WEBVTT 00:00:00.880 --> 00:00:03.560 Men of Israel, hear these words. 00:00:04.940 --> 00:00:13.220 Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst. 00:00:13.900 --> 00:00:20.920 As you yourselves know, this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, 00:00:21.580 --> 00:00:25.339 you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 00:00:25.339 --> 00:00:34.320 God raised him up, loosened the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. 00:00:35.200 --> 00:00:38.060 But David says concerning him, 00:00:38.960 --> 00:00:46.060 I saw the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken. 00:00:47.320 --> 00:00:50.780 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. 00:00:50.780 --> 00:00:59.820 My flesh also will dwell in hope, for you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption. 00:01:00.660 --> 00:01:03.700 You have made known to me the paths of life. 00:01:04.400 --> 00:01:07.780 You will make me full of gladness with your presence. 00:01:09.460 --> 00:01:15.960 Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, 00:01:15.959 --> 00:01:18.359 and his tomb is with us to this day. 00:01:19.500 --> 00:01:28.879 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on the throne, 00:01:29.559 --> 00:01:39.359 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 00:01:39.359 --> 00:01:45.519 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we are all witnesses. 00:01:46.900 --> 00:01:53.519 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, 00:01:53.939 --> 00:01:58.319 he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 00:01:59.159 --> 00:02:04.599 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, 00:02:04.599 --> 00:02:11.500 The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool. 00:02:12.519 --> 00:02:19.579 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, 00:02:20.060 --> 00:02:22.000 this Jesus whom you crucified. 00:02:23.479 --> 00:02:29.759 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, 00:02:30.560 --> 00:02:32.599 Brothers, what shall we do? 00:02:32.599 --> 00:02:35.199 And Peter said to them, 00:02:36.099 --> 00:02:41.419 Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins, 00:02:41.560 --> 00:02:44.539 and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 00:02:45.479 --> 00:02:51.060 For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off, 00:02:51.579 --> 00:02:54.379 everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself. 00:02:54.379 --> 00:03:00.539 And with many other words he bore witness, and continued to exhort them, saying, 00:03:01.079 --> 00:03:03.340 Save yourselves from this crooked generation. 00:03:04.139 --> 00:03:10.579 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 00:03:10.580 --> 00:03:19.640 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 00:03:19.639 --> 00:03:26.739 And all came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 00:03:27.239 --> 00:03:31.079 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 00:03:31.080 --> 00:03:38.560 And they were selling their possessions and belongings, and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 00:03:39.520 --> 00:03:44.360 And day by day, attending the temple together, and breaking bread in their homes, 00:03:44.760 --> 00:03:51.640 they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. 00:03:52.360 --> 00:03:58.120 And the Lord added their number day by day, those who were being saved. 00:03:58.120 --> 00:03:58.320 Amen. 00:04:01.080 --> 00:04:08.620 What do you expect to happen when you speak the gospel of Jesus to family or friends? 00:04:13.920 --> 00:04:17.540 Let me just leave that on the table for a second and tell you a story. 00:04:18.580 --> 00:04:23.900 Years ago, Alice and I were house parents at a girls' boarding school in Armadale. 00:04:25.520 --> 00:04:26.319 Years ago. 00:04:26.319 --> 00:04:26.420 Years ago. 00:04:27.420 --> 00:04:37.639 And one day, a tiny, a really tiny year eight girl challenged me to a fight, which I thought was hilarious. 00:04:37.639 --> 00:04:38.639 Years ago. 00:04:38.639 --> 00:04:39.639 Years ago. 00:04:39.639 --> 00:04:42.879 She put cushions on the floor in the middle of this public area. 00:04:44.079 --> 00:04:46.339 And there was a lot of people around, a lot of other girls around. 00:04:46.439 --> 00:04:53.879 She put cushions on the floor, apparently for me to land on, which I thought was even more hilarious. 00:04:53.879 --> 00:05:03.180 She then gave me the first option of grabbing her, which I resisted to start with, but eventually she insisted. 00:05:03.339 --> 00:05:04.759 So I reached out to pick her up. 00:05:05.459 --> 00:05:12.980 The next thing I know, I was flat on my back, on the floor, gasping for air because I'd missed the cushions. 00:05:12.980 --> 00:05:17.800 Now, it all happened in a second, literally. 00:05:19.480 --> 00:05:23.200 And I still to this day don't exactly know how it happened, but it happened. 00:05:24.780 --> 00:05:33.660 Things didn't turn out as expected because she had a secret and powerful weapon at her disposal. 00:05:33.660 --> 00:05:40.740 She was actually skilled in the art of judo, which would have been helpful for me to have known beforehand. 00:05:40.880 --> 00:05:45.820 But since then, I've learned that if you only bully people, you can't even assume to pick on small people these days. 00:05:48.800 --> 00:05:49.960 So back to the question. 00:05:50.760 --> 00:05:58.220 What do you expect to happen when you speak the gospel of Jesus to your friends, family, workmates? 00:05:58.220 --> 00:06:05.300 Do you believe that the gospel of Jesus is powerful? 00:06:05.420 --> 00:06:06.900 That's the title of my sermon this morning. 00:06:07.680 --> 00:06:08.600 But do you believe that? 00:06:08.720 --> 00:06:17.020 That it's powerful, that Jesus is unstoppable in his mission of saving those, all those he died for some nearly 2,000 years ago. 00:06:18.020 --> 00:06:28.200 Do you believe that in 2021, Jesus continues to build his church, gathering one by one those people in time and space, those people he died for? 00:06:28.220 --> 00:06:33.240 From every tribe and nation in our world. 00:06:35.580 --> 00:06:44.500 Now, I think we might be tempted to think that in actual fact, when you look around the world, the cause of Christ is actually going backwards. 00:06:45.540 --> 00:06:48.420 And that Jesus has actually been squeezed out of his own world. 00:06:48.420 --> 00:06:55.480 Of course, the problem there is that we cannot see the world at a glance. 00:06:55.580 --> 00:06:59.439 We don't know, really, essentially, what's happening in every part around the world. 00:06:59.900 --> 00:07:06.759 But when we do inquire, and it's quite easy to inquire, when we do inquire, the evidence is actually beyond dispute. 00:07:06.759 --> 00:07:18.860 Daily, countless hundreds, thousands of people are being confronted and renewed by the gospel of Jesus around our world. 00:07:23.360 --> 00:07:25.819 Daily, people are being added to the church. 00:07:26.000 --> 00:07:26.839 The local church. 00:07:28.539 --> 00:07:30.539 New local church families are forming. 00:07:30.540 --> 00:07:43.700 And that's often in spite of the most ruthless, violent attempts of governments and nations and authorities to crack down and rid themselves of the gospel of Jesus. 00:07:47.140 --> 00:07:55.920 Friends, that's why we're doing this series on Acts of the Apostles called The Unstuffable Jesus. 00:07:55.920 --> 00:08:04.240 We want each of you to be excited, to be confident, to be expectant. 00:08:05.040 --> 00:08:10.120 That when we speak the gospel of Jesus, we are doing the work of Messiah. 00:08:12.000 --> 00:08:19.580 With the secret weapon of God's word applied by the Holy Spirit, bringing joy and light and life. 00:08:20.780 --> 00:08:24.300 To people otherwise wandering and lost in darkness. 00:08:25.920 --> 00:08:30.060 That's what the series is about. 00:08:30.819 --> 00:08:32.500 So let's jump into the text this morning. 00:08:33.039 --> 00:08:36.500 And just a little bit of recapping from the last two or three weeks. 00:08:37.539 --> 00:08:43.200 The radically fulfilled promises which dominate Luke's early chapters. 00:08:43.759 --> 00:08:47.139 Which emphasize the unstoppable salvation work of Jesus. 00:08:47.720 --> 00:08:49.560 Even though he's now operating from heaven. 00:08:49.559 --> 00:08:54.000 The harvest has begun and is continuing and is unstoppable. 00:08:54.719 --> 00:08:56.299 Because Jesus is unstoppable. 00:08:58.019 --> 00:08:59.959 In chapter 1, verses 1 to 11. 00:09:00.339 --> 00:09:02.279 The apostles were promised the secret weapon. 00:09:02.699 --> 00:09:04.639 Which would make them effective witnesses. 00:09:05.599 --> 00:09:08.179 Which would make them effective kingdom builders for Jesus. 00:09:08.799 --> 00:09:12.719 And that promise was the gift of the Holy Spirit. 00:09:13.039 --> 00:09:14.599 And his enabling power. 00:09:14.600 --> 00:09:18.720 And in chapter 2, verses 1 to 21. 00:09:18.820 --> 00:09:19.540 We saw last week. 00:09:19.960 --> 00:09:23.159 That that promise is delivered in a mind-blowing moment. 00:09:25.180 --> 00:09:29.460 Together with, the verses there, that together with clear instruction by Peter. 00:09:29.460 --> 00:09:32.659 As to how do you understand what had just been experienced. 00:09:34.440 --> 00:09:35.920 And witnessed by everyone. 00:09:36.540 --> 00:09:37.399 A large crowd. 00:09:38.600 --> 00:09:41.920 We're not left to guess how do you understand the coming of the Spirit. 00:09:41.980 --> 00:09:43.040 We're told in detail. 00:09:43.039 --> 00:09:49.139 And then Peter also helps us understand that the fulfillment of that immediate promise. 00:09:49.299 --> 00:09:51.879 Needs to be understood itself in a bigger promise. 00:09:52.079 --> 00:09:54.059 The bigger promise of God's salvation. 00:09:54.279 --> 00:09:56.919 Made hundreds of years earlier through the prophet Joel. 00:09:57.659 --> 00:10:01.019 Where God said, I will act to re-establish my rule. 00:10:01.519 --> 00:10:05.059 I will save my people by delivering them from their sin. 00:10:05.179 --> 00:10:06.439 And from the guilt of their sin. 00:10:06.480 --> 00:10:07.419 By dealing with their sin. 00:10:07.819 --> 00:10:09.679 I'll change them from the inside out. 00:10:10.299 --> 00:10:11.219 By my spirit. 00:10:11.220 --> 00:10:14.000 I'll give them proper understanding of me. 00:10:14.040 --> 00:10:14.540 Says the Lord. 00:10:14.899 --> 00:10:16.580 I'll enable them by my spirit. 00:10:16.879 --> 00:10:19.279 To live obediently in my service. 00:10:19.960 --> 00:10:20.740 And to my glory. 00:10:25.320 --> 00:10:28.540 God's promise has just been radically delivered. 00:10:29.820 --> 00:10:30.960 And as Dave said last week. 00:10:31.420 --> 00:10:33.660 The Lord of the harvest has begun. 00:10:33.659 --> 00:10:35.399 His harvest. 00:10:39.039 --> 00:10:40.879 Now in the verses that are before me this morning. 00:10:41.299 --> 00:10:44.620 I think that what Luke's doing is just given us two illustrations. 00:10:45.620 --> 00:10:50.399 Of radically changed situations. 00:10:50.959 --> 00:10:51.980 Radically changed people. 00:10:52.360 --> 00:10:53.879 And a radically changed community. 00:10:53.879 --> 00:11:00.720 Illustrations of what happens when the Lord is busy in his harvest. 00:11:01.000 --> 00:11:03.679 What happens when we speak the gospel of Jesus. 00:11:08.139 --> 00:11:09.480 What an incredible scene. 00:11:11.159 --> 00:11:13.639 We have here as we jump into verse 22 now. 00:11:13.639 --> 00:11:17.600 We got a group of about 120 believers. 00:11:17.939 --> 00:11:19.000 Including the apostles. 00:11:20.340 --> 00:11:21.240 No doubt. 00:11:21.779 --> 00:11:23.519 Absolutely stunned. 00:11:24.960 --> 00:11:27.860 As they spoke fluently in languages. 00:11:28.419 --> 00:11:29.639 Not known to them. 00:11:29.740 --> 00:11:30.559 Only minutes earlier. 00:11:34.419 --> 00:11:36.000 We got a huge crowd. 00:11:36.159 --> 00:11:37.700 Well in excess of 3,000. 00:11:37.700 --> 00:11:41.259 We can just sense them milling around. 00:11:42.400 --> 00:11:43.860 In amazement. 00:11:49.620 --> 00:11:50.860 And at that moment. 00:11:51.540 --> 00:11:54.220 We see the radically new face. 00:11:54.680 --> 00:11:55.259 Of Peter. 00:11:59.100 --> 00:12:01.320 No longer hiding in the shadows. 00:12:01.820 --> 00:12:03.700 Or denying association with Jesus. 00:12:05.100 --> 00:12:06.500 Peter steps up. 00:12:06.500 --> 00:12:08.919 And confronts this large. 00:12:09.320 --> 00:12:10.440 And I'm going to suggest in a moment. 00:12:10.700 --> 00:12:11.679 Hostile crowd. 00:12:12.220 --> 00:12:14.440 It's a crowd of religious Jews. 00:12:15.320 --> 00:12:16.220 Both locals. 00:12:16.700 --> 00:12:18.899 And those who traveled hundreds of kilometers. 00:12:19.399 --> 00:12:21.379 In commitment to the religious observances. 00:12:22.480 --> 00:12:24.259 Of special days and feasts. 00:12:24.460 --> 00:12:25.340 This particular one. 00:12:25.500 --> 00:12:26.480 That they have Pentecost. 00:12:30.539 --> 00:12:32.220 Now the crowd therefore. 00:12:32.639 --> 00:12:34.279 Each of them would have prided themselves. 00:12:34.419 --> 00:12:35.679 In being God's special people. 00:12:36.500 --> 00:12:39.120 They were so fanatical. 00:12:39.320 --> 00:12:41.220 In trying to protect the name of God. 00:12:42.220 --> 00:12:43.679 Protect Jewish religion. 00:12:44.039 --> 00:12:45.720 That just remember six weeks early. 00:12:45.820 --> 00:12:46.639 50 days earlier. 00:12:47.519 --> 00:12:49.519 They had banded together. 00:12:51.519 --> 00:12:52.559 To effect. 00:12:53.059 --> 00:12:54.360 The murder of Jesus. 00:12:54.360 --> 00:12:55.539 Why? 00:12:55.539 --> 00:13:00.539 Because he had criticized. 00:13:00.539 --> 00:13:01.399 Because he had criticized. 00:13:02.180 --> 00:13:03.860 Their religious efforts. 00:13:04.539 --> 00:13:05.539 Saying that sacrifices. 00:13:06.500 --> 00:13:07.180 And praying. 00:13:07.800 --> 00:13:09.300 And celebrating religious festivals. 00:13:09.300 --> 00:13:10.720 Would never please God. 00:13:10.960 --> 00:13:11.779 Or get them to heaven. 00:13:15.779 --> 00:13:16.960 No longer hiding. 00:13:17.139 --> 00:13:18.539 No longer impetuous. 00:13:18.800 --> 00:13:20.960 Or no longer making grand statements. 00:13:20.960 --> 00:13:21.480 About himself. 00:13:21.480 --> 00:13:22.759 That we knew of Peter. 00:13:22.759 --> 00:13:24.580 From the gospel account of Jesus. 00:13:26.100 --> 00:13:26.539 Here. 00:13:26.659 --> 00:13:26.940 Peter. 00:13:27.779 --> 00:13:28.700 Very deliberately. 00:13:29.300 --> 00:13:29.899 Steps up. 00:13:30.820 --> 00:13:32.000 Calls for quiet. 00:13:33.159 --> 00:13:34.860 Urges people to listen carefully. 00:13:34.860 --> 00:13:35.899 To what he's about to say. 00:13:37.580 --> 00:13:38.840 And then what does he do? 00:13:40.320 --> 00:13:42.100 He talks to them about Jesus. 00:13:42.899 --> 00:13:44.240 The very guy. 00:13:44.320 --> 00:13:44.759 That in their anger. 00:13:46.220 --> 00:13:47.860 They had set aside the law. 00:13:47.920 --> 00:13:48.519 To get rid of. 00:13:48.600 --> 00:13:49.580 Just six weeks earlier. 00:13:49.580 --> 00:13:56.720 They would have expected. 00:13:56.879 --> 00:13:57.300 No doubt. 00:13:57.980 --> 00:13:59.259 To hear Peter say. 00:13:59.540 --> 00:14:01.560 More about what they had just experienced. 00:14:04.560 --> 00:14:05.700 But what do they get? 00:14:06.560 --> 00:14:08.440 They get an extended talk. 00:14:08.720 --> 00:14:09.480 About Jesus. 00:14:12.259 --> 00:14:12.920 As I say. 00:14:12.980 --> 00:14:14.740 The very person they thought they were rid of. 00:14:15.060 --> 00:14:16.200 Even more confronting. 00:14:16.200 --> 00:14:18.540 Peter is telling these hostile. 00:14:19.080 --> 00:14:20.020 Religious people. 00:14:20.020 --> 00:14:21.480 That they were wrong. 00:14:22.020 --> 00:14:22.960 Wrong about God. 00:14:23.759 --> 00:14:25.379 And the basis of acceptance with them. 00:14:25.879 --> 00:14:26.740 Wrong about Jesus. 00:14:27.600 --> 00:14:29.500 And the basis on which they murdered him. 00:14:30.100 --> 00:14:31.160 And in factly. 00:14:31.560 --> 00:14:33.800 Wrong in their religious beliefs generally. 00:14:34.300 --> 00:14:34.600 And. 00:14:35.600 --> 00:14:37.259 Actually at odds with God. 00:14:38.540 --> 00:14:38.940 And. 00:14:38.940 --> 00:14:39.340 And. 00:14:39.340 --> 00:14:43.160 My friends. 00:14:43.220 --> 00:14:44.259 I would suggest to you this morning. 00:14:44.879 --> 00:14:46.100 Given what we know of Peter. 00:14:46.420 --> 00:14:47.759 From the gospel accounts. 00:14:48.639 --> 00:14:50.240 And what we see of Peter here. 00:14:50.399 --> 00:14:51.840 There is no question at all. 00:14:52.500 --> 00:14:54.220 That Peter has been empowered. 00:14:55.920 --> 00:14:57.560 By the Holy Spirit. 00:14:59.220 --> 00:15:00.480 As he emphasis. 00:15:00.940 --> 00:15:01.379 Emphasizes. 00:15:01.639 --> 00:15:02.399 The thing he does. 00:15:02.399 --> 00:15:03.480 The things he does. 00:15:03.720 --> 00:15:04.800 He does in his talk. 00:15:05.120 --> 00:15:06.440 First of the one is that Jesus. 00:15:06.940 --> 00:15:07.900 Can't be ignored. 00:15:07.899 --> 00:15:11.939 Now picking up in verses 22 through to. 00:15:12.659 --> 00:15:13.679 25 there. 00:15:14.779 --> 00:15:15.100 Peter. 00:15:16.059 --> 00:15:17.220 Just gives a summary. 00:15:18.259 --> 00:15:19.620 Obviously on the one hand. 00:15:20.360 --> 00:15:22.419 Peter is saying Jesus was really human. 00:15:23.419 --> 00:15:24.500 He was a carpenter's son. 00:15:25.259 --> 00:15:26.019 From Nazareth. 00:15:26.360 --> 00:15:28.240 Yes his birth was surrounded with suspicion. 00:15:29.019 --> 00:15:29.500 And yes. 00:15:29.559 --> 00:15:29.819 Says Peter. 00:15:30.139 --> 00:15:31.419 He's really telling the crowd that yes. 00:15:31.419 --> 00:15:32.720 Jesus was so ordinary. 00:15:33.220 --> 00:15:35.299 That the Jews were convinced. 00:15:35.419 --> 00:15:37.240 He couldn't possibly be God's Messiah. 00:15:37.899 --> 00:15:40.959 God's Messiah would not be ordinary. 00:15:41.860 --> 00:15:42.939 That was their conclusion. 00:15:44.079 --> 00:15:44.879 Jesus had to go. 00:15:46.480 --> 00:15:47.679 But equally obvious. 00:15:47.939 --> 00:15:48.579 Says Peter. 00:15:49.720 --> 00:15:50.939 That Jesus was God. 00:15:53.159 --> 00:15:54.740 Everything he didn't say. 00:15:54.899 --> 00:15:56.500 Says Peter to this massive crowd. 00:15:57.299 --> 00:15:57.819 Demonstrated. 00:15:57.820 --> 00:16:01.840 Not only that he was from God. 00:16:01.840 --> 00:16:04.379 And had God's full support and approval. 00:16:04.840 --> 00:16:06.740 But that he was one with God. 00:16:07.320 --> 00:16:10.360 Because he was doing things that only God could do. 00:16:13.780 --> 00:16:15.920 And the most compelling evidence of this. 00:16:16.040 --> 00:16:16.680 Peter continues. 00:16:17.120 --> 00:16:18.680 Is in his resurrection. 00:16:20.680 --> 00:16:23.900 He experienced death like other humans. 00:16:23.899 --> 00:16:27.459 But death could not hold him. 00:16:27.459 --> 00:16:29.039 Because he was God. 00:16:31.799 --> 00:16:33.539 And Peter's point here. 00:16:33.639 --> 00:16:35.319 Is that that also proves he was Messiah. 00:16:35.439 --> 00:16:36.299 Jesus was the Messiah. 00:16:36.439 --> 00:16:37.360 God's King and Savior. 00:16:37.819 --> 00:16:39.459 The one King David anticipated. 00:16:39.959 --> 00:16:41.259 And he quotes from King David. 00:16:41.439 --> 00:16:42.759 Verse 25 through to 30. 00:16:43.740 --> 00:16:45.019 King David anticipated. 00:16:45.480 --> 00:16:46.959 This moment. 00:16:47.360 --> 00:16:48.360 Hundreds of years earlier. 00:16:49.279 --> 00:16:49.879 Peter's clear. 00:16:50.220 --> 00:16:50.679 It couldn't have been. 00:16:50.679 --> 00:16:52.339 David couldn't have been speaking about himself. 00:16:52.439 --> 00:16:53.739 Because David's grave is still there. 00:16:53.859 --> 00:16:54.799 David's still in the grave. 00:16:55.039 --> 00:16:55.939 He must have been. 00:16:56.500 --> 00:16:57.739 Anticipating God's Messiah. 00:16:58.339 --> 00:16:59.679 And this moment has come now. 00:16:59.739 --> 00:17:00.179 Says Peter. 00:17:07.319 --> 00:17:08.299 You've got to understand. 00:17:08.440 --> 00:17:09.599 What Peter was saying to this crowd. 00:17:09.839 --> 00:17:11.839 Every single point he was making here. 00:17:12.220 --> 00:17:13.579 Was the very stuff. 00:17:13.639 --> 00:17:14.779 That would have riled them. 00:17:17.779 --> 00:17:19.519 He took a resurrection of Jesus. 00:17:20.680 --> 00:17:22.259 To talk about them being wrong. 00:17:22.779 --> 00:17:24.440 To use King David's name. 00:17:25.279 --> 00:17:27.480 To prove that Jesus was something. 00:17:28.220 --> 00:17:29.120 I mean this was stuff. 00:17:29.220 --> 00:17:30.700 This was dangerous stuff. 00:17:30.980 --> 00:17:33.580 Radical stuff that Peter was taking on with this crowd. 00:17:35.620 --> 00:17:37.420 And the second point then gets worse. 00:17:38.340 --> 00:17:39.960 Jesus' death was not what it seemed. 00:17:41.100 --> 00:17:43.960 The crowd had condemned and killed Jesus. 00:17:44.779 --> 00:17:45.779 Now as they did that. 00:17:45.860 --> 00:17:48.039 They were claiming to be the servants of God. 00:17:48.039 --> 00:17:52.599 Claiming to act to protect God's name. 00:17:52.599 --> 00:17:54.359 From the madman. 00:17:54.480 --> 00:17:55.879 As they saw Jesus to be. 00:17:59.579 --> 00:18:00.960 In actual fact. 00:18:01.359 --> 00:18:01.920 Says Peter. 00:18:02.420 --> 00:18:04.480 Not only did you illegally. 00:18:04.819 --> 00:18:06.399 And violently kill Jesus. 00:18:07.579 --> 00:18:09.200 But you did so. 00:18:09.619 --> 00:18:11.779 Because of your stubborn unbelief. 00:18:12.779 --> 00:18:14.539 And rejection of both Jesus. 00:18:14.740 --> 00:18:15.220 And teaching. 00:18:15.220 --> 00:18:16.600 But says Peter. 00:18:16.720 --> 00:18:17.940 Here's the rub for you guys. 00:18:18.680 --> 00:18:19.539 God's verdict. 00:18:20.039 --> 00:18:22.140 Was totally different to your verdict. 00:18:23.259 --> 00:18:24.460 God's verdict about Jesus. 00:18:24.579 --> 00:18:26.000 Was totally different to yours. 00:18:28.880 --> 00:18:30.460 And even more amazing. 00:18:31.039 --> 00:18:31.860 Peter says to the crowd. 00:18:31.940 --> 00:18:32.380 You know what? 00:18:32.839 --> 00:18:33.519 You're evil. 00:18:33.640 --> 00:18:35.519 And that's the only way I can describe it. 00:18:35.539 --> 00:18:36.339 Says Peter to the crowd. 00:18:36.339 --> 00:18:37.339 Your evil. 00:18:37.819 --> 00:18:39.660 Was actually woven into God's. 00:18:39.900 --> 00:18:41.640 Big picture plan of salvation. 00:18:41.640 --> 00:18:46.700 God used that moment of evil. 00:18:47.400 --> 00:18:48.540 For your good. 00:18:48.620 --> 00:18:49.320 For your benefit. 00:18:50.720 --> 00:18:52.140 And the benefit of mankind. 00:18:54.620 --> 00:18:55.180 And so God. 00:18:55.259 --> 00:18:56.280 Verse 22 and verse. 00:18:56.780 --> 00:18:57.860 32 and 33. 00:18:58.400 --> 00:18:59.700 God restores Jesus. 00:18:59.900 --> 00:19:01.120 To his rightful position. 00:19:01.280 --> 00:19:01.860 Of honor. 00:19:02.580 --> 00:19:04.540 As king and lord of the world. 00:19:04.780 --> 00:19:05.759 And now also. 00:19:05.920 --> 00:19:07.000 As savior of the world. 00:19:07.000 --> 00:19:07.039 God. 00:19:09.099 --> 00:19:09.740 Now again. 00:19:10.099 --> 00:19:11.460 Put yourself into the situation. 00:19:11.720 --> 00:19:13.299 And feel how provocative. 00:19:13.299 --> 00:19:14.759 Those statements would have been. 00:19:15.180 --> 00:19:16.059 To that Jewish. 00:19:16.299 --> 00:19:17.259 Religious crowd. 00:19:25.000 --> 00:19:26.119 The third point. 00:19:26.400 --> 00:19:27.000 Peter makes. 00:19:27.000 --> 00:19:29.200 Is that you can't honor God. 00:19:29.319 --> 00:19:30.680 While rejecting Jesus. 00:19:31.680 --> 00:19:33.240 The force of God's verdict. 00:19:33.240 --> 00:19:33.740 On Jesus. 00:19:33.880 --> 00:19:34.720 Verse 36. 00:19:35.099 --> 00:19:36.200 Cannot be challenged. 00:19:36.200 --> 00:19:37.519 Let me read the verse to you again. 00:19:38.319 --> 00:19:40.600 Let all the house of Israel. 00:19:40.900 --> 00:19:41.160 Therefore. 00:19:41.500 --> 00:19:42.559 Know for certain. 00:19:43.880 --> 00:19:44.180 What? 00:19:45.140 --> 00:19:47.200 That God has made him. 00:19:47.420 --> 00:19:48.059 That is Jesus. 00:19:48.580 --> 00:19:50.299 Both Lord and Christ. 00:19:50.440 --> 00:19:51.140 Or Messiah. 00:19:51.279 --> 00:19:51.759 Or Savior. 00:19:52.660 --> 00:19:53.500 This Jesus. 00:19:54.100 --> 00:19:55.640 Whom you crucified. 00:19:55.640 --> 00:19:55.960 Who? 00:19:55.960 --> 00:19:56.160 Who? 00:19:56.160 --> 00:19:56.240 Who? 00:19:56.240 --> 00:19:56.640 Who? 00:19:56.640 --> 00:19:56.680 Who? 00:19:56.680 --> 00:19:57.160 Who? 00:19:57.160 --> 00:19:57.680 Who? 00:19:57.680 --> 00:19:58.160 Who? 00:19:58.160 --> 00:19:58.240 Who? 00:19:58.240 --> 00:19:58.660 Who? 00:19:58.660 --> 00:19:58.680 Who? 00:19:58.680 --> 00:19:59.240 Who? 00:19:59.240 --> 00:19:59.299 Who? 00:19:59.299 --> 00:19:59.680 Who? 00:19:59.680 --> 00:19:59.740 Who? 00:19:59.740 --> 00:20:00.160 Who? 00:20:00.160 --> 00:20:00.220 Who? 00:20:00.220 --> 00:20:00.779 Who? 00:20:00.779 --> 00:20:01.299 Who? 00:20:01.299 --> 00:20:01.759 Who? 00:20:01.759 --> 00:20:01.779 Who? 00:20:01.779 --> 00:20:02.180 Who? 00:20:02.180 --> 00:20:02.220 Who? 00:20:02.220 --> 00:20:02.240 Who? 00:20:02.240 --> 00:20:02.799 Who? 00:20:02.799 --> 00:20:03.279 Who? 00:20:03.279 --> 00:20:03.380 Who? 00:20:03.380 --> 00:20:03.720 Who? 00:20:03.720 --> 00:20:04.220 Who? 00:20:04.220 --> 00:20:04.240 Who? 00:20:04.240 --> 00:20:06.180 Who? 00:20:06.200 --> 00:20:07.220 Who? 00:20:07.220 --> 00:20:07.840 Who? 00:20:07.840 --> 00:20:08.279 Who? 00:20:08.279 --> 00:20:14.860 I've stood before some hostile crowds in my day, but nothing compared to that, I don't think. 00:20:14.859 --> 00:20:25.159 The equation is simple, says Peter. 00:20:26.000 --> 00:20:28.979 You cannot put a wage between God and Jesus. 00:20:28.979 --> 00:20:35.339 You cannot say on the one hand, I serve the Lord, like you Jewish religious people do, 00:20:35.339 --> 00:20:40.980 but not bow before Jesus and recognize him as Savior and Lord. 00:20:40.980 --> 00:20:44.819 God's instrument of salvation. 00:20:44.819 --> 00:20:46.980 You just cannot do it. 00:20:46.980 --> 00:20:51.699 That's what you guys have tried to do, Peter says to the crowd, but you cannot do it. 00:20:51.700 --> 00:21:02.900 It is what Jesus does for you in his death that makes you acceptable to God. 00:21:02.900 --> 00:21:04.680 That's why the two cannot be separated. 00:21:04.680 --> 00:21:08.539 You cannot be acceptable to God by your religious efforts. 00:21:09.539 --> 00:21:12.400 You can only be acceptable to God through Jesus. 00:21:13.259 --> 00:21:16.059 So if you want to come to God, you come through Jesus. 00:21:16.059 --> 00:21:17.859 That's Peter's point here. 00:21:17.859 --> 00:21:18.819 That's Peter's logic. 00:21:21.399 --> 00:21:27.519 You come to God through Jesus, not your own efforts, not your own goodness, not your own religious performance. 00:21:27.519 --> 00:21:40.279 Now, given the sort of straight talk that Peter delivers to this crowd, we would expect a massive response, wouldn't we? 00:21:42.879 --> 00:21:47.099 And we get a massive response from the crowd, but I don't think it's the one we'd normally expect. 00:21:47.099 --> 00:21:58.899 We might well expect the crowd to surge forward and in their anger and hatred and do to Peter what they did to Jesus just 50 days earlier. 00:21:59.459 --> 00:22:00.139 Rip them apart. 00:22:00.799 --> 00:22:01.419 Get rid of him. 00:22:04.459 --> 00:22:06.959 Because he's saying all the things that Jesus said. 00:22:06.959 --> 00:22:11.699 And in fact, he's bringing to mind again that Jesus they thought they'd finally got themselves rid of. 00:22:11.700 --> 00:22:17.299 So I think we would expect a large, massive response from the crowd. 00:22:19.180 --> 00:22:23.519 But the response we get here is not the one we expect. 00:22:23.580 --> 00:22:24.960 It's a very surprising response. 00:22:26.019 --> 00:22:28.819 Because there is something sweeps through the crowd. 00:22:29.620 --> 00:22:33.160 But it's an overpowering conviction of sin and guilt before God. 00:22:33.160 --> 00:22:41.700 So last week, when the Spirit arrived, there was amazement, there was excitement, and there was some crude humor. 00:22:41.900 --> 00:22:42.779 Oh, they're just drunk. 00:22:44.680 --> 00:22:48.480 And that was happening in response to the arrival of God's Spirit. 00:22:48.480 --> 00:22:55.259 But now, we can sense a quietness settling on this crowd. 00:22:55.500 --> 00:22:59.300 A soberness settling on this crowd. 00:23:00.960 --> 00:23:02.180 Self-reflection. 00:23:02.180 --> 00:23:03.180 Self-reflection. 00:23:03.180 --> 00:23:14.080 And indeed, the awful realization that they had got it so wrong in respect of God, in respect of Jesus, and in respect of their salvation. 00:23:16.720 --> 00:23:23.519 Before, as religious Jews, they were convinced that their acceptance before God was based on their own goodness and religious actions. 00:23:24.560 --> 00:23:28.160 They were convinced that they'd done God a favor in killing Jesus. 00:23:28.160 --> 00:23:41.160 But now, now they could see that instead of serving the Lord, they had arrogantly acted as if they were the Lord. 00:23:41.160 --> 00:23:53.380 Now, there was this sickening realization that they stood alone and guilty before the Lord God of the universe. 00:23:53.519 --> 00:23:54.880 Unable to plead ignorance. 00:23:55.600 --> 00:23:58.040 Unable to plead anything that would lessen their guilt. 00:23:58.039 --> 00:23:58.220 Unable to. 00:23:58.220 --> 00:23:58.639 Unable to. 00:24:02.879 --> 00:24:14.899 And this sudden new realization breaks them and prompts nothing else but a urgent plea for help. 00:24:15.039 --> 00:24:16.740 Unable to plead anything that would lessen their guilt. 00:24:16.740 --> 00:24:24.680 How can we escape God's anger at our behavior? 00:24:26.980 --> 00:24:28.980 How can we escape? 00:24:33.160 --> 00:24:37.620 In verse 38, Peter immediately tells them the way ahead. 00:24:40.019 --> 00:24:40.500 Repent. 00:24:44.559 --> 00:24:45.859 What is repentance? 00:24:46.740 --> 00:24:52.920 Well, basically it's a total change of attitude and thinking, 00:24:53.500 --> 00:24:57.940 which results in totally different behavior. 00:25:02.160 --> 00:25:09.440 These folk in this crowd needed to change their attitude to themselves, 00:25:10.579 --> 00:25:14.500 to Jesus, and to God. 00:25:14.500 --> 00:25:19.599 They needed to listen to God's word and take it seriously, 00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:25.279 understanding that they rightly deserved God's judgment in spite of all their religious efforts. 00:25:26.380 --> 00:25:30.039 They needed to look to Jesus to deal with their sin and make them acceptable to God. 00:25:30.720 --> 00:25:35.019 They needed to give up their autonomy and start living under the rule of King Jesus. 00:25:35.019 --> 00:25:45.160 And more than that, Peter says they need to demonstrate the reality of their opinions in baptism. 00:25:45.160 --> 00:25:45.259 Baptism. 00:25:47.640 --> 00:25:51.900 Now, this would have been a really, really big thing for these religious Jews. 00:25:52.800 --> 00:25:59.600 Because baptism was only used when you were bringing Gentiles into the Jewish faith. 00:25:59.599 --> 00:26:12.159 So baptism to these religious Jews would have been a humiliating admission of being wrong. 00:26:16.159 --> 00:26:20.879 Would have been a humiliating admission of new association with Jesus, 00:26:21.000 --> 00:26:24.319 whom they had just killed as a criminal a few weeks earlier. 00:26:24.319 --> 00:26:28.200 This was a total turnaround for these people. 00:26:37.200 --> 00:26:40.059 The amazing result of that repentance, 00:26:41.059 --> 00:26:46.659 the amazing result of true repentance for even murderous sinners, 00:26:47.659 --> 00:26:48.659 verse 38, 00:26:49.659 --> 00:26:50.839 complete forgiveness. 00:26:50.839 --> 00:26:54.659 In a moment, 00:26:55.519 --> 00:26:57.139 their situation was turned around. 00:26:59.159 --> 00:27:00.139 One minute, 00:27:00.639 --> 00:27:02.699 cowering under the wrath of God, 00:27:03.240 --> 00:27:07.279 realizing they could never pay the penalty their rebellion against God deserved, 00:27:07.279 --> 00:27:09.599 and their actions had reinforced. 00:27:11.059 --> 00:27:12.339 The next minute, 00:27:15.119 --> 00:27:16.639 enjoying God's promise 00:27:16.639 --> 00:27:19.759 that guilt and judgment 00:27:19.759 --> 00:27:21.920 is totally wiped 00:27:21.920 --> 00:27:24.359 and replaced with full acceptance. 00:27:25.920 --> 00:27:27.519 Family relationship with them, 00:27:28.000 --> 00:27:29.779 which is confirmed and guaranteed 00:27:29.779 --> 00:27:32.640 by God's Spirit taking up residence in them. 00:27:36.440 --> 00:27:37.039 Friends, 00:27:38.039 --> 00:27:42.779 I fear I've done a disservice to this beautiful passage, 00:27:42.779 --> 00:27:49.480 because it's a picture that we're meant to be sucked into and soaking. 00:27:53.079 --> 00:27:54.200 What a turnaround 00:27:54.200 --> 00:27:57.240 for more than 3,000 people that day. 00:27:59.139 --> 00:28:00.379 Just think about it. 00:28:00.519 --> 00:28:02.180 Peter takes on a crowd 00:28:02.180 --> 00:28:05.559 whipped into frenzy by spectacular events. 00:28:05.559 --> 00:28:07.759 And in response, 00:28:07.759 --> 00:28:10.440 he simply tells them the story 00:28:10.440 --> 00:28:12.700 of Jesus. 00:28:14.539 --> 00:28:15.559 Who he is 00:28:15.559 --> 00:28:16.679 and what he has done. 00:28:17.480 --> 00:28:19.179 And how God views him now. 00:28:21.240 --> 00:28:23.179 And that message alone, 00:28:23.279 --> 00:28:24.500 and it's a simple message, 00:28:24.599 --> 00:28:25.579 that message alone, 00:28:26.139 --> 00:28:27.960 by the power of God's Spirit, 00:28:27.960 --> 00:28:29.279 debolished, 00:28:29.900 --> 00:28:32.279 debolished lifetime unbelief 00:28:32.279 --> 00:28:36.360 for some 3,000 people. 00:28:36.680 --> 00:28:37.480 Solemn converted, 00:28:38.220 --> 00:28:40.559 changing their attitudes and actions forever. 00:28:45.559 --> 00:28:46.519 What a moment. 00:28:48.400 --> 00:28:50.480 What an example or illustration 00:28:50.480 --> 00:28:52.579 of the Lord of the harvest, 00:28:53.019 --> 00:28:55.100 busy in the harvest. 00:28:55.099 --> 00:28:57.439 But there's more. 00:28:58.959 --> 00:29:00.439 Verses 42 to 47. 00:29:03.419 --> 00:29:05.699 There's a radically changed community. 00:29:05.839 --> 00:29:06.839 That's another illustration 00:29:06.839 --> 00:29:10.059 of the power of the Holy Spirit 00:29:10.059 --> 00:29:15.119 applied to the unstoppable salvation work 00:29:15.119 --> 00:29:16.019 of the Lord Jesus. 00:29:17.339 --> 00:29:19.079 A radically changed community 00:29:19.079 --> 00:29:21.219 of all-in commitment 00:29:21.219 --> 00:29:22.159 emerges. 00:29:22.160 --> 00:29:26.220 Now I'm not going to dig into this at all. 00:29:26.279 --> 00:29:27.740 I'm just going to race through it 00:29:27.740 --> 00:29:28.259 very quickly. 00:29:32.200 --> 00:29:33.420 They devoted themselves 00:29:33.420 --> 00:29:34.640 to the apostles' teaching 00:29:34.640 --> 00:29:35.300 and fellowship. 00:29:36.680 --> 00:29:38.100 To the breaking of bread 00:29:38.100 --> 00:29:38.880 and the prayers. 00:29:40.320 --> 00:29:41.200 And awe 00:29:41.200 --> 00:29:43.180 came upon every soul. 00:29:43.420 --> 00:29:44.759 And many wonders and signs 00:29:44.759 --> 00:29:45.340 were being done 00:29:45.340 --> 00:29:46.040 through the apostles. 00:29:46.480 --> 00:29:47.960 And all who believed 00:29:47.960 --> 00:29:48.620 were together 00:29:48.620 --> 00:29:51.160 and had all things in common. 00:29:52.160 --> 00:29:53.259 They were selling 00:29:53.259 --> 00:29:54.120 their possessions 00:29:54.120 --> 00:29:54.880 and belongings 00:29:54.880 --> 00:29:55.920 and distributing 00:29:55.920 --> 00:29:57.960 the proceeds to all 00:29:57.960 --> 00:29:59.759 as any had need. 00:30:01.440 --> 00:30:02.240 And day by day 00:30:02.240 --> 00:30:03.400 attending the temple together 00:30:03.400 --> 00:30:04.300 and breaking bread 00:30:04.300 --> 00:30:04.980 in their homes 00:30:04.980 --> 00:30:06.620 they received their food 00:30:06.620 --> 00:30:07.279 with glad 00:30:07.279 --> 00:30:08.500 and generous hearts 00:30:08.500 --> 00:30:10.320 praising God 00:30:10.320 --> 00:30:11.160 and having favor 00:30:11.160 --> 00:30:12.019 with all the people. 00:30:14.500 --> 00:30:15.440 And the Lord 00:30:15.440 --> 00:30:16.560 added to their number 00:30:16.560 --> 00:30:18.340 day by day 00:30:18.340 --> 00:30:20.700 those who were being saved. 00:30:20.700 --> 00:30:24.539 a radically changed 00:30:24.539 --> 00:30:25.059 community 00:30:25.059 --> 00:30:26.420 of all-in commitment. 00:30:28.240 --> 00:30:29.460 Totally committed 00:30:29.460 --> 00:30:30.840 to soaking themselves 00:30:30.840 --> 00:30:32.299 in God's word. 00:30:33.240 --> 00:30:33.680 Hearing 00:30:33.680 --> 00:30:35.140 learning 00:30:35.140 --> 00:30:37.039 being shaped 00:30:37.039 --> 00:30:38.400 being matured 00:30:38.400 --> 00:30:39.240 by that word. 00:30:42.380 --> 00:30:43.500 Totally committed 00:30:43.500 --> 00:30:44.279 to church 00:30:44.279 --> 00:30:46.700 worship 00:30:46.700 --> 00:30:47.460 fellowship 00:30:47.460 --> 00:30:48.120 prayer. 00:30:48.119 --> 00:30:50.379 You see 00:30:50.379 --> 00:30:50.899 they sensed 00:30:50.899 --> 00:30:51.539 they were part 00:30:51.539 --> 00:30:52.179 of a new 00:30:52.179 --> 00:30:52.899 community 00:30:52.899 --> 00:30:53.239 a new 00:30:53.239 --> 00:30:53.639 resurrection 00:30:53.639 --> 00:30:54.279 community 00:30:54.279 --> 00:30:54.819 a new 00:30:54.819 --> 00:30:55.179 community 00:30:55.179 --> 00:30:55.759 of Jesus 00:30:55.759 --> 00:30:56.579 and his 00:30:56.579 --> 00:30:57.139 saved people. 00:30:57.559 --> 00:30:58.079 They wanted 00:30:58.079 --> 00:30:58.939 to be among 00:30:58.939 --> 00:30:59.659 a community 00:30:59.659 --> 00:31:00.439 of people 00:31:00.439 --> 00:31:01.239 who likewise 00:31:01.239 --> 00:31:02.399 delighted in Jesus 00:31:02.399 --> 00:31:02.799 and who 00:31:02.799 --> 00:31:03.179 owed 00:31:03.179 --> 00:31:05.479 everything 00:31:05.479 --> 00:31:06.359 to Jesus. 00:31:08.259 --> 00:31:09.079 Who honored 00:31:09.079 --> 00:31:09.679 and served 00:31:09.679 --> 00:31:09.979 Jesus. 00:31:10.219 --> 00:31:10.619 They wanted 00:31:10.619 --> 00:31:11.319 to be around 00:31:11.319 --> 00:31:12.119 people like that 00:31:12.119 --> 00:31:13.179 and in community 00:31:13.179 --> 00:31:13.719 with them. 00:31:13.720 --> 00:31:15.680 they knew 00:31:15.680 --> 00:31:16.220 they needed 00:31:16.220 --> 00:31:16.799 each other 00:31:16.799 --> 00:31:17.860 in the daily 00:31:17.860 --> 00:31:18.339 struggle 00:31:18.339 --> 00:31:18.980 to be like 00:31:18.980 --> 00:31:19.480 Jesus 00:31:19.480 --> 00:31:21.740 and to 00:31:21.740 --> 00:31:22.480 witness for him. 00:31:28.160 --> 00:31:28.960 And they were 00:31:28.960 --> 00:31:29.819 totally committed 00:31:29.819 --> 00:31:30.880 to demonstrated 00:31:30.880 --> 00:31:31.539 reality. 00:31:35.039 --> 00:31:35.600 They were 00:31:35.600 --> 00:31:36.059 totally committed 00:31:36.059 --> 00:31:37.380 to showing 00:31:37.380 --> 00:31:38.220 the changing 00:31:38.220 --> 00:31:39.759 power of the 00:31:39.759 --> 00:31:40.160 gospel 00:31:40.160 --> 00:31:43.019 to those 00:31:43.019 --> 00:31:43.600 around them. 00:31:45.800 --> 00:31:46.240 And you can 00:31:46.240 --> 00:31:47.019 just see it 00:31:47.019 --> 00:31:47.519 there in those 00:31:47.519 --> 00:31:47.840 verses 00:31:47.840 --> 00:31:48.720 that they've 00:31:48.720 --> 00:31:49.779 been demonstrably 00:31:49.779 --> 00:31:50.420 moved from 00:31:50.420 --> 00:31:50.880 the attitude 00:31:50.880 --> 00:31:51.660 of me 00:31:51.660 --> 00:31:52.800 my 00:31:52.800 --> 00:31:53.759 mine 00:31:53.759 --> 00:31:54.900 possessiveness 00:31:54.900 --> 00:31:57.160 I've got 00:31:57.160 --> 00:31:57.940 my resources 00:31:57.940 --> 00:31:58.380 and they're 00:31:58.380 --> 00:31:58.840 mine. 00:32:02.440 --> 00:32:03.680 My time 00:32:03.680 --> 00:32:04.500 my energy 00:32:04.500 --> 00:32:05.200 my money 00:32:05.200 --> 00:32:06.019 my possessions 00:32:06.019 --> 00:32:08.500 demonstrably 00:32:08.500 --> 00:32:09.200 changed 00:32:09.200 --> 00:32:10.740 to lives 00:32:10.740 --> 00:32:11.359 characterized 00:32:11.359 --> 00:32:12.740 by other 00:32:12.740 --> 00:32:13.200 person 00:32:13.200 --> 00:32:13.940 centeredness. 00:32:15.019 --> 00:32:15.940 What do 00:32:15.940 --> 00:32:16.740 you need? 00:32:17.460 --> 00:32:18.220 What do I 00:32:18.220 --> 00:32:18.940 have that I 00:32:18.940 --> 00:32:19.500 can use 00:32:19.500 --> 00:32:19.879 for your 00:32:19.879 --> 00:32:20.259 benefit? 00:32:25.079 --> 00:32:25.740 What 00:32:25.740 --> 00:32:26.299 blessing 00:32:26.299 --> 00:32:26.740 has the 00:32:26.740 --> 00:32:27.299 Lord given 00:32:27.299 --> 00:32:28.019 me that I 00:32:28.019 --> 00:32:28.819 can share 00:32:28.819 --> 00:32:29.980 with glad 00:32:29.980 --> 00:32:31.180 heart and 00:32:31.180 --> 00:32:32.059 praising the 00:32:32.059 --> 00:32:32.799 Lord with 00:32:32.799 --> 00:32:33.139 you? 00:32:34.259 --> 00:32:35.019 Not a 00:32:35.019 --> 00:32:35.400 sense of 00:32:35.400 --> 00:32:35.819 loss 00:32:35.819 --> 00:32:37.939 but a 00:32:37.939 --> 00:32:38.319 sense of 00:32:38.319 --> 00:32:38.819 privilege. 00:32:48.399 --> 00:32:49.240 And this 00:32:49.240 --> 00:32:50.960 gospel 00:32:50.960 --> 00:32:51.460 shaped 00:32:51.460 --> 00:32:52.039 community 00:32:52.039 --> 00:32:52.859 was 00:32:52.859 --> 00:32:53.779 incredibly 00:32:53.779 --> 00:32:54.399 attractive 00:32:54.399 --> 00:32:54.939 to their 00:32:54.939 --> 00:32:55.240 wider 00:32:55.240 --> 00:32:55.779 community. 00:32:59.099 --> 00:32:59.619 People 00:32:59.619 --> 00:33:00.119 were looking 00:33:00.119 --> 00:33:00.779 in on 00:33:00.779 --> 00:33:00.980 them 00:33:00.980 --> 00:33:01.759 trying to 00:33:01.759 --> 00:33:02.119 work out 00:33:02.119 --> 00:33:02.460 what was 00:33:02.460 --> 00:33:02.939 going on 00:33:02.939 --> 00:33:03.480 in this 00:33:03.480 --> 00:33:03.700 new 00:33:03.700 --> 00:33:04.099 community 00:33:04.099 --> 00:33:04.379 as it 00:33:04.379 --> 00:33:04.460 was 00:33:04.460 --> 00:33:04.779 formed. 00:33:05.819 --> 00:33:06.539 They loved 00:33:06.539 --> 00:33:06.919 what they 00:33:06.919 --> 00:33:07.539 could see. 00:33:09.539 --> 00:33:10.480 They may 00:33:10.480 --> 00:33:10.859 not 00:33:10.859 --> 00:33:11.319 initially 00:33:11.319 --> 00:33:11.599 have 00:33:11.599 --> 00:33:12.099 realized 00:33:12.099 --> 00:33:12.319 they 00:33:12.319 --> 00:33:12.539 needed 00:33:12.539 --> 00:33:13.139 Jesus 00:33:13.139 --> 00:33:15.000 who was 00:33:15.000 --> 00:33:15.179 at the 00:33:15.179 --> 00:33:15.419 heart of 00:33:15.419 --> 00:33:15.539 this 00:33:15.539 --> 00:33:15.839 community 00:33:15.839 --> 00:33:16.539 but they 00:33:16.539 --> 00:33:16.939 sure 00:33:16.939 --> 00:33:17.279 knew 00:33:17.279 --> 00:33:17.460 they 00:33:17.460 --> 00:33:17.740 wanted 00:33:17.740 --> 00:33:18.319 to see 00:33:18.319 --> 00:33:18.720 something 00:33:18.720 --> 00:33:19.299 and experience 00:33:19.299 --> 00:33:19.720 something 00:33:19.720 --> 00:33:20.039 of this 00:33:20.039 --> 00:33:20.240 new 00:33:20.240 --> 00:33:20.639 community. 00:33:21.000 --> 00:33:21.339 They wanted 00:33:21.339 --> 00:33:21.720 to be 00:33:21.720 --> 00:33:22.240 part of 00:33:22.240 --> 00:33:22.679 a community 00:33:22.679 --> 00:33:23.839 where it 00:33:23.839 --> 00:33:24.259 wasn't 00:33:24.259 --> 00:33:24.779 possessive, 00:33:24.819 --> 00:33:25.240 it wasn't 00:33:25.240 --> 00:33:25.879 self-centered, 00:33:26.579 --> 00:33:27.079 where it 00:33:27.079 --> 00:33:27.559 was all 00:33:27.559 --> 00:33:27.879 in, 00:33:28.700 --> 00:33:28.960 where it 00:33:28.960 --> 00:33:29.559 was caring 00:33:29.559 --> 00:33:30.159 and loving 00:33:30.160 --> 00:33:31.380 and supportive. 00:33:31.820 --> 00:33:32.120 People 00:33:32.120 --> 00:33:32.900 want that 00:33:32.900 --> 00:33:33.259 in our 00:33:33.259 --> 00:33:34.700 dysfunctional, 00:33:34.840 --> 00:33:35.420 disconnected 00:33:35.420 --> 00:33:35.940 world. 00:33:37.740 --> 00:33:38.200 And as 00:33:38.200 --> 00:33:38.519 they come 00:33:38.519 --> 00:33:38.900 into that 00:33:38.900 --> 00:33:39.279 community, 00:33:39.380 --> 00:33:40.019 then we're 00:33:40.019 --> 00:33:40.519 told here 00:33:40.519 --> 00:33:41.279 that eventually 00:33:41.279 --> 00:33:42.040 they understood 00:33:42.040 --> 00:33:43.420 why the 00:33:43.420 --> 00:33:43.860 community was 00:33:43.860 --> 00:33:44.279 like that 00:33:44.279 --> 00:33:44.540 and what 00:33:44.540 --> 00:33:44.960 was at the 00:33:44.960 --> 00:33:45.720 basis of 00:33:45.720 --> 00:33:46.259 that community 00:33:46.259 --> 00:33:47.380 and ultimately 00:33:47.380 --> 00:33:48.620 they came 00:33:48.620 --> 00:33:49.200 to Jesus 00:33:49.200 --> 00:33:49.779 themselves. 00:33:49.779 --> 00:33:54.240 the Lord 00:33:54.240 --> 00:33:54.779 added to 00:33:54.779 --> 00:33:55.160 their number 00:33:55.160 --> 00:33:55.619 day by 00:33:55.619 --> 00:33:55.940 day. 00:33:57.099 --> 00:33:57.740 People who 00:33:57.740 --> 00:33:58.399 were drawn 00:33:58.399 --> 00:33:58.899 into this 00:33:58.899 --> 00:33:59.379 community for 00:33:59.379 --> 00:34:00.119 whatever reason 00:34:00.119 --> 00:34:01.079 first drawn 00:34:01.079 --> 00:34:01.899 into it but 00:34:01.899 --> 00:34:02.740 ultimately the 00:34:02.740 --> 00:34:03.899 point is that 00:34:03.899 --> 00:34:04.519 they were swept 00:34:04.519 --> 00:34:04.960 into the 00:34:04.960 --> 00:34:05.220 kingdom, 00:34:05.660 --> 00:34:06.200 drawn into 00:34:06.200 --> 00:34:06.700 the community, 00:34:07.180 --> 00:34:07.799 swept into 00:34:07.799 --> 00:34:08.199 the kingdom 00:34:08.199 --> 00:34:09.739 as they 00:34:09.739 --> 00:34:11.420 found a 00:34:11.420 --> 00:34:12.079 fresh start 00:34:12.079 --> 00:34:12.679 in Jesus. 00:34:12.679 --> 00:34:19.779 back to 00:34:19.779 --> 00:34:20.000 where I 00:34:20.000 --> 00:34:20.339 started. 00:34:21.259 --> 00:34:21.639 Friends, 00:34:21.899 --> 00:34:22.159 what a 00:34:22.159 --> 00:34:22.940 wonderful, 00:34:23.940 --> 00:34:25.179 what wonderful 00:34:25.179 --> 00:34:25.919 illustrations 00:34:25.919 --> 00:34:27.579 of what 00:34:27.579 --> 00:34:28.619 happens when 00:34:28.619 --> 00:34:29.199 we speak 00:34:29.199 --> 00:34:30.440 the gospel 00:34:30.440 --> 00:34:31.139 of Jesus. 00:34:35.599 --> 00:34:36.639 Lives are 00:34:36.639 --> 00:34:37.839 renewed in 00:34:37.839 --> 00:34:38.339 an instant. 00:34:38.340 --> 00:34:45.920 so what 00:34:45.920 --> 00:34:46.460 will break 00:34:46.460 --> 00:34:46.920 down, 00:34:47.260 --> 00:34:48.000 what do you 00:34:48.000 --> 00:34:48.400 think will 00:34:48.400 --> 00:34:48.900 break down 00:34:48.900 --> 00:34:49.600 the lifetime 00:34:49.600 --> 00:34:51.760 unbelief and 00:34:51.760 --> 00:34:52.700 religious thinking 00:34:52.700 --> 00:34:53.600 of your family 00:34:53.600 --> 00:34:54.160 members, 00:34:54.680 --> 00:34:55.559 your workmates 00:34:55.559 --> 00:34:57.400 and people you 00:34:57.400 --> 00:34:58.140 intersect with 00:34:58.140 --> 00:34:59.579 on any given 00:34:59.579 --> 00:34:59.880 day? 00:35:03.920 --> 00:35:04.700 Perhaps we 00:35:04.700 --> 00:35:05.420 feel uneasy 00:35:05.420 --> 00:35:05.940 about telling 00:35:05.940 --> 00:35:06.460 people they're 00:35:06.460 --> 00:35:06.760 sinful. 00:35:06.760 --> 00:35:07.079 No. 00:35:08.340 --> 00:35:10.240 we feel 00:35:10.240 --> 00:35:10.880 uneasy telling 00:35:10.880 --> 00:35:11.280 people that 00:35:11.280 --> 00:35:11.900 their goodness 00:35:11.900 --> 00:35:13.620 won't win 00:35:13.620 --> 00:35:14.420 acceptance with 00:35:14.420 --> 00:35:14.780 God. 00:35:16.220 --> 00:35:17.760 We might not 00:35:17.760 --> 00:35:18.340 feel it easier 00:35:18.340 --> 00:35:18.860 about telling 00:35:18.860 --> 00:35:19.420 them about 00:35:19.420 --> 00:35:20.160 God's wrath. 00:35:20.539 --> 00:35:20.900 Perhaps it 00:35:20.900 --> 00:35:21.660 sounds primitive, 00:35:21.920 --> 00:35:22.500 barbaric. 00:35:22.920 --> 00:35:23.280 Perhaps we 00:35:23.280 --> 00:35:23.900 just fear the 00:35:23.900 --> 00:35:24.420 response. 00:35:26.800 --> 00:35:27.720 But here's the 00:35:27.720 --> 00:35:28.280 point of Acts 00:35:28.280 --> 00:35:28.940 chapter 2 and 00:35:28.940 --> 00:35:29.220 if you don't 00:35:29.220 --> 00:35:29.800 hear anything 00:35:29.800 --> 00:35:30.160 else this 00:35:30.160 --> 00:35:30.340 morning, 00:35:30.440 --> 00:35:30.880 take this 00:35:30.880 --> 00:35:31.420 sentence away 00:35:31.420 --> 00:35:31.740 with you. 00:35:32.420 --> 00:35:33.100 The message 00:35:33.100 --> 00:35:33.559 of Acts 00:35:33.559 --> 00:35:35.200 chapter 2 is 00:35:35.200 --> 00:35:35.600 that an 00:35:35.600 --> 00:35:36.120 ordinary 00:35:36.120 --> 00:35:36.820 person, 00:35:36.820 --> 00:35:38.480 remember Peter 00:35:38.480 --> 00:35:38.980 was really 00:35:38.980 --> 00:35:39.360 ordinary, 00:35:40.260 --> 00:35:40.880 an ordinary 00:35:40.880 --> 00:35:42.320 person speaking 00:35:42.320 --> 00:35:43.340 the extraordinary 00:35:43.340 --> 00:35:45.140 message about 00:35:45.140 --> 00:35:45.740 Jesus, 00:35:47.300 --> 00:35:48.360 can with the 00:35:48.360 --> 00:35:49.600 spirit's enabling 00:35:49.600 --> 00:35:51.200 reduce the 00:35:51.200 --> 00:35:52.400 religious fanatic 00:35:52.400 --> 00:35:53.260 or the loud 00:35:53.260 --> 00:35:54.100 mouthed cynic 00:35:54.100 --> 00:35:55.340 or the totally 00:35:55.340 --> 00:35:55.940 disinterested 00:35:55.940 --> 00:35:56.960 family member, 00:35:57.420 --> 00:35:58.019 friend or 00:35:58.019 --> 00:35:58.340 neighbor, 00:35:58.880 --> 00:36:01.640 and bring 00:36:01.640 --> 00:36:01.980 them to 00:36:01.980 --> 00:36:03.880 repentance and 00:36:03.880 --> 00:36:04.539 sweep them 00:36:04.539 --> 00:36:04.880 into the 00:36:04.880 --> 00:36:05.120 kingdom. 00:36:05.119 --> 00:36:11.940 start, I 00:36:11.940 --> 00:36:12.400 said, what 00:36:12.400 --> 00:36:13.059 do you 00:36:13.059 --> 00:36:15.179 expect when 00:36:15.179 --> 00:36:15.639 you speak 00:36:15.639 --> 00:36:16.859 the gospel 00:36:16.859 --> 00:36:17.319 of Jesus? 00:36:20.199 --> 00:36:21.000 My last 00:36:21.000 --> 00:36:21.400 word is, 00:36:22.880 --> 00:36:23.719 having looked 00:36:23.719 --> 00:36:24.079 at Acts 00:36:24.079 --> 00:36:24.619 chapter 2, 00:36:25.019 --> 00:36:25.739 what will 00:36:25.739 --> 00:36:26.500 you expect 00:36:26.500 --> 00:36:27.159 this week 00:36:27.159 --> 00:36:29.400 when you 00:36:29.400 --> 00:36:29.779 speak the 00:36:29.779 --> 00:36:30.239 gospel of 00:36:30.239 --> 00:36:30.500 Jesus? 00:36:30.500 --> 00:36:30.619 Jesus. 00:36:33.679 --> 00:36:34.559 Let me pray. 00:36:35.119 --> 00:36:37.159 Lord, we 00:36:37.159 --> 00:36:37.960 thank you for 00:36:37.960 --> 00:36:38.659 your generosity 00:36:38.659 --> 00:36:39.440 to us in 00:36:39.440 --> 00:36:40.599 recording 00:36:40.599 --> 00:36:41.900 wonderful 00:36:41.900 --> 00:36:43.359 examples and 00:36:43.359 --> 00:36:44.199 illustrations like 00:36:44.199 --> 00:36:44.960 this, both 00:36:44.960 --> 00:36:46.380 which teach 00:36:46.380 --> 00:36:48.679 us of 00:36:48.679 --> 00:36:49.400 how you 00:36:49.400 --> 00:36:50.019 operate in 00:36:50.019 --> 00:36:50.579 your world, 00:36:51.119 --> 00:36:51.960 but also 00:36:51.960 --> 00:36:52.779 model it to 00:36:52.779 --> 00:36:53.179 us, Lord. 00:36:55.880 --> 00:36:56.859 Forgive us 00:36:56.859 --> 00:36:57.859 if we've 00:36:57.859 --> 00:36:58.420 given up 00:36:58.420 --> 00:36:59.799 having 00:36:59.799 --> 00:37:00.659 expectation 00:37:00.659 --> 00:37:02.359 people 00:37:02.359 --> 00:37:02.960 respond 00:37:02.960 --> 00:37:03.899 when we 00:37:03.899 --> 00:37:04.339 speak the 00:37:04.339 --> 00:37:04.819 gospel of 00:37:04.819 --> 00:37:05.019 Jesus. 00:37:05.139 --> 00:37:05.659 Forgive us, 00:37:05.759 --> 00:37:06.039 Lord, if 00:37:06.039 --> 00:37:06.559 we've 00:37:06.559 --> 00:37:07.440 actually formed 00:37:07.440 --> 00:37:07.920 the only 00:37:07.920 --> 00:37:08.599 expectation 00:37:08.599 --> 00:37:09.079 that people 00:37:09.079 --> 00:37:09.659 will reject 00:37:09.659 --> 00:37:09.899 it. 00:37:11.980 --> 00:37:12.859 Lord, give 00:37:12.859 --> 00:37:13.819 us new 00:37:13.819 --> 00:37:14.279 hearts, 00:37:15.279 --> 00:37:16.119 new desires 00:37:16.119 --> 00:37:17.420 to gossip 00:37:17.420 --> 00:37:18.099 the gospel 00:37:18.099 --> 00:37:19.099 in our 00:37:19.099 --> 00:37:20.099 everyday affairs, 00:37:20.359 --> 00:37:21.039 trusting that 00:37:21.039 --> 00:37:21.679 you will do 00:37:21.679 --> 00:37:22.839 what only 00:37:22.839 --> 00:37:23.519 you will do 00:37:23.519 --> 00:37:24.500 by your 00:37:24.500 --> 00:37:24.819 spirit. 00:37:25.019 --> 00:37:25.659 Break down 00:37:25.659 --> 00:37:28.519 rejection and 00:37:28.519 --> 00:37:29.679 unbelief and 00:37:29.679 --> 00:37:30.199 sweep our 00:37:30.199 --> 00:37:31.259 friends and 00:37:31.259 --> 00:37:32.159 family members 00:37:32.159 --> 00:37:33.199 and workmates 00:37:33.199 --> 00:37:33.699 into the 00:37:33.699 --> 00:37:33.920 kingdom. 00:37:35.239 --> 00:37:35.619 Lord, 00:37:36.980 --> 00:37:37.659 demonstrate 00:37:37.659 --> 00:37:38.480 your power to 00:37:38.480 --> 00:37:39.019 us, we pray. 00:37:39.279 --> 00:37:40.079 In Jesus' name. 00:37:40.079 --> 00:37:40.739 Amen.