WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:29.980 Thank you. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:40.060 Just taking it as it has been written, week by week, looking at verse after verse after verse and trying to get the big picture in the whole story from the text of Scripture. 00:00:40.939 --> 00:00:48.439 Over the last three weeks or so, we've been really looking at just three verses, a small number of verses in Acts chapter 2. 00:00:49.140 --> 00:00:53.859 But this is all a prelude to the fact that we're going to go through the entire book of Acts. 00:00:54.659 --> 00:01:02.000 And one of the nice things about being able to be a pastor of a local church, there's many nice things about it. 00:01:02.019 --> 00:01:06.379 But one of the nice things about it is that I can say, you know, we're going to spend the next five years. 00:01:07.379 --> 00:01:09.299 You know, maybe Jesus will come. 00:01:09.359 --> 00:01:10.379 That would be fantastic. 00:01:10.379 --> 00:01:16.739 But if he doesn't come and God gives me strength, we're going to go through the whole book of Acts over the next five years. 00:01:16.739 --> 00:01:27.199 And so this week and next week, these three weeks, we're going to sort of fill in the rest of Acts chapter 1 and 2. 00:01:27.679 --> 00:01:32.859 And then we're going to take a break and go back to 1 Corinthians because we're doing 1 Corinthians over three years. 00:01:32.859 --> 00:01:36.659 And then we're going to, you know, look at the cross and the resurrection. 00:01:36.879 --> 00:01:37.819 And we're going to look at John. 00:01:38.120 --> 00:01:41.120 And we won't maybe return to the book of Acts until the fall. 00:01:42.000 --> 00:01:44.239 But we're going to be looking through the book of Acts. 00:01:44.239 --> 00:01:56.299 And as Heather was reading very well this morning, I realized that that was the old scripture list, not the new one. 00:01:56.519 --> 00:02:00.639 So we got a preview of what we're going to be reading, looking at next week. 00:02:00.759 --> 00:02:03.119 This week, we're looking at Acts chapter 1 to 11. 00:02:03.319 --> 00:02:05.039 And I invite you to take your Bibles. 00:02:06.019 --> 00:02:10.019 And I think it's page 942 of your Pew Bibles. 00:02:10.599 --> 00:02:13.099 Page 942 of your Pew Bibles. 00:02:13.099 --> 00:02:17.819 I'm going to be using my personal Bible this morning. 00:02:18.000 --> 00:02:21.519 So occasionally, you'll notice a slight difference in the wording. 00:02:22.560 --> 00:02:24.659 I'm using the English Standard Version. 00:02:25.379 --> 00:02:28.500 And you folks in the pews have the New King James Version. 00:02:29.099 --> 00:02:34.500 But, of course, you should always feel free and encouraged to bring your home Bibles with you. 00:02:35.280 --> 00:02:41.180 You know, one of the wonderful things about bringing your own Bible to church is, you know, 00:02:41.180 --> 00:02:45.560 it will help you later on when you're doing your own private devotions. 00:02:46.080 --> 00:02:50.900 And you're going through the text and you're always getting it in the words that you have in your own Bible. 00:02:50.900 --> 00:02:58.560 Maybe if I mention that the way a word is translated literally and it's just slightly different than the word in your Bible, 00:02:58.560 --> 00:03:01.980 you can take a pencil or whatever and just make a little mark in the columns. 00:03:02.800 --> 00:03:09.980 And the other thing, of course, is it's just really good to feel comfortable with your own Bible that you use in your own private devotions 00:03:09.979 --> 00:03:14.899 and bring it into church and just, you know, just get familiar with it. 00:03:15.139 --> 00:03:17.099 And so I encourage you to bring your own Bibles. 00:03:17.679 --> 00:03:22.099 But, of course, we do have the pew Bibles there for you to read and follow along in. 00:03:22.179 --> 00:03:30.979 But this morning, I will look at, I'll be using my Bible as I read, but Acts 1, 1-11. 00:03:31.199 --> 00:03:32.539 And this is how the book begins. 00:03:32.539 --> 00:03:40.840 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and to teach. 00:03:41.500 --> 00:03:44.219 I just want to put your finger there for a second. 00:03:44.359 --> 00:03:45.620 I just want to mention something. 00:03:46.680 --> 00:03:51.519 What this book says right off the bat, some of you who are really familiar with the Bible 00:03:51.519 --> 00:03:57.219 might instantly recognize that the book of Luke begins almost with the exact same word. 00:03:57.219 --> 00:04:04.860 In fact, if you go back and read the beginning of Luke, you'll see that Luke writes the book to Theophilus. 00:04:05.199 --> 00:04:11.719 And he writes the book to Theophilus because he wants to explain to Theophilus the very, very central facts 00:04:11.719 --> 00:04:14.400 of who Jesus was and what he accomplished. 00:04:15.020 --> 00:04:22.259 And so with the very first word of chapter 1 of Acts, what we see is that really Luke and Acts 00:04:22.259 --> 00:04:25.819 is one book in two parts with the same author. 00:04:25.819 --> 00:04:32.099 And this is really, it will become even more significant in a moment when we're going to look at this word proofs 00:04:32.099 --> 00:04:34.639 or infallible proofs in your version of the Bible. 00:04:35.339 --> 00:04:39.579 But just as we begin to get in it, Acts describes the birth of the church. 00:04:39.680 --> 00:04:44.699 It describes some significant events in the very, very, very first disciples, 00:04:44.899 --> 00:04:47.379 in the very, very first churches being planted. 00:04:47.379 --> 00:04:53.540 It describes Christianity entering Europe, not with invading armies, 00:04:54.360 --> 00:04:59.019 but with a couple of men talking to some women at a place of prayer. 00:04:59.800 --> 00:05:02.699 And, you know, in a couple of, you know, a little while down the road, 00:05:02.759 --> 00:05:06.019 we get this wonderful story of Christianity entering Europe. 00:05:06.120 --> 00:05:07.259 It's all in the book of Acts. 00:05:07.259 --> 00:05:13.000 But the important thing to note here is to note Luke's purpose. 00:05:13.699 --> 00:05:20.519 Luke's purpose is to tell us that the church is founded on the person of Jesus Christ and nothing else. 00:05:21.019 --> 00:05:26.379 That, in fact, the story of Jesus and what he did 00:05:26.379 --> 00:05:29.300 and what he accomplished upon the cross and in his resurrection 00:05:29.300 --> 00:05:33.319 is the absolute bedrock of the Christian faith. 00:05:33.319 --> 00:05:37.180 If that goes, we are wasting our time here this morning. 00:05:37.300 --> 00:05:39.439 We should all be at Starbucks having a coffee 00:05:39.439 --> 00:05:43.579 and reading The Sunday Citizen or something better. 00:05:44.300 --> 00:05:45.939 And that's what we should really be doing. 00:05:46.019 --> 00:05:50.459 But the story of the church is completely and utterly based on what happened to Jesus. 00:05:51.219 --> 00:05:53.319 And as we're going to see in a moment as well, 00:05:53.839 --> 00:05:58.980 that the very same, in a sense, guide and character of Jesus 00:05:58.980 --> 00:06:01.259 is to be the guide for us. 00:06:01.259 --> 00:06:05.519 You know, sometimes Christians get puzzled over, 00:06:06.060 --> 00:06:08.740 like, why is it that Jesus sometimes asks questions? 00:06:08.939 --> 00:06:12.860 You might remember the story in the Bible of the woman who has a flow of blood for many years 00:06:12.860 --> 00:06:17.680 and she touches Jesus and Jesus knows that somebody's been healed, 00:06:17.779 --> 00:06:18.959 but he doesn't know who's been healed. 00:06:19.019 --> 00:06:20.279 And he said, who touched me? 00:06:21.159 --> 00:06:24.420 And sometimes Christians puzzle and say, you know, if Jesus is God, 00:06:24.539 --> 00:06:28.000 how is it that sometimes he has to ask a question? 00:06:28.000 --> 00:06:32.240 Well, the answer in a nutshell is that this, 00:06:32.339 --> 00:06:34.860 that Jesus, God, the Son of God, 00:06:35.000 --> 00:06:39.480 that Jesus lived a life in perfect obedience to his Father. 00:06:39.980 --> 00:06:46.839 And his entire life was guided and directed by the Holy Spirit. 00:06:47.660 --> 00:06:49.459 And so literally sometimes, I mean, 00:06:49.540 --> 00:06:52.360 Jesus didn't always just know what was going on around him, 00:06:52.360 --> 00:06:56.160 but Jesus lived his life in complete and utter obedience to the Father. 00:06:56.280 --> 00:07:00.960 And sometimes the Father wanted Jesus to know what was going on in a person's mind 00:07:00.960 --> 00:07:03.960 or what was happening at a great distance. 00:07:04.240 --> 00:07:07.620 And other times, the Father didn't want Jesus to know that. 00:07:07.699 --> 00:07:09.840 And Jesus never fretted over this. 00:07:09.920 --> 00:07:12.160 He just lived in obedience to his Father. 00:07:13.139 --> 00:07:16.900 And so sometimes the Holy Spirit would, in a sense, minister to Jesus and say, 00:07:17.000 --> 00:07:20.259 Jesus, this is what is going on in these people's minds. 00:07:20.259 --> 00:07:22.279 This is what it is that you have to go. 00:07:22.360 --> 00:07:23.939 This is where you have to go next. 00:07:24.920 --> 00:07:27.759 And so as we're going to see in the next few verses, 00:07:27.959 --> 00:07:33.019 that not only is the church to be completely and utterly based on the life of Jesus, 00:07:33.639 --> 00:07:38.459 but also that our ministry is to be a continuation of his ministry 00:07:38.459 --> 00:07:44.139 and that our guidance is to come from the Holy Spirit, 00:07:44.139 --> 00:07:50.899 just as the Jesus was guided by the Holy Spirit in his entire life of ministry. 00:07:51.779 --> 00:07:53.060 So let's just continue. 00:07:53.159 --> 00:07:54.159 I'll start verse one again. 00:07:55.240 --> 00:07:57.120 In the first book, O Theophilus, 00:07:57.159 --> 00:08:00.099 I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach 00:08:00.099 --> 00:08:02.399 until the day when he was taken up, 00:08:02.919 --> 00:08:05.680 after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit 00:08:05.680 --> 00:08:08.879 to the apostles whom he had chosen. 00:08:08.879 --> 00:08:15.879 To them he presented himself alive after his suffering by many proofs, 00:08:16.719 --> 00:08:21.879 appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God. 00:08:22.420 --> 00:08:24.839 You just sort of want to put your fingers in the Bible there, 00:08:24.920 --> 00:08:26.000 and I just want to say a few things. 00:08:26.060 --> 00:08:29.300 There's something really important that just was said here, 00:08:29.899 --> 00:08:34.740 and we don't realize it because we're reading a translation of the Bible from Greek. 00:08:34.740 --> 00:08:37.620 You know, in the time that the Bible was written, 00:08:37.720 --> 00:08:39.159 there were two types of Greek. 00:08:39.659 --> 00:08:45.120 There was high classical Greek of the great Greek writers 00:08:45.120 --> 00:08:46.419 and of the great Greek poets, 00:08:46.639 --> 00:08:49.620 and it's what really educated people would speak. 00:08:50.019 --> 00:08:51.659 And then there was street Greek. 00:08:52.220 --> 00:08:55.879 And the New Testament is not written in high classical Greek. 00:08:56.019 --> 00:08:57.779 It's written in street Greek. 00:08:58.159 --> 00:09:00.399 I think with the exception of 2 Peter. 00:09:00.399 --> 00:09:05.000 All of the New Testament is written in street Greek, common Greek. 00:09:05.539 --> 00:09:09.639 And one of the things which is so significant about what I just read 00:09:09.639 --> 00:09:16.360 is that Luke uses in Greek, all of a sudden, a technical word, 00:09:16.860 --> 00:09:18.139 a learned word, 00:09:18.840 --> 00:09:22.399 a word that goes back to it that Aristotle encapsulated 00:09:23.199 --> 00:09:26.679 when he was describing how to speak, how to win arguments, 00:09:27.439 --> 00:09:28.759 and how to present an argument. 00:09:28.759 --> 00:09:33.139 And it's the same word that's used when Greek historians 00:09:33.139 --> 00:09:35.539 are trying to write, in a sense, scientific 00:09:35.539 --> 00:09:37.879 or really, really accurate history 00:09:37.879 --> 00:09:40.080 to bring out the significance of something. 00:09:40.519 --> 00:09:43.379 And when they're trying to bring out the significance of something 00:09:43.379 --> 00:09:45.879 and show why, you know, this thing happening 00:09:45.879 --> 00:09:48.700 and this thing happening and this thing happening means this, 00:09:49.059 --> 00:09:50.980 and it's really important that we understand it, 00:09:51.039 --> 00:09:53.759 they use the word here, which we translate as proofs, 00:09:54.759 --> 00:09:57.500 and which in your Bibles, in the New King James Version, 00:09:57.500 --> 00:10:00.100 is translated as infallible proofs. 00:10:00.879 --> 00:10:05.360 And so what Luke is saying here is something very, very significant. 00:10:05.879 --> 00:10:09.860 He's saying that, you know, Luke was a pagan 00:10:09.860 --> 00:10:12.919 who became a Christian through the ministry of St. Paul. 00:10:13.659 --> 00:10:15.399 Luke never knew Jesus. 00:10:15.639 --> 00:10:16.679 Luke was like you and me. 00:10:17.059 --> 00:10:19.860 He never saw Jesus in the flesh. 00:10:19.860 --> 00:10:23.580 He, like you and me, became a Christian 00:10:23.580 --> 00:10:26.240 as a result of the ministry of the early Christians. 00:10:26.820 --> 00:10:28.680 And what Luke is saying is this, 00:10:29.060 --> 00:10:32.100 I spent years talking to Mary 00:10:32.100 --> 00:10:34.100 and talking to Jesus' brothers 00:10:34.100 --> 00:10:35.860 and talking to Peter 00:10:35.860 --> 00:10:37.500 and talking to John Mark 00:10:37.500 --> 00:10:40.379 and talking to all of these people. 00:10:40.440 --> 00:10:42.180 And I've spent years in their company 00:10:42.180 --> 00:10:44.240 and I've asked them detailed questions 00:10:44.240 --> 00:10:46.960 and I am a doctor by training. 00:10:47.120 --> 00:10:48.680 Paul calls him the beloved physician. 00:10:49.220 --> 00:10:50.840 And I am used to careful observation 00:10:51.440 --> 00:10:52.840 and careful diagnosis. 00:10:53.159 --> 00:10:54.840 And I applied my skills 00:10:55.279 --> 00:10:56.860 and I applied what I've learned 00:10:56.860 --> 00:10:57.840 from my educated background 00:10:58.379 --> 00:11:00.220 to interview these people. 00:11:00.220 --> 00:11:02.500 And that when I've written my gospel 00:11:02.500 --> 00:11:04.560 and when I've written this book of Acts, 00:11:04.779 --> 00:11:07.539 I have not just taken a whole pile of rumors 00:11:07.539 --> 00:11:09.500 and a whole pile of innuendo 00:11:09.500 --> 00:11:11.560 and a whole pile of speculation 00:11:11.559 --> 00:11:14.099 and a whole pile of mystical visions. 00:11:14.459 --> 00:11:16.219 I have, in fact, searched 00:11:16.219 --> 00:11:18.039 for the actual words of Jesus 00:11:18.039 --> 00:11:19.579 and what actually happened. 00:11:19.939 --> 00:11:21.479 And out of all that has happened 00:11:21.479 --> 00:11:22.739 and all that has said, 00:11:22.959 --> 00:11:24.859 I have tried to present to you 00:11:24.859 --> 00:11:28.159 those central true points 00:11:28.159 --> 00:11:30.979 that will lead you to the conclusion 00:11:30.979 --> 00:11:32.039 that you should reach. 00:11:33.299 --> 00:11:35.500 And that's what Luke is saying 00:11:35.500 --> 00:11:37.459 when he uses this word proofs. 00:11:37.500 --> 00:11:39.079 He's using a technical, 00:11:39.080 --> 00:11:43.259 philosophical, historiographical. 00:11:43.639 --> 00:11:45.120 I can't say that very well. 00:11:45.379 --> 00:11:46.340 But you know what I mean. 00:11:46.980 --> 00:11:49.340 He's using a very, very technical word 00:11:49.340 --> 00:11:50.600 to communicate to you 00:11:50.600 --> 00:11:51.940 that, you know, 00:11:52.740 --> 00:11:55.240 these things really happened 00:11:55.240 --> 00:11:57.660 and this is what it points to. 00:11:58.879 --> 00:12:00.940 The earth has been invaded 00:12:00.940 --> 00:12:02.860 by Almighty God. 00:12:03.860 --> 00:12:06.379 And he has invaded the earth. 00:12:06.379 --> 00:12:08.759 He has invaded the earth 00:12:08.759 --> 00:12:10.259 not to punish you, 00:12:10.639 --> 00:12:11.860 not to show off, 00:12:12.000 --> 00:12:13.480 but he has invaded the earth 00:12:13.480 --> 00:12:14.759 in the person of his son, 00:12:14.860 --> 00:12:15.659 Jesus Christ, 00:12:15.759 --> 00:12:16.679 to save you. 00:12:17.659 --> 00:12:19.639 He has come as Christ 00:12:19.639 --> 00:12:20.620 and as Lord. 00:12:20.879 --> 00:12:21.960 He has come for you. 00:12:22.340 --> 00:12:24.320 You can share it in his triumph. 00:12:25.399 --> 00:12:26.639 And, in fact, 00:12:26.700 --> 00:12:28.159 in a few moments in verse 4, 00:12:28.320 --> 00:12:28.980 when it says, 00:12:29.259 --> 00:12:30.519 and while staying with them, 00:12:30.580 --> 00:12:31.759 I think in your version it says, 00:12:31.840 --> 00:12:32.940 and they were assembled together. 00:12:32.940 --> 00:12:34.160 In fact, 00:12:34.400 --> 00:12:35.140 the Greek word 00:12:35.140 --> 00:12:36.620 which is translated there 00:12:36.620 --> 00:12:38.900 is a word that implies eating. 00:12:39.960 --> 00:12:40.480 In other words, 00:12:40.980 --> 00:12:42.100 Luke is saying, 00:12:42.620 --> 00:12:42.860 you know, 00:12:43.340 --> 00:12:44.660 Jesus didn't just sort of, 00:12:44.800 --> 00:12:44.940 you know, 00:12:44.980 --> 00:12:46.180 a couple of people didn't, 00:12:46.520 --> 00:12:46.720 you know, 00:12:46.760 --> 00:12:47.360 they weren't, 00:12:47.440 --> 00:12:47.660 you know, 00:12:47.720 --> 00:12:48.720 sort of starved 00:12:48.720 --> 00:12:50.760 because they'd been too depressed 00:12:50.760 --> 00:12:52.580 and too grief-stricken to eat 00:12:52.580 --> 00:12:54.520 and too caught up 00:12:54.520 --> 00:12:55.860 with religious hysteria. 00:12:56.200 --> 00:12:58.100 And after a couple of days of this, 00:12:58.160 --> 00:12:59.920 they've had a couple of visions of Jesus. 00:13:00.400 --> 00:13:00.960 Luke is saying, 00:13:00.960 --> 00:13:01.440 no, 00:13:01.580 --> 00:13:03.280 that's not how it happened at all. 00:13:03.660 --> 00:13:05.100 Just as what I've been telling you 00:13:05.100 --> 00:13:06.620 about the life of Jesus 00:13:06.620 --> 00:13:07.820 is absolutely true, 00:13:07.920 --> 00:13:09.400 I want you to understand 00:13:09.400 --> 00:13:11.360 that from the 40 days 00:13:11.360 --> 00:13:13.019 of Jesus' resurrection 00:13:13.019 --> 00:13:14.200 to the time 00:13:14.200 --> 00:13:15.360 that his earthly ministry 00:13:15.360 --> 00:13:16.240 comes to an end 00:13:16.240 --> 00:13:17.200 with his ascension, 00:13:17.600 --> 00:13:18.800 for 40 days, 00:13:18.940 --> 00:13:20.440 time after time, 00:13:20.620 --> 00:13:22.320 Jesus met with people 00:13:22.320 --> 00:13:24.139 and they saw him. 00:13:24.480 --> 00:13:24.960 And in fact, 00:13:25.040 --> 00:13:27.040 they even gathered around the table with him 00:13:27.040 --> 00:13:28.379 and they ate with him. 00:13:28.379 --> 00:13:29.779 And so they know 00:13:29.779 --> 00:13:31.360 that he really conquered sin. 00:13:31.460 --> 00:13:33.279 They know that he really conquered death 00:13:33.279 --> 00:13:33.740 and hell 00:13:33.740 --> 00:13:35.639 and all hostile spiritual powers. 00:13:36.080 --> 00:13:38.439 And not only did he spend time with them 00:13:38.439 --> 00:13:39.960 and prove that he was alive 00:13:39.960 --> 00:13:41.740 and that he was completely 00:13:41.740 --> 00:13:42.639 and utterly physical, 00:13:42.939 --> 00:13:44.080 he taught them. 00:13:44.919 --> 00:13:45.960 He taught them. 00:13:47.320 --> 00:13:47.820 And so, 00:13:48.279 --> 00:13:49.860 and so that what you're getting 00:13:49.860 --> 00:13:51.279 in the Gospels is this, 00:13:51.679 --> 00:13:53.740 that Jesus spends 40 days 00:13:53.740 --> 00:13:54.799 with the apostles 00:13:54.799 --> 00:13:56.700 teaching them 00:13:56.700 --> 00:13:58.399 about the kingdom of God, 00:13:58.539 --> 00:13:59.680 teaching them about himself 00:13:59.680 --> 00:14:01.759 so that as they're looking back 00:14:01.759 --> 00:14:02.740 over the three years 00:14:02.740 --> 00:14:03.580 that they've known him, 00:14:03.639 --> 00:14:04.019 they say, 00:14:04.639 --> 00:14:06.220 that's why Jesus said that 00:14:06.220 --> 00:14:07.240 time and time again. 00:14:07.960 --> 00:14:09.500 That's why he did that. 00:14:10.139 --> 00:14:12.139 That's why this is so significant. 00:14:12.759 --> 00:14:13.340 That's why, 00:14:13.399 --> 00:14:13.539 you know, 00:14:13.580 --> 00:14:14.460 the fact that he likes 00:14:14.460 --> 00:14:16.039 a particular type of homus 00:14:16.039 --> 00:14:17.600 shouldn't be in the Gospels. 00:14:17.820 --> 00:14:18.940 But the fact that he, 00:14:19.060 --> 00:14:20.039 that he did this 00:14:20.039 --> 00:14:21.480 should be in the Gospels. 00:14:21.519 --> 00:14:21.720 Like, 00:14:21.759 --> 00:14:21.899 you know, 00:14:21.899 --> 00:14:23.319 the fact that he had this view of, 00:14:23.439 --> 00:14:23.539 like, 00:14:24.079 --> 00:14:25.699 Jesus was the one 00:14:25.699 --> 00:14:27.879 who taught them for 40 days 00:14:27.879 --> 00:14:29.240 and he taught them 00:14:29.240 --> 00:14:30.439 and they listened to him 00:14:30.439 --> 00:14:31.959 with fresh ears 00:14:31.959 --> 00:14:34.360 because he had conquered 00:14:34.360 --> 00:14:35.659 sin and death and hell 00:14:35.659 --> 00:14:38.579 and had shown himself alive 00:14:38.579 --> 00:14:40.179 and they listened. 00:14:41.079 --> 00:14:42.159 They listened. 00:14:43.439 --> 00:14:45.139 Let's continue with our reading. 00:14:47.240 --> 00:14:48.179 Verse four, 00:14:48.600 --> 00:14:49.860 and while staying with them, 00:14:49.879 --> 00:14:50.299 in other words, 00:14:50.379 --> 00:14:51.840 he spent much time 00:14:51.840 --> 00:14:52.100 with them, 00:14:52.139 --> 00:14:53.060 even ate with them, 00:14:53.420 --> 00:14:54.379 he ordered them 00:14:54.379 --> 00:14:55.220 not to depart 00:14:55.220 --> 00:14:56.000 from Jerusalem 00:14:56.000 --> 00:14:56.820 but to wait 00:14:56.820 --> 00:14:57.620 for the promise 00:14:57.620 --> 00:14:58.379 of the Father, 00:14:58.680 --> 00:14:59.340 which he said, 00:14:59.759 --> 00:15:00.759 you heard from me 00:15:00.759 --> 00:15:01.620 for John baptized 00:15:01.620 --> 00:15:02.340 with water 00:15:02.340 --> 00:15:03.440 but you will be baptized 00:15:03.440 --> 00:15:04.680 with the Holy Spirit 00:15:04.680 --> 00:15:06.800 not many days from now. 00:15:07.240 --> 00:15:08.379 Just want to pause here 00:15:08.379 --> 00:15:09.460 for a second as well. 00:15:11.420 --> 00:15:12.220 Some of us 00:15:12.220 --> 00:15:12.720 in this room 00:15:12.720 --> 00:15:13.639 are charismatics. 00:15:14.519 --> 00:15:15.399 Some of us 00:15:15.399 --> 00:15:16.620 maybe are worried 00:15:16.620 --> 00:15:17.720 about charismatics. 00:15:17.720 --> 00:15:20.259 Maybe someday 00:15:20.259 --> 00:15:21.259 all the charismatics 00:15:21.259 --> 00:15:22.360 can gather in a corner 00:15:22.360 --> 00:15:22.960 and we can say, 00:15:23.100 --> 00:15:24.720 oh, they're the charismatics 00:15:24.720 --> 00:15:25.639 in the congregation 00:15:25.639 --> 00:15:26.460 and then the, 00:15:26.779 --> 00:15:26.940 you know, 00:15:26.980 --> 00:15:27.420 some of us 00:15:27.420 --> 00:15:28.120 will be surprised. 00:15:28.240 --> 00:15:29.220 No, just joking. 00:15:30.519 --> 00:15:30.920 You know, 00:15:30.980 --> 00:15:31.779 people sometimes 00:15:31.779 --> 00:15:32.300 get worried 00:15:32.300 --> 00:15:33.180 about the Holy Spirit 00:15:33.180 --> 00:15:33.899 but one of the things 00:15:33.899 --> 00:15:34.440 which I love 00:15:34.440 --> 00:15:35.180 about this passage, 00:15:35.300 --> 00:15:36.100 it's the first thing 00:15:36.100 --> 00:15:37.379 that struck me this week 00:15:37.379 --> 00:15:38.340 as I began 00:15:38.340 --> 00:15:39.160 to read the text. 00:15:39.159 --> 00:15:39.939 I read the text 00:15:39.939 --> 00:15:40.699 every day 00:15:40.699 --> 00:15:42.120 at least twice 00:15:42.120 --> 00:15:42.959 apart from looking 00:15:42.959 --> 00:15:43.839 at commentaries 00:15:43.839 --> 00:15:44.480 as I prepare 00:15:44.480 --> 00:15:45.360 to do my sermon 00:15:45.360 --> 00:15:47.839 and, you know, 00:15:48.459 --> 00:15:50.579 the way that Luke here, 00:15:50.719 --> 00:15:51.519 the way that Jesus 00:15:51.519 --> 00:15:53.259 describes the Holy Spirit 00:15:53.259 --> 00:15:54.740 is this wonderful phrase, 00:15:55.500 --> 00:15:56.899 the promise of the Father. 00:15:58.519 --> 00:15:59.079 Now, you know, 00:15:59.100 --> 00:15:59.679 some of us 00:15:59.679 --> 00:16:00.319 might be worried 00:16:00.319 --> 00:16:01.360 about, you know, 00:16:01.539 --> 00:16:02.659 maybe being too open 00:16:02.659 --> 00:16:03.500 to the Holy Spirit 00:16:03.500 --> 00:16:04.500 and maybe it sounds 00:16:04.500 --> 00:16:05.299 a little bit kooky 00:16:05.299 --> 00:16:06.240 and maybe sometimes 00:16:06.240 --> 00:16:07.059 people who are really 00:16:07.059 --> 00:16:07.959 open to the Holy Spirit 00:16:07.959 --> 00:16:08.860 do kooky things 00:16:08.860 --> 00:16:10.100 and talk kooky ways 00:16:10.100 --> 00:16:11.580 but I want to say 00:16:11.580 --> 00:16:12.180 to you this, 00:16:12.399 --> 00:16:12.899 if you just, 00:16:13.139 --> 00:16:14.159 instead of thinking 00:16:14.159 --> 00:16:14.659 of something 00:16:14.659 --> 00:16:15.700 which might frighten you, 00:16:15.759 --> 00:16:16.519 if you just listen 00:16:16.519 --> 00:16:17.220 to this phrase 00:16:17.220 --> 00:16:17.759 and say, 00:16:18.580 --> 00:16:19.840 the Father has a, 00:16:19.940 --> 00:16:21.519 the promise of the Father, 00:16:22.300 --> 00:16:23.340 Jesus' desire 00:16:23.340 --> 00:16:24.940 is that you and I 00:16:24.940 --> 00:16:25.700 will be open 00:16:25.700 --> 00:16:26.519 to the promise 00:16:26.519 --> 00:16:27.300 of the Father. 00:16:27.919 --> 00:16:28.440 Isn't that just 00:16:28.440 --> 00:16:29.120 a wonderful way 00:16:29.120 --> 00:16:29.659 to understand 00:16:29.659 --> 00:16:30.460 the Holy Spirit? 00:16:31.100 --> 00:16:31.960 That you and I, 00:16:32.500 --> 00:16:33.460 Jesus' desire 00:16:33.460 --> 00:16:34.279 for you and me 00:16:34.279 --> 00:16:35.019 is to say, 00:16:35.740 --> 00:16:36.019 Father, 00:16:36.200 --> 00:16:37.620 I want more and more 00:16:37.620 --> 00:16:39.039 of your promise. 00:16:39.340 --> 00:16:40.399 I want the promise 00:16:40.399 --> 00:16:41.019 of the Father 00:16:41.019 --> 00:16:41.740 more and more 00:16:41.740 --> 00:16:42.399 in my life, 00:16:42.659 --> 00:16:44.879 in my strengths, 00:16:45.000 --> 00:16:45.779 in my weaknesses, 00:16:46.120 --> 00:16:46.879 in my day, 00:16:47.060 --> 00:16:47.860 in my plans, 00:16:48.000 --> 00:16:48.740 in my memories, 00:16:49.440 --> 00:16:50.120 in everything 00:16:50.120 --> 00:16:51.080 that makes me me. 00:16:51.240 --> 00:16:51.539 Father, 00:16:52.399 --> 00:16:53.360 your promise, 00:16:53.740 --> 00:16:54.460 may I have more 00:16:54.460 --> 00:16:55.179 and more of that. 00:16:55.860 --> 00:16:56.360 And that's how 00:16:56.360 --> 00:16:57.259 Jesus describes 00:16:57.259 --> 00:16:58.080 the Holy Spirit, 00:16:58.220 --> 00:16:59.560 the promise of the Father. 00:16:59.759 --> 00:17:00.259 Isn't that just 00:17:00.259 --> 00:17:00.860 so beautiful? 00:17:01.820 --> 00:17:02.539 Verse 6, 00:17:02.539 --> 00:17:03.719 and when they 00:17:03.719 --> 00:17:04.539 had come together, 00:17:04.619 --> 00:17:05.740 this is a second 00:17:05.740 --> 00:17:06.700 type of encounter 00:17:06.700 --> 00:17:07.619 now that Luke 00:17:07.619 --> 00:17:08.319 is describing, 00:17:08.440 --> 00:17:08.740 and when they 00:17:08.740 --> 00:17:09.659 had come together, 00:17:10.480 --> 00:17:11.379 they asked him, 00:17:11.500 --> 00:17:11.740 Lord, 00:17:11.859 --> 00:17:12.799 will you at this time 00:17:12.799 --> 00:17:14.059 restore the kingdom 00:17:14.059 --> 00:17:14.960 to Israel? 00:17:15.700 --> 00:17:16.399 I don't have time 00:17:16.399 --> 00:17:16.700 to do it, 00:17:16.759 --> 00:17:17.299 but Calvin 00:17:17.299 --> 00:17:18.079 in his commentary 00:17:18.079 --> 00:17:18.799 said there are 00:17:18.799 --> 00:17:20.819 as many errors 00:17:20.819 --> 00:17:22.059 in this question 00:17:22.059 --> 00:17:23.579 as there are words. 00:17:25.039 --> 00:17:26.039 And Lord, 00:17:26.119 --> 00:17:26.920 will you at this time 00:17:26.920 --> 00:17:27.740 restore the kingdom 00:17:27.740 --> 00:17:28.299 to Israel? 00:17:28.299 --> 00:17:29.519 The apostles 00:17:29.519 --> 00:17:30.839 are expecting 00:17:30.839 --> 00:17:31.859 that Jesus 00:17:31.859 --> 00:17:32.460 is just going 00:17:32.460 --> 00:17:32.940 to no longer 00:17:32.940 --> 00:17:33.419 be hidden, 00:17:33.500 --> 00:17:34.200 but break out, 00:17:34.379 --> 00:17:35.379 destroy the Romans, 00:17:35.680 --> 00:17:36.940 destroy the idols, 00:17:37.119 --> 00:17:37.879 destroy the temples, 00:17:37.960 --> 00:17:38.659 and just rule. 00:17:39.559 --> 00:17:40.440 Jesus answers 00:17:40.440 --> 00:17:41.039 like this, 00:17:41.720 --> 00:17:42.980 it is not for you 00:17:42.980 --> 00:17:43.559 to know 00:17:43.559 --> 00:17:45.099 times or seasons 00:17:45.099 --> 00:17:46.259 that the Father 00:17:46.259 --> 00:17:46.980 has fixed 00:17:46.980 --> 00:17:48.399 by his own authority, 00:17:49.039 --> 00:17:50.079 but you will receive 00:17:50.079 --> 00:17:51.659 power when the Holy Spirit 00:17:51.659 --> 00:17:53.139 has come upon you, 00:17:53.399 --> 00:17:54.559 and you will be 00:17:54.559 --> 00:17:55.379 my witnesses 00:17:55.379 --> 00:17:56.480 in Jerusalem 00:17:56.480 --> 00:17:57.919 and in all Judea 00:17:57.920 --> 00:17:59.120 and Samaria 00:17:59.120 --> 00:18:00.460 and to the end 00:18:00.460 --> 00:18:01.019 of the earth. 00:18:01.960 --> 00:18:02.960 Just want to pause 00:18:02.960 --> 00:18:03.820 here for a second. 00:18:05.240 --> 00:18:06.160 I grew up 00:18:06.160 --> 00:18:07.000 in a church background 00:18:07.000 --> 00:18:07.620 that always had 00:18:07.620 --> 00:18:08.920 prophecy conferences, 00:18:10.279 --> 00:18:12.360 and I have this 00:18:12.360 --> 00:18:13.460 really delightful man 00:18:13.460 --> 00:18:13.779 that I, 00:18:14.019 --> 00:18:14.140 you know, 00:18:14.220 --> 00:18:15.680 my real office 00:18:15.680 --> 00:18:17.060 is the second cup 00:18:17.060 --> 00:18:17.620 at the corner 00:18:17.620 --> 00:18:20.560 of Rito and Dalhousie, 00:18:20.980 --> 00:18:21.880 and there's this 00:18:21.880 --> 00:18:23.080 wonderful man, 00:18:23.440 --> 00:18:24.380 I think he works 00:18:24.380 --> 00:18:25.200 as a dishwasher, 00:18:25.800 --> 00:18:26.580 and he saw me 00:18:26.580 --> 00:18:27.360 reading my Bible, 00:18:27.359 --> 00:18:28.759 and he speaks 00:18:28.759 --> 00:18:29.439 to me every day 00:18:29.439 --> 00:18:30.839 now when he's there, 00:18:31.479 --> 00:18:34.019 and he's a very, 00:18:34.159 --> 00:18:35.039 very devout Christian. 00:18:35.279 --> 00:18:35.919 He's always, 00:18:36.259 --> 00:18:37.179 every time he reads 00:18:37.179 --> 00:18:37.479 the news, 00:18:37.539 --> 00:18:38.479 he only reads the news 00:18:38.479 --> 00:18:39.099 in terms of how 00:18:39.099 --> 00:18:39.659 it will fit in 00:18:39.659 --> 00:18:40.139 with the second 00:18:40.139 --> 00:18:40.979 coming of Christ, 00:18:41.699 --> 00:18:43.759 and I just listen 00:18:43.759 --> 00:18:44.139 to him. 00:18:44.179 --> 00:18:44.859 It's just really nice 00:18:44.859 --> 00:18:45.519 to have somebody 00:18:45.519 --> 00:18:46.500 there who, 00:18:46.559 --> 00:18:47.279 you know, 00:18:47.319 --> 00:18:48.259 who just loves Jesus, 00:18:48.599 --> 00:18:50.019 and I know he prays 00:18:50.019 --> 00:18:50.579 for me while I'm 00:18:50.579 --> 00:18:51.639 working on my sermons 00:18:51.639 --> 00:18:52.759 and stuff like that, 00:18:52.879 --> 00:18:54.419 and he's a great guy, 00:18:54.959 --> 00:18:55.879 very simple guy, 00:18:55.880 --> 00:18:56.700 but a great guy, 00:18:57.380 --> 00:18:58.760 and, you know, 00:18:58.820 --> 00:18:59.900 it is appropriate 00:18:59.900 --> 00:19:00.680 for us to do 00:19:00.680 --> 00:19:01.220 some reading 00:19:01.220 --> 00:19:01.900 and to always 00:19:01.900 --> 00:19:02.700 be reminded 00:19:02.700 --> 00:19:03.520 of the fact 00:19:03.520 --> 00:19:04.040 that Jesus 00:19:04.040 --> 00:19:05.240 will come again. 00:19:05.800 --> 00:19:06.320 It's very, 00:19:06.440 --> 00:19:06.980 very important, 00:19:07.400 --> 00:19:08.060 but at the end 00:19:08.060 --> 00:19:08.340 of the day, 00:19:08.380 --> 00:19:08.820 we don't know 00:19:08.820 --> 00:19:09.200 when he's going 00:19:09.200 --> 00:19:09.840 to come back. 00:19:10.840 --> 00:19:10.980 I mean, 00:19:11.000 --> 00:19:11.580 that's what Jesus 00:19:11.580 --> 00:19:12.240 says to us 00:19:12.240 --> 00:19:13.240 directly right here. 00:19:13.720 --> 00:19:14.860 It's not for us 00:19:14.860 --> 00:19:15.260 to know. 00:19:16.120 --> 00:19:17.100 It's not for you 00:19:17.100 --> 00:19:17.640 and me to know. 00:19:18.420 --> 00:19:18.740 I mean, 00:19:18.780 --> 00:19:19.460 it might be that 00:19:19.460 --> 00:19:20.160 before I finish 00:19:20.160 --> 00:19:20.740 this sermon, 00:19:20.900 --> 00:19:21.900 Jesus will come back. 00:19:21.980 --> 00:19:22.380 Wouldn't that 00:19:22.380 --> 00:19:23.280 be fantastic? 00:19:23.279 --> 00:19:26.139 But it might be 00:19:26.139 --> 00:19:27.740 that he will not 00:19:27.740 --> 00:19:28.960 come back for centuries. 00:19:30.039 --> 00:19:30.920 And on one level, 00:19:31.039 --> 00:19:31.779 we as Christians 00:19:31.779 --> 00:19:33.180 have to always wait. 00:19:33.660 --> 00:19:34.500 We have to always 00:19:34.500 --> 00:19:35.420 try to live our lives 00:19:35.420 --> 00:19:36.399 mindful of the fact 00:19:36.399 --> 00:19:37.200 that at any moment 00:19:37.200 --> 00:19:38.240 Jesus might return. 00:19:39.139 --> 00:19:39.940 But on the other hand, 00:19:40.000 --> 00:19:41.399 we have to plan our lives 00:19:41.399 --> 00:19:42.259 and make our lives 00:19:42.259 --> 00:19:42.599 saying, 00:19:43.099 --> 00:19:44.119 how can we pass 00:19:44.119 --> 00:19:44.899 on the gospel 00:19:44.899 --> 00:19:45.960 to our children 00:19:45.960 --> 00:19:47.599 and to our children's 00:19:47.599 --> 00:19:47.940 children 00:19:47.940 --> 00:19:49.619 and to our children's 00:19:49.619 --> 00:19:50.720 children's children? 00:19:50.720 --> 00:19:52.100 You know, 00:19:52.240 --> 00:19:53.660 and we have to both 00:19:53.660 --> 00:19:54.819 have this constant 00:19:54.819 --> 00:19:56.000 willingness to be open 00:19:56.000 --> 00:19:56.720 to the fact that 00:19:56.720 --> 00:19:57.759 Jesus might come 00:19:57.759 --> 00:19:59.019 today. 00:19:59.420 --> 00:20:00.380 And may it be so, 00:20:00.539 --> 00:20:00.740 Lord. 00:20:01.539 --> 00:20:03.160 And we also have to say, 00:20:03.720 --> 00:20:04.600 how can we, 00:20:04.740 --> 00:20:04.900 you know, 00:20:04.960 --> 00:20:05.920 what plans can we 00:20:05.920 --> 00:20:07.059 as a church be making 00:20:07.059 --> 00:20:08.480 to help communicate 00:20:08.480 --> 00:20:09.660 and send the gospel 00:20:09.660 --> 00:20:10.839 on from generation 00:20:10.839 --> 00:20:11.539 to generation 00:20:11.539 --> 00:20:12.480 and to the ends 00:20:12.480 --> 00:20:13.000 of the earth? 00:20:13.500 --> 00:20:14.460 And Jesus here 00:20:14.460 --> 00:20:14.940 has just said, 00:20:15.019 --> 00:20:15.259 you know, 00:20:15.600 --> 00:20:15.960 you know, 00:20:16.039 --> 00:20:16.460 Sinclair, 00:20:16.720 --> 00:20:17.799 you don't know 00:20:17.799 --> 00:20:18.579 when I'm going to come. 00:20:18.579 --> 00:20:20.720 So let's get upon 00:20:20.720 --> 00:20:21.259 your duty. 00:20:22.279 --> 00:20:23.779 And this text 00:20:23.779 --> 00:20:24.579 of scripture then, 00:20:24.679 --> 00:20:25.419 Jesus says, 00:20:25.919 --> 00:20:27.220 you know, 00:20:27.240 --> 00:20:27.980 you're going to receive 00:20:27.980 --> 00:20:29.539 power of the Holy Spirit. 00:20:29.899 --> 00:20:30.980 When God says 00:20:30.980 --> 00:20:31.279 that we're going 00:20:31.279 --> 00:20:32.000 to receive power, 00:20:32.099 --> 00:20:33.019 what that tells us 00:20:33.019 --> 00:20:34.099 is that we don't have 00:20:34.099 --> 00:20:34.939 enough of our own. 00:20:36.220 --> 00:20:36.819 You know, 00:20:36.980 --> 00:20:38.019 he doesn't say, 00:20:38.779 --> 00:20:39.119 gosh, 00:20:39.199 --> 00:20:40.119 look how talented 00:20:40.119 --> 00:20:41.119 Sinclair is 00:20:41.119 --> 00:20:42.079 and look how talented 00:20:42.079 --> 00:20:43.559 the people of St. Albans are. 00:20:44.000 --> 00:20:45.199 Let's give them a task 00:20:45.199 --> 00:20:46.019 they can accomplish 00:20:46.019 --> 00:20:46.899 by themselves. 00:20:46.900 --> 00:20:48.840 In a sense, 00:20:48.960 --> 00:20:49.680 Jesus doesn't even 00:20:49.680 --> 00:20:50.440 pay any attention 00:20:50.440 --> 00:20:50.960 to that. 00:20:51.660 --> 00:20:52.240 He says, 00:20:53.000 --> 00:20:54.740 George and the people 00:20:54.740 --> 00:20:55.460 of St. Albans, 00:20:55.580 --> 00:20:56.800 I want you to fast 00:20:56.800 --> 00:20:57.360 and pray 00:20:57.360 --> 00:20:57.920 and I want you 00:20:57.920 --> 00:20:58.900 to read my word 00:20:58.900 --> 00:21:00.040 and I want you 00:21:00.040 --> 00:21:00.740 to be open 00:21:00.740 --> 00:21:03.180 to whatever big goals 00:21:03.180 --> 00:21:04.400 and big projects 00:21:04.400 --> 00:21:05.400 I want to give you 00:21:05.400 --> 00:21:06.080 and I want you 00:21:06.080 --> 00:21:07.300 to seek my will 00:21:07.300 --> 00:21:09.320 and then I want you 00:21:09.320 --> 00:21:10.400 to step out in faith 00:21:10.400 --> 00:21:10.900 and do it 00:21:10.900 --> 00:21:11.580 because you know what? 00:21:12.000 --> 00:21:12.700 I'm always going 00:21:12.700 --> 00:21:13.420 to give you something. 00:21:13.540 --> 00:21:14.200 If you're listening 00:21:14.200 --> 00:21:15.040 and if you're obedient, 00:21:15.200 --> 00:21:15.740 I'm always going 00:21:15.740 --> 00:21:16.420 to give you something 00:21:16.420 --> 00:21:17.480 more than your power 00:21:17.480 --> 00:21:19.220 and more than your wealth 00:21:19.220 --> 00:21:20.960 and more than your time 00:21:20.960 --> 00:21:22.279 and more than your numbers, 00:21:22.420 --> 00:21:23.220 I'm always going 00:21:23.220 --> 00:21:23.900 to give you stuff 00:21:23.900 --> 00:21:24.500 like that 00:21:24.500 --> 00:21:26.039 because I don't want you 00:21:26.039 --> 00:21:27.539 to rely upon your own power. 00:21:27.660 --> 00:21:28.300 I want you 00:21:28.300 --> 00:21:29.600 to rely upon me. 00:21:30.539 --> 00:21:31.360 That's what God 00:21:31.360 --> 00:21:31.980 keeps saying. 00:21:32.100 --> 00:21:32.720 I want you 00:21:32.720 --> 00:21:34.019 to rely upon me. 00:21:34.960 --> 00:21:35.200 You know, 00:21:35.279 --> 00:21:35.840 you folks, 00:21:35.980 --> 00:21:37.220 you don't need more of me. 00:21:37.300 --> 00:21:38.259 You need more of Jesus. 00:21:38.620 --> 00:21:39.720 You don't need more of me. 00:21:39.820 --> 00:21:40.779 You need more of the Father. 00:21:40.900 --> 00:21:41.960 You don't need more of me. 00:21:42.000 --> 00:21:43.200 You need more of the promise 00:21:43.200 --> 00:21:43.800 of the Father, 00:21:43.880 --> 00:21:44.720 the Holy Spirit. 00:21:44.720 --> 00:21:46.480 And you don't need 00:21:46.480 --> 00:21:47.259 more of each other. 00:21:47.339 --> 00:21:48.240 You need more of God. 00:21:49.380 --> 00:21:50.100 And so, 00:21:50.519 --> 00:21:51.600 you know, 00:21:52.140 --> 00:21:54.240 when the word power 00:21:54.240 --> 00:21:54.980 here is used, 00:21:55.140 --> 00:21:56.039 Jesus is saying, 00:21:56.600 --> 00:21:58.960 God can give you 00:21:58.960 --> 00:21:59.779 the resources. 00:22:00.140 --> 00:22:00.960 He can give you 00:22:00.960 --> 00:22:01.779 the power 00:22:01.779 --> 00:22:03.059 to accomplish 00:22:03.059 --> 00:22:04.400 his projects. 00:22:04.779 --> 00:22:06.120 And his projects 00:22:06.120 --> 00:22:07.120 and his will 00:22:07.120 --> 00:22:08.000 is always going 00:22:08.000 --> 00:22:08.579 to be beyond 00:22:08.579 --> 00:22:09.299 your power. 00:22:09.299 --> 00:22:11.460 get on your knees. 00:22:12.899 --> 00:22:13.639 You know, 00:22:13.819 --> 00:22:15.299 get on your knees. 00:22:15.539 --> 00:22:16.480 That's what the text 00:22:16.480 --> 00:22:17.419 is saying to me 00:22:17.419 --> 00:22:18.599 and to you. 00:22:18.799 --> 00:22:20.000 Get on our knees. 00:22:20.579 --> 00:22:21.279 And the other thing 00:22:21.279 --> 00:22:22.180 which is so wonderful 00:22:22.180 --> 00:22:23.019 about this text 00:22:23.019 --> 00:22:24.000 is that we're called 00:22:24.000 --> 00:22:25.159 to be witnesses. 00:22:26.299 --> 00:22:27.559 To be witnesses. 00:22:28.039 --> 00:22:28.759 That's really, 00:22:28.879 --> 00:22:30.079 really a wonderful thing. 00:22:30.579 --> 00:22:30.859 You know, 00:22:30.919 --> 00:22:31.740 because some of us 00:22:31.740 --> 00:22:33.519 aren't very philosophically inclined 00:22:33.519 --> 00:22:34.259 and some of us 00:22:34.259 --> 00:22:34.759 aren't very, 00:22:34.900 --> 00:22:36.160 very good at archaeology 00:22:36.160 --> 00:22:36.920 and some of us 00:22:36.920 --> 00:22:37.660 don't know Greek. 00:22:37.960 --> 00:22:38.920 Probably none of us 00:22:38.920 --> 00:22:39.639 other than Dave 00:22:39.639 --> 00:22:40.379 knows Greek. 00:22:41.160 --> 00:22:41.799 And, you know, 00:22:41.839 --> 00:22:42.660 none of us maybe 00:22:42.660 --> 00:22:43.599 are really good at this 00:22:43.599 --> 00:22:44.500 and really good at that 00:22:44.500 --> 00:22:45.259 but, you know, 00:22:45.319 --> 00:22:46.480 all of us can say, 00:22:47.119 --> 00:22:50.079 this is who Jesus is. 00:22:51.240 --> 00:22:52.279 This is what he wants 00:22:52.279 --> 00:22:52.859 to do for you. 00:22:52.920 --> 00:22:53.079 Like, 00:22:53.139 --> 00:22:54.400 all of us can be witnesses. 00:22:55.680 --> 00:22:57.059 And not only 00:22:57.059 --> 00:22:58.119 can we all be witnesses 00:22:58.119 --> 00:22:59.119 but this text 00:22:59.119 --> 00:23:00.039 is in a sense 00:23:00.039 --> 00:23:01.160 also causing us 00:23:01.160 --> 00:23:01.400 saying, 00:23:01.400 --> 00:23:03.019 God wants to keep 00:23:03.019 --> 00:23:03.940 kicking you out 00:23:03.940 --> 00:23:04.640 of the church. 00:23:05.560 --> 00:23:06.480 Because as I've said, 00:23:06.620 --> 00:23:07.140 some of you 00:23:07.140 --> 00:23:08.380 who are regular members here, 00:23:08.540 --> 00:23:09.540 you're maybe familiar 00:23:09.540 --> 00:23:10.460 with this line of me, 00:23:10.540 --> 00:23:11.200 is that Christianity 00:23:11.200 --> 00:23:13.920 is not a come-to religion 00:23:13.920 --> 00:23:16.080 but a go-to faith. 00:23:17.420 --> 00:23:18.740 Christianity is not, 00:23:19.140 --> 00:23:20.300 let's get things 00:23:20.300 --> 00:23:21.759 inside these walls 00:23:21.759 --> 00:23:23.280 the way we like them 00:23:23.280 --> 00:23:25.300 and then we can just wonder 00:23:25.300 --> 00:23:26.640 when people are going to come. 00:23:27.660 --> 00:23:29.320 That's not what Christianity is. 00:23:29.420 --> 00:23:30.420 Christianity is not 00:23:30.420 --> 00:23:31.380 a come-to religion 00:23:31.380 --> 00:23:32.640 but a go-to faith 00:23:32.640 --> 00:23:34.200 where we are to take, 00:23:34.519 --> 00:23:35.480 we are to think 00:23:35.480 --> 00:23:36.380 of those first 00:23:36.380 --> 00:23:36.920 and second 00:23:36.920 --> 00:23:38.000 and third steps 00:23:38.000 --> 00:23:39.279 that we are to make 00:23:39.279 --> 00:23:40.080 to our neighbours. 00:23:40.759 --> 00:23:41.480 And not only 00:23:41.480 --> 00:23:42.200 to our neighbours 00:23:42.200 --> 00:23:43.000 but our neighbours 00:23:43.000 --> 00:23:43.720 in Toronto 00:23:43.720 --> 00:23:44.779 and our neighbours 00:23:44.779 --> 00:23:45.660 in Vancouver 00:23:45.660 --> 00:23:46.860 and our neighbours 00:23:46.860 --> 00:23:47.660 in Asia 00:23:47.660 --> 00:23:48.680 and our neighbours 00:23:48.680 --> 00:23:49.539 in Africa. 00:23:50.039 --> 00:23:50.759 We are to take, 00:23:50.920 --> 00:23:51.560 we are to think 00:23:51.560 --> 00:23:52.180 through and pray 00:23:52.180 --> 00:23:53.420 through those first steps 00:23:53.420 --> 00:23:54.860 towards our Muslim neighbours 00:23:54.860 --> 00:23:56.279 or our Buddhist neighbours 00:23:56.279 --> 00:23:58.220 or the Goths 00:23:58.220 --> 00:23:59.180 or the people 00:23:59.180 --> 00:24:00.299 who have lots of metal 00:24:00.299 --> 00:24:01.920 stuck in inappropriate places 00:24:01.920 --> 00:24:02.680 in their bodies 00:24:02.680 --> 00:24:03.980 at least for some of us 00:24:03.980 --> 00:24:05.680 old people like me 00:24:05.680 --> 00:24:08.059 and we are not to say 00:24:08.059 --> 00:24:08.960 when on earth 00:24:08.960 --> 00:24:09.620 are they going to come 00:24:09.620 --> 00:24:10.259 to their senses 00:24:10.259 --> 00:24:11.039 and come to us. 00:24:11.120 --> 00:24:11.860 That's the mindset 00:24:11.860 --> 00:24:13.880 of a come-to religion. 00:24:14.759 --> 00:24:15.900 Jesus calls us 00:24:15.900 --> 00:24:17.620 to a go-to faith 00:24:17.619 --> 00:24:19.959 and maybe in many cases 00:24:19.959 --> 00:24:22.099 it calls us 00:24:22.099 --> 00:24:22.919 to begin to pray 00:24:22.919 --> 00:24:24.279 for our Muslim mechanic 00:24:24.279 --> 00:24:25.799 and our Buddhist doctor 00:24:25.799 --> 00:24:27.099 and the Goth 00:24:27.099 --> 00:24:28.219 who serves us coffee 00:24:28.219 --> 00:24:29.099 at the Starbucks 00:24:29.099 --> 00:24:31.559 and that maybe God 00:24:31.559 --> 00:24:32.179 is saying 00:24:32.179 --> 00:24:33.159 you know what George 00:24:33.159 --> 00:24:34.479 I've called you 00:24:34.479 --> 00:24:35.239 to that mechanic 00:24:35.239 --> 00:24:36.079 and that doctor 00:24:36.079 --> 00:24:37.319 and to go to that coffee place 00:24:37.319 --> 00:24:38.079 so you can begin 00:24:38.079 --> 00:24:39.000 to pray for them 00:24:39.000 --> 00:24:40.559 that they will come 00:24:40.559 --> 00:24:41.259 to know Jesus 00:24:41.259 --> 00:24:44.179 and maybe as we are praying 00:24:44.179 --> 00:24:45.219 about how they can 00:24:45.219 --> 00:24:46.239 come to know Jesus 00:24:46.240 --> 00:24:47.720 then maybe he's going 00:24:47.720 --> 00:24:48.380 to convict you 00:24:48.380 --> 00:24:49.859 of some big hairy goal 00:24:49.859 --> 00:24:52.039 or some brand new thing 00:24:52.039 --> 00:24:52.779 that we can do 00:24:52.779 --> 00:24:53.920 that's well beyond 00:24:53.920 --> 00:24:54.579 our power 00:24:54.579 --> 00:24:56.519 and then you know folks 00:24:56.519 --> 00:24:58.740 we're to roll up 00:24:58.740 --> 00:24:59.319 our sleeves 00:24:59.319 --> 00:25:00.259 and get on our knees 00:25:00.259 --> 00:25:01.339 and say okay God 00:25:01.339 --> 00:25:03.799 let's try to do this 00:25:03.799 --> 00:25:05.120 because we can't do it 00:25:05.120 --> 00:25:05.980 in our own strength. 00:25:08.680 --> 00:25:10.079 So that's what Jesus says 00:25:10.079 --> 00:25:11.079 you're to be my witnesses 00:25:11.079 --> 00:25:11.819 in Jerusalem 00:25:11.819 --> 00:25:12.960 and in all Judea 00:25:12.960 --> 00:25:13.640 and Samaria 00:25:13.640 --> 00:25:14.799 and to the end of the earth 00:25:14.799 --> 00:25:16.819 and when he had said 00:25:16.819 --> 00:25:17.460 these things 00:25:17.460 --> 00:25:18.599 as they were looking on 00:25:18.599 --> 00:25:19.940 he was lifted up 00:25:19.940 --> 00:25:21.220 and a cloud 00:25:21.220 --> 00:25:23.159 took him out of their sight 00:25:23.159 --> 00:25:25.019 the cloud in a sense 00:25:25.019 --> 00:25:26.019 it's an image 00:25:26.019 --> 00:25:27.399 of the Shekinah glory 00:25:27.399 --> 00:25:28.839 of the Old Testament 00:25:28.839 --> 00:25:30.599 it is an image 00:25:30.599 --> 00:25:31.619 of Jesus 00:25:31.619 --> 00:25:33.460 entering into God's glory 00:25:33.460 --> 00:25:34.460 and at the same time 00:25:34.460 --> 00:25:35.680 the fact that 00:25:35.680 --> 00:25:36.419 the cloud 00:25:36.419 --> 00:25:38.159 after Jesus 00:25:38.159 --> 00:25:38.619 has reached 00:25:38.619 --> 00:25:39.700 a certain point 00:25:39.700 --> 00:25:40.919 blocks our sight 00:25:40.919 --> 00:25:41.480 of him 00:25:41.480 --> 00:25:43.599 and while they were 00:25:43.599 --> 00:25:44.599 gazing into heaven 00:25:44.599 --> 00:25:45.240 as he went 00:25:45.240 --> 00:25:46.440 behold two men 00:25:46.440 --> 00:25:47.319 they're both angels 00:25:47.319 --> 00:25:48.120 stood by them 00:25:48.120 --> 00:25:48.839 in white robes 00:25:48.839 --> 00:25:49.279 and said 00:25:49.279 --> 00:25:50.660 men of Galilee 00:25:50.660 --> 00:25:52.360 why do you stand 00:25:52.360 --> 00:25:53.299 looking into heaven 00:25:53.299 --> 00:25:54.500 this Jesus 00:25:54.500 --> 00:25:55.500 who has taken up 00:25:55.500 --> 00:25:56.019 from you 00:25:56.019 --> 00:25:57.000 into heaven 00:25:57.000 --> 00:25:58.180 will come 00:25:58.180 --> 00:25:59.680 in the same way 00:25:59.680 --> 00:26:01.259 as you saw him 00:26:01.259 --> 00:26:02.440 go into heaven 00:26:02.440 --> 00:26:04.240 later on in the liturgy 00:26:04.240 --> 00:26:05.180 folks we're going to say 00:26:05.180 --> 00:26:06.400 Christ has died 00:26:06.400 --> 00:26:07.779 Christ has risen 00:26:07.779 --> 00:26:09.620 Christ will come again 00:26:09.619 --> 00:26:12.179 and just as Jesus Christ 00:26:12.179 --> 00:26:13.099 came and walked 00:26:13.099 --> 00:26:13.879 amongst us 00:26:13.879 --> 00:26:16.439 and in a physical form 00:26:16.439 --> 00:26:17.339 and just as 00:26:17.339 --> 00:26:18.599 after he had tasted 00:26:18.599 --> 00:26:19.339 all there is 00:26:19.339 --> 00:26:20.239 to taste of death 00:26:20.239 --> 00:26:21.719 he rose triumphant 00:26:21.719 --> 00:26:23.079 over sin and death 00:26:23.079 --> 00:26:24.479 and the evil one 00:26:24.479 --> 00:26:25.119 and he ate 00:26:25.119 --> 00:26:25.959 with the disciples 00:26:25.959 --> 00:26:26.779 and he talked 00:26:26.779 --> 00:26:27.539 to the disciples 00:26:27.539 --> 00:26:28.299 and the disciples 00:26:28.299 --> 00:26:29.639 touched him 00:26:29.639 --> 00:26:30.619 and he ascended 00:26:30.619 --> 00:26:31.739 bodily into heaven 00:26:31.739 --> 00:26:33.079 Christ has died 00:26:33.079 --> 00:26:34.019 Christ has risen 00:26:34.019 --> 00:26:35.419 Christ will come again 00:26:35.419 --> 00:26:36.259 someday 00:26:36.259 --> 00:26:37.179 the same Jesus 00:26:37.179 --> 00:26:37.939 will return 00:26:37.940 --> 00:26:39.779 may it be today 00:26:39.779 --> 00:26:41.279 let us pray 00:26:41.279 --> 00:26:59.920 Jesus we thank 00:26:59.920 --> 00:27:00.640 and praise you 00:27:00.640 --> 00:27:01.519 that out of love 00:27:01.519 --> 00:27:01.960 for us 00:27:01.960 --> 00:27:02.620 you set aside 00:27:02.620 --> 00:27:03.180 your glory 00:27:03.180 --> 00:27:04.240 and your splendor 00:27:04.240 --> 00:27:05.460 out of love 00:27:05.460 --> 00:27:05.840 for us 00:27:05.840 --> 00:27:06.480 you set all 00:27:06.480 --> 00:27:07.200 of that aside 00:27:07.200 --> 00:27:08.480 and took upon yourself 00:27:08.480 --> 00:27:09.880 the humble form 00:27:09.880 --> 00:27:10.500 of a servant 00:27:10.500 --> 00:27:13.080 that you took upon yourself 00:27:13.080 --> 00:27:14.200 our human nature 00:27:14.200 --> 00:27:15.700 and walked amongst us 00:27:15.700 --> 00:27:17.559 we thank and praise you 00:27:17.559 --> 00:27:17.940 Jesus 00:27:17.940 --> 00:27:18.799 that you tasted 00:27:18.799 --> 00:27:19.940 all there is to taste 00:27:19.940 --> 00:27:20.740 of suffering 00:27:20.740 --> 00:27:21.640 and trials 00:27:21.640 --> 00:27:22.680 and temptations 00:27:22.680 --> 00:27:24.940 only you never lost 00:27:24.940 --> 00:27:25.880 perfect communion 00:27:25.880 --> 00:27:26.640 with the Father 00:27:26.640 --> 00:27:28.360 you never disobeyed him 00:27:28.360 --> 00:27:29.819 you never rebelled 00:27:29.819 --> 00:27:31.120 against the Holy Spirit 00:27:31.120 --> 00:27:33.160 but in all of your trials 00:27:33.160 --> 00:27:34.039 and temptations 00:27:34.039 --> 00:27:34.940 and sufferings 00:27:34.940 --> 00:27:35.539 you remained 00:27:35.539 --> 00:27:36.279 in obedience 00:27:36.279 --> 00:27:37.759 to the Father 00:27:37.759 --> 00:27:38.779 and open 00:27:38.779 --> 00:27:39.519 to the moving 00:27:39.519 --> 00:27:41.000 of the Holy Spirit 00:27:41.000 --> 00:27:42.700 we give you thanks 00:27:42.700 --> 00:27:43.519 and praise Jesus 00:27:43.519 --> 00:27:44.859 that you died upon the cross 00:27:44.859 --> 00:27:45.759 and on the cross 00:27:45.759 --> 00:27:46.299 you bore 00:27:46.299 --> 00:27:47.119 in your body 00:27:47.119 --> 00:27:47.980 and in your person 00:27:47.980 --> 00:27:49.740 all of my sins 00:27:49.740 --> 00:27:50.539 and the sins 00:27:50.539 --> 00:27:51.059 of the people 00:27:51.059 --> 00:27:51.740 in this room 00:27:51.740 --> 00:27:52.779 and the sins 00:27:52.779 --> 00:27:53.659 of the whole world 00:27:53.659 --> 00:27:55.440 all that separates us 00:27:55.440 --> 00:27:56.220 from the Father 00:27:56.220 --> 00:27:56.920 you bore 00:27:56.920 --> 00:27:58.039 in your body 00:27:58.039 --> 00:27:59.099 and in your person 00:27:59.099 --> 00:28:00.920 we thank and praise you 00:28:00.920 --> 00:28:01.200 Jesus 00:28:01.200 --> 00:28:02.079 that you did this 00:28:02.079 --> 00:28:03.339 out of love for us 00:28:03.339 --> 00:28:04.679 and that out of love for us 00:28:04.679 --> 00:28:05.899 you tasted all there is 00:28:05.899 --> 00:28:06.799 to taste of death 00:28:06.799 --> 00:28:08.839 and that out of love for us 00:28:08.839 --> 00:28:10.559 you rose triumphant 00:28:10.559 --> 00:28:11.879 over sin and death 00:28:11.879 --> 00:28:12.879 and the evil one 00:28:12.879 --> 00:28:14.659 on Easter Sunday 00:28:14.659 --> 00:28:16.379 we thank and praise you 00:28:16.379 --> 00:28:17.459 that out of love for us 00:28:17.459 --> 00:28:18.659 you taught the apostles 00:28:18.659 --> 00:28:20.359 and convinced them 00:28:20.359 --> 00:28:21.639 of your triumph 00:28:21.639 --> 00:28:23.480 we thank and praise you 00:28:23.480 --> 00:28:23.799 Jesus 00:28:23.799 --> 00:28:25.339 that out of love for us 00:28:25.339 --> 00:28:26.599 the Holy Spirit 00:28:26.599 --> 00:28:27.339 is sent abroad 00:28:27.339 --> 00:28:28.139 into the world 00:28:28.139 --> 00:28:29.240 and abroad 00:28:29.240 --> 00:28:30.439 into our hearts 00:28:30.439 --> 00:28:31.519 teaching us 00:28:31.519 --> 00:28:33.059 to say yes to Jesus 00:28:33.059 --> 00:28:35.400 yes to his triumph 00:28:35.400 --> 00:28:36.059 and victory 00:28:36.059 --> 00:28:37.980 yes to him as Savior 00:28:37.980 --> 00:28:39.799 yes to him as Lord 00:28:39.799 --> 00:28:42.500 loving Father 00:28:42.500 --> 00:28:44.240 may you send your promise 00:28:44.240 --> 00:28:45.220 upon us more 00:28:45.220 --> 00:28:46.200 and more and more 00:28:46.200 --> 00:28:48.079 that all that we are 00:28:48.079 --> 00:28:49.660 might be one yes to you 00:28:49.660 --> 00:28:51.680 in Jesus' name we pray 00:28:51.680 --> 00:28:52.680 Amen 00:28:52.680 --> 00:29:07.960 which are will be a 00:29:08.360 --> 00:29:09.299 God bless you 00:29:09.299 --> 00:29:09.560 thank Sah الله 00:29:09.560 --> 00:29:09.820 is spared