WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.880 As we pray together, Father God, may your word this morning encourage us and empower us afresh. 00:00:10.080 --> 00:00:12.439 In Jesus' name, amen. 00:00:15.140 --> 00:00:17.780 Why does this surprise you? 00:00:18.500 --> 00:00:20.240 I love that line in this scripture. 00:00:20.839 --> 00:00:22.199 Why does this surprise you? 00:00:22.920 --> 00:00:25.179 We are called to witness and trust. 00:00:25.179 --> 00:00:41.119 And maybe you can recall, like I can, moments in your life where not only your life was changed, but in your life someone else's life was changed too because you witnessed. 00:00:41.439 --> 00:00:50.859 Because you took that time to stand alongside someone and sense that encouragement that the Lord gave you for that moment in time. 00:00:51.000 --> 00:00:53.560 Because we took a step of faith. 00:00:53.560 --> 00:01:05.240 And here in this morning's reading is one of those most beautiful, amazing, powerful, emotional encounters in scripture that we read that really, really encourages me. 00:01:05.719 --> 00:01:07.700 And I hope it encourages you too. 00:01:08.500 --> 00:01:18.040 And yet for some, the miraculous nature of this encounter that we've heard about this morning between Peter and John and this man who had his life changed, 00:01:18.040 --> 00:01:26.200 dramatically and beautifully transformed and changed, dramatically and beautifully transformed and changed in an instant, maybe for some beyond our understanding. 00:01:27.520 --> 00:01:30.300 A leap or a step of faith too far maybe. 00:01:30.299 --> 00:01:44.500 Whether it's healing, whether it's healing, whether it's healing, emotional, physical, whether it's a reawakening in somebody's life of their faith, a new beginning, healing from the past, looking with fresh hope towards something in the future. 00:01:44.500 --> 00:01:50.659 We witness, we witness, we witness, we witness, we witness, we witness, we witness, we are called to witness the realisation that Jesus is with us. 00:01:51.620 --> 00:01:56.719 And is with us, not just with us as a presence, but with us in power. 00:01:57.460 --> 00:02:03.420 We are called to these encounters, each and every one of us. 00:02:03.420 --> 00:02:09.259 It's not just for a few who may think that they are super spiritual or whatever. 00:02:09.259 --> 00:02:15.699 We are each and every one of us called as disciples and followers of Christ. 00:02:16.360 --> 00:02:19.099 We are all called to witness to our faith. 00:02:19.580 --> 00:02:26.800 Our Christianity, our faith, our following of Jesus, I can assure you is not a spectator sport. 00:02:27.860 --> 00:02:29.280 Please hear that this morning. 00:02:29.280 --> 00:02:33.439 We are not here to just watch on in awe and wonder. 00:02:33.659 --> 00:02:38.420 We are called to be participants in what God is doing. 00:02:41.099 --> 00:02:45.699 This is alive, it's engaging, and it's real. 00:02:46.840 --> 00:02:50.060 And it has been so down the ages and will be today as well. 00:02:50.740 --> 00:02:55.759 I've been rereading, it's a little book, and if you know that I am a visual learner, 00:02:55.759 --> 00:02:58.599 you'll know that I always look for a little book to read. 00:02:59.280 --> 00:03:00.099 It's my thing. 00:03:00.740 --> 00:03:04.740 But one of the little books, but with a big message that I've been reading, 00:03:05.180 --> 00:03:08.379 is Practicing the Presence of God. 00:03:09.379 --> 00:03:12.599 And it's an amazing book, and I would encourage you to reread it, 00:03:12.659 --> 00:03:16.740 because it was teachings collected about a man called Brother Lawrence, 00:03:16.960 --> 00:03:20.259 who lived in the 17th century as a Carmelite monk. 00:03:20.259 --> 00:03:25.560 Now, the compilation of letters that people brought together, 00:03:25.919 --> 00:03:28.099 as well as records of his conversation, 00:03:28.599 --> 00:03:31.899 of those who saw and witnessed Brother Lawrence's ministry. 00:03:32.840 --> 00:03:34.679 Was he a big stage speaker? 00:03:35.219 --> 00:03:36.219 No, he wasn't. 00:03:36.859 --> 00:03:39.879 Was he, did he write theological books? 00:03:40.239 --> 00:03:41.439 No, he didn't. 00:03:41.979 --> 00:03:43.399 He washed dishes. 00:03:43.400 --> 00:03:45.920 That was his job. 00:03:46.500 --> 00:03:49.319 In the monastery, he washed dishes. 00:03:50.200 --> 00:03:54.960 And people came from far and wide to stand beside him, 00:03:55.000 --> 00:03:56.939 and I hope they helped with the drying up. 00:03:56.939 --> 00:04:00.240 But they came to stand alongside him, 00:04:01.120 --> 00:04:05.539 to hear his wisdom of all that God was saying in him and through him. 00:04:05.840 --> 00:04:08.500 And lives were changed and transformed, 00:04:08.859 --> 00:04:12.240 so much so that people wrote about it. 00:04:12.240 --> 00:04:18.460 The presence of God that was on him and in him and in his everyday workplace. 00:04:19.199 --> 00:04:22.199 And again, that is where God is at work with us. 00:04:22.699 --> 00:04:26.240 And every day, in our workplace, wherever we are, 00:04:26.579 --> 00:04:28.720 those who just came to be with him. 00:04:29.860 --> 00:04:31.680 And we are each called to be witnesses. 00:04:32.519 --> 00:04:35.939 In each and every place that we're going to be this week, 00:04:36.160 --> 00:04:40.800 let's seek and ask more and more of the presence of God in our lives. 00:04:40.800 --> 00:04:43.180 And trust in him in the everyday. 00:04:44.000 --> 00:04:44.860 Be encouraged. 00:04:45.240 --> 00:04:46.240 Trust in God. 00:04:47.020 --> 00:04:49.120 He is with us 24-7. 00:04:50.579 --> 00:04:52.439 So let's come back to our scripture. 00:04:54.220 --> 00:04:57.800 Peter and John remember just a short while before 00:04:57.800 --> 00:05:00.720 that they were hidden away in an upper room. 00:05:01.840 --> 00:05:02.759 They were afraid. 00:05:03.139 --> 00:05:04.139 They were frightened men. 00:05:05.060 --> 00:05:09.259 They wouldn't go out and witness as they are doing in our scripture today. 00:05:10.800 --> 00:05:12.220 But something happened. 00:05:12.939 --> 00:05:15.819 And they were transformed and changed 00:05:15.819 --> 00:05:18.800 because of the risen Jesus. 00:05:19.699 --> 00:05:22.240 Their faith had been probably at rock bottom. 00:05:22.240 --> 00:05:25.520 Then they transformed, empowered, encouraged, enthused 00:05:25.520 --> 00:05:27.500 through the risen Jesus 00:05:27.500 --> 00:05:29.620 and the power of the Holy Spirit 00:05:29.620 --> 00:05:31.460 working in them and through him. 00:05:32.319 --> 00:05:35.759 As have we, I hope. 00:05:35.759 --> 00:05:39.300 Because we have that opportunity. 00:05:40.099 --> 00:05:41.120 We have seen. 00:05:41.259 --> 00:05:41.699 We heard. 00:05:41.860 --> 00:05:43.279 We know that Jesus is risen 00:05:43.279 --> 00:05:46.399 and we can go out empowered afresh 00:05:46.399 --> 00:05:48.000 in the Holy Spirit today 00:05:48.000 --> 00:05:49.740 to do what they've been doing. 00:05:49.879 --> 00:05:51.759 Now, I don't know what you're like at gifts. 00:05:53.039 --> 00:05:54.620 I don't know what you're like at gifts. 00:05:54.839 --> 00:05:56.139 I'm probably, I'm not being, 00:05:57.599 --> 00:05:59.539 yeah, I'm not just speaking to the guys here, 00:05:59.740 --> 00:06:01.800 but it's good to listen, guys. 00:06:02.420 --> 00:06:03.339 It's good to listen. 00:06:03.339 --> 00:06:07.719 I have learned over 41 years of marriage 00:06:07.719 --> 00:06:11.959 that it's good to listen. 00:06:12.959 --> 00:06:14.839 And I listen during the year. 00:06:15.159 --> 00:06:16.979 And often Mandy will come 00:06:16.979 --> 00:06:19.559 and she will just drop a subtle hint 00:06:19.559 --> 00:06:21.500 and say, oh, that's really nice. 00:06:21.679 --> 00:06:22.379 I like that. 00:06:23.259 --> 00:06:25.599 And so I squirrel back into the shop, 00:06:25.839 --> 00:06:26.559 whatever time, 00:06:26.959 --> 00:06:28.439 and you get this gift in. 00:06:29.379 --> 00:06:31.279 And then when it comes to an anniversary 00:06:31.279 --> 00:06:32.539 or Christmas sort of thing, 00:06:33.139 --> 00:06:34.859 oh, wow, that's great. 00:06:34.939 --> 00:06:37.359 And the gift isn't so much in the giving, 00:06:37.819 --> 00:06:40.759 but I love watching the gift being received. 00:06:41.719 --> 00:06:43.199 Surely that's God for us. 00:06:44.039 --> 00:06:45.039 Surely that's God for us. 00:06:45.079 --> 00:06:48.359 He must enjoy us using and seeing the gifts 00:06:48.359 --> 00:06:51.719 that he so freely gives to each and every one of us. 00:06:52.339 --> 00:06:53.239 And in our story, 00:06:53.379 --> 00:06:55.659 here are two men who know the blessing 00:06:55.660 --> 00:06:57.720 and the transformational change 00:06:57.720 --> 00:06:59.200 that they have experienced. 00:06:59.400 --> 00:07:02.240 And they want to share this gift with other people. 00:07:02.580 --> 00:07:04.160 They trust and they know. 00:07:04.500 --> 00:07:06.480 This gift to them through Jesus, 00:07:06.820 --> 00:07:08.400 his ministry and power, 00:07:08.740 --> 00:07:10.600 isn't a gift to keep to themselves. 00:07:11.040 --> 00:07:12.879 This is a gift to share. 00:07:15.080 --> 00:07:16.520 Look again at the text. 00:07:16.640 --> 00:07:18.600 They are on their way to pray. 00:07:19.040 --> 00:07:21.220 One day, Peter and John were going to the temple 00:07:21.220 --> 00:07:24.220 at the time of prayer at three in the afternoon. 00:07:24.220 --> 00:07:26.320 Really important line in the scripture. 00:07:26.780 --> 00:07:28.980 They haven't jettisoned what they're doing 00:07:28.980 --> 00:07:29.680 in the everyday. 00:07:30.640 --> 00:07:31.860 They go back. 00:07:32.080 --> 00:07:34.400 They've gone back to what they are doing 00:07:34.400 --> 00:07:36.180 because of the past. 00:07:36.340 --> 00:07:38.800 They are going about their everyday business. 00:07:39.780 --> 00:07:41.800 That's the place in which they ministered. 00:07:42.320 --> 00:07:44.420 And they are open in every moment 00:07:44.420 --> 00:07:46.560 to the power of God and the opportunities. 00:07:47.060 --> 00:07:49.380 If anything, it is increased in them. 00:07:49.980 --> 00:07:52.120 Increased in them as it will do in us. 00:07:52.120 --> 00:07:56.180 A deep, deep desire to serve and praise God 00:07:56.180 --> 00:07:58.439 because of what they've experienced. 00:07:59.139 --> 00:08:01.500 And there they are faced with what? 00:08:02.959 --> 00:08:05.300 Day after day, he has sat there. 00:08:06.280 --> 00:08:08.480 Challenge or opportunity? 00:08:09.939 --> 00:08:12.040 And that's the thing that faces all of us. 00:08:12.780 --> 00:08:15.160 Is this a challenge or an opportunity? 00:08:15.160 --> 00:08:19.480 So often we see issues that we would rather pass by. 00:08:19.880 --> 00:08:20.680 Let's be honest. 00:08:22.080 --> 00:08:23.420 Are we being honest this morning? 00:08:23.820 --> 00:08:24.860 A few people are nodding. 00:08:25.640 --> 00:08:28.720 Often we see things that we would rather pass by, 00:08:28.780 --> 00:08:29.020 wouldn't we? 00:08:29.080 --> 00:08:31.960 This guy has been taking up his place here for years 00:08:31.960 --> 00:08:33.940 in his life, begging. 00:08:34.840 --> 00:08:36.040 So what did he do? 00:08:36.360 --> 00:08:37.480 He asked for money. 00:08:37.480 --> 00:08:41.060 And isn't that just an easy fix? 00:08:42.139 --> 00:08:45.000 So often that's just an easy fix for us. 00:08:45.100 --> 00:08:45.980 Honestly, it is. 00:08:46.240 --> 00:08:47.639 You see in this reasoning, 00:08:47.840 --> 00:08:49.940 as it's fresh for us today 00:08:49.940 --> 00:08:52.279 in our discipleship and apprenticeship 00:08:52.279 --> 00:08:53.580 as it was then. 00:08:54.060 --> 00:08:56.300 Let's throw a bit of money at it 00:08:56.300 --> 00:08:57.759 and move on. 00:08:59.360 --> 00:09:00.379 And so often, 00:09:01.120 --> 00:09:03.920 you know, let's pay someone else 00:09:03.919 --> 00:09:04.919 to do the ministry. 00:09:06.120 --> 00:09:08.419 You know, I've seen that in churches for years. 00:09:08.959 --> 00:09:11.039 Let's pay somebody else to do the ministry 00:09:11.039 --> 00:09:13.240 and therefore it lets us off the hook. 00:09:14.219 --> 00:09:15.539 Let's throw money at it 00:09:15.539 --> 00:09:17.039 and we can walk away 00:09:17.039 --> 00:09:18.779 with a nice, warm, fuzzy feeling 00:09:18.779 --> 00:09:20.279 because we've done something. 00:09:20.519 --> 00:09:21.959 This man asked for money, 00:09:22.099 --> 00:09:22.979 but in their heart, 00:09:23.319 --> 00:09:26.299 that they know that they have far more to offer him. 00:09:26.879 --> 00:09:28.500 They've got far more than the money. 00:09:28.500 --> 00:09:30.419 In fact, they didn't have any money in their pocket. 00:09:30.799 --> 00:09:32.559 You see, my frustration as a Christian 00:09:32.559 --> 00:09:33.860 and in some areas of church, 00:09:33.919 --> 00:09:36.079 life is that we seek survival 00:09:36.079 --> 00:09:38.319 rather than the freedom that Jesus brings. 00:09:39.500 --> 00:09:41.740 Let's not just carry on with the ordinary, 00:09:42.360 --> 00:09:43.319 passing it by, 00:09:43.539 --> 00:09:45.199 but let's engage with it 00:09:45.199 --> 00:09:46.860 in the power of the Holy Spirit. 00:09:47.479 --> 00:09:49.419 And that's true to our Christian witness. 00:09:49.839 --> 00:09:51.579 This scripture screams at me, 00:09:51.899 --> 00:09:53.299 we have a gift to share, 00:09:53.779 --> 00:09:54.479 share it. 00:09:55.339 --> 00:09:56.579 Share it with people. 00:09:57.679 --> 00:09:59.120 Trust more in the presence 00:09:59.120 --> 00:10:00.360 and power of the Holy Spirit. 00:10:00.759 --> 00:10:02.539 Trust in the Lord with all your heart 00:10:02.539 --> 00:10:05.039 and don't lean on your own understanding. 00:10:05.279 --> 00:10:06.199 If there's a verse, 00:10:06.639 --> 00:10:07.860 the fridge magnet business 00:10:07.860 --> 00:10:09.759 would go out of business without that verse. 00:10:09.980 --> 00:10:11.839 I've seen it on so many different fridges. 00:10:12.240 --> 00:10:14.179 Trust in the Lord with all your heart 00:10:14.179 --> 00:10:15.980 and lean not on your own understanding. 00:10:16.379 --> 00:10:18.240 If we need to hold on to that, 00:10:18.419 --> 00:10:20.139 I don't know what's going to happen, Lord, 00:10:20.139 --> 00:10:22.360 but I know with you things can. 00:10:24.100 --> 00:10:26.519 We have a gift of offering Jesus to people 00:10:26.519 --> 00:10:28.199 new life and new freedom. 00:10:28.939 --> 00:10:30.059 Freedom from guilt, 00:10:30.299 --> 00:10:31.199 freedom from... 00:10:31.199 --> 00:10:32.439 If that's an ice cream van, 00:10:32.580 --> 00:10:33.919 mine is a Mivy. 00:10:35.399 --> 00:10:36.019 Is that right? 00:10:36.379 --> 00:10:37.600 I'll just share with you a minute. 00:10:37.720 --> 00:10:39.500 I'm glad we've got recordings here 00:10:39.500 --> 00:10:40.319 that we put in 00:10:40.319 --> 00:10:41.519 because I said to Mandy, 00:10:41.740 --> 00:10:42.559 on that great day 00:10:42.559 --> 00:10:43.919 when the Lord calls me home, 00:10:44.620 --> 00:10:45.139 I want... 00:10:45.139 --> 00:10:45.480 I want... 00:10:45.480 --> 00:10:46.920 Instead of going out to Bell's, 00:10:46.980 --> 00:10:49.039 I'd like an ice cream van played 00:10:49.039 --> 00:10:51.560 because that was my joy as a child. 00:10:52.060 --> 00:10:53.779 You know, so please remember that, 00:10:53.860 --> 00:10:55.000 will you, if my children don't. 00:10:56.139 --> 00:10:56.940 Freedom... 00:10:56.940 --> 00:10:59.120 Jumps on a horse riding by. 00:10:59.420 --> 00:11:00.139 Coming back. 00:11:00.560 --> 00:11:01.620 Freedom from guilt. 00:11:02.340 --> 00:11:04.100 Jesus brings freedom from guilt, 00:11:04.500 --> 00:11:05.920 freedom from issues of the past, 00:11:06.320 --> 00:11:08.120 freedom from a lack of self-worth, 00:11:08.560 --> 00:11:09.639 freedom from lies 00:11:09.639 --> 00:11:12.379 that have been spoken over us in our life. 00:11:12.379 --> 00:11:15.899 We offer people hope and a new dignity. 00:11:16.379 --> 00:11:18.100 That's what was happening that day. 00:11:18.340 --> 00:11:19.480 Just don't give me money. 00:11:19.939 --> 00:11:21.120 Give me something else. 00:11:21.460 --> 00:11:22.899 And they had it in their pocket 00:11:22.899 --> 00:11:25.200 and they gave it to him in full, 00:11:25.639 --> 00:11:27.080 what Jesus had to offer. 00:11:27.419 --> 00:11:30.240 We offer people hope and life everlasting. 00:11:30.779 --> 00:11:32.200 That's what the cross is about. 00:11:32.500 --> 00:11:33.840 We are in that Easter season. 00:11:34.259 --> 00:11:35.360 We are an Easter people. 00:11:35.700 --> 00:11:37.139 Peter and John, if they had money, 00:11:37.379 --> 00:11:38.519 they may have been tempted, 00:11:38.740 --> 00:11:39.980 as you and I have done, 00:11:39.980 --> 00:11:43.240 and just give and move on. 00:11:43.600 --> 00:11:45.740 Again, let's examine our hearts. 00:11:50.440 --> 00:11:52.100 I just sense sometimes 00:11:52.100 --> 00:11:54.480 we are given options and challenges 00:11:54.480 --> 00:11:56.200 and opportunities. 00:11:58.039 --> 00:12:00.560 And for them, that day, these two men, 00:12:01.340 --> 00:12:03.259 there was an option, 00:12:04.220 --> 00:12:06.300 an opportunity, and a challenge. 00:12:06.299 --> 00:12:08.620 But they knew the power 00:12:08.620 --> 00:12:10.259 that they were walking and living in. 00:12:10.919 --> 00:12:12.139 They weren't given the option 00:12:12.139 --> 00:12:13.399 because they had no money. 00:12:14.359 --> 00:12:15.319 Isn't that interesting? 00:12:15.740 --> 00:12:16.919 No money in their pocket. 00:12:17.199 --> 00:12:19.159 So they fell back and relied on God. 00:12:20.159 --> 00:12:21.059 Isn't that important? 00:12:22.019 --> 00:12:22.859 I may have cash. 00:12:22.979 --> 00:12:23.579 I may have a... 00:12:23.579 --> 00:12:25.500 Lord, I just want to come back to you 00:12:25.500 --> 00:12:26.620 because you are the beginning 00:12:26.620 --> 00:12:27.679 and you are the first 00:12:27.679 --> 00:12:29.279 and you are my all in all. 00:12:30.079 --> 00:12:32.240 But they know a deep sense of compassion 00:12:32.240 --> 00:12:33.620 that the Holy Spirit gives them 00:12:33.620 --> 00:12:36.100 and they can do more for this man. 00:12:36.159 --> 00:12:37.879 The gospel according to Clive Jennings. 00:12:38.279 --> 00:12:39.360 I'm really sorry, pal. 00:12:39.440 --> 00:12:40.879 I haven't been to the cash point. 00:12:41.799 --> 00:12:43.220 I haven't been to the cash point. 00:12:44.519 --> 00:12:46.039 But what I can do is, 00:12:46.139 --> 00:12:47.440 would you like me to pray with you? 00:12:49.220 --> 00:12:51.460 Big step for many of us. 00:12:51.919 --> 00:12:53.919 But stepping out in faith is so important. 00:12:54.200 --> 00:12:55.740 Now this is where it gets exciting 00:12:55.740 --> 00:12:56.759 and faith-filled for us 00:12:56.759 --> 00:12:58.240 as witnesses and disciples 00:12:58.240 --> 00:13:01.019 because we know what we have to share 00:13:01.019 --> 00:13:03.720 and you will know the scenarios 00:13:03.720 --> 00:13:05.379 in your own life 00:13:05.379 --> 00:13:07.639 of how this works. 00:13:08.659 --> 00:13:10.639 You know the person at the bus stop 00:13:10.639 --> 00:13:11.159 in the morning 00:13:11.159 --> 00:13:13.060 who on that wet morning 00:13:13.060 --> 00:13:14.960 with which we have had many 00:13:14.960 --> 00:13:17.460 is looking for lawn on a Monday morning, 00:13:17.659 --> 00:13:18.740 stood at the bus stop 00:13:18.740 --> 00:13:21.100 and you smile and you say, 00:13:21.180 --> 00:13:22.180 morning, how are you doing? 00:13:23.060 --> 00:13:24.060 Not so good. 00:13:25.320 --> 00:13:27.019 Do you mind if I sit with you on the bus? 00:13:27.019 --> 00:13:28.879 And you talk. 00:13:29.259 --> 00:13:30.100 And as you talk, 00:13:30.500 --> 00:13:31.159 you're praying 00:13:31.159 --> 00:13:33.519 and there may be an opportunity 00:13:33.519 --> 00:13:34.519 that the Lord gives you 00:13:34.519 --> 00:13:35.319 to pray for them. 00:13:36.740 --> 00:13:38.559 It's about a step out in faith. 00:13:38.879 --> 00:13:39.960 You will know the scenarios 00:13:39.960 --> 00:13:40.779 in your workplace, 00:13:41.079 --> 00:13:42.259 the places to which you go, 00:13:42.500 --> 00:13:43.620 the places that we're going to be 00:13:43.620 --> 00:13:44.319 tomorrow morning. 00:13:44.620 --> 00:13:45.960 Lord, show me the opportunities. 00:13:48.439 --> 00:13:51.039 Silver and gold have I none. 00:13:52.699 --> 00:13:53.860 But what I have, 00:13:53.980 --> 00:13:54.779 I can give you. 00:13:55.639 --> 00:13:56.860 And it's far more than that. 00:13:57.019 --> 00:14:00.960 I've got a story of a friend 00:14:00.960 --> 00:14:02.899 and I'm so glad Mandy's here 00:14:02.899 --> 00:14:06.039 because Mandy is my pearl of wisdom 00:14:06.039 --> 00:14:07.259 at times like this. 00:14:07.879 --> 00:14:09.319 Because we were, 00:14:10.100 --> 00:14:11.240 a friend of mine had had 00:14:11.240 --> 00:14:12.759 a horrific incident, 00:14:13.039 --> 00:14:14.559 had witnessed a horrific incident 00:14:14.559 --> 00:14:15.220 in his job. 00:14:16.439 --> 00:14:17.360 Ian was his name. 00:14:18.360 --> 00:14:20.639 And he had witnessed this 00:14:20.639 --> 00:14:23.139 and because of the effect 00:14:23.139 --> 00:14:23.899 it had on him, 00:14:23.960 --> 00:14:24.639 he had been told 00:14:24.639 --> 00:14:25.779 that he wouldn't work again. 00:14:26.620 --> 00:14:27.919 He was waking up at night 00:14:27.919 --> 00:14:29.639 screaming with night terrors 00:14:29.639 --> 00:14:31.679 because he had seen his friend 00:14:31.679 --> 00:14:33.100 killed in front of him, 00:14:33.159 --> 00:14:33.620 his colleague. 00:14:35.439 --> 00:14:37.120 We happened to meet with them 00:14:37.120 --> 00:14:39.199 just by chance on a holiday 00:14:39.199 --> 00:14:41.659 on a campsite down in Devon. 00:14:42.460 --> 00:14:44.080 And our children ran back 00:14:44.080 --> 00:14:44.379 and said, 00:14:44.379 --> 00:14:44.879 oh, you know, 00:14:44.879 --> 00:14:45.279 they're there. 00:14:45.399 --> 00:14:46.279 So we went down, 00:14:46.419 --> 00:14:46.720 they said, 00:14:46.759 --> 00:14:47.740 do you want to stay for barbecue? 00:14:48.120 --> 00:14:49.139 We stayed for barbecue 00:14:49.139 --> 00:14:49.980 in the evening. 00:14:50.480 --> 00:14:52.220 Mandy shared with his wife, 00:14:52.399 --> 00:14:52.899 she said, 00:14:53.340 --> 00:14:55.059 Ian's not going to work again. 00:14:55.679 --> 00:14:57.860 And it's just horrendous. 00:14:57.860 --> 00:15:01.019 And as Mandy got up 00:15:01.019 --> 00:15:01.879 to take our children 00:15:01.879 --> 00:15:02.899 back to bed 00:15:02.899 --> 00:15:05.680 at the campsite, 00:15:06.220 --> 00:15:07.360 Mandy whispered to me 00:15:07.360 --> 00:15:07.879 and said, 00:15:08.399 --> 00:15:10.139 I really sense you need 00:15:10.139 --> 00:15:11.320 to pray with Ian. 00:15:13.840 --> 00:15:17.139 I knew Ian for years. 00:15:17.259 --> 00:15:18.060 I wasn't a minister 00:15:18.060 --> 00:15:18.960 at that point. 00:15:19.680 --> 00:15:21.480 But I'd known Ian for years 00:15:21.480 --> 00:15:22.560 and I thought, 00:15:22.740 --> 00:15:23.320 oh Lord, 00:15:24.300 --> 00:15:25.700 is he just going to tell me 00:15:25.700 --> 00:15:26.700 where to go? 00:15:26.700 --> 00:15:28.860 This bloke is in a vulnerable position. 00:15:29.980 --> 00:15:31.160 He is desperate, 00:15:31.640 --> 00:15:32.740 but I don't know. 00:15:33.020 --> 00:15:33.340 Anyway, 00:15:34.800 --> 00:15:35.220 here you are. 00:15:35.420 --> 00:15:36.200 Talk about faith 00:15:36.200 --> 00:15:36.980 and we're talking about 00:15:36.980 --> 00:15:37.940 stepping into faith. 00:15:38.879 --> 00:15:39.940 I got up to leave. 00:15:42.379 --> 00:15:43.520 Confession time, people. 00:15:44.280 --> 00:15:45.520 I got up to leave, 00:15:45.879 --> 00:15:46.500 said Ian, 00:15:46.580 --> 00:15:47.060 I'll see you. 00:15:47.240 --> 00:15:49.040 When I felt a physical hand 00:15:49.040 --> 00:15:49.780 in my chest, 00:15:50.700 --> 00:15:52.700 a physical hand in my chest, 00:15:53.660 --> 00:15:54.879 I turned to Ian and I said, 00:15:55.140 --> 00:15:55.340 Ian, 00:15:55.340 --> 00:15:56.680 do you mind if I pray with you? 00:15:57.240 --> 00:15:57.740 And he said, 00:15:57.800 --> 00:15:59.259 I've been sat here all evening 00:15:59.259 --> 00:16:00.280 hoping that you would. 00:16:02.360 --> 00:16:03.520 It wasn't a great prayer. 00:16:04.540 --> 00:16:05.560 It was Holy Spirit, 00:16:05.740 --> 00:16:06.520 would you come 00:16:06.520 --> 00:16:07.940 and would you heal Ian? 00:16:08.860 --> 00:16:09.960 Would you heal him, Lord? 00:16:11.700 --> 00:16:12.100 Amen. 00:16:13.240 --> 00:16:14.040 That was it. 00:16:14.480 --> 00:16:15.800 No great flowery language. 00:16:16.560 --> 00:16:18.480 No waving of hands. 00:16:19.300 --> 00:16:20.500 Just a simple prayer. 00:16:20.500 --> 00:16:23.100 We arrived back. 00:16:23.159 --> 00:16:23.740 It was the days, 00:16:23.799 --> 00:16:24.539 you can tell how long ago, 00:16:24.620 --> 00:16:25.659 it was before mobile phones 00:16:25.659 --> 00:16:26.399 or nearer banks. 00:16:26.940 --> 00:16:28.159 We got back to a message 00:16:28.159 --> 00:16:29.600 on our answer machine at home 00:16:29.600 --> 00:16:30.799 with his wife, 00:16:31.440 --> 00:16:33.179 literally screaming down the phone, 00:16:33.279 --> 00:16:33.460 saying, 00:16:33.700 --> 00:16:34.120 phone me, 00:16:34.379 --> 00:16:35.000 phone me, 00:16:35.100 --> 00:16:35.700 we're at home. 00:16:36.179 --> 00:16:36.960 Now initially, 00:16:37.159 --> 00:16:37.679 I thought, 00:16:38.059 --> 00:16:38.860 there you are, Mandy. 00:16:39.039 --> 00:16:40.039 We got it wrong. 00:16:40.039 --> 00:16:43.299 I should never have done that. 00:16:43.419 --> 00:16:43.819 Look at that. 00:16:43.879 --> 00:16:44.879 That's really tipped him 00:16:44.879 --> 00:16:45.459 over the edge, 00:16:45.519 --> 00:16:46.000 hasn't it? 00:16:46.719 --> 00:16:47.539 What have we done? 00:16:48.279 --> 00:16:49.199 What the Lord did 00:16:49.199 --> 00:16:50.259 was healed him that night. 00:16:51.079 --> 00:16:51.799 She said, 00:16:51.899 --> 00:16:53.279 he slept through the night, 00:16:53.659 --> 00:16:54.740 no night terrors, 00:16:55.199 --> 00:16:56.059 and woke up 00:16:56.059 --> 00:16:57.299 totally renewed 00:16:57.299 --> 00:16:58.139 and revived. 00:16:58.819 --> 00:16:59.699 He was back at work 00:16:59.699 --> 00:17:00.599 three weeks later. 00:17:00.600 --> 00:17:05.299 Opportunity or challenge. 00:17:06.319 --> 00:17:07.519 This is where the gospel 00:17:07.519 --> 00:17:08.940 comes real for us today. 00:17:09.039 --> 00:17:09.319 You see, 00:17:09.440 --> 00:17:10.579 I think we are in a place 00:17:10.579 --> 00:17:12.140 of open expectation, 00:17:12.559 --> 00:17:13.880 of faithful discipleship, 00:17:14.000 --> 00:17:14.680 of being ready 00:17:14.680 --> 00:17:15.599 for the opportunities 00:17:15.599 --> 00:17:16.220 to witness 00:17:16.220 --> 00:17:17.700 when things happen. 00:17:17.960 --> 00:17:18.940 I was on my way 00:17:18.940 --> 00:17:20.200 to the temple when. 00:17:20.400 --> 00:17:21.220 I was on my way 00:17:21.220 --> 00:17:22.220 to the church when. 00:17:22.380 --> 00:17:23.160 I was on my way 00:17:23.160 --> 00:17:24.180 to breakfast when. 00:17:24.319 --> 00:17:25.059 I was on my way 00:17:25.059 --> 00:17:26.140 to work when. 00:17:26.299 --> 00:17:27.160 I was on my way 00:17:27.160 --> 00:17:28.519 on holiday when. 00:17:28.700 --> 00:17:29.900 I was at work when. 00:17:29.900 --> 00:17:31.000 I was welcoming 00:17:31.000 --> 00:17:32.340 at church when. 00:17:33.259 --> 00:17:33.740 Opportunities. 00:17:33.860 --> 00:17:35.200 The Lord doesn't limit 00:17:35.200 --> 00:17:36.300 our opportunities 00:17:36.300 --> 00:17:37.900 at all 00:17:37.900 --> 00:17:39.480 in the presence of God. 00:17:39.640 --> 00:17:40.320 Peter and John 00:17:40.320 --> 00:17:41.980 enter the temple 00:17:41.980 --> 00:17:42.780 with the man 00:17:42.780 --> 00:17:43.880 who has just 00:17:43.880 --> 00:17:44.700 discovered 00:17:44.700 --> 00:17:46.140 this new freedom. 00:17:47.580 --> 00:17:49.200 And they don't have 00:17:49.200 --> 00:17:49.700 to shout 00:17:49.700 --> 00:17:50.500 and say anything 00:17:50.500 --> 00:17:51.580 themselves about it 00:17:51.580 --> 00:17:52.860 because the man 00:17:52.860 --> 00:17:53.640 does it for them. 00:17:54.759 --> 00:17:55.580 Look at what 00:17:55.580 --> 00:17:56.920 God has done. 00:17:57.920 --> 00:17:58.880 We don't have to shout. 00:17:58.940 --> 00:17:59.500 We don't have to have 00:17:59.500 --> 00:18:00.440 our pictures in front 00:18:00.440 --> 00:18:01.019 of the paper 00:18:01.019 --> 00:18:02.400 handing over certificates. 00:18:02.940 --> 00:18:04.000 God does it 00:18:04.000 --> 00:18:05.119 through the people 00:18:05.119 --> 00:18:05.799 that we have changed. 00:18:05.920 --> 00:18:07.519 Maybe you yourself 00:18:07.519 --> 00:18:08.940 are one of those people 00:18:08.940 --> 00:18:10.059 who are here today 00:18:10.059 --> 00:18:11.279 as I am 00:18:11.279 --> 00:18:12.839 because somebody 00:18:12.839 --> 00:18:14.000 took boldness 00:18:14.000 --> 00:18:14.740 and courageous 00:18:14.740 --> 00:18:16.099 to speak truth 00:18:16.099 --> 00:18:17.079 into my life 00:18:17.079 --> 00:18:18.880 and bring me 00:18:18.880 --> 00:18:19.539 to a point 00:18:19.539 --> 00:18:20.460 where I've moved 00:18:20.460 --> 00:18:21.400 into a living 00:18:21.400 --> 00:18:22.380 relationship 00:18:22.380 --> 00:18:23.059 with Jesus. 00:18:23.059 --> 00:18:23.200 Jesus. 00:18:24.619 --> 00:18:26.039 When all the people 00:18:26.039 --> 00:18:27.039 saw him walking 00:18:27.039 --> 00:18:27.980 and praising God 00:18:27.980 --> 00:18:29.139 they recognised him 00:18:29.139 --> 00:18:29.919 as the same man 00:18:29.919 --> 00:18:30.579 who used to sit 00:18:30.579 --> 00:18:31.519 begging in the temple 00:18:31.519 --> 00:18:32.759 called the beautiful 00:18:32.759 --> 00:18:34.119 the gate called beautiful 00:18:34.119 --> 00:18:35.079 and they were filled 00:18:35.079 --> 00:18:36.159 with wonder and amazement 00:18:36.159 --> 00:18:37.379 at what had happened 00:18:37.379 --> 00:18:37.859 to him. 00:18:38.179 --> 00:18:39.159 They were hungry 00:18:39.159 --> 00:18:39.819 to know. 00:18:40.179 --> 00:18:40.799 If we do 00:18:40.799 --> 00:18:41.859 the business people 00:18:41.859 --> 00:18:42.740 other people 00:18:42.740 --> 00:18:43.419 get hungry 00:18:43.419 --> 00:18:44.019 to know 00:18:44.019 --> 00:18:45.179 what this is about. 00:18:45.440 --> 00:18:46.500 How did that happen? 00:18:46.500 --> 00:18:48.839 My friend Ian 00:18:48.839 --> 00:18:49.619 went on 00:18:49.619 --> 00:18:50.920 left the job 00:18:50.920 --> 00:18:51.539 that he was doing 00:18:51.539 --> 00:18:52.359 in the police force 00:18:52.359 --> 00:18:53.279 and went on 00:18:53.279 --> 00:18:54.460 to share his testimony 00:18:54.460 --> 00:18:56.039 with lots of young people 00:18:56.039 --> 00:18:56.920 as a youth worker 00:18:56.920 --> 00:18:57.859 and I'm sure 00:18:57.859 --> 00:18:58.619 he's transformed 00:18:58.619 --> 00:19:00.000 lots and lots of lives 00:19:00.000 --> 00:19:01.279 through his story 00:19:01.279 --> 00:19:01.980 and his testimony. 00:19:04.039 --> 00:19:04.559 Opportunity. 00:19:05.380 --> 00:19:06.220 And Peter and John 00:19:06.220 --> 00:19:06.799 tell them 00:19:06.799 --> 00:19:07.680 and they make 00:19:07.680 --> 00:19:08.539 even more hungry 00:19:08.539 --> 00:19:09.160 for knowledge. 00:19:09.640 --> 00:19:10.339 I sense people 00:19:10.339 --> 00:19:11.039 we're in a period 00:19:11.039 --> 00:19:11.799 of opportunity. 00:19:12.960 --> 00:19:14.160 I really want you 00:19:14.160 --> 00:19:14.900 to be encouraged 00:19:14.900 --> 00:19:15.519 this morning 00:19:15.519 --> 00:19:16.680 that we are 00:19:16.680 --> 00:19:18.259 in a time 00:19:18.259 --> 00:19:19.220 of opportunity 00:19:19.220 --> 00:19:20.819 to share our faith. 00:19:21.240 --> 00:19:22.220 People are open. 00:19:22.879 --> 00:19:23.519 Believe you me 00:19:23.519 --> 00:19:24.680 people are really 00:19:24.680 --> 00:19:25.980 open and searching 00:19:25.980 --> 00:19:28.000 and they want to know 00:19:28.000 --> 00:19:29.920 but will we give them 00:19:29.920 --> 00:19:30.599 what they want? 00:19:31.339 --> 00:19:32.160 Will we give them 00:19:32.160 --> 00:19:33.299 what they're searching for? 00:19:33.839 --> 00:19:34.599 And do we know 00:19:34.599 --> 00:19:35.019 the gifts 00:19:35.019 --> 00:19:36.039 that we've been given? 00:19:38.079 --> 00:19:38.599 Opportunities. 00:19:40.139 --> 00:19:41.299 I sense we need 00:19:41.299 --> 00:19:42.799 to increase 00:19:42.799 --> 00:19:43.559 that trust. 00:19:43.559 --> 00:19:46.240 and maybe this morning 00:19:46.240 --> 00:19:47.019 I sensed 00:19:47.019 --> 00:19:47.980 while I was writing 00:19:47.980 --> 00:19:48.720 this and walking 00:19:48.720 --> 00:19:49.299 up the hill 00:19:49.299 --> 00:19:50.759 for maybe 00:19:50.759 --> 00:19:51.740 some 00:19:51.740 --> 00:19:52.519 who said 00:19:52.519 --> 00:19:53.099 yeah I know 00:19:53.099 --> 00:19:53.839 all these gifts 00:19:53.839 --> 00:19:55.480 but I just need 00:19:55.480 --> 00:19:56.419 to step in. 00:19:57.200 --> 00:19:57.839 I just need 00:19:57.839 --> 00:19:58.799 to make that jump. 00:19:59.480 --> 00:19:59.940 Lord give me 00:19:59.940 --> 00:20:00.940 a bit more boldness 00:20:00.940 --> 00:20:02.200 and courageousness 00:20:02.200 --> 00:20:03.679 to step in 00:20:03.679 --> 00:20:04.859 and do the things 00:20:04.859 --> 00:20:05.799 and use the gifts. 00:20:06.339 --> 00:20:06.859 Ask 00:20:06.859 --> 00:20:08.419 for the gifts 00:20:08.420 --> 00:20:08.920 gifts 00:20:08.920 --> 00:20:09.779 because they're 00:20:09.779 --> 00:20:10.440 freely given 00:20:10.440 --> 00:20:12.160 for you to use 00:20:12.160 --> 00:20:13.560 this week 00:20:13.560 --> 00:20:14.300 and in the week 00:20:14.300 --> 00:20:14.779 to come. 00:20:15.860 --> 00:20:16.580 Maybe we all 00:20:16.580 --> 00:20:17.380 need to trust 00:20:17.380 --> 00:20:18.039 and jump 00:20:18.039 --> 00:20:20.060 into the Father's 00:20:20.060 --> 00:20:21.039 arms more and more. 00:20:22.759 --> 00:20:23.680 Shall we pray? 00:20:26.360 --> 00:20:27.700 Lord just thank you 00:20:27.700 --> 00:20:28.539 for your message 00:20:28.539 --> 00:20:29.019 and scripture 00:20:29.019 --> 00:20:29.580 this morning 00:20:29.580 --> 00:20:31.500 and I pray Lord 00:20:31.500 --> 00:20:32.700 in the situations 00:20:32.700 --> 00:20:33.620 and the opportunities 00:20:33.620 --> 00:20:34.720 that we meet 00:20:34.720 --> 00:20:35.779 that we would jump 00:20:35.779 --> 00:20:37.400 and trust 00:20:37.400 --> 00:20:39.319 and be with you 00:20:39.319 --> 00:20:40.640 in whatever 00:20:40.640 --> 00:20:41.980 our new adventure is 00:20:41.980 --> 00:20:43.339 in Jesus name. 00:20:44.600 --> 00:20:44.940 Amen.