WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.480 This is our second week back in the book of Acts, and this morning we'll be continuing in Acts chapter 4. 00:00:09.480 --> 00:00:16.179 ! So if you're using one of the Bibles from the seat around you, hopefully you'll find that on page 912. 00:00:18.019 --> 00:00:24.640 912. And I would encourage you to open a copy of the Bible to follow along this morning. 00:00:24.640 --> 00:00:32.320 But before we begin in verse 13, let's briefly remind ourselves where we are. 00:00:34.020 --> 00:00:37.159 Acts is ultimately a book about Jesus. 00:00:38.520 --> 00:00:46.640 And you remember that Luke's gospel recorded what Jesus began to do and teach during his earthly ministry. 00:00:46.640 --> 00:00:59.020 The book of Acts records what the risen and exalted Jesus continues to do and teach from heaven by his spirit through the witnesses he's commissioned. 00:01:00.320 --> 00:01:04.640 So in Acts 1, we saw Jesus commission his witnesses. 00:01:04.640 --> 00:01:11.460 In Acts 2, he empowers them by pouring out his Holy Spirit. 00:01:12.799 --> 00:01:23.460 And then in Acts 3, hopefully you remember, the risen Jesus works through Peter and John to heal a man who has been lame from birth. 00:01:24.359 --> 00:01:29.579 And when a crowd gathers, Peter immediately directs their attention toward Jesus. 00:01:29.579 --> 00:01:39.060 He proclaims that the Jesus they crucified has been raised from the dead and he calls the people to repent and turn to him. 00:01:40.400 --> 00:01:44.799 But that message also draws opposition. 00:01:45.759 --> 00:01:49.799 The first official opposition that we see in the book of Acts. 00:01:49.799 --> 00:02:02.939 So at the beginning of Acts 4, the temple authorities arrest Peter and John and bring them before the Sanhedrin, Jerusalem's supreme governing council. 00:02:03.640 --> 00:02:11.719 And you hopefully remember that the council demands, by what power or by what name did you do this? 00:02:11.719 --> 00:02:27.800 Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter answers boldly, this man was healed by the name of Jesus, the Messiah from Nazareth, the one they had crucified, but whom God had raised from the dead. 00:02:29.340 --> 00:02:34.919 And then Peter concludes with the precious and powerful words in verse 12. 00:02:34.919 --> 00:02:36.339 When he says, 00:02:36.339 --> 00:02:39.780 There is salvation in no one else. 00:02:41.019 --> 00:02:47.859 For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. 00:02:49.839 --> 00:02:53.599 So, last week we heard what Peter said to the council. 00:02:54.799 --> 00:03:01.599 This morning, beginning in verse 13, Luke shows us how the council responds. 00:03:01.599 --> 00:03:09.539 So, as we step back into the council room with Peter, John, and the lame man who's been healed, 00:03:10.620 --> 00:03:14.359 remember that everything seems to favor the council. 00:03:15.659 --> 00:03:21.659 They have the position, the education, the authority, the power to punish. 00:03:23.180 --> 00:03:27.079 Peter and John stand before them with none of those advantages. 00:03:27.080 --> 00:03:35.420 But, the council is about to discover that the decisive power in the room does not belong to them. 00:03:36.300 --> 00:03:38.980 Because the risen Jesus is still at work. 00:03:40.520 --> 00:03:45.220 And as these powerful men search for a way to stop the message about this name, 00:03:45.500 --> 00:03:48.260 they will repeatedly discover what they cannot do. 00:03:48.259 --> 00:03:57.079 They cannot explain the witnesses, answer the evidence, deny the miracle, or prevent the name from spreading. 00:03:58.399 --> 00:04:03.780 And before the scene ends, we'll hear the witnesses declare what they cannot do. 00:04:04.419 --> 00:04:09.620 They cannot stop speaking because no one can stop Jesus. 00:04:09.620 --> 00:04:18.319 Now, before we jump right into it, would you just allow me to pray again one more time? 00:04:19.040 --> 00:04:19.660 Let's pray. 00:04:22.240 --> 00:04:23.680 Father, we come to your word. 00:04:25.800 --> 00:04:30.819 And we know that if your spirit does not take your word and apply it in our lives, 00:04:31.740 --> 00:04:35.420 that we're unable naturally to discern the truth. 00:04:35.420 --> 00:04:40.939 So, Father, we ask that you would do that very work. 00:04:41.520 --> 00:04:43.040 The work we cannot do. 00:04:43.160 --> 00:04:49.280 That you would take the words of life and speak them by your spirit to our souls. 00:04:50.500 --> 00:04:52.879 Help us to see Jesus more clearly. 00:04:54.200 --> 00:04:57.379 Help our hearts to be filled with adoration for him. 00:04:58.920 --> 00:05:01.740 Father, bring life out of death. 00:05:02.920 --> 00:05:05.080 And may we bring glory to your name. 00:05:05.420 --> 00:05:11.040 Father, we ask these things that Christ might be exalted. 00:05:11.980 --> 00:05:13.720 That we might see him anew. 00:05:15.500 --> 00:05:16.879 In Jesus' name. 00:05:17.780 --> 00:05:18.080 Amen. 00:05:20.080 --> 00:05:23.780 So, Acts 4, starting in verse 13. 00:05:24.840 --> 00:05:26.520 Acts 4, 13. 00:05:26.520 --> 00:05:34.300 And the first response that we're going to see from the council is not repentance, but astonishment. 00:05:34.300 --> 00:05:37.180 We cannot believe it. 00:05:37.860 --> 00:05:39.920 We cannot believe it. 00:05:40.560 --> 00:05:42.920 Follow along verse 13. 00:05:42.920 --> 00:05:43.920 It says, 00:05:43.920 --> 00:05:48.160 Now, when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, 00:05:48.160 --> 00:05:53.240 and they perceived that they were uneducated common men, 00:05:54.100 --> 00:05:55.300 they were astonished, 00:05:56.020 --> 00:05:59.939 and they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 00:06:01.300 --> 00:06:05.100 The religious leaders see the boldness of Peter and John, 00:06:05.220 --> 00:06:06.259 and they're astonished. 00:06:06.259 --> 00:06:09.620 They can't believe what's happening before their very eyes. 00:06:09.620 --> 00:06:12.740 Now, we know from verse 8, 00:06:13.219 --> 00:06:16.319 that the boldness comes from them being filled with the Holy Spirit. 00:06:16.319 --> 00:06:20.300 But the Sanhedrin's caught off guard. 00:06:21.459 --> 00:06:24.899 You see, Peter and John have no formal religious training. 00:06:25.920 --> 00:06:30.259 They haven't been to any of the Sanhedrin-approved religious schools. 00:06:31.339 --> 00:06:35.699 Yet, they handle Scripture with confidence and authority. 00:06:35.699 --> 00:06:40.920 Surrounded by the most powerful religious leaders in Israel, 00:06:41.279 --> 00:06:43.099 they speak plainly. 00:06:43.819 --> 00:06:48.019 They feel no need to soften their message or to defend themselves. 00:06:49.219 --> 00:06:54.060 And the council wasn't expecting such extraordinary response 00:06:54.060 --> 00:06:56.860 for men of such ordinary status. 00:06:56.860 --> 00:07:03.460 You remember, these common fishermen are not speaking in a group of their friends, 00:07:03.879 --> 00:07:06.740 surrounded by people who are rooting for them, 00:07:06.900 --> 00:07:08.100 that want them to succeed. 00:07:08.340 --> 00:07:11.680 They're on trial in front of the most powerful, 00:07:12.240 --> 00:07:15.439 most highly trained religious leaders in all of Israel. 00:07:16.180 --> 00:07:19.040 Yet, Peter and John are not evasive. 00:07:20.080 --> 00:07:21.400 They're not defensive. 00:07:22.439 --> 00:07:26.460 They're not even slightly apologetic about Jesus. 00:07:26.860 --> 00:07:32.460 I think the council expected them to shrink under their scrutiny. 00:07:33.420 --> 00:07:37.040 But instead, it's the leaders that are taken aback. 00:07:39.180 --> 00:07:41.280 And although this is extraordinary, 00:07:42.180 --> 00:07:45.699 the leaders had encountered something like it before. 00:07:46.520 --> 00:07:48.960 In Jesus himself, you remember, 00:07:49.100 --> 00:07:51.819 he too had no formal religious training, 00:07:51.819 --> 00:07:56.639 yet handled Scripture with astonishing boldness and absolute authority. 00:07:56.860 --> 00:08:02.699 And now the leaders are seeing something remarkably familiar in Peter and John. 00:08:02.699 --> 00:08:12.699 But notice how the council naturally thinks of their association with Jesus in the past tense. 00:08:13.399 --> 00:08:16.480 These men had been with Jesus. 00:08:17.620 --> 00:08:22.399 Which I think that shows us they missed the whole point of what Peter has just told them. 00:08:22.399 --> 00:08:30.120 Jesus is not merely a dead teacher whose influence can continue to be seen in his former disciples. 00:08:30.859 --> 00:08:34.559 The Jesus that Peter has just proclaimed is alive. 00:08:35.199 --> 00:08:36.419 He's still at work. 00:08:37.279 --> 00:08:41.000 The boldness that the religious leaders are witnessing in Peter and John 00:08:41.000 --> 00:08:49.379 is the evidence that the risen Christ is presently working in these ordinary men by his Spirit. 00:08:51.379 --> 00:09:01.120 Now, I believe Luke wants us to see that Christ's witness is not confined to those who are highly educated 00:09:01.120 --> 00:09:08.060 or to those who are practiced and polished or to those who are naturally impressive. 00:09:10.500 --> 00:09:17.000 You see, some of us remain silent because we imagine that we need one more answer. 00:09:17.139 --> 00:09:18.399 We need to read one more book. 00:09:18.480 --> 00:09:20.399 We need to take one more course. 00:09:20.899 --> 00:09:25.519 We need just a little bit more self-confidence, assurance, 00:09:25.519 --> 00:09:28.259 and then Jesus can use us. 00:09:29.500 --> 00:09:35.039 But the most important qualification is not that people be impressed with us. 00:09:35.500 --> 00:09:39.500 It's that they recognize that we belong to Jesus. 00:09:40.600 --> 00:09:44.059 That we're being formed by his Word, by his Spirit. 00:09:44.059 --> 00:09:56.039 The second reaction that we see from the leaders is we cannot oppose it. 00:09:56.799 --> 00:09:58.579 We cannot oppose it. 00:09:59.039 --> 00:10:02.339 Continuing in Acts 4.14, it reads, 00:10:03.539 --> 00:10:08.519 But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, 00:10:09.519 --> 00:10:11.759 they had nothing to say in opposition. 00:10:11.759 --> 00:10:16.639 So in verse 13, the council's astonished by the witnesses, 00:10:17.080 --> 00:10:20.840 but in verse 14, they're silenced by the evidence. 00:10:22.259 --> 00:10:28.460 Now, remember, Peter has just said in verse 10 that this man is standing before you well. 00:10:28.799 --> 00:10:36.179 And now Luke again repeats this when he tells us the council saw the man who was healed standing beside them. 00:10:36.179 --> 00:10:42.139 The religious leaders don't just have Peter's testimony to contend with. 00:10:42.679 --> 00:10:43.899 They have the man. 00:10:44.500 --> 00:10:47.059 The man who's been lame from birth. 00:10:47.559 --> 00:10:49.579 The man who is well known and recognized. 00:10:50.039 --> 00:10:54.479 And who's now standing right there in their courtroom, completely healed. 00:10:55.839 --> 00:10:57.579 The man doesn't have to say anything. 00:10:57.799 --> 00:11:01.159 He simply stands beside Peter and John. 00:11:01.159 --> 00:11:04.899 His presence, its own powerful testimony. 00:11:07.379 --> 00:11:11.279 Now, the council can question Peter's interpretation. 00:11:12.559 --> 00:11:15.980 They can resent the name that Peter's proclaimed. 00:11:17.100 --> 00:11:22.860 But every time they look for an answer, the evidence is standing directly in front of them. 00:11:22.860 --> 00:11:28.580 They want to dismiss Peter's message, but there he stands. 00:11:29.300 --> 00:11:33.259 They want to deny the miracle, but there he stands. 00:11:34.220 --> 00:11:37.519 They want to stop the name of Jesus from spreading. 00:11:38.740 --> 00:11:40.000 But there he stands. 00:11:40.560 --> 00:11:44.440 His body has become evidence that they cannot explain away. 00:11:44.440 --> 00:11:55.120 So, before the council can silence the witnesses, they must somehow account for the man that's now standing right there before them. 00:11:55.900 --> 00:11:59.740 And Luke tells us plainly, they have nothing to say. 00:12:03.080 --> 00:12:09.020 The third response that we see from the Sanhedrin is, we cannot deny it. 00:12:09.920 --> 00:12:11.460 We cannot deny it. 00:12:11.980 --> 00:12:13.760 Continuing in verse 15. 00:12:13.759 --> 00:12:14.960 It reads, 00:12:14.960 --> 00:12:21.500 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, saying, 00:12:22.019 --> 00:12:23.679 What shall we do with these men? 00:12:24.519 --> 00:12:32.039 For that a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 00:12:32.779 --> 00:12:37.439 So, in verse 14, we see the religious leaders' public silence. 00:12:37.700 --> 00:12:39.419 They have no answer to give. 00:12:39.419 --> 00:12:44.479 But now, in verses 15 and 16, we see their private admission. 00:12:45.419 --> 00:12:47.860 They cannot deny the sign. 00:12:49.240 --> 00:12:52.299 The council's problems, no longer whether something's happened. 00:12:52.620 --> 00:12:55.919 It's, what are they going to do about what they cannot deny? 00:12:55.919 --> 00:13:05.479 Now, once Peter and John are dismissed, the council kind of erupts in deliberation back and forth. 00:13:05.659 --> 00:13:07.240 What shall we do with these men? 00:13:07.240 --> 00:13:13.060 But I think it's worth noticing what they're not asking. 00:13:14.120 --> 00:13:18.919 They're not asking, is Jesus really the risen Messiah? 00:13:18.919 --> 00:13:23.719 Does salvation really depend on him? 00:13:24.919 --> 00:13:29.759 What must we do in response to the great and glorious thing God has done? 00:13:31.039 --> 00:13:38.219 No, and instead of reconsidering Peter's interpretation of the scripture and the evidence is standing right before them, 00:13:38.220 --> 00:13:42.320 they begin devising a response, a plan. 00:13:44.180 --> 00:13:48.899 So the council has the miracle, the healed man, they have the apostles' testimony, 00:13:49.460 --> 00:13:53.320 they have Peter's explanation, and they even have the scriptures. 00:13:54.779 --> 00:13:59.000 Yet, they still refuse to believe. 00:13:59.000 --> 00:14:05.340 The evidence has silenced their objections, but it has not softened their hearts. 00:14:06.740 --> 00:14:11.399 If you remember back to Acts 2, when Peter preaches to the crowd, 00:14:11.779 --> 00:14:14.539 the crowd asks, what shall we do? 00:14:15.919 --> 00:14:19.100 And that question leads them to repentance. 00:14:19.399 --> 00:14:24.860 But here, the council asks, what shall we do with these men? 00:14:24.860 --> 00:14:30.919 And their response leads them towards hiding or suppressing the truth. 00:14:32.200 --> 00:14:34.779 You see, the problem is not that the evidence is unclear. 00:14:35.379 --> 00:14:38.500 The problem is that the conclusion's unwelcome. 00:14:41.019 --> 00:14:47.759 A heart determined not to submit to Jesus will eventually stop asking, is this true? 00:14:48.460 --> 00:14:53.460 And start asking, how can I keep this truth from disrupting my life? 00:14:54.860 --> 00:14:57.700 That's exactly what these leaders have done. 00:14:57.840 --> 00:15:04.120 They've moved on from evaluating evidence to managing the problem, to damage control. 00:15:05.419 --> 00:15:13.940 But maybe the more alarming truth is how often this very thing happens in our own hearts. 00:15:15.379 --> 00:15:15.919 Right? 00:15:16.039 --> 00:15:20.420 A person can stop asking, is Jesus truly Lord? 00:15:20.419 --> 00:15:27.299 Because the more frightening question is, if he is Lord, what will he require of me? 00:15:28.659 --> 00:15:31.059 What will happen to my plans? 00:15:31.519 --> 00:15:33.319 To my relationships? 00:15:33.599 --> 00:15:34.779 To my reputation? 00:15:35.259 --> 00:15:37.779 To my control over my own life? 00:15:37.779 --> 00:15:45.059 And often, at that point, unbelief may no longer be an honest search for the truth. 00:15:46.000 --> 00:15:51.000 It can easily become an effort to keep unwelcome truth at a safe distance. 00:15:54.559 --> 00:15:58.839 You see, the council doesn't need another sign or better evidence. 00:15:58.840 --> 00:16:04.580 It needs to be willing to humbly accept the truth that's undeniable. 00:16:05.519 --> 00:16:07.780 And then turn to the risen Christ. 00:16:12.080 --> 00:16:17.180 Now, the next response we see from the leaders is, we cannot allow it. 00:16:18.280 --> 00:16:19.980 We cannot allow it. 00:16:20.780 --> 00:16:22.340 Continuing in verse 17. 00:16:22.340 --> 00:16:24.220 It says, 00:16:24.220 --> 00:16:33.100 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name. 00:16:34.280 --> 00:16:40.600 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 00:16:42.320 --> 00:16:50.759 So having failed to answer the apostles or deny the evidence, the council now turns from argument to coercion. 00:16:50.759 --> 00:17:00.539 The message, Peter's just proclaimed, that the crucified Jesus is alive and that salvation is found in him alone. 00:17:01.019 --> 00:17:05.099 In the leaders' minds, this cannot be allowed to spread. 00:17:06.519 --> 00:17:10.000 So the council does the only thing they really can do. 00:17:10.420 --> 00:17:13.400 They warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name. 00:17:14.680 --> 00:17:18.539 But did you notice how comprehensive the order is? 00:17:18.539 --> 00:17:25.200 To speak no more to anyone at all in the name of Jesus. 00:17:26.339 --> 00:17:30.000 So not to the crowd and not to another person. 00:17:30.720 --> 00:17:34.119 Not in public teaching, not in private conversation. 00:17:35.200 --> 00:17:41.299 The council's not asking them to change their messaging or to repackage it or to make it more acceptable. 00:17:41.299 --> 00:17:47.879 It's demanding the disappearance of the name of Jesus from their lips. 00:17:51.099 --> 00:17:58.599 Now, most of us have never received an official order forbidding us to speak about Christ. 00:17:59.440 --> 00:18:03.059 Often, the pressure that we have is quieter. 00:18:03.059 --> 00:18:11.559 We know which friend might think less of us or which family conversation will be uncomfortable 00:18:11.559 --> 00:18:17.339 or which room will suddenly feel colder if we speak plainly about Jesus. 00:18:18.819 --> 00:18:30.039 So really, no one has to command us to be silent if fear or anxiety or embarrassment can persuade us to silence ourselves. 00:18:30.039 --> 00:18:40.000 So the conflict between the apostles and the religious leaders has become explicit. 00:18:40.339 --> 00:18:41.539 It's become very clear. 00:18:42.039 --> 00:18:45.460 Will the name of Jesus be silenced? 00:18:46.659 --> 00:18:49.879 You see, Jesus has commissioned Peter and John to be his witnesses. 00:18:49.880 --> 00:18:55.640 And the religious leaders now command them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 00:18:56.700 --> 00:19:00.500 Now, Peter and John cannot obey both. 00:19:01.840 --> 00:19:04.960 The council demands, you must not speak. 00:19:06.100 --> 00:19:09.840 But we see Peter and John answer, we cannot remain silent. 00:19:10.520 --> 00:19:12.920 We cannot stop speaking. 00:19:13.980 --> 00:19:16.980 We cannot stop speaking. 00:19:16.980 --> 00:19:20.860 Continuing in verse 19, it says, 00:19:20.860 --> 00:19:23.079 But Peter and John answered them, 00:19:24.220 --> 00:19:32.160 Whether it's right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge. 00:19:32.539 --> 00:19:36.720 For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard. 00:19:38.099 --> 00:19:42.620 Now, although Peter's been portrayed as the primary speaker throughout this whole scene, 00:19:42.619 --> 00:19:48.339 Notice that Peter and John now answer the council with a single unified voice. 00:19:49.879 --> 00:19:58.639 From the council's perspective, rejecting its command meant rejecting the recognized religious authority in Israel. 00:20:00.119 --> 00:20:06.079 But Peter and John know that the council has placed itself in direct opposition to God's command. 00:20:07.079 --> 00:20:10.719 For to obey Jesus is to obey God. 00:20:10.720 --> 00:20:15.740 So, in turn, they call the council to judge for itself. 00:20:16.440 --> 00:20:26.740 Can it ever be right in God's sight to obey a human authority when that authority requires disobedience to God? 00:20:26.740 --> 00:20:32.980 I think the text gives us a very clear principle that's worth remembering. 00:20:34.140 --> 00:20:37.920 When a human authority commands what God has forbidden, 00:20:38.680 --> 00:20:41.660 or forbids what God has commanded, 00:20:42.400 --> 00:20:44.160 God must be obeyed. 00:20:45.620 --> 00:20:46.980 Let me say that again. 00:20:46.980 --> 00:20:50.880 When a human authority commands what God has forbidden, 00:20:51.380 --> 00:20:54.380 or forbids what God has commanded, 00:20:54.880 --> 00:20:57.559 God must be obeyed. 00:20:59.559 --> 00:21:06.059 But it's important to notice what obedience to God looks like here. 00:21:07.500 --> 00:21:07.640 Right? 00:21:07.799 --> 00:21:10.299 Peter and John do not attack the council. 00:21:11.140 --> 00:21:11.980 They don't threaten violence. 00:21:11.980 --> 00:21:15.140 They don't organize a rally or an uprising. 00:21:15.880 --> 00:21:19.599 And they don't even reject their authority altogether. 00:21:21.319 --> 00:21:25.980 Honestly, I think if this confrontation happened in our own day, 00:21:26.559 --> 00:21:33.599 we would recognize that their example would not even give us permission to respond with contempt. 00:21:33.599 --> 00:21:41.740 To mock our opponents or misrepresent them or use public outrage to humiliate them. 00:21:42.399 --> 00:21:48.579 The very things that we Christians are too often tempted to do these days on social media. 00:21:50.679 --> 00:21:58.240 No, Peter and John respectfully and openly refuse one particular command. 00:21:58.939 --> 00:22:02.579 Because it directly contradicts Christ's command. 00:22:02.579 --> 00:22:06.220 Jesus explicitly commissioned them to be his witnesses. 00:22:06.759 --> 00:22:09.599 The council explicitly commands them not to witness. 00:22:10.220 --> 00:22:15.039 So this isn't personal preference versus submission to a legitimate authority. 00:22:16.220 --> 00:22:21.439 It's God's clear, revealed command versus a contradictory human command. 00:22:22.299 --> 00:22:24.220 Peter and John aren't merely saying, 00:22:24.319 --> 00:22:25.699 Hey, we have the right to speak. 00:22:26.139 --> 00:22:26.960 They're saying, 00:22:27.139 --> 00:22:29.299 We cannot stop speaking. 00:22:29.299 --> 00:22:31.419 Or literally, they're saying, 00:22:31.559 --> 00:22:33.819 We are not able to not speak. 00:22:34.559 --> 00:22:38.599 And the explicit pronoun really adds even more emphasis. 00:22:39.000 --> 00:22:40.220 So it's more like, 00:22:40.500 --> 00:22:42.659 As for us, we must speak. 00:22:43.559 --> 00:22:44.919 There's no hesitation. 00:22:45.599 --> 00:22:47.819 There's no attempt at evasion. 00:22:48.579 --> 00:22:49.419 And as a matter of fact, 00:22:49.619 --> 00:22:52.720 there really isn't even an inference 00:22:52.720 --> 00:22:56.680 that the apostles will consider the religious leader's command. 00:22:57.200 --> 00:22:58.440 Peter and John are saying, 00:22:58.880 --> 00:23:01.319 You must judge what you believe is right. 00:23:01.740 --> 00:23:02.920 But as for us, 00:23:03.180 --> 00:23:04.960 we know what we must do. 00:23:05.460 --> 00:23:08.299 We must speak about what we have seen and heard. 00:23:08.360 --> 00:23:10.700 And we're willing to accept the consequences. 00:23:10.700 --> 00:23:15.360 So we need to see that at the heart of this verse, 00:23:15.480 --> 00:23:18.360 it's not primarily political liberty. 00:23:19.340 --> 00:23:21.700 It's gospel compulsion. 00:23:23.460 --> 00:23:25.400 I also think it's worth recognizing, 00:23:25.900 --> 00:23:29.100 Who is saying we cannot stop speaking? 00:23:30.480 --> 00:23:30.700 Right? 00:23:30.900 --> 00:23:32.000 This is Peter. 00:23:33.080 --> 00:23:36.900 The man who once insisted that he'd never deny Jesus, 00:23:36.900 --> 00:23:39.000 and then before the night was over, 00:23:39.300 --> 00:23:41.460 denied three times that he even knew him. 00:23:42.140 --> 00:23:42.259 Right? 00:23:42.380 --> 00:23:44.060 Fear compelling him to say, 00:23:44.280 --> 00:23:45.200 I don't know the man. 00:23:45.940 --> 00:23:47.259 But now, 00:23:47.920 --> 00:23:50.720 before the highest religious court in the land, 00:23:51.100 --> 00:23:55.340 in front of the council that actually condemned Jesus, 00:23:56.160 --> 00:23:57.940 we see the risen Christ 00:23:57.940 --> 00:24:01.259 and the Holy Spirit 00:24:01.259 --> 00:24:05.019 having transformed Peter into a man who says, 00:24:05.019 --> 00:24:07.839 I cannot stop speaking about him. 00:24:12.139 --> 00:24:12.700 Now, 00:24:13.160 --> 00:24:16.180 can I just be a little transparent for a minute? 00:24:17.039 --> 00:24:18.680 This section of the sermon 00:24:18.680 --> 00:24:22.319 was really the most challenging and humbling 00:24:22.319 --> 00:24:25.559 and ultimately encouraging 00:24:25.559 --> 00:24:28.160 part of my sermon preparation. 00:24:28.920 --> 00:24:30.539 You see, as I worked through it, 00:24:30.579 --> 00:24:34.000 I started by focusing on my own performance 00:24:34.000 --> 00:24:37.079 in light of this gospel compulsion 00:24:37.079 --> 00:24:40.599 that makes Peter and John not able to not speak. 00:24:42.220 --> 00:24:43.740 Asking myself questions like, 00:24:44.119 --> 00:24:47.980 why does speaking about Jesus feel so optional to me? 00:24:49.460 --> 00:24:52.000 What makes me so reluctant 00:24:52.000 --> 00:24:55.519 to make his name known in certain situations? 00:24:55.519 --> 00:25:02.259 Do I see the gospel merely as information to affirm 00:25:02.259 --> 00:25:06.099 or as news that's too good to keep silent? 00:25:07.920 --> 00:25:09.720 Or maybe the worst question, 00:25:10.299 --> 00:25:12.700 why are there so many other things, 00:25:13.079 --> 00:25:15.119 so many lesser things 00:25:15.119 --> 00:25:18.920 that I'm more excited and eager to talk about 00:25:18.920 --> 00:25:20.220 than Jesus? 00:25:20.220 --> 00:25:26.019 You know, wrestling with those questions, 00:25:26.279 --> 00:25:29.319 I felt pretty convicted. 00:25:29.660 --> 00:25:33.920 I feel ashamed about how easily 00:25:33.920 --> 00:25:36.660 I can want to talk about other things 00:25:36.660 --> 00:25:40.019 when what I really want to talk about is Jesus. 00:25:42.600 --> 00:25:45.799 But the more I studied it, 00:25:45.799 --> 00:25:48.740 the more I realized Luke doesn't want 00:25:48.740 --> 00:25:50.940 to leave us staring at ourselves, 00:25:51.940 --> 00:25:53.279 measuring our courage, 00:25:54.000 --> 00:25:55.299 counting our failures, 00:25:55.659 --> 00:25:58.119 and promising that we're going to try harder 00:25:58.119 --> 00:25:59.139 the next time. 00:26:00.299 --> 00:26:03.000 Because if we leave here merely saying, 00:26:03.259 --> 00:26:04.559 I need to be braver, 00:26:05.220 --> 00:26:08.500 then we've missed the deepest source 00:26:08.500 --> 00:26:10.799 of Peter and John's boldness. 00:26:12.119 --> 00:26:14.240 You see, they cannot stop speaking 00:26:14.240 --> 00:26:17.259 because they knew without a shadow of a doubt 00:26:17.259 --> 00:26:19.079 that Jesus was alive. 00:26:20.140 --> 00:26:21.579 They'd walked with him. 00:26:22.140 --> 00:26:23.440 They'd heard his teaching. 00:26:23.839 --> 00:26:25.880 They'd seen his miraculous works. 00:26:26.140 --> 00:26:31.099 They knew he had been crucified and buried. 00:26:32.400 --> 00:26:35.099 And yet, they saw him alive again. 00:26:35.960 --> 00:26:37.160 And for 40 days, 00:26:37.420 --> 00:26:39.980 Jesus gives them proof after proof 00:26:39.980 --> 00:26:42.299 that he'd been raised from the dead. 00:26:42.299 --> 00:26:45.559 They'd heard him commission them 00:26:45.559 --> 00:26:47.259 to be his witnesses. 00:26:47.619 --> 00:26:50.339 They watched him ascend into heaven. 00:26:51.180 --> 00:26:52.659 They received the Holy Spirit 00:26:52.659 --> 00:26:53.859 just as he promised. 00:26:54.039 --> 00:26:56.220 And now, everywhere, 00:26:56.740 --> 00:26:57.899 everywhere they looked, 00:26:58.039 --> 00:27:00.299 they could see that Jesus was still working. 00:27:02.000 --> 00:27:03.019 Saving sinners, 00:27:03.599 --> 00:27:04.599 healing the helpless, 00:27:05.180 --> 00:27:06.419 building his church. 00:27:06.980 --> 00:27:09.059 So how could they remain silent? 00:27:09.059 --> 00:27:11.740 You see, they're not trying 00:27:11.740 --> 00:27:13.599 to manufacture excitement 00:27:13.599 --> 00:27:15.819 about a religious idea. 00:27:16.919 --> 00:27:18.700 They're bearing witness 00:27:18.700 --> 00:27:21.079 to a living Savior, 00:27:21.720 --> 00:27:23.799 the risen Christ. 00:27:26.139 --> 00:27:29.599 And although we can never be eyewitnesses 00:27:29.599 --> 00:27:31.839 in the same unique way 00:27:31.839 --> 00:27:33.740 that Peter and John were, 00:27:33.740 --> 00:27:37.440 we have their testimony. 00:27:39.099 --> 00:27:39.480 Right? 00:27:39.559 --> 00:27:40.240 In the Scriptures, 00:27:40.559 --> 00:27:42.620 we hear what they heard. 00:27:42.960 --> 00:27:45.259 We see what they saw. 00:27:46.500 --> 00:27:48.200 We behold the crucified 00:27:48.200 --> 00:27:49.440 and risen Christ. 00:27:49.680 --> 00:27:50.839 And through his word 00:27:50.839 --> 00:27:52.099 and by his spirit, 00:27:52.420 --> 00:27:53.599 we come to know 00:27:53.599 --> 00:27:55.539 without a shadow of a doubt 00:27:55.539 --> 00:27:57.319 that he's still alive, 00:27:57.700 --> 00:27:59.099 that he's still reigning, 00:27:59.480 --> 00:28:01.220 that he's still saving sinners, 00:28:01.220 --> 00:28:03.900 and that he's still building his church. 00:28:05.660 --> 00:28:06.220 So, 00:28:06.900 --> 00:28:07.940 our greatest need 00:28:07.940 --> 00:28:09.539 is not to stare harder 00:28:09.539 --> 00:28:10.660 at our failures. 00:28:11.319 --> 00:28:12.519 Our greatest need 00:28:12.519 --> 00:28:13.339 is to see 00:28:13.339 --> 00:28:15.200 more of Jesus. 00:28:18.000 --> 00:28:19.440 Because when Christ 00:28:19.440 --> 00:28:20.980 becomes real to us, 00:28:21.160 --> 00:28:22.299 more real to us 00:28:22.299 --> 00:28:23.100 than our fear, 00:28:23.480 --> 00:28:24.539 and his glory 00:28:24.539 --> 00:28:25.660 becomes greater, 00:28:26.140 --> 00:28:27.960 greater than our embarrassment, 00:28:28.299 --> 00:28:29.160 and his salvation 00:28:29.160 --> 00:28:30.400 becomes more precious 00:28:30.400 --> 00:28:31.960 than the approval 00:28:31.960 --> 00:28:33.640 of the people around us, 00:28:33.740 --> 00:28:36.160 we'll be excited 00:28:36.160 --> 00:28:37.600 to speak more 00:28:37.600 --> 00:28:38.519 about him. 00:28:39.860 --> 00:28:40.080 Now, 00:28:41.019 --> 00:28:42.100 that speaking 00:28:42.100 --> 00:28:43.780 will not always look like 00:28:43.780 --> 00:28:45.040 preaching to a crowd. 00:28:46.259 --> 00:28:47.660 It may just be 00:28:47.660 --> 00:28:49.280 naming the hope of Christ 00:28:49.280 --> 00:28:50.960 when a neighbor tells you 00:28:50.960 --> 00:28:52.200 that they're struggling 00:28:52.200 --> 00:28:53.040 or they're afraid. 00:28:53.960 --> 00:28:55.380 It might be answering 00:28:55.380 --> 00:28:56.900 your children's questions 00:28:56.900 --> 00:28:58.900 with more than just 00:28:58.900 --> 00:29:00.040 a moral lesson. 00:29:00.400 --> 00:29:02.480 It might be telling 00:29:02.480 --> 00:29:03.440 a grieving friend 00:29:03.440 --> 00:29:04.480 why death 00:29:04.480 --> 00:29:06.080 does not have to have 00:29:06.080 --> 00:29:07.100 the last word. 00:29:07.860 --> 00:29:08.759 Or maybe 00:29:08.759 --> 00:29:10.120 it'll just be saying 00:29:10.120 --> 00:29:10.820 gently, 00:29:11.140 --> 00:29:12.259 but clearly, 00:29:12.920 --> 00:29:13.280 Jesus 00:29:13.280 --> 00:29:14.360 has been 00:29:14.360 --> 00:29:15.280 so merciful 00:29:15.280 --> 00:29:16.019 to me. 00:29:23.280 --> 00:29:24.259 The council 00:29:24.259 --> 00:29:25.220 thought its problem 00:29:25.220 --> 00:29:26.820 was Peter and John. 00:29:26.819 --> 00:29:29.339 they thought 00:29:29.339 --> 00:29:30.119 perhaps 00:29:30.119 --> 00:29:30.919 if they threatened 00:29:30.919 --> 00:29:31.759 these two men 00:29:31.759 --> 00:29:32.659 severely enough, 00:29:32.819 --> 00:29:33.559 they could frighten 00:29:33.559 --> 00:29:34.619 them into silence. 00:29:35.379 --> 00:29:36.139 That perhaps 00:29:36.139 --> 00:29:37.359 if they silenced 00:29:37.359 --> 00:29:38.179 the witnesses, 00:29:38.579 --> 00:29:39.759 they could silence 00:29:39.759 --> 00:29:40.980 the name. 00:29:42.419 --> 00:29:42.899 But 00:29:42.899 --> 00:29:43.679 the council 00:29:43.679 --> 00:29:44.339 had greatly 00:29:44.339 --> 00:29:44.779 misunderstood 00:29:44.779 --> 00:29:46.039 the situation 00:29:46.039 --> 00:29:47.480 because the power 00:29:47.480 --> 00:29:48.259 behind the witness 00:29:48.259 --> 00:29:49.299 was not Peter 00:29:49.299 --> 00:29:49.939 and John, 00:29:50.099 --> 00:29:51.159 it was Jesus. 00:29:51.160 --> 00:29:51.400 Jesus. 00:29:52.620 --> 00:29:53.300 So, 00:29:53.480 --> 00:29:54.600 they could threaten 00:29:54.600 --> 00:29:55.800 those who spoke 00:29:55.800 --> 00:29:56.480 his name, 00:29:57.019 --> 00:29:58.400 but they had no power 00:29:58.400 --> 00:29:59.200 over the one 00:29:59.200 --> 00:30:00.019 whose name 00:30:00.019 --> 00:30:00.900 they spoke. 00:30:02.540 --> 00:30:03.100 And 00:30:03.100 --> 00:30:04.120 they could command 00:30:04.120 --> 00:30:04.820 Peter and John 00:30:04.820 --> 00:30:05.700 to be silent, 00:30:06.200 --> 00:30:07.100 but they could not 00:30:07.100 --> 00:30:07.980 silence the one 00:30:07.980 --> 00:30:08.680 who had called 00:30:08.680 --> 00:30:09.140 them. 00:30:10.700 --> 00:30:11.560 And they could 00:30:11.560 --> 00:30:12.160 attempt to 00:30:12.160 --> 00:30:13.740 stop the witnesses, 00:30:14.240 --> 00:30:15.060 but to stop 00:30:15.060 --> 00:30:15.860 their witness, 00:30:16.440 --> 00:30:17.000 they would have 00:30:17.000 --> 00:30:18.000 to stop Jesus. 00:30:18.000 --> 00:30:20.400 And 00:30:20.400 --> 00:30:21.539 just honestly, 00:30:22.160 --> 00:30:22.940 Jesus had already 00:30:22.940 --> 00:30:23.880 passed through 00:30:23.880 --> 00:30:25.220 their rejection, 00:30:26.099 --> 00:30:26.579 through their 00:30:26.579 --> 00:30:27.500 crucifixion, 00:30:28.000 --> 00:30:28.599 through death 00:30:28.599 --> 00:30:30.140 itself and the grave. 00:30:30.640 --> 00:30:31.400 They had tried 00:30:31.400 --> 00:30:32.200 to stop him 00:30:32.200 --> 00:30:32.819 before, 00:30:33.519 --> 00:30:34.339 and they couldn't 00:30:34.339 --> 00:30:35.200 stop him then. 00:30:36.019 --> 00:30:37.019 And they can't 00:30:37.019 --> 00:30:37.859 stop him now. 00:30:39.559 --> 00:30:40.420 And that brings 00:30:40.420 --> 00:30:41.500 us to the final, 00:30:42.099 --> 00:30:43.140 the greatest 00:30:43.140 --> 00:30:43.759 cannot 00:30:43.759 --> 00:30:44.740 in the passage. 00:30:45.740 --> 00:30:46.519 We cannot 00:30:46.519 --> 00:30:47.779 stop Jesus. 00:30:48.599 --> 00:30:49.200 We cannot 00:30:49.200 --> 00:30:50.019 stop 00:30:50.019 --> 00:30:50.799 Jesus. 00:30:52.339 --> 00:30:53.339 Acts 4, 00:30:53.559 --> 00:30:54.839 21 and 22 00:30:54.839 --> 00:30:55.420 says, 00:30:56.359 --> 00:30:56.819 And when they 00:30:56.819 --> 00:30:57.400 had further 00:30:57.400 --> 00:30:58.359 threatened them, 00:30:59.359 --> 00:30:59.980 they let them 00:30:59.980 --> 00:31:00.380 go, 00:31:01.319 --> 00:31:02.220 finding no way 00:31:02.220 --> 00:31:03.279 to punish them 00:31:03.279 --> 00:31:04.240 because of the 00:31:04.240 --> 00:31:04.680 people. 00:31:05.279 --> 00:31:06.000 For all were 00:31:06.000 --> 00:31:06.859 praising God 00:31:06.859 --> 00:31:07.299 for what had 00:31:07.299 --> 00:31:07.720 happened. 00:31:08.640 --> 00:31:09.220 For the man 00:31:09.220 --> 00:31:09.859 on whom this 00:31:09.859 --> 00:31:10.599 sign of healing 00:31:10.599 --> 00:31:11.380 was performed 00:31:11.380 --> 00:31:12.720 was more than 00:31:12.720 --> 00:31:14.339 40 years old. 00:31:15.559 --> 00:31:15.799 You see, 00:31:15.839 --> 00:31:16.359 Peter and John 00:31:16.359 --> 00:31:17.140 have plainly 00:31:17.140 --> 00:31:17.799 declared they 00:31:17.799 --> 00:31:18.440 will continue 00:31:18.440 --> 00:31:19.379 speaking about 00:31:19.379 --> 00:31:20.200 Jesus regardless 00:31:20.200 --> 00:31:21.220 of the consequences. 00:31:22.099 --> 00:31:22.720 And how does 00:31:22.720 --> 00:31:23.139 the council 00:31:23.139 --> 00:31:23.879 respond? 00:31:24.680 --> 00:31:25.480 With more 00:31:25.480 --> 00:31:25.980 threats. 00:31:27.000 --> 00:31:28.019 But threats 00:31:28.019 --> 00:31:28.480 are all they 00:31:28.480 --> 00:31:28.980 have. 00:31:29.940 --> 00:31:30.440 They can't 00:31:30.440 --> 00:31:31.259 refute the 00:31:31.259 --> 00:31:31.579 apostles' 00:31:31.859 --> 00:31:32.159 message. 00:31:32.440 --> 00:31:33.200 They can't 00:31:33.200 --> 00:31:33.720 deny the 00:31:33.720 --> 00:31:34.779 miraculous sign. 00:31:34.980 --> 00:31:35.799 And we see 00:31:35.799 --> 00:31:36.139 here they 00:31:36.139 --> 00:31:37.039 cannot punish 00:31:37.039 --> 00:31:37.839 Peter and 00:31:37.839 --> 00:31:39.259 John without 00:31:39.259 --> 00:31:40.119 placing themselves 00:31:40.119 --> 00:31:40.680 against a 00:31:40.680 --> 00:31:41.319 crowd of people 00:31:41.319 --> 00:31:41.639 who are 00:31:41.639 --> 00:31:42.899 praising God 00:31:42.899 --> 00:31:43.619 for what's 00:31:43.619 --> 00:31:43.960 happened. 00:31:43.960 --> 00:31:45.079 So they 00:31:45.079 --> 00:31:45.660 threaten them 00:31:45.660 --> 00:31:46.059 again. 00:31:47.100 --> 00:31:47.519 And they 00:31:47.519 --> 00:31:47.799 let him 00:31:47.799 --> 00:31:48.120 go. 00:31:50.340 --> 00:31:50.620 Now, 00:31:50.940 --> 00:31:51.700 notice then 00:31:51.700 --> 00:31:52.240 that Luke 00:31:52.240 --> 00:31:53.220 reminds us 00:31:53.220 --> 00:31:54.299 that the man 00:31:54.299 --> 00:31:54.720 who had been 00:31:54.720 --> 00:31:55.440 healed was 00:31:55.440 --> 00:31:55.840 more than 00:31:55.840 --> 00:31:56.480 40 years 00:31:56.480 --> 00:31:56.900 old. 00:31:57.539 --> 00:31:58.259 I don't 00:31:58.259 --> 00:31:58.759 think that 00:31:58.759 --> 00:31:59.640 detail is 00:31:59.640 --> 00:32:00.519 incidental. 00:32:00.700 --> 00:32:01.140 I don't 00:32:01.140 --> 00:32:01.600 think that 00:32:01.600 --> 00:32:02.279 Luke got to 00:32:02.279 --> 00:32:02.759 this point in 00:32:02.759 --> 00:32:03.059 the story 00:32:03.059 --> 00:32:03.360 and was like, 00:32:03.440 --> 00:32:03.640 oh, I 00:32:03.640 --> 00:32:04.299 better remember 00:32:04.299 --> 00:32:04.720 to add that 00:32:04.720 --> 00:32:05.539 detail here. 00:32:06.400 --> 00:32:07.440 It's that 40 00:32:07.440 --> 00:32:08.279 years is not 00:32:08.279 --> 00:32:09.480 merely a number. 00:32:09.480 --> 00:32:10.480 it's a 00:32:10.480 --> 00:32:11.240 lifetime. 00:32:13.599 --> 00:32:14.259 That year 00:32:14.259 --> 00:32:15.059 after year 00:32:15.059 --> 00:32:16.200 this man 00:32:16.200 --> 00:32:16.920 had struggled 00:32:16.920 --> 00:32:17.400 with the 00:32:17.400 --> 00:32:18.120 same weakness, 00:32:18.720 --> 00:32:19.079 the same 00:32:19.079 --> 00:32:19.620 inability, 00:32:20.180 --> 00:32:21.319 and year 00:32:21.319 --> 00:32:21.839 after year 00:32:21.839 --> 00:32:22.460 he had lived 00:32:22.460 --> 00:32:22.920 his life 00:32:22.920 --> 00:32:23.460 in the same 00:32:23.460 --> 00:32:24.099 dependence 00:32:24.099 --> 00:32:25.339 upon others. 00:32:26.819 --> 00:32:27.279 And year 00:32:27.279 --> 00:32:27.960 after year 00:32:27.960 --> 00:32:28.860 the people 00:32:28.860 --> 00:32:29.700 passed him 00:32:29.700 --> 00:32:30.680 at the 00:32:30.680 --> 00:32:31.460 temple gate, 00:32:32.860 --> 00:32:33.559 including 00:32:33.559 --> 00:32:35.059 the religious 00:32:35.059 --> 00:32:35.460 leaders 00:32:35.460 --> 00:32:36.120 themselves 00:32:36.120 --> 00:32:36.559 in this 00:32:36.559 --> 00:32:37.480 very room. 00:32:37.480 --> 00:32:39.579 and all 00:32:39.579 --> 00:32:39.900 of them 00:32:39.900 --> 00:32:40.299 knew there 00:32:40.299 --> 00:32:41.099 was nothing 00:32:41.099 --> 00:32:41.799 they could 00:32:41.799 --> 00:32:42.920 do to 00:32:42.920 --> 00:32:43.440 make this 00:32:43.440 --> 00:32:44.539 man walk. 00:32:46.440 --> 00:32:47.819 But then, 00:32:48.759 --> 00:32:50.000 then the 00:32:50.000 --> 00:32:50.480 name, 00:32:50.640 --> 00:32:51.360 the name 00:32:51.360 --> 00:32:51.940 that the 00:32:51.940 --> 00:32:52.319 council 00:32:52.319 --> 00:32:53.799 once silenced 00:32:53.799 --> 00:32:54.799 made him 00:32:54.799 --> 00:32:55.319 stand. 00:32:57.140 --> 00:32:57.700 And now 00:32:57.700 --> 00:32:58.299 his standing 00:32:58.299 --> 00:32:59.519 body testifies 00:32:59.519 --> 00:33:00.480 to the power 00:33:00.480 --> 00:33:01.200 of the risen 00:33:01.200 --> 00:33:01.740 Jesus. 00:33:02.019 --> 00:33:02.960 So the 00:33:02.960 --> 00:33:03.460 council can 00:33:03.460 --> 00:33:03.940 threaten the 00:33:03.940 --> 00:33:04.339 witnesses, 00:33:04.539 --> 00:33:05.160 but it can't 00:33:05.160 --> 00:33:05.920 erase the 00:33:05.920 --> 00:33:06.420 sign. 00:33:07.480 --> 00:33:08.279 And they 00:33:08.279 --> 00:33:08.700 can try 00:33:08.700 --> 00:33:09.079 to command 00:33:09.079 --> 00:33:09.740 silence, 00:33:09.860 --> 00:33:10.500 but they 00:33:10.500 --> 00:33:10.920 can't even 00:33:10.920 --> 00:33:11.559 prevent the 00:33:11.559 --> 00:33:12.180 people from 00:33:12.180 --> 00:33:13.220 praising God. 00:33:14.960 --> 00:33:15.779 And even 00:33:15.779 --> 00:33:16.140 though they 00:33:16.140 --> 00:33:16.860 might oppose 00:33:16.860 --> 00:33:17.240 the name 00:33:17.240 --> 00:33:17.839 of Jesus, 00:33:18.240 --> 00:33:18.700 they cannot 00:33:18.700 --> 00:33:19.660 stop Jesus 00:33:19.660 --> 00:33:20.860 from continuing 00:33:20.860 --> 00:33:21.799 his work. 00:33:22.460 --> 00:33:22.620 So, 00:33:22.819 --> 00:33:23.839 as the scene 00:33:23.839 --> 00:33:24.339 closes, 00:33:24.539 --> 00:33:25.140 look at what 00:33:25.140 --> 00:33:25.700 remains. 00:33:27.079 --> 00:33:27.640 The witnesses 00:33:27.640 --> 00:33:28.319 are still going 00:33:28.319 --> 00:33:28.880 to speak. 00:33:29.460 --> 00:33:30.059 The healed 00:33:30.059 --> 00:33:31.319 man is still 00:33:31.319 --> 00:33:31.839 standing. 00:33:32.380 --> 00:33:32.960 The people 00:33:32.960 --> 00:33:33.519 are still 00:33:33.519 --> 00:33:34.539 praising God, 00:33:34.539 --> 00:33:35.480 and Jesus 00:33:35.480 --> 00:33:36.659 is still 00:33:36.659 --> 00:33:37.819 building his 00:33:37.819 --> 00:33:38.440 church. 00:33:40.539 --> 00:33:41.159 Now, 00:33:41.379 --> 00:33:42.420 I don't 00:33:42.420 --> 00:33:42.859 mean to 00:33:42.859 --> 00:33:43.539 imply that 00:33:43.539 --> 00:33:44.500 opposition is 00:33:44.500 --> 00:33:45.240 not real. 00:33:46.859 --> 00:33:47.139 You see, 00:33:47.220 --> 00:33:47.879 following Jesus 00:33:47.879 --> 00:33:49.079 has always been 00:33:49.079 --> 00:33:50.159 costly throughout 00:33:50.159 --> 00:33:50.879 history. 00:33:52.180 --> 00:33:53.079 And for many 00:33:53.079 --> 00:33:53.659 of our brothers 00:33:53.659 --> 00:33:54.619 and sisters in 00:33:54.619 --> 00:33:55.399 Christ around 00:33:55.399 --> 00:33:55.839 the world, 00:33:56.039 --> 00:33:56.980 it's extremely 00:33:56.980 --> 00:33:58.180 costly even 00:33:58.180 --> 00:33:58.879 today. 00:33:58.880 --> 00:34:01.940 And the 00:34:01.940 --> 00:34:02.540 truth is, 00:34:02.580 --> 00:34:03.160 it might not 00:34:03.160 --> 00:34:03.640 be long 00:34:03.640 --> 00:34:04.300 before it's 00:34:04.300 --> 00:34:05.100 costly for 00:34:05.100 --> 00:34:05.520 us. 00:34:07.120 --> 00:34:07.620 Because 00:34:07.620 --> 00:34:08.160 authorities 00:34:08.160 --> 00:34:09.280 possess enough 00:34:09.280 --> 00:34:10.140 power to 00:34:10.140 --> 00:34:11.480 threaten and 00:34:11.480 --> 00:34:12.160 to imprison 00:34:12.160 --> 00:34:12.900 and to 00:34:12.900 --> 00:34:13.940 inflict great 00:34:13.940 --> 00:34:15.480 suffering on 00:34:15.480 --> 00:34:16.099 Christ's 00:34:16.099 --> 00:34:16.579 people. 00:34:17.900 --> 00:34:19.460 But they 00:34:19.460 --> 00:34:20.539 never possess 00:34:20.539 --> 00:34:21.619 enough power 00:34:21.619 --> 00:34:22.700 to stop 00:34:22.700 --> 00:34:23.460 the risen 00:34:23.460 --> 00:34:24.140 Christ. 00:34:25.660 --> 00:34:26.640 That should 00:34:26.640 --> 00:34:27.119 be the 00:34:27.119 --> 00:34:27.940 deepest source 00:34:27.940 --> 00:34:28.679 of confidence 00:34:28.679 --> 00:34:28.980 that we 00:34:28.980 --> 00:34:29.500 draw from 00:34:29.500 --> 00:34:30.179 this passage. 00:34:30.480 --> 00:34:31.360 It's not 00:34:31.360 --> 00:34:32.019 that Peter 00:34:32.019 --> 00:34:32.500 and John 00:34:32.500 --> 00:34:33.260 are unusually 00:34:33.260 --> 00:34:34.240 impressive men. 00:34:34.559 --> 00:34:35.000 The council 00:34:35.000 --> 00:34:35.300 has already 00:34:35.300 --> 00:34:35.559 said, 00:34:35.740 --> 00:34:36.079 these are 00:34:36.079 --> 00:34:36.420 just some 00:34:36.420 --> 00:34:36.760 ordinary 00:34:36.760 --> 00:34:37.480 guys. 00:34:37.940 --> 00:34:38.039 No, 00:34:38.059 --> 00:34:38.820 our confidence 00:34:38.820 --> 00:34:39.619 is that 00:34:39.619 --> 00:34:40.639 Jesus is 00:34:40.639 --> 00:34:41.440 alive. 00:34:42.139 --> 00:34:42.740 And the 00:34:42.740 --> 00:34:44.159 gospel continues 00:34:44.159 --> 00:34:44.820 advancing, 00:34:45.320 --> 00:34:46.320 not because of 00:34:46.320 --> 00:34:47.079 the impressiveness 00:34:47.079 --> 00:34:47.619 of its 00:34:47.619 --> 00:34:49.139 messengers or 00:34:49.139 --> 00:34:49.780 the condition 00:34:49.780 --> 00:34:50.139 of the 00:34:50.139 --> 00:34:50.599 church. 00:34:52.099 --> 00:34:52.840 It continues 00:34:52.840 --> 00:34:53.740 advancing because 00:34:53.740 --> 00:34:54.480 Jesus is 00:34:54.480 --> 00:34:54.940 alive. 00:34:55.320 --> 00:34:55.679 And through 00:34:55.679 --> 00:34:56.280 his spirit, 00:34:56.400 --> 00:34:56.900 he continues 00:34:56.900 --> 00:34:57.639 to empower 00:34:57.639 --> 00:34:58.539 his people. 00:35:00.680 --> 00:35:01.599 So the 00:35:01.599 --> 00:35:02.119 answer to 00:35:02.119 --> 00:35:02.680 our own 00:35:02.680 --> 00:35:03.300 temptation 00:35:03.300 --> 00:35:04.240 towards silence 00:35:04.240 --> 00:35:05.220 is not 00:35:05.220 --> 00:35:06.240 merely gritting 00:35:06.240 --> 00:35:07.000 our teeth 00:35:07.000 --> 00:35:07.860 and trying 00:35:07.860 --> 00:35:08.619 harder. 00:35:09.539 --> 00:35:10.119 It's certainly 00:35:10.119 --> 00:35:11.240 not waiting 00:35:11.240 --> 00:35:11.700 for greater 00:35:11.700 --> 00:35:12.460 confidence in 00:35:12.460 --> 00:35:13.079 ourselves. 00:35:14.340 --> 00:35:15.320 So we 00:35:15.320 --> 00:35:15.880 can't end 00:35:15.880 --> 00:35:16.780 this passage 00:35:16.780 --> 00:35:18.940 admiring the 00:35:18.940 --> 00:35:19.340 apostles' 00:35:19.340 --> 00:35:19.920 courage, 00:35:20.119 --> 00:35:20.860 but we need 00:35:20.860 --> 00:35:21.420 to look 00:35:21.420 --> 00:35:22.019 where they 00:35:22.019 --> 00:35:22.820 looked to 00:35:22.820 --> 00:35:23.539 the crucified 00:35:23.539 --> 00:35:24.199 Jesus, 00:35:24.920 --> 00:35:25.279 the one 00:35:25.279 --> 00:35:25.779 whom God 00:35:25.779 --> 00:35:26.440 raised from 00:35:26.440 --> 00:35:26.980 the dead, 00:35:27.320 --> 00:35:27.960 to the 00:35:27.960 --> 00:35:28.320 reigning 00:35:28.320 --> 00:35:28.960 Christ who 00:35:28.960 --> 00:35:29.719 poured out 00:35:29.719 --> 00:35:30.340 his spirit, 00:35:30.559 --> 00:35:31.079 who saved 00:35:31.079 --> 00:35:31.480 sinners, 00:35:31.679 --> 00:35:32.239 who's building 00:35:32.239 --> 00:35:33.019 his church. 00:35:39.159 --> 00:35:39.820 Now, 00:35:40.320 --> 00:35:41.559 these leaders 00:35:41.559 --> 00:35:42.800 knew that 00:35:42.800 --> 00:35:43.360 the miracle 00:35:43.360 --> 00:35:44.059 had happened. 00:35:44.820 --> 00:35:45.800 They admitted 00:35:45.800 --> 00:35:46.380 they couldn't 00:35:46.380 --> 00:35:47.079 deny it, 00:35:47.079 --> 00:35:50.199 but instead 00:35:50.199 --> 00:35:50.980 of submitting 00:35:50.980 --> 00:35:51.619 to Jesus, 00:35:52.619 --> 00:35:53.360 they tried 00:35:53.360 --> 00:35:54.199 to silence 00:35:54.199 --> 00:35:55.179 his name. 00:35:57.500 --> 00:35:58.239 Perhaps 00:35:58.239 --> 00:35:59.019 this morning 00:35:59.019 --> 00:36:00.000 you might 00:36:00.000 --> 00:36:00.679 recognize 00:36:00.679 --> 00:36:01.400 something of 00:36:01.400 --> 00:36:02.299 yourself in 00:36:02.299 --> 00:36:02.719 them. 00:36:04.099 --> 00:36:04.659 Maybe you 00:36:04.659 --> 00:36:05.099 know what 00:36:05.099 --> 00:36:05.619 the evidence 00:36:05.619 --> 00:36:06.219 says, 00:36:06.639 --> 00:36:07.559 but you're 00:36:07.559 --> 00:36:08.460 unwilling to 00:36:08.460 --> 00:36:09.079 follow where 00:36:09.079 --> 00:36:09.739 it leads. 00:36:09.739 --> 00:36:12.479 perhaps you're 00:36:12.479 --> 00:36:13.019 trying to 00:36:13.019 --> 00:36:14.059 silence the 00:36:14.059 --> 00:36:14.779 truth in 00:36:14.779 --> 00:36:15.500 your own 00:36:15.500 --> 00:36:15.959 heart, 00:36:16.099 --> 00:36:16.919 or maybe 00:36:16.919 --> 00:36:17.399 even trying 00:36:17.399 --> 00:36:17.799 to keep 00:36:17.799 --> 00:36:18.419 others from 00:36:18.419 --> 00:36:19.199 speaking it. 00:36:22.819 --> 00:36:23.539 Perhaps you 00:36:23.539 --> 00:36:24.599 haven't rejected 00:36:24.599 --> 00:36:25.739 Jesus outright. 00:36:26.859 --> 00:36:27.259 Maybe you 00:36:27.259 --> 00:36:28.199 simply tried to 00:36:28.199 --> 00:36:28.899 keep him at a 00:36:28.899 --> 00:36:30.099 manageable distance. 00:36:30.839 --> 00:36:31.579 You're willing 00:36:31.579 --> 00:36:32.279 to allow him to 00:36:32.279 --> 00:36:33.079 comfort you, 00:36:33.199 --> 00:36:33.979 but not to 00:36:33.979 --> 00:36:34.699 rule you. 00:36:35.599 --> 00:36:36.159 You're willing 00:36:36.159 --> 00:36:37.199 to admire him, 00:36:37.539 --> 00:36:38.179 but not to 00:36:38.179 --> 00:36:38.739 entrust your 00:36:38.739 --> 00:36:39.719 life to him. 00:36:39.739 --> 00:36:41.379 You know 00:36:41.379 --> 00:36:41.599 what the 00:36:41.599 --> 00:36:42.519 evidence says, 00:36:43.239 --> 00:36:44.339 but you fear 00:36:44.339 --> 00:36:45.339 what his 00:36:45.339 --> 00:36:46.159 lordship might 00:36:46.159 --> 00:36:47.079 change. 00:36:48.799 --> 00:36:49.599 Let me 00:36:49.599 --> 00:36:50.139 challenge you, 00:36:50.219 --> 00:36:51.279 don't make 00:36:51.279 --> 00:36:52.059 the same 00:36:52.059 --> 00:36:52.979 mistake these 00:36:52.979 --> 00:36:53.959 leaders made. 00:36:55.319 --> 00:36:55.839 Knowing the 00:36:55.839 --> 00:36:56.379 truth about 00:36:56.379 --> 00:36:57.699 Jesus is not 00:36:57.699 --> 00:36:58.799 the same as 00:36:58.799 --> 00:36:59.899 trusting him. 00:37:02.179 --> 00:37:03.019 Recognizing 00:37:03.019 --> 00:37:04.039 the evidence 00:37:04.039 --> 00:37:05.339 is not the 00:37:05.339 --> 00:37:06.519 same as 00:37:06.519 --> 00:37:07.619 receiving the 00:37:07.619 --> 00:37:08.039 Savior. 00:37:09.739 --> 00:37:11.079 You see, 00:37:11.199 --> 00:37:11.679 the Jesus 00:37:11.679 --> 00:37:12.059 whom they 00:37:12.059 --> 00:37:12.619 rejected 00:37:12.619 --> 00:37:14.319 is alive. 00:37:15.339 --> 00:37:16.259 He did 00:37:16.259 --> 00:37:17.199 die for 00:37:17.199 --> 00:37:17.639 sinners, 00:37:17.819 --> 00:37:18.399 but he 00:37:18.399 --> 00:37:19.099 rose from 00:37:19.099 --> 00:37:19.639 the grave, 00:37:19.839 --> 00:37:20.439 and he's 00:37:20.439 --> 00:37:21.619 promised to 00:37:21.619 --> 00:37:22.859 save everyone 00:37:22.859 --> 00:37:23.859 who comes to 00:37:23.859 --> 00:37:24.299 him in 00:37:24.299 --> 00:37:25.639 repentance and 00:37:25.639 --> 00:37:26.119 faith. 00:37:27.259 --> 00:37:27.699 Now, 00:37:28.099 --> 00:37:28.619 the good news 00:37:28.619 --> 00:37:29.059 is that means 00:37:29.059 --> 00:37:29.459 you don't have 00:37:29.459 --> 00:37:29.879 to clean 00:37:29.879 --> 00:37:30.579 yourself up 00:37:30.579 --> 00:37:31.099 first. 00:37:31.279 --> 00:37:31.759 You don't 00:37:31.759 --> 00:37:32.359 have to prove 00:37:32.359 --> 00:37:33.379 yourself worthy. 00:37:33.379 --> 00:37:34.099 You don't have 00:37:34.099 --> 00:37:34.879 to earn his 00:37:34.879 --> 00:37:35.500 mercy. 00:37:37.000 --> 00:37:37.719 Turn from 00:37:37.719 --> 00:37:38.519 your sin, 00:37:38.899 --> 00:37:40.039 your selfishness, 00:37:40.279 --> 00:37:41.000 your pride. 00:37:41.399 --> 00:37:41.859 Place your 00:37:41.859 --> 00:37:42.799 trust in 00:37:42.799 --> 00:37:43.559 him. 00:37:45.480 --> 00:37:45.739 You know, 00:37:45.799 --> 00:37:46.219 the Lord, 00:37:46.559 --> 00:37:47.259 whose authority 00:37:47.259 --> 00:37:47.639 you might 00:37:47.639 --> 00:37:48.119 fear, 00:37:48.259 --> 00:37:49.259 is also the 00:37:49.259 --> 00:37:50.219 Savior who 00:37:50.219 --> 00:37:51.239 gave himself 00:37:51.239 --> 00:37:52.219 so that 00:37:52.219 --> 00:37:52.939 sinners like 00:37:52.939 --> 00:37:53.459 you and 00:37:53.459 --> 00:37:54.859 me could be 00:37:54.859 --> 00:37:55.459 saved. 00:37:55.859 --> 00:37:56.759 So come to 00:37:56.759 --> 00:37:57.699 him and he 00:37:57.699 --> 00:37:58.480 will save 00:37:58.480 --> 00:37:58.779 you. 00:37:59.859 --> 00:38:00.359 The truth 00:38:00.359 --> 00:38:01.159 is there's 00:38:01.159 --> 00:38:01.739 no other 00:38:01.739 --> 00:38:02.619 Savior to 00:38:02.619 --> 00:38:03.019 whom you 00:38:03.019 --> 00:38:03.599 can turn, 00:38:03.759 --> 00:38:04.359 and there's 00:38:04.359 --> 00:38:04.819 no other 00:38:04.819 --> 00:38:05.359 name in 00:38:05.359 --> 00:38:06.079 which salvation 00:38:06.079 --> 00:38:06.599 can be 00:38:06.599 --> 00:38:07.179 found. 00:38:07.659 --> 00:38:08.960 So don't 00:38:08.960 --> 00:38:10.079 harden your 00:38:10.079 --> 00:38:10.779 hearts or 00:38:10.779 --> 00:38:11.920 postpone the 00:38:11.920 --> 00:38:12.400 decision. 00:38:13.500 --> 00:38:14.199 Stop trusting 00:38:14.199 --> 00:38:14.659 your own 00:38:14.659 --> 00:38:15.360 goodness and 00:38:15.360 --> 00:38:16.119 entrust 00:38:16.119 --> 00:38:16.900 yourself to 00:38:16.900 --> 00:38:17.279 Jesus. 00:38:18.400 --> 00:38:19.059 Come to 00:38:19.059 --> 00:38:19.619 him as the 00:38:19.619 --> 00:38:20.559 Savior that 00:38:20.559 --> 00:38:21.219 you need 00:38:21.219 --> 00:38:22.039 and the 00:38:22.039 --> 00:38:22.500 Lord that 00:38:22.500 --> 00:38:23.059 he truly 00:38:23.059 --> 00:38:23.779 is. 00:38:25.679 --> 00:38:26.299 And if 00:38:26.299 --> 00:38:26.679 you're here 00:38:26.679 --> 00:38:27.279 this morning 00:38:27.279 --> 00:38:27.920 and you're 00:38:27.920 --> 00:38:28.519 not sure 00:38:28.519 --> 00:38:29.340 about what 00:38:29.340 --> 00:38:29.779 the next 00:38:29.779 --> 00:38:30.340 step in 00:38:30.340 --> 00:38:30.980 your relationship 00:38:30.980 --> 00:38:31.440 with Jesus 00:38:31.440 --> 00:38:32.360 looks like, 00:38:32.799 --> 00:38:33.639 we'd love 00:38:33.639 --> 00:38:34.440 to answer 00:38:34.440 --> 00:38:34.779 that. 00:38:34.780 --> 00:38:35.220 We'd love 00:38:35.220 --> 00:38:35.680 to walk 00:38:35.680 --> 00:38:36.100 with you 00:38:36.100 --> 00:38:36.600 and help 00:38:36.600 --> 00:38:36.880 you. 00:38:37.200 --> 00:38:37.560 Don't 00:38:37.560 --> 00:38:38.400 leave without 00:38:38.400 --> 00:38:39.180 talking to 00:38:39.180 --> 00:38:39.620 me or 00:38:39.620 --> 00:38:40.740 someone around 00:38:40.740 --> 00:38:41.160 you, 00:38:41.480 --> 00:38:42.440 because we 00:38:42.440 --> 00:38:43.140 want you to 00:38:43.140 --> 00:38:43.600 know the 00:38:43.600 --> 00:38:44.120 hope we've 00:38:44.120 --> 00:38:44.620 found in 00:38:44.620 --> 00:38:45.080 Christ. 00:38:47.960 --> 00:38:48.900 But if 00:38:48.900 --> 00:38:49.320 you're here 00:38:49.320 --> 00:38:50.140 this morning 00:38:50.140 --> 00:38:51.140 and you've 00:38:51.140 --> 00:38:51.640 come to 00:38:51.640 --> 00:38:52.620 Christ and 00:38:52.620 --> 00:38:53.140 you belong 00:38:53.140 --> 00:38:53.620 to him, 00:38:53.940 --> 00:38:54.400 then let me 00:38:54.400 --> 00:38:54.920 encourage you, 00:38:55.120 --> 00:38:55.720 don't merely 00:38:55.720 --> 00:38:56.560 ask, how 00:38:56.560 --> 00:38:57.240 can I become 00:38:57.240 --> 00:38:58.080 less afraid? 00:38:58.560 --> 00:38:59.320 Or how 00:38:59.320 --> 00:38:59.800 can I be 00:38:59.800 --> 00:39:00.720 more bold? 00:39:02.080 --> 00:39:02.480 Instead, 00:39:02.640 --> 00:39:03.380 ask, how 00:39:03.380 --> 00:39:03.900 can I more 00:39:03.900 --> 00:39:04.900 clearly see 00:39:04.900 --> 00:39:05.660 the Savior 00:39:05.660 --> 00:39:06.519 who is 00:39:06.519 --> 00:39:07.639 greater than 00:39:07.639 --> 00:39:08.340 my fear? 00:39:10.019 --> 00:39:10.480 And then 00:39:10.480 --> 00:39:10.820 as you 00:39:10.820 --> 00:39:11.380 gaze on 00:39:11.380 --> 00:39:12.240 him, ask, 00:39:12.760 --> 00:39:13.059 who has 00:39:13.059 --> 00:39:13.780 God placed 00:39:13.780 --> 00:39:14.519 before me? 00:39:15.460 --> 00:39:16.360 Who needs 00:39:16.360 --> 00:39:16.840 to hear 00:39:16.840 --> 00:39:17.599 who Christ 00:39:17.599 --> 00:39:19.000 is, what 00:39:19.000 --> 00:39:19.700 he's done, 00:39:20.280 --> 00:39:20.700 and what 00:39:20.700 --> 00:39:21.200 he's done 00:39:21.200 --> 00:39:21.980 for me? 00:39:24.160 --> 00:39:24.880 You see, 00:39:25.059 --> 00:39:25.300 throughout 00:39:25.300 --> 00:39:25.860 history, 00:39:26.180 --> 00:39:26.380 there have 00:39:26.380 --> 00:39:26.980 been plenty 00:39:26.980 --> 00:39:27.619 of people 00:39:27.619 --> 00:39:28.200 who have 00:39:28.200 --> 00:39:28.760 tried to 00:39:28.760 --> 00:39:29.400 stop him 00:39:29.400 --> 00:39:29.660 that have 00:39:29.660 --> 00:39:30.539 opposed the 00:39:30.539 --> 00:39:31.599 name, and 00:39:31.599 --> 00:39:32.019 they couldn't 00:39:32.019 --> 00:39:32.619 stop him, 00:39:33.619 --> 00:39:34.079 and they 00:39:34.079 --> 00:39:34.639 can't stop 00:39:34.639 --> 00:39:35.320 him today. 00:39:37.079 --> 00:39:38.099 And because 00:39:38.099 --> 00:39:38.719 the risen 00:39:38.719 --> 00:39:39.599 Jesus cannot 00:39:39.599 --> 00:39:40.559 be stopped, 00:39:41.420 --> 00:39:42.159 then his 00:39:42.159 --> 00:39:43.699 people cannot 00:39:43.699 --> 00:39:44.860 remain silent. 00:39:46.139 --> 00:39:47.119 Let's pray. 00:39:47.119 --> 00:39:51.559 Father, we 00:39:51.559 --> 00:39:52.059 come and 00:39:52.059 --> 00:39:53.440 we confess 00:39:53.440 --> 00:39:53.920 we do not 00:39:53.920 --> 00:39:54.460 love you as 00:39:54.460 --> 00:39:54.880 we should. 00:39:55.980 --> 00:39:56.839 We do not 00:39:56.839 --> 00:39:57.400 cherish 00:39:57.400 --> 00:39:59.179 Christ as 00:39:59.179 --> 00:39:59.679 we should. 00:40:02.960 --> 00:40:03.400 Father, 00:40:03.539 --> 00:40:04.940 fuel the 00:40:04.940 --> 00:40:05.579 fire in our 00:40:05.579 --> 00:40:06.299 lives and our 00:40:06.299 --> 00:40:06.839 hearts and 00:40:06.839 --> 00:40:07.279 minds, 00:40:08.239 --> 00:40:09.199 that as we 00:40:09.199 --> 00:40:09.819 see Christ 00:40:09.819 --> 00:40:10.759 more clearly, 00:40:10.920 --> 00:40:11.400 our faith 00:40:11.400 --> 00:40:11.739 would be 00:40:11.739 --> 00:40:12.460 built up, 00:40:13.079 --> 00:40:13.880 as your 00:40:13.880 --> 00:40:14.799 spirit applies 00:40:14.799 --> 00:40:15.500 the truth of 00:40:15.500 --> 00:40:16.139 your word in 00:40:16.139 --> 00:40:16.679 our lives, 00:40:16.719 --> 00:40:16.940 that we 00:40:16.940 --> 00:40:17.599 wouldn't push 00:40:17.599 --> 00:40:18.099 it away, 00:40:18.219 --> 00:40:19.000 but let it 00:40:19.000 --> 00:40:19.500 do its 00:40:19.500 --> 00:40:19.980 work, 00:40:21.719 --> 00:40:22.279 fueling our 00:40:22.279 --> 00:40:22.779 devotion, 00:40:24.299 --> 00:40:24.960 our pursuit 00:40:24.960 --> 00:40:25.960 of Jesus. 00:40:27.420 --> 00:40:28.039 And as we 00:40:28.039 --> 00:40:28.639 see him 00:40:28.639 --> 00:40:29.339 clearly, 00:40:29.839 --> 00:40:30.000 Father, 00:40:30.400 --> 00:40:31.420 enable us, 00:40:32.400 --> 00:40:32.799 give us a 00:40:32.799 --> 00:40:33.779 passion to 00:40:33.779 --> 00:40:34.299 make him 00:40:34.299 --> 00:40:34.839 known, 00:40:35.920 --> 00:40:37.059 make him the 00:40:37.059 --> 00:40:37.819 most important 00:40:37.819 --> 00:40:38.739 thing in our 00:40:38.739 --> 00:40:39.359 hearts and 00:40:39.359 --> 00:40:39.839 minds and 00:40:39.839 --> 00:40:40.539 our lives. 00:40:42.199 --> 00:40:42.900 Enable us to 00:40:42.900 --> 00:40:43.879 set all other 00:40:43.879 --> 00:40:44.900 things aside, 00:40:44.900 --> 00:40:47.180 and to 00:40:47.180 --> 00:40:47.579 hold him 00:40:47.579 --> 00:40:48.340 up in 00:40:48.340 --> 00:40:48.639 every 00:40:48.639 --> 00:40:49.400 situation. 00:40:52.039 --> 00:40:52.539 Father, 00:40:52.579 --> 00:40:52.980 we thank 00:40:52.980 --> 00:40:53.880 you that we 00:40:53.880 --> 00:40:54.180 have the 00:40:54.180 --> 00:40:54.740 opportunity to 00:40:54.740 --> 00:40:55.460 be here today. 00:40:55.599 --> 00:40:55.980 We thank 00:40:55.980 --> 00:40:57.280 you that the 00:40:57.280 --> 00:40:58.960 gospel is 00:40:58.960 --> 00:41:00.340 true, that 00:41:00.340 --> 00:41:01.519 Jesus is 00:41:01.519 --> 00:41:03.139 alive, that 00:41:03.139 --> 00:41:04.519 our hope is 00:41:04.519 --> 00:41:06.519 in him, and 00:41:06.519 --> 00:41:07.079 that you are 00:41:07.079 --> 00:41:08.139 always to be 00:41:08.139 --> 00:41:09.099 found faithful to 00:41:09.099 --> 00:41:09.700 your promises. 00:41:09.699 --> 00:41:09.839 promises. 00:41:11.639 --> 00:41:12.460 As we go 00:41:12.460 --> 00:41:13.219 out now, we 00:41:13.219 --> 00:41:13.879 ask that you 00:41:13.879 --> 00:41:14.460 would give us 00:41:14.460 --> 00:41:15.460 eyes to see 00:41:15.460 --> 00:41:16.419 those that you 00:41:16.419 --> 00:41:17.159 place in our 00:41:17.159 --> 00:41:18.259 life, wherever 00:41:18.259 --> 00:41:19.159 they might be, 00:41:19.319 --> 00:41:20.219 that we would 00:41:20.219 --> 00:41:20.559 have an 00:41:20.559 --> 00:41:21.539 opportunity to 00:41:21.539 --> 00:41:22.159 share with 00:41:22.159 --> 00:41:22.879 them the 00:41:22.879 --> 00:41:23.939 love that we 00:41:23.939 --> 00:41:24.719 have found in 00:41:24.719 --> 00:41:26.980 Christ, the 00:41:26.980 --> 00:41:27.619 hope that we 00:41:27.619 --> 00:41:28.460 have in him, 00:41:29.759 --> 00:41:30.500 that we would 00:41:30.500 --> 00:41:31.399 know how best 00:41:31.399 --> 00:41:32.439 to share with 00:41:32.439 --> 00:41:33.639 them who he 00:41:33.639 --> 00:41:34.519 is and what 00:41:34.519 --> 00:41:35.059 he's done, 00:41:36.019 --> 00:41:36.879 that we'd see 00:41:36.879 --> 00:41:37.419 more and more 00:41:37.419 --> 00:41:38.319 people come to 00:41:38.320 --> 00:41:39.680 love him, to 00:41:39.680 --> 00:41:41.600 worship him, to 00:41:41.600 --> 00:41:42.340 make much of 00:41:42.340 --> 00:41:42.640 him. 00:41:45.039 --> 00:41:45.700 Lord, be 00:41:45.700 --> 00:41:46.519 glorified in 00:41:46.519 --> 00:41:47.180 our lives. 00:41:48.800 --> 00:41:50.000 In Jesus' name 00:41:50.000 --> 00:41:51.519 we ask, amen.