.680 --> 00:03:52.780 Joseph called Bersibus, who was also called Justice, 00:03:53.280 --> 00:03:54.020 and Matthias. 00:03:54.840 --> 00:03:56.400 And they prayed and said, 00:03:57.199 --> 00:04:00.500 You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, 00:04:01.199 --> 00:04:03.680 show which one of these two you have chosen 00:04:03.680 --> 00:04:07.319 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship, 00:04:07.599 --> 00:04:11.199 from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place. 00:04:12.560 --> 00:04:14.640 And they cast lots for them, 00:04:14.639 --> 00:04:17.060 and a lot fell on Matthias. 00:04:17.519 --> 00:04:19.659 And he was numbered with the eleven apostles. 00:04:20.919 --> 00:04:23.899 Well, let me start with a little bit of a story. 00:04:24.159 --> 00:04:26.099 Just after I finished uni, 00:04:27.019 --> 00:04:31.979 I was playing soccer at Newcastle in the car park late at night. 00:04:32.279 --> 00:04:33.919 That's not really relevant to the story. 00:04:34.019 --> 00:04:35.479 It's just something fun. 00:04:35.680 --> 00:04:38.339 Anyway, I met this guy who went to a different church, 00:04:38.339 --> 00:04:42.019 and we just got chatting about what church we went to, 00:04:42.639 --> 00:04:43.599 and we kind of clicked. 00:04:44.239 --> 00:04:46.879 And I was in the market for a friend, 00:04:47.299 --> 00:04:49.060 so we decided to catch up. 00:04:49.539 --> 00:04:52.459 And this guy, yeah, we seemed to click. 00:04:52.620 --> 00:04:53.719 I was enjoying it. 00:04:54.399 --> 00:04:56.839 After a few chats about God and what we believed, 00:04:57.259 --> 00:04:59.479 it soon became obvious that this guy 00:04:59.479 --> 00:05:02.079 wasn't just in the market for a friend. 00:05:02.219 --> 00:05:03.239 He had an agenda. 00:05:03.240 --> 00:05:08.120 I think his heart was in the right place, 00:05:08.300 --> 00:05:10.780 but he was really concerned that I didn't have 00:05:10.780 --> 00:05:12.939 a special connection with Jesus. 00:05:13.879 --> 00:05:15.920 He was okay in calling me a Christian, 00:05:16.660 --> 00:05:19.100 but I didn't have a special connection with Jesus. 00:05:20.199 --> 00:05:22.259 He began urging me, 00:05:22.740 --> 00:05:24.740 you need to be baptised a second time 00:05:24.740 --> 00:05:26.040 to be filled with the Spirit. 00:05:26.040 --> 00:05:31.819 Yeah, I didn't agree with his teaching. 00:05:32.160 --> 00:05:34.760 I knew that the Bible says 00:05:34.760 --> 00:05:36.780 that everyone who believes in the name of the Lord 00:05:36.780 --> 00:05:37.879 receives the Spirit. 00:05:38.420 --> 00:05:39.840 We're all filled with the Spirit. 00:05:40.360 --> 00:05:41.900 But it still made me wonder. 00:05:42.060 --> 00:05:43.259 It still threw me a bit. 00:05:43.360 --> 00:05:44.640 It's like, am I missing out? 00:05:46.060 --> 00:05:49.180 Is there some special connection with Jesus 00:05:49.180 --> 00:05:50.240 that I'm missing out on? 00:05:50.460 --> 00:05:51.560 He's going to church, 00:05:51.560 --> 00:05:56.540 and all the ordinary things of Christianity. 00:05:56.879 --> 00:05:59.259 Is that really the special connection with Jesus? 00:05:59.360 --> 00:06:00.399 Am I missing out on something? 00:06:02.060 --> 00:06:02.939 Let's face it, 00:06:03.100 --> 00:06:05.000 church can be pretty ordinary sometimes. 00:06:05.220 --> 00:06:06.459 The sermon can be dry. 00:06:06.980 --> 00:06:08.420 The songs aren't our preference. 00:06:08.779 --> 00:06:10.120 I'm not sure I enjoy that song, 00:06:10.379 --> 00:06:12.079 but I'm trying to not make a comment here. 00:06:13.420 --> 00:06:15.620 You come in tired and worried. 00:06:16.519 --> 00:06:17.920 Is there something more? 00:06:17.920 --> 00:06:23.020 Is there a more direct way to encounter Jesus? 00:06:25.660 --> 00:06:29.400 Jesus is in heaven, we're told, in Acts. 00:06:29.780 --> 00:06:31.860 How is Jesus active on earth? 00:06:31.960 --> 00:06:35.780 How do we experience Jesus' immediate input in our lives? 00:06:36.960 --> 00:06:38.939 How do we receive his counsel? 00:06:39.160 --> 00:06:41.319 How do we get his comfort and encouragement? 00:06:41.560 --> 00:06:44.240 How do we get his correction and his teaching, 00:06:44.379 --> 00:06:45.080 his instructions? 00:06:45.540 --> 00:06:46.840 How do we hear his voice? 00:06:47.920 --> 00:06:48.480 He's alive. 00:06:49.360 --> 00:06:50.740 How do we hear his voice? 00:06:52.740 --> 00:06:54.720 How do we know who he truly is 00:06:54.720 --> 00:06:56.000 and what he wants us to do? 00:06:57.759 --> 00:06:59.480 I think the story in Acts today 00:06:59.480 --> 00:07:02.920 offers us a sure way to hear Jesus' voice 00:07:02.920 --> 00:07:06.500 that produces the life of faith we want, 00:07:06.700 --> 00:07:07.879 the life of faith we need. 00:07:07.879 --> 00:07:13.540 So when the angels were talking to the apostles, 00:07:14.379 --> 00:07:16.420 three times they mentioned heaven. 00:07:16.699 --> 00:07:18.360 It's almost like it's emphasised. 00:07:18.699 --> 00:07:21.779 It's drilled in that Jesus is now in charge from heaven. 00:07:23.060 --> 00:07:25.420 And these ordinary men of Galilee 00:07:25.420 --> 00:07:26.939 are meant to be his ambassadors. 00:07:27.319 --> 00:07:29.040 Has he left the mission up to them? 00:07:29.839 --> 00:07:31.959 Is he just absent now? 00:07:31.959 --> 00:07:38.180 Well, on that short walk from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem, 00:07:38.339 --> 00:07:39.879 I reckon their heads must have been spinning. 00:07:40.120 --> 00:07:43.579 So much has gone on in those six weeks since Jesus died. 00:07:44.339 --> 00:07:45.599 So much has been going on. 00:07:45.859 --> 00:07:50.620 But I think there was two things that probably would have landed heavy on their minds. 00:07:50.839 --> 00:07:52.319 Two things would have been clear to them. 00:07:52.319 --> 00:07:56.959 The first thing that was clear was they knew Jesus was alive. 00:07:57.459 --> 00:07:58.180 They'd seen him. 00:07:58.480 --> 00:08:01.420 He'd given many proofs to demonstrate he is alive. 00:08:01.639 --> 00:08:04.759 And if he's alive, there's no doubt that he is Lord. 00:08:05.259 --> 00:08:07.100 If he can conquer death, he is Lord. 00:08:07.779 --> 00:08:08.819 He is Lord of all. 00:08:09.579 --> 00:08:12.480 They were sure that he's ascended, he's ruling from heaven, 00:08:12.759 --> 00:08:18.659 which means the promised time of the blessing of God under his king has started. 00:08:18.920 --> 00:08:19.480 It's begun. 00:08:19.659 --> 00:08:20.759 And they were part of it. 00:08:20.759 --> 00:08:22.279 But they were there. 00:08:22.379 --> 00:08:24.839 They were part of this, this new kingdom. 00:08:25.459 --> 00:08:27.939 They would have been filled with joy and excitement. 00:08:28.899 --> 00:08:31.120 It would have been a wonderful time. 00:08:33.159 --> 00:08:37.159 And then I think the second thing that would have been laying heavy on their hearts 00:08:37.159 --> 00:08:39.340 is that they had a critical role to play. 00:08:40.460 --> 00:08:44.840 You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria 00:08:44.840 --> 00:08:46.279 and to the end of the earth. 00:08:49.159 --> 00:08:50.539 That's a big job. 00:08:50.759 --> 00:08:55.580 The Lord is determined to gather in his died-for people. 00:08:55.980 --> 00:08:56.980 He's going to get them all. 00:08:58.500 --> 00:09:01.840 And they're going to be the ones to share that good news. 00:09:02.779 --> 00:09:04.879 They had a massive job ahead of them. 00:09:06.279 --> 00:09:10.980 So joy and excitement, but what a job. 00:09:10.980 --> 00:09:21.139 So at this point, I'd expect Luke in the story to jump straight from here to chapter 2. 00:09:21.779 --> 00:09:23.279 We need the Spirit to come. 00:09:24.440 --> 00:09:30.480 We need God's Spirit to come and empower these guys to achieve this mission. 00:09:30.480 --> 00:09:33.279 But Luke pauses. 00:09:34.700 --> 00:09:37.639 And to be honest, I've been wrestling with this all week. 00:09:37.860 --> 00:09:38.300 Why? 00:09:38.560 --> 00:09:40.680 Why this second half of chapter 1? 00:09:41.639 --> 00:09:44.080 Chapter 2 is way more exciting, let's be honest. 00:09:44.139 --> 00:09:47.560 Although I suppose the gory details of Judas are kind of interesting. 00:09:47.559 --> 00:09:49.939 But why the second half? 00:09:50.719 --> 00:09:55.000 He makes us pause and I think he draws our attention to the apostles. 00:09:55.000 --> 00:10:01.679 Here's where I think Luke is laying some groundwork. 00:10:02.159 --> 00:10:09.980 Some really important groundwork that we must understand before we launch into the mission of Jesus gathering in his people. 00:10:09.980 --> 00:10:15.560 So why do we need to hear about Judas? 00:10:16.519 --> 00:10:17.879 Why do we need to hear about that? 00:10:18.000 --> 00:10:20.420 Why do we need to know about his replacement? 00:10:23.340 --> 00:10:24.600 I think this is the reason. 00:10:26.460 --> 00:10:36.060 Because everything you and I know about the true and living Jesus, his words, what he did, what he achieved in his death and resurrection, 00:10:36.059 --> 00:10:41.059 what he calls us to do now, everything, everything you know for sure, 00:10:41.859 --> 00:10:46.199 comes to us through the first-hand testimony of the apostles and their teaching. 00:10:47.779 --> 00:10:50.079 It's our only reliable source. 00:10:53.000 --> 00:10:57.199 And with the Old Testament obviously supporting them in that testimony. 00:10:58.559 --> 00:11:03.079 So I think this is why Luke deals with the problem of Judas. 00:11:03.080 --> 00:11:11.180 There's a glaring public scandal that taints the 12's credibility. 00:11:12.080 --> 00:11:16.879 So we're going to jump to verse 15 and do the second half first, in a sense. 00:11:16.980 --> 00:11:20.740 So we're going to go to verse 15 to 26 and then we'll come back to verses 12 to 14. 00:11:20.740 --> 00:11:30.240 So Luke tells us that it was public knowledge in Jerusalem at the time that Judas had bought a field with the money he got for betraying Jesus. 00:11:31.159 --> 00:11:36.720 And falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 00:11:39.480 --> 00:11:42.960 I don't think he's just trying to add colour to the story. 00:11:43.220 --> 00:11:47.700 Like that is, fortunately most of the children are off in their classes. 00:11:47.700 --> 00:11:50.020 But he's not just adding colour. 00:11:50.120 --> 00:11:51.240 Why do we need to know this? 00:11:52.879 --> 00:12:02.140 I think it's because to meet such a sudden end, to have his lifeblood spilled out and his corpse to lay in an open field, 00:12:02.780 --> 00:12:08.280 to Jewish ears that would just clearly say, God has judged this man. 00:12:08.279 --> 00:12:17.179 These 12 weren't elected by people. 00:12:17.860 --> 00:12:19.240 They didn't appoint themselves. 00:12:20.000 --> 00:12:21.899 They were chosen by Jesus himself. 00:12:23.959 --> 00:12:29.679 And yet one of them turned against him and was clearly judged by God. 00:12:29.679 --> 00:12:40.459 So can this really be the new people of God, the new Israel symbolised by the number 12? 00:12:41.139 --> 00:12:44.739 Can this really be the new Israel if one of them defects? 00:12:46.399 --> 00:12:52.939 Can Jesus really be Lord who knows people's hearts if his choice turns on him? 00:12:52.940 --> 00:13:00.400 Can Jesus be Lord if one of his representatives of the new people of God is cursed by God? 00:13:02.900 --> 00:13:04.120 I think that's the problem. 00:13:04.240 --> 00:13:05.220 That's the scandal. 00:13:06.500 --> 00:13:08.060 And it was public knowledge at the time. 00:13:11.640 --> 00:13:15.840 So this is where Peter satisfies the problem by listening to God's word. 00:13:15.840 --> 00:13:17.160 He says, 00:13:17.160 --> 00:13:24.019 Brothers, the scriptures had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas. 00:13:25.560 --> 00:13:36.399 So then he quotes Psalms 69 and 109, where it's King David lamenting that one of his close companions is attacking him, 00:13:36.680 --> 00:13:41.060 and he's calling on the Lord to remove this man from among Israel. 00:13:41.059 --> 00:13:47.339 The point is, Judas wasn't a surprise. 00:13:48.339 --> 00:13:49.739 It wasn't a surprise to the Lord. 00:13:49.799 --> 00:13:51.500 The Lord was in charge the whole time. 00:13:52.799 --> 00:14:00.639 It actually serves to confirm that Jesus fulfils the pattern of King David with Judas attacking him. 00:14:02.059 --> 00:14:04.679 It shows that scripture is fulfilled. 00:14:06.559 --> 00:14:08.059 He is the Christ. 00:14:08.059 --> 00:14:15.439 And John 17, 12 is a really helpful verse for understanding Judas. 00:14:16.439 --> 00:14:18.819 Judas is the exception that proves the rule. 00:14:19.099 --> 00:14:22.339 This is what Jesus prays about his people in John chapter 12. 00:14:22.339 --> 00:14:31.500 I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost, except the son of destruction that the scripture might be fulfilled. 00:14:32.979 --> 00:14:35.579 Judas is the exception that proves the rule. 00:14:35.580 --> 00:14:38.360 Jesus is in charge. 00:14:39.580 --> 00:14:47.139 Judas was, the scripture said that Judas would do this, and not one is missing except this exception. 00:14:49.320 --> 00:14:56.759 So the stain of Judas, the public scandal, actually serves to show that Jesus is in charge. 00:14:56.920 --> 00:15:00.300 He is the son of David, fulfilling scripture. 00:15:00.299 --> 00:15:09.939 And I suppose because of the number 12 representing the new Israel, they need a replacement for Judas. 00:15:09.940 --> 00:15:17.060 I wonder at this point how the two men were feeling in the crowd. 00:15:17.180 --> 00:15:18.080 So there's 120. 00:15:18.380 --> 00:15:23.320 We've probably got, I'm not sure, 150 or so in the room at the moment. 00:15:23.420 --> 00:15:26.360 There's 120, we're told, in this first church. 00:15:27.060 --> 00:15:33.660 And as Peter's describing who can take this place of Judas, there's only two who qualify. 00:15:34.160 --> 00:15:36.580 I wonder how they were feeling when Peter was saying this. 00:15:36.580 --> 00:15:39.120 The spotlight was just on them. 00:15:42.139 --> 00:15:45.580 The casting of lots is not mentioned again. 00:15:45.940 --> 00:15:49.520 Acts, I think we really get confused with the book of Acts. 00:15:49.840 --> 00:15:53.000 We think because it's a story that we need to do likewise. 00:15:53.580 --> 00:15:54.280 It's a story. 00:15:54.460 --> 00:15:58.200 It's not telling us we need to cast lots to make decisions. 00:15:59.480 --> 00:16:00.780 It's describing. 00:16:01.100 --> 00:16:03.540 It's not telling us, it's not prescribing us to do that. 00:16:03.539 --> 00:16:07.019 So don't go and flip a coin for who to marry and call it God's will. 00:16:08.379 --> 00:16:09.539 That's not the point of this. 00:16:09.639 --> 00:16:13.860 The point of casting lots was the apostles had to be chosen by the Lord. 00:16:15.779 --> 00:16:20.740 It's not just elected, but chosen directly by the Lord. 00:16:21.819 --> 00:16:27.379 And they knew the proverb that said that the lot is cast into the lap and every decision is from the Lord. 00:16:27.379 --> 00:16:34.879 Let's focus on what the apostles had to have. 00:16:34.939 --> 00:16:35.799 Who could qualify? 00:16:36.139 --> 00:16:37.059 What were their credentials? 00:16:37.259 --> 00:16:40.439 And that's in verses 21 and 22, if you want to have a look there. 00:16:40.440 --> 00:16:43.220 Peter says, 00:16:43.220 --> 00:16:49.700 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 00:16:50.300 --> 00:16:54.140 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us, 00:16:54.700 --> 00:16:59.620 one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection. 00:16:59.620 --> 00:17:11.500 They must have seen and heard Jesus' entire ministry, his crucifixion, his ascension, and most centrally, his resurrection, 00:17:12.119 --> 00:17:13.759 that he is alive, he is the Lord. 00:17:15.259 --> 00:17:18.079 The apostles are our window into Jesus. 00:17:18.079 --> 00:17:24.319 They are the conduit. 00:17:24.419 --> 00:17:27.799 They are the way that we hear the good news of salvation. 00:17:30.240 --> 00:17:36.740 Salvation comes to us through what they have seen and heard, their firsthand experience. 00:17:39.559 --> 00:17:43.859 So to return to the question I started with, how is Jesus speaking today? 00:17:43.859 --> 00:17:48.259 It is through the word of the apostles' testimony and their teaching. 00:17:49.439 --> 00:17:53.439 And by God's grace, this is written down for us in the New Testament. 00:17:54.559 --> 00:17:59.559 It's the New Testament with the Old Testament shedding light on the gospel and confirming it, 00:18:00.099 --> 00:18:03.319 that we can hear our Lord's voice. 00:18:05.119 --> 00:18:07.959 Jesus is speaking through his word. 00:18:07.960 --> 00:18:13.259 He is accessible. 00:18:14.460 --> 00:18:16.420 The word is living and active. 00:18:17.740 --> 00:18:20.559 He is speaking through the apostolic word. 00:18:22.559 --> 00:18:28.559 So it's important to clarify, it's not the apostolic office that Jesus speaks through today. 00:18:28.840 --> 00:18:34.660 This is where the Catholics put way too much emphasis on the human office, 00:18:34.660 --> 00:18:41.120 the role, as if Peter being in charge of the church goes down generation after generation. 00:18:41.259 --> 00:18:43.019 There's nothing in the Bible to say that. 00:18:43.840 --> 00:18:47.460 It's not the office that's the power of Jesus. 00:18:47.720 --> 00:18:48.920 It's the message. 00:18:49.600 --> 00:18:50.540 It's the witness. 00:18:50.720 --> 00:18:52.120 It's what they heard and saw. 00:18:52.220 --> 00:18:54.259 It's the gospel message that has the power. 00:18:55.220 --> 00:18:57.600 I think we even see it in the rest of the story of Acts. 00:18:57.779 --> 00:18:59.900 We start off following Peter and John. 00:18:59.900 --> 00:19:05.160 But after Peter and John, we get Stephen, who wasn't an apostle. 00:19:05.780 --> 00:19:07.000 We get Barnabas. 00:19:07.300 --> 00:19:12.040 And then we get Paul, or Saul, who turns into Paul, who was an enemy of the gospel. 00:19:13.940 --> 00:19:19.920 In chapter 8, when the Jews are driven out, or the Christians are driven out of Jerusalem, 00:19:20.360 --> 00:19:23.780 we're told that wherever they were scattered, they preached the gospel. 00:19:23.779 --> 00:19:29.559 So even in the book of Acts, it doesn't completely follow the apostles. 00:19:31.139 --> 00:19:37.279 And just have a listen to these key summary statements that Luke gives throughout the story. 00:19:37.720 --> 00:19:38.920 Let me read them out to you. 00:19:39.000 --> 00:19:42.079 So in chapter 6, verse 7, 00:19:42.079 --> 00:19:55.259 So Luke pauses at key points and goes, 00:19:55.359 --> 00:19:57.559 It's not the apostles that have the power. 00:19:57.899 --> 00:20:00.799 It's the word of God that has the power. 00:20:02.279 --> 00:20:03.759 And disciples are added to their number. 00:20:04.079 --> 00:20:05.379 Or chapter 12, verse 24, 00:20:05.380 --> 00:20:17.160 There will be enemies to the gospel. 00:20:18.100 --> 00:20:19.680 They're going to meet their end eventually. 00:20:20.040 --> 00:20:21.460 The word of God will just keep going. 00:20:22.940 --> 00:20:24.440 Or chapter 13, verse 49, 00:20:25.720 --> 00:20:29.880 And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region. 00:20:30.020 --> 00:20:31.360 And that was a Gentile region. 00:20:31.359 --> 00:20:36.099 So Luke actually shows us that it's the word of God. 00:20:36.319 --> 00:20:39.379 It's the message of the apostles that has the power. 00:20:41.519 --> 00:20:45.559 Jesus is speaking and saving by the power of his word. 00:20:45.959 --> 00:20:49.959 Wherever the truth of what the apostles have said is spoken, 00:20:50.719 --> 00:20:52.079 there you have the word of God. 00:20:53.439 --> 00:20:55.240 I really like John Woodhouse. 00:20:55.699 --> 00:20:59.679 His quote here, he just simply says it, 00:20:59.680 --> 00:21:02.340 and I think it just clarifies things really nicely. 00:21:04.460 --> 00:21:05.539 He says it this way, 00:21:05.680 --> 00:21:07.380 Where there is the word of God, 00:21:07.920 --> 00:21:11.100 and faith in God because of that word, 00:21:12.100 --> 00:21:14.400 there is the totality of Christianity. 00:21:17.200 --> 00:21:18.400 Let me repeat that. 00:21:19.400 --> 00:21:21.560 It sounds really simple and duh, 00:21:21.559 --> 00:21:23.559 but it's crucial. 00:21:23.559 --> 00:21:24.839 It's crucial. 00:21:26.339 --> 00:21:28.240 Where there is the word of God, 00:21:28.500 --> 00:21:31.119 and faith in God because of that word, 00:21:31.319 --> 00:21:33.779 there is the totality of Christianity. 00:21:35.059 --> 00:21:36.899 If you want access to Jesus, 00:21:37.319 --> 00:21:38.179 listen to his word. 00:21:42.779 --> 00:21:43.899 It's as simple as that. 00:21:43.900 --> 00:21:50.120 And that word produces good fruit. 00:21:50.340 --> 00:21:50.820 In a sense, 00:21:50.920 --> 00:21:52.560 you don't have to take their word for it. 00:21:53.019 --> 00:21:56.660 You can see the fruit of the apostles' message, 00:21:56.780 --> 00:21:57.200 the gospel. 00:21:58.280 --> 00:21:59.420 And I think we see it today. 00:21:59.519 --> 00:22:01.320 The fact that we're even gathered here today 00:22:01.320 --> 00:22:03.440 to listen to God's word 00:22:03.440 --> 00:22:09.740 is fruit of God's word saving. 00:22:09.740 --> 00:22:13.440 So that brings us back to verses 12 to 14. 00:22:13.579 --> 00:22:15.019 I think Luke gives us a glimpse 00:22:15.019 --> 00:22:16.019 into the difference 00:22:16.019 --> 00:22:18.539 that the apostles' word makes. 00:22:22.559 --> 00:22:25.400 You don't have self-reliant people, 00:22:25.500 --> 00:22:28.700 but you've got humble, reliant people. 00:22:29.500 --> 00:22:31.380 If Jesus is in charge from heaven, 00:22:32.299 --> 00:22:34.660 if he's the one who's going to gather his people 00:22:34.660 --> 00:22:36.220 from all the earth, 00:22:37.140 --> 00:22:39.200 if they need his Holy Spirit to do that, 00:22:39.200 --> 00:22:41.019 then his people pray. 00:22:42.519 --> 00:22:46.100 They recognize they don't have the power in themselves 00:22:46.100 --> 00:22:48.220 to live the life of faith 00:22:48.220 --> 00:22:51.080 and be the effective witness in our own strength. 00:22:52.080 --> 00:22:54.740 This community is characterized by prayer. 00:22:56.480 --> 00:22:59.039 We need the Lord's help. 00:23:00.600 --> 00:23:01.180 In a sense, 00:23:01.240 --> 00:23:02.980 that's the right way to be gazing up 00:23:02.980 --> 00:23:06.559 so that the men were told, 00:23:06.740 --> 00:23:07.640 stop gazing into heaven, 00:23:07.640 --> 00:23:08.840 kind of get on with the job. 00:23:09.200 --> 00:23:10.460 By the angels. 00:23:10.779 --> 00:23:12.200 But we should be gazing up 00:23:12.200 --> 00:23:13.380 in the sense we need help. 00:23:14.980 --> 00:23:16.559 The difference the gospel makes 00:23:16.559 --> 00:23:18.539 is it turns people into humble, 00:23:19.180 --> 00:23:20.240 dependent people 00:23:20.240 --> 00:23:22.920 who need Jesus every step of the way. 00:23:25.519 --> 00:23:26.960 The other thing we see 00:23:26.960 --> 00:23:28.120 in verses 12 to 14 00:23:28.120 --> 00:23:30.380 is that they're united. 00:23:32.080 --> 00:23:34.180 They aren't just doing their own thing 00:23:34.180 --> 00:23:35.720 as each think is best, 00:23:35.720 --> 00:23:37.839 but they're united in one purpose. 00:23:38.480 --> 00:23:39.799 There's a really lovely phrase, 00:23:40.319 --> 00:23:42.600 all these with one accord 00:23:42.600 --> 00:23:46.000 were devoting themselves to prayer. 00:23:47.339 --> 00:23:48.259 They're united. 00:23:49.680 --> 00:23:53.299 In a day when women were second-class citizens, 00:23:54.579 --> 00:23:56.900 here is this new community of Christ, 00:23:57.460 --> 00:23:58.259 men and women, 00:23:58.799 --> 00:23:59.240 together, 00:23:59.779 --> 00:24:00.660 side by side, 00:24:01.000 --> 00:24:02.900 united in worship and prayer. 00:24:02.900 --> 00:24:06.400 It would have been very radical 00:24:06.400 --> 00:24:07.940 at the time, 00:24:08.019 --> 00:24:08.759 still is radical. 00:24:10.519 --> 00:24:12.680 And we see this unity even more 00:24:12.680 --> 00:24:14.880 as the story unfolds in Acts. 00:24:15.620 --> 00:24:16.560 Like Samaritans, 00:24:16.660 --> 00:24:17.900 for Jews to welcome Samaritans, 00:24:19.240 --> 00:24:21.360 it was just unheard of, 00:24:21.759 --> 00:24:23.180 but that's what the gospel does. 00:24:23.259 --> 00:24:24.440 It breaks down walls 00:24:24.440 --> 00:24:27.420 for non-Jews to come into the people of God. 00:24:28.000 --> 00:24:28.820 Here we are today, 00:24:28.819 --> 00:24:31.480 many non-Jews among us. 00:24:32.559 --> 00:24:33.579 It breaks down walls. 00:24:33.679 --> 00:24:34.399 There's unity. 00:24:35.439 --> 00:24:37.480 This word of God creates unity. 00:24:38.939 --> 00:24:40.539 The other thing we see in these verses 00:24:40.539 --> 00:24:41.299 is that 00:24:41.299 --> 00:24:45.419 this community is filled with changed people, 00:24:45.759 --> 00:24:46.839 transformed people. 00:24:48.779 --> 00:24:49.799 Think about Peter. 00:24:50.799 --> 00:24:51.960 Sometimes we just assume, 00:24:52.099 --> 00:24:54.619 oh yeah, of course Peter is leader of the church. 00:24:54.619 --> 00:24:57.219 He disowned Jesus three times. 00:24:58.099 --> 00:25:00.559 Why did the community recognise him as leader? 00:25:01.459 --> 00:25:02.759 I think it's only possible 00:25:02.759 --> 00:25:06.839 if they accept the restoring power 00:25:06.839 --> 00:25:09.099 of Jesus' grace to Peter. 00:25:10.079 --> 00:25:12.159 That's the only way they could recognise him as leader. 00:25:14.079 --> 00:25:14.959 Here is Peter, 00:25:16.299 --> 00:25:19.239 changed by the grace of Jesus. 00:25:19.799 --> 00:25:20.859 And the mention of Mary, 00:25:20.959 --> 00:25:22.299 I think is just the highlight 00:25:22.299 --> 00:25:23.839 that it was Jesus' brothers 00:25:23.839 --> 00:25:26.059 who were in this company of the 120. 00:25:26.859 --> 00:25:29.720 These brothers were told in the gospel accounts, 00:25:30.180 --> 00:25:31.299 they were against Jesus. 00:25:31.839 --> 00:25:33.019 They ridiculed him. 00:25:33.159 --> 00:25:35.440 They didn't believe he was Lord 00:25:35.440 --> 00:25:37.619 and now here they are praying to him. 00:25:39.879 --> 00:25:42.639 This community is full of people who are changed. 00:25:43.440 --> 00:25:45.419 They're transformed by the grace of God, 00:25:45.700 --> 00:25:46.659 by the grace of Jesus. 00:25:46.660 --> 00:25:54.779 So the word of the apostles creates good fruit. 00:25:56.440 --> 00:25:57.740 Prayerfulness, unity, 00:25:58.640 --> 00:25:59.740 transformed lives. 00:26:02.680 --> 00:26:04.920 So how is Jesus active on earth? 00:26:06.000 --> 00:26:07.180 If he's up in heaven, 00:26:07.340 --> 00:26:08.580 how do we hear his voice? 00:26:09.300 --> 00:26:11.400 It's through the apostolic word of the gospel 00:26:11.400 --> 00:26:13.700 preserved for us in the living word, 00:26:14.120 --> 00:26:14.900 the written word. 00:26:14.900 --> 00:26:17.120 And by that word, 00:26:18.280 --> 00:26:19.360 lives are changed, 00:26:19.860 --> 00:26:20.759 people are united, 00:26:21.560 --> 00:26:22.360 and we pray to him 00:26:22.360 --> 00:26:24.440 because we believe he is in charge. 00:26:24.900 --> 00:26:25.900 He is Lord. 00:26:28.700 --> 00:26:31.380 The Lord is still active and ruling 00:26:31.380 --> 00:26:35.180 and saving by his word today. 00:26:36.440 --> 00:26:38.259 I think the fact that we're here 00:26:38.259 --> 00:26:39.259 is fruit of that. 00:26:41.860 --> 00:26:43.700 So a few questions for us to finish. 00:26:44.900 --> 00:26:47.460 Are you engaging with the Lord? 00:26:50.140 --> 00:26:52.220 If he is speaking through his word, 00:26:52.880 --> 00:26:54.300 are you treating his word 00:26:54.300 --> 00:26:56.140 like it's his word? 00:26:59.360 --> 00:27:00.620 What will that look like? 00:27:01.200 --> 00:27:02.220 It will make us learners. 00:27:03.500 --> 00:27:04.360 It will make us 00:27:04.360 --> 00:27:07.019 a community of learners, 00:27:07.140 --> 00:27:07.880 not just individually, 00:27:08.019 --> 00:27:09.460 but a community of learners, 00:27:09.680 --> 00:27:10.519 learning from each other, 00:27:10.600 --> 00:27:11.180 from scripture. 00:27:11.180 --> 00:27:13.960 Not just learning information, 00:27:15.000 --> 00:27:16.680 but as Marty prayed for us at the beginning, 00:27:16.980 --> 00:27:18.200 that we would be changed 00:27:18.200 --> 00:27:19.960 when we encounter the word of God. 00:27:21.340 --> 00:27:23.140 There was a time when I was just going through 00:27:23.140 --> 00:27:23.740 Bible reading 00:27:23.740 --> 00:27:25.860 and it was just feeling so dry 00:27:25.860 --> 00:27:27.140 and dull and a duty. 00:27:27.640 --> 00:27:29.060 The thing that changed it for me 00:27:29.060 --> 00:27:30.320 was when I realised 00:27:30.320 --> 00:27:32.080 I wasn't coming to be changed. 00:27:32.920 --> 00:27:34.500 As soon as I started going, 00:27:34.720 --> 00:27:36.320 God, show me something new, 00:27:36.319 --> 00:27:39.200 it became alive again. 00:27:42.740 --> 00:27:43.819 Are we engaging 00:27:43.819 --> 00:27:44.960 with the word of the Lord? 00:27:47.379 --> 00:27:48.779 And the second thing is 00:27:48.779 --> 00:27:51.799 for us to see 00:27:51.799 --> 00:27:53.639 the massive privilege it is 00:27:53.639 --> 00:27:55.179 to be part 00:27:55.179 --> 00:27:57.240 of that community 00:27:57.240 --> 00:27:58.299 that can pass on 00:27:58.299 --> 00:27:58.960 the word of God. 00:27:58.960 --> 00:28:01.759 Every time 00:28:01.759 --> 00:28:03.200 that we say something 00:28:03.200 --> 00:28:03.960 that is true 00:28:03.960 --> 00:28:04.940 based on the gospel, 00:28:05.720 --> 00:28:06.960 we can trust 00:28:06.960 --> 00:28:08.420 that that is 00:28:08.420 --> 00:28:09.539 God's word. 00:28:10.640 --> 00:28:11.620 We can trust 00:28:11.620 --> 00:28:12.380 that even though 00:28:12.380 --> 00:28:12.980 we're weak 00:28:12.980 --> 00:28:14.039 as messengers, 00:28:14.400 --> 00:28:15.180 that the word of God 00:28:15.180 --> 00:28:15.860 is powerful. 00:28:17.559 --> 00:28:19.120 And we can be part of that. 00:28:22.500 --> 00:28:22.980 So, 00:28:23.140 --> 00:28:24.220 Jesus' word is powerful 00:28:24.220 --> 00:28:25.000 to save 00:28:25.000 --> 00:28:26.340 and transform 00:28:26.339 --> 00:28:29.839 and isn't that good news? 00:28:30.939 --> 00:28:31.579 Will you pray with me 00:28:31.579 --> 00:28:32.059 as we finish? 00:28:32.199 --> 00:28:32.500 Let's pray. 00:28:42.079 --> 00:28:42.439 Father, 00:28:42.539 --> 00:28:43.039 in a sense, 00:28:43.399 --> 00:28:45.019 what we've heard today 00:28:45.019 --> 00:28:46.720 is simple, 00:28:47.799 --> 00:28:48.699 but Lord, 00:28:48.699 --> 00:28:50.099 I pray that it might 00:28:50.099 --> 00:28:51.339 go down deep 00:28:51.339 --> 00:28:52.220 in our hearts 00:28:52.220 --> 00:28:53.299 that we would believe 00:28:53.299 --> 00:28:53.599 that 00:28:53.599 --> 00:28:55.279 you have 00:28:55.279 --> 00:28:55.960 preserved 00:28:55.960 --> 00:28:56.480 your word 00:28:56.480 --> 00:28:56.859 for us 00:28:56.859 --> 00:28:57.480 so that we would 00:28:57.480 --> 00:28:58.339 hear you speak. 00:28:59.180 --> 00:28:59.519 Lord, 00:28:59.579 --> 00:29:00.200 thank you that we can 00:29:00.200 --> 00:29:01.279 know you in truth, 00:29:02.059 --> 00:29:04.700 not try and find you 00:29:04.700 --> 00:29:06.220 by our own intellect 00:29:06.220 --> 00:29:08.119 and our own imaginings, 00:29:08.859 --> 00:29:09.920 but that we can 00:29:09.920 --> 00:29:11.139 know you truly 00:29:11.139 --> 00:29:12.879 through your written word 00:29:12.879 --> 00:29:13.639 preserved for us. 00:29:13.740 --> 00:29:14.519 Thank you for 00:29:14.519 --> 00:29:16.740 filling your apostles 00:29:16.740 --> 00:29:17.579 with your spirit 00:29:17.579 --> 00:29:19.779 so that we can trust 00:29:19.779 --> 00:29:20.480 what they say. 00:29:21.559 --> 00:29:22.000 Lord, 00:29:22.119 --> 00:29:23.160 thank you that you fill us 00:29:23.160 --> 00:29:24.259 with your same spirit 00:29:24.259 --> 00:29:25.900 so that we can 00:29:25.900 --> 00:29:27.140 understand what you say 00:29:27.140 --> 00:29:28.240 and be transformed. 00:29:28.700 --> 00:29:28.859 Lord, 00:29:28.900 --> 00:29:29.460 I pray that you would 00:29:29.460 --> 00:29:30.460 make us as a church 00:29:30.460 --> 00:29:31.119 a community 00:29:31.119 --> 00:29:32.640 that comes to you 00:29:32.640 --> 00:29:33.960 expecting to hear you 00:29:33.960 --> 00:29:34.420 speak 00:29:34.420 --> 00:29:36.079 and wanting to be 00:29:36.079 --> 00:29:36.539 changed. 00:29:37.500 --> 00:29:37.740 Lord, 00:29:37.779 --> 00:29:38.460 I pray that you would 00:29:38.460 --> 00:29:39.259 help us to be 00:29:39.259 --> 00:29:41.579 faithful witnesses 00:29:41.579 --> 00:29:42.480 of this change 00:29:42.480 --> 00:29:43.859 as we pass that 00:29:43.859 --> 00:29:44.420 on to others 00:29:44.420 --> 00:29:45.359 as you give us 00:29:45.359 --> 00:29:45.920 opportunity. 00:29:46.859 --> 00:29:47.000 Lord, 00:29:47.059 --> 00:29:47.480 we pray this in 00:29:47.480 --> 00:29:47.980 Jesus' name. 00:29:48.299 --> 00:29:48.599 Amen. 00:29:48.599 --> 00:29:48.700 Amen. 00:29:48.940 --> 00:29:49.000 Amen. 00:29:49.000 --> 00:29:49.440 Amen. 00:29:49.440 --> 00:29:49.500 Amen. 00:29:49.500 --> 00:29:50.000 Amen. 00:29:50.000 --> 00:29:50.500 Amen. 00:29:50.500 --> 00:29:50.559 Amen. 00:29:50.559 --> 00:29:50.940 Amen. 00:29:50.940 --> 00:29:51.000 Amen. 00:29:51.000 --> 00:29:51.500 Amen. 00:29:51.500 --> 00:29:52.500 Amen. 00:29:52.500 --> 00:29:52.640 Amen.