WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:06.100 So our reading today is from Acts chapter 5, starting at verse 12 all the way to the end. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:38.519 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed. 00:00:39.299 --> 00:00:48.760 But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him, that is the party of the Sadducees, and filled with jealousy, they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. 00:00:49.519 --> 00:00:53.620 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out and said, 00:00:53.760 --> 00:00:57.780 Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life. 00:00:57.780 --> 00:01:01.660 And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. 00:01:02.399 --> 00:01:10.980 Now when the high priest came and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent them to the prison to have them brought. 00:01:11.460 --> 00:01:15.680 But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported. 00:01:16.319 --> 00:01:21.799 We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside. 00:01:21.799 --> 00:01:30.239 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. 00:01:30.700 --> 00:01:35.899 And someone came and told them, Look, the men who you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people. 00:01:36.439 --> 00:01:41.560 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people. 00:01:41.560 --> 00:01:55.540 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council, and the high priest questioned them, saying, We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us. 00:01:55.960 --> 00:02:00.060 But Peter and the apostles answered, We must obey God rather than man. 00:02:01.000 --> 00:02:05.040 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 00:02:05.040 --> 00:02:10.680 God exalted him at the right hand as leader and saviour to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 00:02:11.280 --> 00:02:13.020 And we are witnesses to these things. 00:02:13.620 --> 00:02:16.840 And so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him. 00:02:17.500 --> 00:02:20.040 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 00:02:20.360 --> 00:02:28.319 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, held in honour by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 00:02:28.780 --> 00:02:32.159 And he said to them, Men of Israel, take care what you do about this. 00:02:32.159 --> 00:02:37.299 So take care what you are about to do with these men. 00:02:37.780 --> 00:02:42.539 For before these days, Theodos rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number joined him. 00:02:42.819 --> 00:02:45.300 About 400 joined him. 00:02:45.659 --> 00:02:48.759 He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 00:02:49.460 --> 00:02:54.840 After him, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. 00:02:55.280 --> 00:02:57.400 He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 00:02:57.819 --> 00:03:01.879 So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone. 00:03:02.159 --> 00:03:05.759 For if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail. 00:03:06.099 --> 00:03:09.939 But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. 00:03:10.259 --> 00:03:11.840 You might even be found opposing God. 00:03:12.379 --> 00:03:13.439 So they took his advice. 00:03:13.840 --> 00:03:21.180 And when they called the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus and let them go. 00:03:21.180 --> 00:03:26.560 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 00:03:26.960 --> 00:03:33.439 And every day in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that Christ is Jesus. 00:03:33.439 --> 00:03:43.819 Well, we've been tracing through the early acts of the apostles, but what stands out isn't these ordinary people, 00:03:44.039 --> 00:03:50.560 but that through them, the Lord is powerfully gathering in his died-for people. 00:03:51.379 --> 00:03:54.900 He's exalted to the highest position at God's right hand. 00:03:54.900 --> 00:04:01.120 And what the Lord began to teach and do, he now continues through his church by his spirit. 00:04:02.060 --> 00:04:09.300 The promised new age of salvation is bursting into the world, people being filled with the spirit. 00:04:09.300 --> 00:04:14.180 The church is being given boldness to speak up for Jesus. 00:04:14.980 --> 00:04:23.160 The church is being given a new identity and a whole new agenda as they express the love of Christ as they serve each other, 00:04:23.560 --> 00:04:25.840 selling everything to look after each other. 00:04:26.980 --> 00:04:34.780 What started as like 120 people, pretty similar to our group now, is now thousands of people within a matter of weeks. 00:04:34.779 --> 00:04:43.639 And Christ continues to heal people just miraculously to underscore the point that this new life has arrived, 00:04:44.219 --> 00:04:50.399 to help, to underscore the apostles' testimony that they did see Jesus risen from the dead. 00:04:51.839 --> 00:04:56.319 Then faced with serious opposition and threats, the church doesn't shrink back, 00:04:56.479 --> 00:05:00.159 but prays and receives boldness to keep speaking and serving. 00:05:00.160 --> 00:05:07.680 Satan doesn't succeed with that external threat, and so he tries to get in the church and divide it from within. 00:05:08.500 --> 00:05:14.580 But then God disciplines Ananias and Sapphira, protecting his name. 00:05:15.540 --> 00:05:19.520 And fear spreads throughout the church and everyone else hears about it. 00:05:20.460 --> 00:05:21.940 Jesus is unstoppable. 00:05:22.800 --> 00:05:25.020 That's what this series is about. 00:05:25.100 --> 00:05:26.620 That's what this section is about. 00:05:26.620 --> 00:05:29.040 Jesus is unstoppable on his mission. 00:05:30.160 --> 00:05:45.640 So if Jesus is so unstoppable, I don't know about you, but why is it so often so hard to stand with Jesus before unbelievers? 00:05:47.940 --> 00:05:53.260 Why are we so easily stopped in speaking up for Jesus? 00:05:55.080 --> 00:05:57.080 Someone asks you, how was your weekend? 00:05:57.079 --> 00:06:05.639 And we happily share about going shopping and playing sport or needing to work or study or do stuff around the house. 00:06:05.819 --> 00:06:09.199 But then in our heads we're like, do I mention that I went to church? 00:06:09.620 --> 00:06:10.479 I'm not sure. 00:06:11.680 --> 00:06:13.159 How are they going to receive that? 00:06:15.399 --> 00:06:20.799 Or when a conversation turns to gay marriage or abortion and things like that, 00:06:20.800 --> 00:06:23.699 you just feel the anxiety rising. 00:06:24.220 --> 00:06:25.379 Do I speak into this? 00:06:26.259 --> 00:06:31.300 I really disagree with what they're saying, but I don't want to cause a fuss. 00:06:33.120 --> 00:06:34.180 We're just silent. 00:06:35.280 --> 00:06:37.900 Or a friend is going through a really hard time. 00:06:39.220 --> 00:06:42.780 You're feeling deeply for them and you just wish they knew the love of God. 00:06:42.900 --> 00:06:47.480 You wish that they had the Christian hope found only in the gospel. 00:06:47.480 --> 00:06:49.700 You just don't know how to say it. 00:06:50.200 --> 00:06:51.720 How do you say it in a winsome way? 00:06:51.800 --> 00:06:53.220 How do you say it in a loving way? 00:06:56.360 --> 00:06:57.520 There are just a few examples. 00:06:57.720 --> 00:06:58.819 I'm sure you can think of others. 00:06:58.960 --> 00:07:04.860 But why can it be so hard to speak for Jesus if Jesus is so unstoppable and his mission is so good? 00:07:07.180 --> 00:07:09.680 I'm not sure about you, but when I look into my own heart, 00:07:09.680 --> 00:07:13.300 I fear the loss of respect from other people. 00:07:15.560 --> 00:07:19.019 In those moments, I just don't want that confrontation. 00:07:20.600 --> 00:07:22.259 I want to keep things friendly. 00:07:23.840 --> 00:07:25.819 I want to be accepted. 00:07:26.840 --> 00:07:27.800 I want to belong. 00:07:27.800 --> 00:07:34.600 If it's a family member or a friend, I fear the loss of the relationship. 00:07:35.480 --> 00:07:39.199 If it's a group, like a sporting situation or a group of friends, 00:07:39.319 --> 00:07:41.600 I fear that I'm going to be pushed to the outer. 00:07:41.860 --> 00:07:43.759 I'm not going to be in the circle. 00:07:45.019 --> 00:07:52.280 Or if it's like a business situation, there could be disadvantages to admitting that you're a Christian. 00:07:52.279 --> 00:07:58.399 I think that's what gets in the way. 00:08:03.559 --> 00:08:10.039 When the London bombings were happening a few years ago on the buses and in the subways, 00:08:10.179 --> 00:08:14.659 the news reports were like people were running away from danger. 00:08:15.319 --> 00:08:18.959 But the police and the fire crew, they were running into danger. 00:08:18.959 --> 00:08:23.199 What motivates people to do that? 00:08:23.719 --> 00:08:26.319 What would make you run towards the danger? 00:08:27.839 --> 00:08:29.379 What about us in a Christian setting? 00:08:29.939 --> 00:08:36.799 What will give us the power to not just stand with Jesus but walk into danger intentionally? 00:08:40.079 --> 00:08:45.500 I think this story in Acts 5 gives us at least five perspectives 00:08:45.500 --> 00:08:50.559 that will empower us to stand with Jesus lovingly walking into danger. 00:08:53.059 --> 00:08:54.320 So this is what we're going to look at. 00:08:54.460 --> 00:08:57.580 Here's the five perspectives we're going to spend our time on. 00:08:57.919 --> 00:09:02.360 Firstly, abundant life flows only from Jesus. 00:09:03.159 --> 00:09:06.919 Everyone needs this new life and it only comes from Jesus. 00:09:07.399 --> 00:09:13.500 Secondly, the Lord is totally in charge every single moment. 00:09:13.500 --> 00:09:20.200 Thirdly, we need to see disagreement and conflict not as a blockage to gospel 00:09:20.200 --> 00:09:22.659 but as an opportunity for the gospel. 00:09:24.559 --> 00:09:30.460 Fourth, we need to see humiliation for standing with Jesus as a source of honour, 00:09:30.639 --> 00:09:33.240 something we can rejoice in, not because we like hurting. 00:09:33.500 --> 00:09:34.179 That would be weird. 00:09:34.480 --> 00:09:37.340 But because we belong to the Lord. 00:09:37.419 --> 00:09:40.659 It confirms that we belong to the highest name. 00:09:40.659 --> 00:09:47.100 And the last perspective is we don't get courage by just stirring up ourselves 00:09:47.100 --> 00:09:50.419 like a war cry or something to run into danger. 00:09:50.600 --> 00:09:55.860 We get courage when we pray and the Lord answers the prayer 00:09:55.860 --> 00:09:57.579 and fills us with his spirit. 00:09:58.559 --> 00:09:59.639 So that's what we're going to look at. 00:10:01.120 --> 00:10:06.100 So perspective one, abundant new life only flows from Jesus. 00:10:06.100 --> 00:10:09.019 Jesus, the new temple. 00:10:11.000 --> 00:10:12.519 I want you to picture John Hunter Hospital. 00:10:13.060 --> 00:10:19.840 When Emma had her emergency C-section, I was just so thankful for the professional care 00:10:19.840 --> 00:10:23.820 in John Hunter Hospital that kept her and Sam alive. 00:10:23.920 --> 00:10:26.519 I was just overwhelmed with thankfulness. 00:10:28.279 --> 00:10:29.279 Incredible stuff. 00:10:29.279 --> 00:10:34.220 Now imagine, and they were just like, I was fearing and they were just like, 00:10:34.299 --> 00:10:35.620 oh, it's just another day in the office. 00:10:36.779 --> 00:10:37.480 Incredible stuff. 00:10:37.659 --> 00:10:41.759 Now imagine in the car park, there's this group of people who sit up 00:10:41.759 --> 00:10:44.679 and they start offering alternative medicine. 00:10:45.779 --> 00:10:46.500 They're not official. 00:10:46.740 --> 00:10:47.699 They've got no degree. 00:10:48.519 --> 00:10:51.759 And they give like herbal concoctions and stuff. 00:10:53.139 --> 00:10:55.720 How would the medical profession look on that group? 00:10:56.279 --> 00:10:57.179 What would they think of them? 00:10:57.179 --> 00:10:59.679 Suspicion? 00:11:00.939 --> 00:11:01.500 Disgust? 00:11:02.739 --> 00:11:03.599 I reckon anger. 00:11:04.079 --> 00:11:05.620 They're leading people astray. 00:11:07.120 --> 00:11:13.639 I think that gets close to what the temple authorities and the Jewish establishment 00:11:13.639 --> 00:11:18.639 would have looked on this new cult called Christianity. 00:11:18.739 --> 00:11:20.000 Well, it's not called Christianity yet. 00:11:20.439 --> 00:11:21.759 The way, the life. 00:11:22.240 --> 00:11:23.359 I'm not sure what to call it yet. 00:11:23.360 --> 00:11:27.620 It would have been disgust and anger that they're leading people astray. 00:11:30.419 --> 00:11:36.340 The temple was the place God said that he would cause his name to dwell. 00:11:36.519 --> 00:11:38.759 All his goodness would be in the temple. 00:11:40.200 --> 00:11:42.240 It's where God and man can meet. 00:11:43.639 --> 00:11:47.500 The temple is where forgiveness can be obtained through the sacrifices. 00:11:47.500 --> 00:11:52.559 It's where the rule of God is taught and protected. 00:11:53.879 --> 00:11:55.980 It's where prayers were to be received. 00:11:56.919 --> 00:12:01.240 It's where the blessings of life in God's kingdom flowed from. 00:12:01.240 --> 00:12:05.539 But that's not where it's flowing from. 00:12:06.299 --> 00:12:07.460 On the eastern... 00:12:07.460 --> 00:12:08.500 Which way is east? 00:12:08.620 --> 00:12:09.060 I don't know. 00:12:10.519 --> 00:12:11.060 Some way. 00:12:11.139 --> 00:12:11.419 That way. 00:12:11.620 --> 00:12:12.259 Let's say it that way. 00:12:14.340 --> 00:12:15.259 Yep, my head's confused. 00:12:15.519 --> 00:12:20.740 On the eastern edge of the temple, under the porch, called Solomon's Porch, 00:12:21.299 --> 00:12:23.519 is this little ragtag group. 00:12:24.220 --> 00:12:26.500 But it's a weird group, but it can't be ignored. 00:12:27.659 --> 00:12:28.840 People were being healed. 00:12:28.840 --> 00:12:32.600 People heard of the lame man being healed. 00:12:33.680 --> 00:12:37.300 People heard of the sudden deaths of Ananias and Sapphira. 00:12:37.399 --> 00:12:38.840 This is a serious group. 00:12:40.220 --> 00:12:44.740 Luke says that multitudes were added to this group. 00:12:45.720 --> 00:12:48.240 Something compelling must have been about their teaching. 00:12:49.639 --> 00:12:54.139 The love of this group for each other, selling all their goods for others, 00:12:54.600 --> 00:12:55.740 that's just unheard of. 00:12:55.800 --> 00:12:56.860 It's still unheard of. 00:12:58.840 --> 00:13:00.379 It would have been so compelling. 00:13:01.300 --> 00:13:10.560 Peter's reputation is so huge that people line the streets just so his shadow could pass over them and heal them. 00:13:10.559 --> 00:13:16.099 Something different is about this group under this porch. 00:13:17.159 --> 00:13:18.419 This wasn't just superstition. 00:13:19.179 --> 00:13:20.399 They were actually healed. 00:13:22.559 --> 00:13:25.679 Life was pouring out of this group in abundance. 00:13:25.679 --> 00:13:31.719 It wasn't pouring out of the temple, but out of this porch. 00:13:33.299 --> 00:13:36.739 Obviously not the porch, but through Christ, through his people. 00:13:39.339 --> 00:13:44.159 This is what Ezekiel saw in Ezekiel 47. 00:13:44.159 --> 00:13:50.980 In the midst of talking about this new temple, talking about the new age of salvation and heaven, 00:13:51.519 --> 00:13:55.939 he pauses to describe that the river flows out of the temple. 00:13:55.940 --> 00:13:57.660 And it starts as a trickle. 00:13:57.660 --> 00:13:59.180 And then it gets knee deep. 00:13:59.180 --> 00:14:00.860 And then it gets waist deep. 00:14:00.860 --> 00:14:04.220 And then it just becomes this flowing torrent of a river. 00:14:04.220 --> 00:14:06.840 And this river, everything it touches, it heals. 00:14:07.160 --> 00:14:09.400 Everything around it just produces life. 00:14:11.080 --> 00:14:13.040 I think this is the picture going on. 00:14:13.500 --> 00:14:15.200 There is something new going on here. 00:14:16.800 --> 00:14:17.900 Abundance of life. 00:14:17.899 --> 00:14:24.519 Now, I think we think of physical healings as the best part of this new life. 00:14:25.799 --> 00:14:29.679 But when the angel tells them to keep standing in the temple and speaking, 00:14:29.959 --> 00:14:33.539 the instruction is speak to the people all the words of this life. 00:14:33.539 --> 00:14:40.079 It's by the words of the gospel, more than the healing hand of the apostles, 00:14:40.959 --> 00:14:42.240 that brings this life. 00:14:42.519 --> 00:14:44.360 It's by the words, most importantly. 00:14:44.360 --> 00:14:48.440 The physical healings are called signs and wonders. 00:14:48.899 --> 00:14:49.419 Signs. 00:14:49.580 --> 00:14:51.039 They're pointing to something else. 00:14:52.759 --> 00:14:54.180 To a greater healing. 00:14:55.480 --> 00:14:57.360 So what is this abundant new life? 00:14:58.379 --> 00:14:59.960 We could describe it a number of ways. 00:15:00.159 --> 00:15:04.580 But verse 14, more than ever, believers were added to the Lord. 00:15:06.740 --> 00:15:08.240 Multitudes of both men and women. 00:15:08.360 --> 00:15:09.440 I think that's a lovely phrase. 00:15:10.159 --> 00:15:11.560 Added to the Lord. 00:15:11.720 --> 00:15:13.460 Coming to the Lord is this new life. 00:15:13.460 --> 00:15:14.360 Belonging to him. 00:15:14.580 --> 00:15:15.940 Or verse 31 and 32. 00:15:16.379 --> 00:15:17.860 It's forgiveness of sins. 00:15:18.820 --> 00:15:20.620 It's being given the Holy Spirit. 00:15:20.920 --> 00:15:25.220 It's belonging to and being filled with the very life of God himself. 00:15:27.340 --> 00:15:28.639 That's this new life. 00:15:31.639 --> 00:15:39.440 And the accepted, respected, trusted Jewish establishment couldn't offer it. 00:15:39.440 --> 00:15:42.320 It couldn't deliver. 00:15:42.960 --> 00:15:44.680 It couldn't deal with sin. 00:15:45.400 --> 00:15:47.400 It can't bring this new blessing. 00:15:50.280 --> 00:15:56.420 I don't think our world's way of life, which is respected and accepted and trusted, can deliver. 00:15:57.140 --> 00:15:57.660 Can it? 00:15:57.659 --> 00:16:03.459 Just a small example of this. 00:16:03.519 --> 00:16:09.879 I was listening to the radio the other day and the presenter was saying that she'd been feeling really down and low recently. 00:16:09.879 --> 00:16:16.360 And so she went to the hairdresser and got a haircut and just some treatment. 00:16:16.840 --> 00:16:18.919 And she said it just gave her a new lease of life. 00:16:19.000 --> 00:16:20.659 It got rid of all her negative energy. 00:16:21.399 --> 00:16:22.259 It was really good. 00:16:22.320 --> 00:16:26.460 And she asked other people to call in and say, what do you do to kind of renew your life? 00:16:26.460 --> 00:16:29.300 I thought it was an interesting phrase. 00:16:30.139 --> 00:16:32.379 I was just like, no, there's nothing wrong with that, is there? 00:16:32.500 --> 00:16:36.759 There's nothing wrong with, I feel nice after a good haircut, a good nose trim. 00:16:37.519 --> 00:16:41.920 But there's nothing wrong with it per se. 00:16:42.000 --> 00:16:48.920 But if that's all you can turn to for life, that's a little sad. 00:16:51.200 --> 00:16:52.300 She needs more. 00:16:52.299 --> 00:16:59.879 Like we can turn to the fact that we have forgiveness in God, that we are loved by our Father, that we have a certain future. 00:17:00.099 --> 00:17:00.959 That's refreshing. 00:17:03.279 --> 00:17:08.839 This world, the way of life that's trusted, just can't deliver. 00:17:12.759 --> 00:17:14.519 So that's perspective one. 00:17:15.720 --> 00:17:20.000 Abundant new life only flows from Jesus, the new temple. 00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:22.400 And that's still true today. 00:17:23.279 --> 00:17:25.519 Perspective two, what will help us stand for Jesus? 00:17:25.720 --> 00:17:30.819 Perspective two, the Lord is totally in charge every moment. 00:17:32.140 --> 00:17:35.660 The high priests and the Sadducees, they were the ruling class. 00:17:36.440 --> 00:17:38.420 They decided to throw their weight around. 00:17:38.559 --> 00:17:40.940 This movement needs to be stopped. 00:17:41.839 --> 00:17:43.859 So they stand up and do something about it. 00:17:44.339 --> 00:17:45.619 They put the apostles in prison. 00:17:45.619 --> 00:17:49.439 Now imagine being them in the prison cell. 00:17:49.899 --> 00:17:51.539 This is a scary situation. 00:17:51.539 --> 00:17:52.819 These guys are in charge. 00:17:53.019 --> 00:17:56.639 They've been before them before and had a strict warning. 00:17:57.119 --> 00:17:59.139 Do not speak in the name of Jesus. 00:17:59.879 --> 00:18:01.099 This is a court order. 00:18:02.979 --> 00:18:04.119 And now they're in prison. 00:18:05.139 --> 00:18:07.099 These guys have the power to kill. 00:18:07.979 --> 00:18:09.959 This is a serious situation. 00:18:10.639 --> 00:18:14.379 I just wonder what they're feeling and thinking and what they're doing in this moment. 00:18:15.619 --> 00:18:18.959 They were in serious trouble with those in power. 00:18:21.979 --> 00:18:26.439 And then the doors come open by an angel and they walk out. 00:18:29.199 --> 00:18:33.399 This is a laughable, farcical scene. 00:18:35.439 --> 00:18:38.519 The high priest convenes the court. 00:18:38.519 --> 00:18:45.119 And so you're just picturing these men full of official men in their religious attire. 00:18:45.200 --> 00:18:45.700 They're ready. 00:18:46.059 --> 00:18:47.359 Okay, call the criminals in. 00:18:47.619 --> 00:18:48.259 Summon them in. 00:18:52.059 --> 00:18:54.980 About that, we're not sure where they are. 00:18:55.900 --> 00:18:57.960 But it's a hilarious scene. 00:19:00.359 --> 00:19:02.639 The Lord is clearly in charge. 00:19:02.640 --> 00:19:09.759 And later, when they're about to be killed, who should the Lord use to deliver them? 00:19:10.460 --> 00:19:11.259 A Pharisee. 00:19:13.000 --> 00:19:14.300 That's surprising as well. 00:19:17.460 --> 00:19:22.220 He gives a persuasive speech, basically saying, implying, let the Romans kill them. 00:19:23.580 --> 00:19:25.360 Theodos and Judas, they wipe them out. 00:19:25.359 --> 00:19:29.579 If this movement keeps advancing, let the Romans do it. 00:19:32.439 --> 00:19:34.579 God used that speech to deliver them. 00:19:35.459 --> 00:19:36.879 God can use whoever he wants. 00:19:38.059 --> 00:19:38.799 He's in charge. 00:19:40.179 --> 00:19:45.979 I think we often think that we need Christians in the top jobs to make the Christian movement advance. 00:19:46.459 --> 00:19:48.299 We need Christian principals in the schools. 00:19:48.459 --> 00:19:50.419 We need Christian premier. 00:19:51.000 --> 00:19:52.699 We need Christian prime minister. 00:19:52.700 --> 00:19:56.140 He can use whoever he wants. 00:19:56.400 --> 00:19:58.720 He can use a Cyrus or a Constantine. 00:20:00.940 --> 00:20:03.720 Sometimes he'll choose to deliver his people from harm. 00:20:04.420 --> 00:20:09.620 Often, he lets his church thrive by allowing the harm to go ahead. 00:20:12.160 --> 00:20:13.580 Either case, he's in charge. 00:20:18.120 --> 00:20:19.360 The Lord is in charge. 00:20:19.519 --> 00:20:20.580 The apostles learnt it. 00:20:21.299 --> 00:20:22.620 The question is, are we learning it? 00:20:22.700 --> 00:20:31.180 When we're scared of what people think of us or the disadvantage that might come to us by associating with Jesus, 00:20:32.759 --> 00:20:38.120 these persons we're afraid of, the power they have is laughable. 00:20:39.779 --> 00:20:42.980 I know it can cause serious hurt, so that's not laughable. 00:20:44.180 --> 00:20:46.519 But their power is laughable. 00:20:46.519 --> 00:20:50.859 We know the one who is in charge. 00:20:51.980 --> 00:20:54.339 And we've got to remember it when we're afraid. 00:20:56.619 --> 00:21:01.200 So perspective one, abundant new life flows from Jesus, only Jesus. 00:21:02.039 --> 00:21:05.779 Perspective two, the Lord is in charge in that moment when we're afraid. 00:21:06.259 --> 00:21:08.279 He is in charge, whatever happens. 00:21:08.279 --> 00:21:13.119 The third perspective is disagreement and conflict. 00:21:14.059 --> 00:21:15.920 They're an opportunity for the gospel. 00:21:15.920 --> 00:21:28.680 The people in the temple, when the apostles were teaching, they had such a high regard for Peter and the apostles. 00:21:28.900 --> 00:21:31.600 Like, blessing was flowing to their families and communities. 00:21:32.200 --> 00:21:35.620 They were outraged that the authorities put them in prison. 00:21:35.619 --> 00:21:41.059 They were ready to stone the guards who came to arrest them again. 00:21:41.239 --> 00:21:45.199 The guards weren't willing to take these guys by force. 00:21:45.399 --> 00:21:46.959 They had the power in the situation. 00:21:48.439 --> 00:21:49.639 So what did the apostles do? 00:21:49.759 --> 00:21:50.939 They didn't have to go with them. 00:21:51.059 --> 00:21:51.759 They had the power. 00:21:52.179 --> 00:21:54.199 They could have used the crowd to defend themselves. 00:21:54.200 --> 00:21:59.180 So why did they go with them? 00:22:02.559 --> 00:22:03.519 They didn't have to. 00:22:04.299 --> 00:22:05.220 Why did they go? 00:22:06.900 --> 00:22:08.740 Surely they knew it could not end well. 00:22:10.080 --> 00:22:11.740 They had only just got out of prison. 00:22:13.880 --> 00:22:18.380 Now, I think part of the answer is that they're submitting to the authorities out of reverence for God. 00:22:20.039 --> 00:22:20.860 And that's true. 00:22:21.080 --> 00:22:21.779 And so should we. 00:22:21.779 --> 00:22:24.299 But there's more to it than that. 00:22:27.059 --> 00:22:29.019 I think we see it in Peter's speech. 00:22:30.359 --> 00:22:32.440 It's far from a legal defence. 00:22:32.700 --> 00:22:35.619 He's not, they're not offering a defence for what they're doing. 00:22:36.779 --> 00:22:47.460 So picture that courtroom again with all this religious robes, the court officials encircling this straggly looking bunch of guys. 00:22:48.579 --> 00:22:50.920 The high priest lays two charges on them. 00:22:50.920 --> 00:22:53.300 We told you not to speak in his name. 00:22:55.340 --> 00:22:59.539 Their reply isn't to shift the blame or give excuses. 00:23:00.060 --> 00:23:01.220 Instead, they confront them. 00:23:01.440 --> 00:23:01.700 Nope. 00:23:02.000 --> 00:23:03.080 We're not going to listen to you. 00:23:03.480 --> 00:23:08.820 You're telling us to do something that God, you're telling us not to do something that God told us to do. 00:23:11.380 --> 00:23:11.779 No. 00:23:11.779 --> 00:23:12.279 Okay. 00:23:14.379 --> 00:23:15.660 That's a dangerous answer. 00:23:16.799 --> 00:23:20.460 Secondly, second charge, you are blaming us for the blood of Jesus. 00:23:22.160 --> 00:23:23.639 There's no compromise offered. 00:23:24.079 --> 00:23:27.339 Okay, we'll just leave that part out about you crucifying Jesus. 00:23:28.879 --> 00:23:29.299 Nope. 00:23:29.420 --> 00:23:34.000 They say the God of our fathers raised Jesus whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. 00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:37.799 That is not a defence. 00:23:38.500 --> 00:23:40.460 That is a dangerous thing to say. 00:23:41.839 --> 00:23:42.920 What are they doing? 00:23:45.059 --> 00:23:50.180 They're using it as an opportunity to offer these men eternal life. 00:23:50.180 --> 00:23:55.880 They're offering these guys a chance to own their sin. 00:23:57.519 --> 00:24:02.340 God raised Jesus to give you repentance and forgiveness and his Holy Spirit. 00:24:03.039 --> 00:24:03.940 Please take it. 00:24:04.240 --> 00:24:04.960 You need it. 00:24:06.000 --> 00:24:07.500 These guys are filled with jealousy. 00:24:07.500 --> 00:24:11.559 And in hearing the gospel message, they're filled with rage. 00:24:11.740 --> 00:24:12.539 They want to kill them. 00:24:13.839 --> 00:24:17.299 These guys, although they've got the power, they are enslaved by their sin. 00:24:18.019 --> 00:24:23.519 The apostles use this situation as an opportunity to offer them life. 00:24:25.680 --> 00:24:28.099 So why did they intentionally walk into danger? 00:24:28.640 --> 00:24:28.960 Love. 00:24:30.420 --> 00:24:37.000 To offer the Lord's enemies that abundant life by hearing and believing the gospel. 00:24:37.500 --> 00:24:44.220 So I wonder how we can see differences and conflicts as an opportunity for the gospel. 00:24:46.480 --> 00:24:50.140 I often try and find this positive way into the conversation. 00:24:50.299 --> 00:24:52.799 But sometimes we've just got to – and that's good. 00:24:52.920 --> 00:24:54.480 We don't want to just be arrogant and rude. 00:24:54.480 --> 00:25:01.099 But sometimes conflict, difference of opinion just needs to be had. 00:25:01.299 --> 00:25:02.900 It can clarify the gospel message. 00:25:03.039 --> 00:25:05.940 Otherwise, people can think Christian is just being good. 00:25:05.940 --> 00:25:08.559 We need to go deeper than that. 00:25:09.580 --> 00:25:14.400 So how can we see differences of opinion and conflict as opportunities? 00:25:15.920 --> 00:25:20.460 How can we use them in constructive ways to make the truths of the gospel clearer? 00:25:20.460 --> 00:25:29.960 Is it worth risking being cut off by that person in order for that person to be reunited with God? 00:25:35.900 --> 00:25:36.600 Perspective one. 00:25:36.799 --> 00:25:41.059 Abundant new life only flows from Jesus and everybody needs it. 00:25:41.700 --> 00:25:44.519 Perspective two is that the Lord is totally in charge. 00:25:44.519 --> 00:25:50.779 Three, disagreement and conflict is actually an opportunity to offer life in the gospel. 00:25:52.039 --> 00:26:01.559 The fourth perspective is that humiliation for Jesus' name actually serves to confirm that we belong to his name and that we share in his mission. 00:26:01.559 --> 00:26:07.240 I think we see this in the way Luke tells this story. 00:26:07.700 --> 00:26:16.299 If we step back from the details or just look at the big picture, we can see so much similarity to the mission of Jesus himself. 00:26:17.179 --> 00:26:22.279 We have signs and wonders that give – that validate the gospel message. 00:26:22.279 --> 00:26:28.899 Like the bleeding woman who believed that if only she touched Jesus' cloak, she would be healed. 00:26:29.519 --> 00:26:33.319 We've got people believing just if Peter's shadow touched them, they would be healed. 00:26:34.879 --> 00:26:39.899 Even escaping from prison, they just – the guards can't explain how they lost their prisoners. 00:26:40.000 --> 00:26:41.559 Even that's similar to the resurrection. 00:26:43.259 --> 00:26:47.019 We've got the crowds gathering to this, but then a mixed response. 00:26:47.379 --> 00:26:48.740 Some dare not join it. 00:26:48.740 --> 00:26:53.460 Others are just flocking to it and coming into the church. 00:26:54.779 --> 00:26:58.220 Then we've got the rising tension with the religious rulers. 00:26:59.160 --> 00:27:01.839 And very soon we come to the story of Stephen. 00:27:02.140 --> 00:27:06.400 And Stephen is killed in a way that is very similar to Jesus himself. 00:27:09.059 --> 00:27:15.359 I think Luke wants us to see that Jesus' mission is continuing through his church. 00:27:15.359 --> 00:27:23.759 And part of sharing in Jesus' mission as his church is sharing in his humiliation. 00:27:27.439 --> 00:27:35.299 The apostles are beaten by the council for good measure and again ordered not to speak in his name anymore. 00:27:36.299 --> 00:27:37.479 And how do they respond? 00:27:37.559 --> 00:27:40.000 Do they walk out with the tail between their legs ashamed? 00:27:40.000 --> 00:27:44.000 They don't, which is surprising. 00:27:44.880 --> 00:27:45.359 Verse 41. 00:27:45.740 --> 00:27:52.539 Then they left the presence of the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the name. 00:27:53.680 --> 00:27:54.799 What is that? 00:27:57.500 --> 00:28:00.440 Rejoicing for being humiliated. 00:28:02.640 --> 00:28:05.160 Have you ever seen a joy like that? 00:28:05.220 --> 00:28:06.400 Have you ever experienced it? 00:28:06.400 --> 00:28:13.680 How can you rejoice when experiencing pain and humiliation? 00:28:15.880 --> 00:28:23.500 When snubbed by friends and family, caught a bigot and narrow-minded, intentionally disadvantaged? 00:28:26.620 --> 00:28:29.080 How can we rejoice in moments like that? 00:28:30.259 --> 00:28:33.160 How can we willingly endure such treatment? 00:28:33.160 --> 00:28:36.960 Partly it's love for those who need to hear the gospel. 00:28:37.360 --> 00:28:38.200 That's part of the answer. 00:28:38.340 --> 00:28:44.900 But I think the main motivator is that we see it as counted worthy to suffer dishonour for the name. 00:28:47.620 --> 00:28:57.519 To hurt, whether internally or physically, standing with Jesus is one of the best gifts of confirming 00:28:57.519 --> 00:29:03.039 that we belong to the one who has been exalted to the highest place. 00:29:03.980 --> 00:29:05.539 It's exactly how he was treated. 00:29:07.079 --> 00:29:10.180 We belong to the one whose name is above every name, 00:29:11.720 --> 00:29:15.339 before whom every knee will bow and tongue confess that he is Lord. 00:29:15.339 --> 00:29:24.319 To share in his mission and to share in his humiliation is a gift of confirmation that we belong to him. 00:29:26.139 --> 00:29:29.459 Is there a greater honour than belonging to him? 00:29:31.299 --> 00:29:32.439 So we can rejoice. 00:29:34.079 --> 00:29:35.419 We don't have to be afraid. 00:29:35.420 --> 00:29:40.019 What can man do to me? 00:29:44.700 --> 00:29:50.500 Which sets us free to walk into danger, to love with the gospel. 00:29:52.920 --> 00:29:56.300 Not cavalier, like, oh, don't we love pain? 00:29:56.820 --> 00:30:03.640 But it sets us free to love others, accepting the pain, knowing that we belong to our Lord. 00:30:05.420 --> 00:30:07.340 Okay, last perspective. 00:30:08.279 --> 00:30:12.860 This courage that we see in the apostles does not come from within us. 00:30:12.940 --> 00:30:14.320 It's a gift from the Lord. 00:30:15.980 --> 00:30:18.400 The apostles were not superhuman. 00:30:19.580 --> 00:30:21.180 We need to keep reminding ourselves of that. 00:30:22.460 --> 00:30:26.180 Weeks earlier, Peter had denied Jesus three times publicly. 00:30:28.180 --> 00:30:33.580 He's an ordinary person who falters, just like us. 00:30:33.579 --> 00:30:35.720 So what's the difference here? 00:30:35.859 --> 00:30:36.859 What changed Peter? 00:30:39.019 --> 00:30:40.139 Well, the Holy Spirit. 00:30:41.659 --> 00:30:44.259 Christ's spirit received through prayer. 00:30:44.379 --> 00:30:47.480 So if we flick back or remember back to chapter 429, 00:30:48.539 --> 00:30:52.480 what did they do when they were confronted with the authorities the first time? 00:30:53.099 --> 00:30:53.819 The church prayed. 00:30:53.819 --> 00:31:02.000 Now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, 00:31:02.099 --> 00:31:03.439 and then they'll field with the Spirit. 00:31:07.919 --> 00:31:09.799 What did they do after receiving this beating? 00:31:10.379 --> 00:31:11.159 They keep going. 00:31:12.179 --> 00:31:15.319 They go back to the temple and keep teaching. 00:31:15.319 --> 00:31:20.799 And then they go house to house and keep teaching that the Christ is Jesus. 00:31:23.359 --> 00:31:29.779 We can understand with Jesus if he actually gives his power for us to do so. 00:31:32.779 --> 00:31:34.779 We receive that by praying. 00:31:34.779 --> 00:31:37.779 So are we going to be a people that pray for boldness? 00:31:39.639 --> 00:31:46.539 Are we going to be a people who pray for a love for people to willingly accept pain for them? 00:31:47.480 --> 00:31:51.019 Are we going to be a people who pray that help us represent you, God? 00:31:52.399 --> 00:31:54.099 Your name is above every name. 00:31:55.660 --> 00:32:00.940 Help me not be embarrassed that I'm a Christian, but rejoice in the fact that I am. 00:32:00.940 --> 00:32:05.980 Let's pray before we walk into a daunting conversation. 00:32:06.120 --> 00:32:08.600 Let's pray in the midst of a daunting conversation. 00:32:09.039 --> 00:32:14.539 When someone else, a brother or sister, is in the midst of preaching or teaching or in a conversation, 00:32:14.720 --> 00:32:16.660 you know they're having an opportunity. 00:32:16.860 --> 00:32:17.820 Let's pray for them. 00:32:17.980 --> 00:32:19.320 Let's be a people that pray. 00:32:23.400 --> 00:32:27.580 So how in the face of humiliation will we stand with Jesus walking the harm's way? 00:32:28.480 --> 00:32:30.440 We've got to see things the way they are. 00:32:31.559 --> 00:32:35.960 That abundant new, total, eternal life flows only from Jesus. 00:32:36.220 --> 00:32:37.820 The world can't give this life. 00:32:38.039 --> 00:32:38.980 Everyone needs it. 00:32:40.340 --> 00:32:42.340 The Lord is totally in charge. 00:32:44.680 --> 00:32:47.600 Disagreement and conflict are opportunities for the gospel. 00:32:48.740 --> 00:32:53.000 Humiliation means we belong to his mission and the highest name. 00:32:53.360 --> 00:32:54.240 And so we can rejoice. 00:32:55.180 --> 00:32:57.080 We can have unspeakable joy. 00:32:57.079 --> 00:33:00.139 We don't need to rustle up the courage. 00:33:00.740 --> 00:33:05.339 We can ask for the Lord to stand with us and fill us. 00:33:08.179 --> 00:33:09.079 Will you pray with me? 00:33:09.279 --> 00:33:09.579 Let's pray. 00:33:09.579 --> 00:33:30.139 Father, even as I preach this, I feel like a hypocrite, knowing the many times I have remained silent. 00:33:30.140 --> 00:33:35.340 Lord, please fill us with your spirit. 00:33:36.920 --> 00:33:39.620 Fill us with a love for people. 00:33:39.759 --> 00:33:46.980 Help us see people from an eternal perspective, knowing that they are lost without you. 00:33:46.980 --> 00:33:57.099 Lord, help us to see you as the highest name and count it as great honour to be associated with you. 00:33:57.099 --> 00:34:02.659 Lord, please fill us with your spirit, individually and as a church. 00:34:03.299 --> 00:34:04.379 Please use us. 00:34:05.279 --> 00:34:06.199 In Jesus' name I pray. 00:34:06.439 --> 00:34:06.679 Amen.