WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.560 Well, good morning, church. Let me invite you to turn to Acts chapter 4, verses 1 through 22, 00:00:07.560 --> 00:00:14.759 ! as we continue our series in the book of Acts today. That is page 857 or 868 in the pew Bible, 00:00:14.759 --> 00:00:21.760 depending on which edition you have. Acts chapter 4. So we're picking up in the middle of the story. 00:00:22.080 --> 00:00:28.000 Last week we saw in chapter 3 how the risen and ascended Jesus performed a miracle through Peter 00:00:28.000 --> 00:00:33.600 and John by healing a man who had been lame since birth. Then in the rest of chapter 3, Peter went 00:00:33.600 --> 00:00:38.799 on to explain the significance of this event, this healing. And the significance was this, that the 00:00:38.799 --> 00:00:43.920 crucified and risen Jesus was indeed the Messiah, the one appointed by God to bring about the restoration 00:00:43.920 --> 00:00:50.120 of all things, and that the healing of this man was a sign confirming the truth of what the apostles 00:00:50.120 --> 00:00:57.760 were teaching about Jesus. Now chapter 4 continues the story of that day in the temple courts. What 00:00:57.759 --> 00:01:04.480 happens when the ruling authorities start to catch wind of what the apostles are teaching? What happens 00:01:04.480 --> 00:01:12.000 when the message about Jesus reaches the ears of the powers that be? All right, well, let me pray for us, 00:01:12.640 --> 00:01:17.599 and then I'll read our text. Father, we thank you that we get to come to your word this morning, 00:01:18.799 --> 00:01:26.719 this life-giving word that for generation after generation has proclaimed your saving power in Christ our 00:01:26.719 --> 00:01:34.000 Lord. Lord, we ask for the Spirit's help this morning. Lord, that we would be able to truly hear 00:01:35.039 --> 00:01:42.560 what it is you are saying to us, and that in hearing we would believe, we would respond in repentance and 00:01:42.560 --> 00:01:49.200 faith, and that we would glorify and worship you with our whole lives. Father, we ask this in the mighty 00:01:49.200 --> 00:01:57.760 name of Jesus. Amen. All right, Acts 4, 1 through 22. And they, oh, sorry, and as they, that is Peter and John, 00:01:57.760 --> 00:02:03.040 as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon 00:02:03.040 --> 00:02:09.840 them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from 00:02:09.840 --> 00:02:15.360 the dead. And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already 00:02:15.360 --> 00:02:20.879 evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about 00:02:20.879 --> 00:02:26.640 five thousand. On the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem 00:02:26.640 --> 00:02:31.360 with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander and all who were of the high priestly family. 00:02:31.360 --> 00:02:39.040 And when they had set them in their midst, they inquired, By what power or by what name did you do this? 00:02:40.320 --> 00:02:44.400 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people and elders, 00:02:45.520 --> 00:02:51.840 if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has 00:02:51.840 --> 00:02:58.320 been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus 00:02:58.319 --> 00:03:05.599 Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man is standing 00:03:05.599 --> 00:03:12.959 before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the 00:03:12.959 --> 00:03:19.680 cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men 00:03:19.680 --> 00:03:29.200 by which we must be saved. Now, when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceived that they 00:03:29.200 --> 00:03:36.640 were uneducated, common men, they were astonished and they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 00:03:38.159 --> 00:03:41.920 But seeing the man who was healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 00:03:42.800 --> 00:03:46.400 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, saying, 00:03:46.400 --> 00:03:50.000 what should we do with these men? For that a notable sign has been performed through them 00:03:50.000 --> 00:03:54.400 as evidence to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. But in order that it may 00:03:54.400 --> 00:03:58.800 spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name. 00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:04.560 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 00:04:05.599 --> 00:04:11.520 But Peter and John answered them, whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you 00:04:11.520 --> 00:04:17.280 rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard. 00:04:18.879 --> 00:04:23.199 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them because 00:04:23.199 --> 00:04:28.400 of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened, for the man on whom this sign of healing 00:04:28.400 --> 00:04:38.319 was performed was more than forty years old." So apparently there was an English bishop who once complained, 00:04:38.319 --> 00:04:43.360 he complained that he didn't seem to be having the same impact as the first apostles. 00:04:45.360 --> 00:04:51.680 Everywhere they went, he said, there was a riot. Everywhere I go, they serve tea. 00:04:54.480 --> 00:04:59.120 How about us today? What sort of impact does our message in our life together have? 00:05:00.719 --> 00:05:06.959 The earliest Christian movement was full of a message so dynamic and so transformative 00:05:06.959 --> 00:05:11.039 that when it came into contact with the status quo, with the powers that be, 00:05:11.039 --> 00:05:17.120 with the ones who were kind of comfortably in charge, there was resistance, there was opposition. 00:05:18.159 --> 00:05:27.359 At times there was a riot. Why? What was it about the Christian message that made it so disruptive? 00:05:27.360 --> 00:05:36.800 Well, part of the message that made it disruptive then and that still makes it disruptive today is what we find in verse 12. 00:05:37.680 --> 00:05:39.920 Look again at this verse in the very middle of our passage. 00:05:40.800 --> 00:05:47.280 According to the apostles, Jesus is the world's only savior. 00:05:47.279 --> 00:05:50.719 There is salvation in no one else. 00:05:50.719 --> 00:05:57.119 For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. 00:05:59.599 --> 00:06:03.599 Now, I want to spend some time this morning unpacking that central verse. 00:06:04.799 --> 00:06:11.519 And after we unpack it, then I want to walk briefly through the rest of the passage and look at some applications that this text has for us today. 00:06:11.519 --> 00:06:18.240 So we have a really kind of simple outline this morning. We're going to look at verse 12 and then we're going to walk through the passage and apply it. 00:06:18.240 --> 00:06:18.479 Okay? 00:06:19.919 --> 00:06:21.279 So, verse 12. 00:06:22.479 --> 00:06:30.000 Look, I think we have to admit, right, that at first this verse strikes us as incredibly challenging, does it not? 00:06:30.959 --> 00:06:36.799 Because it is saying in no uncertain terms that Jesus is the world's only savior. There is salvation in no one else. 00:06:38.079 --> 00:06:41.039 Now, there might be some helpful teaching. There might be some good advice. 00:06:41.040 --> 00:06:45.760 There might be some practical wisdom in other teachers and other philosophers and other world views. 00:06:45.760 --> 00:06:49.280 But there is salvation only in Jesus. 00:06:51.600 --> 00:06:57.920 Now, that, of course, runs right up against the religious pluralism of our day, doesn't it? 00:06:58.960 --> 00:07:04.320 We like to think that there are many paths up the mountain, as it were, right? 00:07:05.040 --> 00:07:10.240 And that if someone is sincere and if someone is well-meaning, then they'll eventually get to the top, right? 00:07:11.040 --> 00:07:14.719 There isn't one way. There are many right ways. 00:07:14.720 --> 00:07:21.760 But I think we have to examine that belief for a second that we have. 00:07:23.280 --> 00:07:30.640 Let's examine that belief for a second. Let's examine the belief that there are many paths and that they all lead to the same place if you're sincere and well-meaning. 00:07:30.639 --> 00:07:43.719 I think, first, it's worth pointing out that that belief is itself a particular and even exclusive belief. 00:07:43.720 --> 00:07:50.600 I think it was Leslie Newbigin who pointed this out with particular power. 00:07:51.320 --> 00:08:01.120 Leslie Newbigin was a 20th century theologian and missionary, and he spent a lot of time on the mission field and then came back to the West and realized that the West was also a mission field. 00:08:01.120 --> 00:08:05.280 And Newbigin said, you know, he said, here's what we tend to think. 00:08:06.019 --> 00:08:16.240 He said, in our pluralistic society, we tend to think that the different world religions and different life philosophies are all sort of grappling different aspects of the same reality, 00:08:16.399 --> 00:08:20.379 but that none of them can claim to grasp ultimate truth. 00:08:20.780 --> 00:08:26.560 He said, we sort of think that we're all kind of like blind men grabbing different parts of an elephant, right? 00:08:26.560 --> 00:08:32.059 One of them grabs the leg and says, oh, absolute truth is a tree, right? 00:08:32.340 --> 00:08:36.159 One of them grabs the trunk and says, oh, this animal must be a snake, right? 00:08:36.639 --> 00:08:39.179 One of them grabs the tail and says, oh, no, it's a rope. 00:08:40.200 --> 00:08:43.399 But, of course, none of them grasps the whole truth. 00:08:43.519 --> 00:08:45.759 None of them sees the truth absolutely. 00:08:47.320 --> 00:08:49.960 And that's how it is with different religions, different worldviews. 00:08:49.980 --> 00:08:52.220 They all see only part of the truth. 00:08:52.320 --> 00:08:54.220 Newbigin says that's how we tend to think. 00:08:54.220 --> 00:08:58.080 And at first that sounds kind of plausible, right? 00:08:58.120 --> 00:08:59.040 It sounds kind of nice. 00:09:00.220 --> 00:09:02.779 Makes some sense to us today. 00:09:04.879 --> 00:09:06.240 But here's the problem. 00:09:09.379 --> 00:09:13.460 That whole picture, that kind of metaphor, it assumes something. 00:09:14.840 --> 00:09:22.960 It assumes that you, that you actually can see absolute truth, doesn't it? 00:09:24.220 --> 00:09:31.700 That you, the religious pluralist, are able to step back and see the whole picture as it really is. 00:09:33.060 --> 00:09:38.300 You can see the whole elephant, and you can see those blind men trying to grasp it. 00:09:39.779 --> 00:09:42.759 You claim to see the whole mountain that those paths are trying to climb. 00:09:42.759 --> 00:09:49.159 In fact, you claim to have the ultimate view that takes it all in. 00:09:49.840 --> 00:09:52.139 The view that is really true for everyone. 00:09:54.740 --> 00:09:55.799 So you see what that means? 00:09:57.159 --> 00:10:01.539 It means that the kind of pluralist view, that at first sounds kind of broad and inclusive at first, 00:10:02.539 --> 00:10:06.620 actually does the very same thing that other religions and philosophies, 00:10:06.620 --> 00:10:10.139 according to the pluralist, can't and shouldn't do, right? 00:10:10.759 --> 00:10:13.639 The pluralist view is making an absolute claim. 00:10:16.000 --> 00:10:16.399 Right? 00:10:16.539 --> 00:10:17.060 Do you see that? 00:10:20.019 --> 00:10:24.399 And it means that the pluralist view and the Christian view are actually doing the same thing. 00:10:24.740 --> 00:10:26.779 They're both making an absolute claim to reality. 00:10:26.779 --> 00:10:32.019 And that claim to reality inevitably excludes other views. 00:10:32.620 --> 00:10:33.220 Think about it. 00:10:33.860 --> 00:10:35.019 If you say to me, 00:10:35.679 --> 00:10:40.339 hey, did you hear that the Brewers won the series against the Dodgers? 00:10:41.439 --> 00:10:42.740 And I say to you, 00:10:43.279 --> 00:10:43.899 no, no. 00:10:44.860 --> 00:10:48.459 I believe all the teams won the series against the Dodgers. 00:10:48.460 --> 00:10:54.480 Like, both of our views exclude the other, right? 00:10:55.060 --> 00:10:58.259 They're both kind of narrow and exclusive in their own way 00:10:58.259 --> 00:11:01.540 because they're both making a claim to what's really real. 00:11:03.240 --> 00:11:04.460 Now, why am I saying all this? 00:11:04.540 --> 00:11:08.320 I'm saying all this because as we come to a text like Acts 4, 00:11:08.480 --> 00:11:11.320 we can't just dismiss Christianity out of hand by saying, 00:11:11.440 --> 00:11:12.460 oh, it's so narrow and exclusive. 00:11:13.120 --> 00:11:16.019 Every view of reality excludes some other views. 00:11:16.120 --> 00:11:17.600 We're all kind of exclusive in that sense. 00:11:17.600 --> 00:11:18.379 We have to be. 00:11:18.980 --> 00:11:20.860 And the real problem with the pluralist view 00:11:20.860 --> 00:11:23.740 that we all sort of have this default in, in our culture, 00:11:24.139 --> 00:11:27.019 is that honestly, it's a bit narrow and exclusive 00:11:27.019 --> 00:11:29.340 without even realizing it and without even admitting it. 00:11:31.000 --> 00:11:33.259 It's fine if you want to think that all religions 00:11:33.259 --> 00:11:34.820 are blindly grasping an elephant 00:11:34.820 --> 00:11:36.779 or charting a different path up a mountain. 00:11:37.300 --> 00:11:39.659 But you have to also admit that when you claim that, 00:11:39.800 --> 00:11:42.279 you are claiming to have the God's eye view of everything, 00:11:42.980 --> 00:11:44.399 just like the other religions are. 00:11:45.120 --> 00:11:45.259 No? 00:11:45.259 --> 00:11:45.319 No? 00:11:47.120 --> 00:11:48.399 Okay, so with that being said, 00:11:49.519 --> 00:11:51.939 what are the apostles claiming here in Acts 4? 00:11:53.399 --> 00:11:53.840 Why? 00:11:54.000 --> 00:11:55.939 Why are they willing to say 00:11:55.939 --> 00:11:59.659 that there is salvation in no one else but in Jesus alone? 00:11:59.860 --> 00:12:02.039 Why do they make that particular claim? 00:12:02.759 --> 00:12:04.759 And why should we consider it this morning? 00:12:04.759 --> 00:12:10.460 Well, this idea that there is salvation in Jesus alone 00:12:10.460 --> 00:12:14.639 is what's sometimes called in theology the exclusivity of Christ. 00:12:15.220 --> 00:12:18.659 Now, what does one mean by that phrase, the exclusivity of Christ? 00:12:18.700 --> 00:12:21.700 We have to be really careful because it does not mean 00:12:21.700 --> 00:12:25.620 that Jesus is a Savior for some people and not for others, 00:12:26.399 --> 00:12:29.480 that Jesus sort of excludes people by who He is. 00:12:29.480 --> 00:12:31.720 That's not what we mean by the exclusivity of Christ. 00:12:31.820 --> 00:12:34.100 Rather, it means that according to Christianity, 00:12:34.560 --> 00:12:37.920 humanity cannot find salvation anywhere else except in Him, 00:12:38.920 --> 00:12:40.539 that He is the one and only Savior. 00:12:40.639 --> 00:12:44.060 That's what we mean when we talk about the exclusivity of Christ, 00:12:44.300 --> 00:12:46.340 that salvation is only found in Him. 00:12:46.340 --> 00:12:49.240 But here's the important thing to realize. 00:12:50.220 --> 00:12:52.139 Why does the New Testament make that claim? 00:12:52.500 --> 00:12:54.320 Why is that what the apostles taught? 00:12:56.240 --> 00:12:58.480 We have to understand that for the apostles, 00:12:59.080 --> 00:13:00.379 for the whole New Testament, 00:13:00.700 --> 00:13:03.160 the exclusivity of Jesus Christ in that sense, 00:13:03.920 --> 00:13:05.060 that He is the only Savior, 00:13:05.780 --> 00:13:10.200 is rooted in the singularity of Jesus Christ. 00:13:10.200 --> 00:13:15.180 In other words, salvation is only found in Jesus 00:13:15.180 --> 00:13:17.900 because no one else is like Jesus. 00:13:18.980 --> 00:13:20.920 He is utterly unique. 00:13:22.660 --> 00:13:27.879 So let's consider then the uniqueness of this claim. 00:13:29.259 --> 00:13:30.640 And the first thing we have to consider 00:13:30.640 --> 00:13:32.120 when we think about Jesus being the only Savior 00:13:32.120 --> 00:13:36.860 is that Jesus claims to offer a unique salvation. 00:13:38.800 --> 00:13:39.860 Look at verse 2. 00:13:40.740 --> 00:13:42.180 What is it that made the temple authorities 00:13:42.180 --> 00:13:44.460 so greatly annoyed at the apostles? 00:13:46.820 --> 00:13:48.620 Well, because they were teaching the people 00:13:48.620 --> 00:13:51.600 and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 00:13:53.060 --> 00:13:54.080 That's what annoyed them. 00:13:54.240 --> 00:13:55.860 They were proclaiming in Jesus 00:13:55.860 --> 00:13:58.060 the resurrection from the dead. 00:13:58.500 --> 00:13:58.960 You see, friends, 00:13:59.060 --> 00:14:01.740 Christianity holds forth a very unique salvation. 00:14:02.540 --> 00:14:02.820 Why? 00:14:03.180 --> 00:14:04.660 Because the Christian view of salvation 00:14:04.660 --> 00:14:06.980 is not just spiritual or emotional, 00:14:06.980 --> 00:14:09.140 but material and tangible. 00:14:10.200 --> 00:14:12.620 The Christian understanding of salvation 00:14:12.620 --> 00:14:14.560 is that God will put the whole world, 00:14:14.840 --> 00:14:16.180 the whole of creation, 00:14:17.180 --> 00:14:18.259 right again. 00:14:19.080 --> 00:14:20.320 He will not just restore our souls, 00:14:20.400 --> 00:14:21.160 but our bodies too. 00:14:21.240 --> 00:14:22.140 Not just our minds, 00:14:22.340 --> 00:14:23.280 but our relationships. 00:14:23.820 --> 00:14:25.780 That's why the healing of the man in chapter 3 00:14:25.780 --> 00:14:27.500 is such an important sign 00:14:27.500 --> 00:14:29.020 that we looked at last week. 00:14:29.259 --> 00:14:30.300 What is a sign? 00:14:30.299 --> 00:14:33.179 Well, a sign isn't the reality itself, right? 00:14:33.299 --> 00:14:34.879 But it points to that reality. 00:14:36.839 --> 00:14:39.559 The wholeness of this man's body in chapter 3 00:14:39.559 --> 00:14:41.759 is a sign pointing to the reality 00:14:41.759 --> 00:14:43.299 of the complete restoration 00:14:43.299 --> 00:14:44.439 that Jesus will bring 00:14:44.439 --> 00:14:46.559 when He returns and makes all things new. 00:14:46.959 --> 00:14:48.159 When sickness, death, and decay 00:14:48.159 --> 00:14:49.079 will be no more, 00:14:49.159 --> 00:14:50.500 and creation will be liberated 00:14:50.500 --> 00:14:51.859 to sing in freedom. 00:14:51.860 --> 00:14:54.500 Because the curse of sin and death 00:14:54.500 --> 00:14:55.379 is banished once for all. 00:14:55.419 --> 00:14:55.899 You know, it's interesting. 00:14:56.279 --> 00:14:57.639 You read the story in Acts 3 00:14:57.639 --> 00:15:00.279 of the man rejoicing 00:15:00.279 --> 00:15:00.980 because he's been healed. 00:15:01.039 --> 00:15:02.259 And then you go back in the Psalms 00:15:02.259 --> 00:15:03.419 and you read these Psalms 00:15:03.419 --> 00:15:04.000 where it says, 00:15:04.139 --> 00:15:05.940 when God finally comes in fullness, 00:15:07.320 --> 00:15:08.919 the trees are going to clap their hands 00:15:08.919 --> 00:15:10.800 and the mountains are going to rejoice. 00:15:11.720 --> 00:15:13.180 All of creation is going to sing 00:15:13.180 --> 00:15:15.440 like this man who had been set free 00:15:15.440 --> 00:15:16.840 from this disability. 00:15:16.840 --> 00:15:20.860 But how can we be sure 00:15:20.860 --> 00:15:21.700 that's going to happen? 00:15:24.300 --> 00:15:25.920 Because in Jesus' own resurrection, 00:15:26.340 --> 00:15:28.200 it's already happened. 00:15:30.139 --> 00:15:31.440 His own resurrection, 00:15:31.879 --> 00:15:33.560 when God the Son took on human flesh, 00:15:33.639 --> 00:15:34.460 took on our nature, 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:36.180 and rose from the dead, 00:15:36.740 --> 00:15:38.860 it is as if the thick ice 00:15:38.860 --> 00:15:39.800 of sin and death 00:15:39.800 --> 00:15:41.740 had been cracked once and for all. 00:15:43.019 --> 00:15:44.580 And what's true of Him 00:15:44.580 --> 00:15:46.700 because He has united Himself 00:15:46.700 --> 00:15:48.080 to us will be true 00:15:48.080 --> 00:15:49.520 of all creation one day 00:15:49.520 --> 00:15:51.840 because He is creation's Lord. 00:15:54.420 --> 00:15:55.600 But friends, at the center 00:15:55.600 --> 00:15:57.600 of this unique salvation 00:15:57.600 --> 00:15:58.480 that Jesus offers 00:15:58.480 --> 00:16:00.200 isn't just the healing 00:16:00.200 --> 00:16:01.440 of the material creation, 00:16:01.660 --> 00:16:03.000 as glorious as that is. 00:16:03.940 --> 00:16:04.980 At the center 00:16:04.980 --> 00:16:07.340 is the healing 00:16:07.340 --> 00:16:08.780 of our relationship 00:16:08.780 --> 00:16:09.780 with our Creator. 00:16:11.540 --> 00:16:13.220 At the heart of the unique salvation 00:16:13.220 --> 00:16:14.440 that Christianity holds forth 00:16:14.440 --> 00:16:15.460 to all who believe 00:16:15.460 --> 00:16:17.220 is nothing less 00:16:17.220 --> 00:16:18.740 than reconciliation 00:16:18.740 --> 00:16:19.700 with God. 00:16:21.220 --> 00:16:22.540 To know God. 00:16:23.040 --> 00:16:23.960 To really 00:16:23.960 --> 00:16:25.540 know Him. 00:16:26.680 --> 00:16:28.320 Not as some distant force, 00:16:28.700 --> 00:16:30.300 not as a stern judge, 00:16:30.840 --> 00:16:31.920 but as a loving 00:16:31.920 --> 00:16:32.960 heavenly Father 00:16:32.960 --> 00:16:35.320 who forgives all your sins 00:16:35.320 --> 00:16:36.580 and faults and flaws, 00:16:37.360 --> 00:16:38.700 who provides comfort 00:16:38.700 --> 00:16:39.519 in every trial, 00:16:39.639 --> 00:16:41.200 who rejoices over you 00:16:41.200 --> 00:16:41.720 with love. 00:16:41.720 --> 00:16:44.639 Christianity offers 00:16:44.639 --> 00:16:45.720 this unique salvation. 00:16:45.879 --> 00:16:46.139 It says, 00:16:46.540 --> 00:16:48.320 God will now be your God 00:16:48.320 --> 00:16:50.240 and you will be loved 00:16:50.240 --> 00:16:51.220 as His son, 00:16:51.300 --> 00:16:51.820 as His daughter, 00:16:51.940 --> 00:16:53.460 and nothing will separate you 00:16:53.460 --> 00:16:54.320 from this love 00:16:54.320 --> 00:16:55.460 in Christ Jesus our Lord. 00:16:58.100 --> 00:16:59.160 So this is what Christianity 00:16:59.160 --> 00:17:00.420 means by salvation, 00:17:00.620 --> 00:17:01.860 reconciliation with God, 00:17:02.000 --> 00:17:02.860 and the renewal 00:17:02.860 --> 00:17:03.980 of all creation. 00:17:03.980 --> 00:17:05.799 But this unique salvation 00:17:05.799 --> 00:17:07.400 is found 00:17:07.400 --> 00:17:09.819 in a unique Savior. 00:17:11.480 --> 00:17:12.460 Why is salvation 00:17:12.460 --> 00:17:13.440 found in Jesus alone? 00:17:13.640 --> 00:17:14.900 What makes Him 00:17:14.900 --> 00:17:15.799 unique? 00:17:17.120 --> 00:17:18.019 Well, three things, 00:17:18.099 --> 00:17:18.380 actually. 00:17:18.500 --> 00:17:18.759 First, 00:17:19.500 --> 00:17:20.759 He has a unique identity. 00:17:21.779 --> 00:17:23.079 Jesus is a unique 00:17:23.079 --> 00:17:23.900 person. 00:17:24.079 --> 00:17:25.039 He alone 00:17:25.039 --> 00:17:26.960 is fully human 00:17:26.960 --> 00:17:29.059 and fully God. 00:17:30.180 --> 00:17:31.200 Two natures 00:17:31.200 --> 00:17:32.460 in one person. 00:17:33.220 --> 00:17:34.259 No other religious leader, 00:17:35.200 --> 00:17:36.500 no other wise philosopher 00:17:36.500 --> 00:17:37.080 was ever 00:17:37.080 --> 00:17:38.600 the incarnate Son 00:17:38.600 --> 00:17:39.120 of the Father. 00:17:40.799 --> 00:17:42.000 Only in Jesus Christ 00:17:42.000 --> 00:17:42.700 did the one true 00:17:42.700 --> 00:17:43.259 eternal God 00:17:43.259 --> 00:17:44.279 take on human flesh 00:17:44.279 --> 00:17:45.759 and live our human life 00:17:45.759 --> 00:17:46.319 in every way. 00:17:46.420 --> 00:17:46.960 The book of Hebrews 00:17:46.960 --> 00:17:47.860 even says that Jesus 00:17:47.860 --> 00:17:48.620 was tempted 00:17:48.620 --> 00:17:50.279 in every way as we are, 00:17:50.580 --> 00:17:51.380 except without sin. 00:17:52.960 --> 00:17:53.400 Right? 00:17:54.900 --> 00:17:55.539 Now, of course, 00:17:55.600 --> 00:17:56.160 there have been people 00:17:56.160 --> 00:17:56.640 throughout history 00:17:56.640 --> 00:17:57.140 who have claimed 00:17:57.140 --> 00:17:58.279 to be God, right? 00:17:59.620 --> 00:18:00.319 Most of them 00:18:00.319 --> 00:18:01.659 were rightly dismissed 00:18:01.659 --> 00:18:02.799 as being mentally unstable. 00:18:04.299 --> 00:18:05.220 But for the followers 00:18:05.220 --> 00:18:05.720 of Jesus, 00:18:05.919 --> 00:18:06.819 they saw His deeds 00:18:06.819 --> 00:18:07.839 and they heard His claims 00:18:07.839 --> 00:18:08.599 and their conclusion 00:18:08.599 --> 00:18:09.720 was not that He was 00:18:09.720 --> 00:18:10.359 out of His mind, 00:18:11.500 --> 00:18:13.220 but that in Him 00:18:13.220 --> 00:18:14.799 they were, 00:18:15.240 --> 00:18:16.639 impossible as it might seem, 00:18:17.480 --> 00:18:18.179 beholding the glory 00:18:18.179 --> 00:18:19.359 of God in human flesh. 00:18:21.460 --> 00:18:22.599 And consider the claims 00:18:22.599 --> 00:18:23.879 that Jesus Himself made. 00:18:25.339 --> 00:18:26.419 John 14, 6, 00:18:26.899 --> 00:18:27.500 Jesus said, 00:18:27.500 --> 00:18:29.319 I am the way, 00:18:29.880 --> 00:18:30.420 the truth, 00:18:30.460 --> 00:18:31.000 and the life. 00:18:31.859 --> 00:18:33.059 No one comes to the Father 00:18:33.059 --> 00:18:33.680 but through Me. 00:18:35.880 --> 00:18:37.420 Or Matthew 11, 27, 00:18:37.539 --> 00:18:38.099 where Jesus says, 00:18:38.339 --> 00:18:39.140 all things have been handed 00:18:39.140 --> 00:18:40.319 over to Me by My Father, 00:18:40.400 --> 00:18:41.160 and no one knows 00:18:41.160 --> 00:18:42.200 the Father except the Son, 00:18:42.519 --> 00:18:43.299 and no one knows 00:18:43.299 --> 00:18:43.779 the Father, 00:18:44.279 --> 00:18:45.400 no one knows the Son 00:18:45.400 --> 00:18:46.119 except the Father, 00:18:46.200 --> 00:18:46.660 and no one knows 00:18:46.660 --> 00:18:47.720 the Father except the Son, 00:18:47.900 --> 00:18:48.880 and anyone to whom 00:18:48.880 --> 00:18:49.519 the Son chooses 00:18:49.519 --> 00:18:50.319 to reveal Him. 00:18:52.079 --> 00:18:52.660 Could you imagine 00:18:52.660 --> 00:18:53.720 hearing Jesus on that day 00:18:53.720 --> 00:18:55.360 saying, 00:18:56.180 --> 00:18:57.120 no one knows 00:18:57.120 --> 00:18:58.279 the Father except the Son? 00:18:58.380 --> 00:18:59.279 Okay, Jesus, 00:18:59.420 --> 00:19:00.000 you have a unique 00:19:00.000 --> 00:19:00.600 knowledge of God. 00:19:00.680 --> 00:19:01.440 But then He turns around 00:19:01.440 --> 00:19:01.759 and says, 00:19:02.140 --> 00:19:03.380 no one knows the Son 00:19:03.380 --> 00:19:04.140 except the Father. 00:19:06.420 --> 00:19:08.759 His being is so glorious, 00:19:08.960 --> 00:19:09.860 so deep, 00:19:09.980 --> 00:19:10.860 so profound, 00:19:10.980 --> 00:19:12.180 that the only one 00:19:12.180 --> 00:19:12.940 who could possibly 00:19:12.940 --> 00:19:13.839 comprehend Him 00:19:13.839 --> 00:19:14.539 is God Himself. 00:19:16.819 --> 00:19:17.319 Could you imagine 00:19:17.319 --> 00:19:18.059 if I said that? 00:19:19.740 --> 00:19:21.100 What a crazy thing to say. 00:19:21.099 --> 00:19:23.459 And yet, 00:19:23.579 --> 00:19:24.480 as the disciples 00:19:24.480 --> 00:19:25.059 follow Jesus 00:19:25.059 --> 00:19:25.859 throughout His ministry, 00:19:25.980 --> 00:19:26.659 they start to think, 00:19:27.980 --> 00:19:28.579 goodness gracious, 00:19:28.699 --> 00:19:29.579 I think He might be right. 00:19:32.539 --> 00:19:33.339 Jesus was stating 00:19:33.339 --> 00:19:33.919 very clearly 00:19:33.919 --> 00:19:34.559 that He was equal 00:19:34.559 --> 00:19:35.079 to the Father, 00:19:35.179 --> 00:19:35.500 and therefore, 00:19:35.619 --> 00:19:36.119 no one could know 00:19:36.119 --> 00:19:37.219 the Father except through Him. 00:19:38.019 --> 00:19:38.779 So when Peter says 00:19:38.779 --> 00:19:39.480 in Acts 4 00:19:39.480 --> 00:19:40.459 that there's salvation 00:19:40.459 --> 00:19:41.259 in no one else, 00:19:41.480 --> 00:19:42.619 He's actually proclaiming 00:19:42.619 --> 00:19:43.659 what Jesus Himself taught, 00:19:44.839 --> 00:19:46.399 that Jesus, 00:19:46.519 --> 00:19:46.879 He alone, 00:19:46.919 --> 00:19:47.659 is the way back 00:19:47.659 --> 00:19:48.199 to the Father. 00:19:48.699 --> 00:19:49.059 But you see, 00:19:49.099 --> 00:19:49.579 it's not just 00:19:49.579 --> 00:19:50.819 Jesus' unique person. 00:19:51.099 --> 00:19:51.659 That makes Him 00:19:51.659 --> 00:19:52.179 the only Savior. 00:19:52.339 --> 00:19:53.679 It's also His unique work. 00:19:54.639 --> 00:19:56.419 Because He is a unique person, 00:19:56.859 --> 00:19:58.000 fully God and fully human, 00:19:58.179 --> 00:19:59.259 He can accomplish 00:19:59.259 --> 00:20:00.459 a unique work. 00:20:00.719 --> 00:20:01.339 Listen to how Peter 00:20:01.339 --> 00:20:02.259 sums it up in verse 10. 00:20:02.339 --> 00:20:02.519 He says, 00:20:02.579 --> 00:20:02.980 Let it be known 00:20:02.980 --> 00:20:03.539 to all of you 00:20:03.539 --> 00:20:04.319 and to all the people 00:20:04.319 --> 00:20:04.699 of Israel 00:20:04.699 --> 00:20:05.699 that by the name 00:20:05.699 --> 00:20:06.740 of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, 00:20:06.779 --> 00:20:07.539 whom you crucified, 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:08.699 whom God raised 00:20:08.699 --> 00:20:09.159 from the dead, 00:20:09.500 --> 00:20:10.339 by Him this man 00:20:10.339 --> 00:20:11.619 is standing before you well. 00:20:13.980 --> 00:20:15.019 Whom you crucified, 00:20:15.480 --> 00:20:16.159 whom God raised 00:20:16.159 --> 00:20:16.679 from the dead. 00:20:17.639 --> 00:20:18.959 What makes Jesus different 00:20:18.959 --> 00:20:20.319 than some of the other 00:20:20.319 --> 00:20:21.039 religious leaders, 00:20:21.399 --> 00:20:22.099 even those who have 00:20:22.099 --> 00:20:23.759 made claims to be divine? 00:20:26.119 --> 00:20:26.559 You know, 00:20:26.579 --> 00:20:27.259 there have been others, 00:20:27.339 --> 00:20:27.960 people who have claimed 00:20:27.960 --> 00:20:28.480 to be divine, 00:20:28.539 --> 00:20:29.299 and not all of them 00:20:29.299 --> 00:20:29.919 were written off 00:20:29.919 --> 00:20:30.759 as mentally unstable. 00:20:31.480 --> 00:20:32.659 What makes Jesus different 00:20:32.659 --> 00:20:33.859 than the Egyptian pharaohs 00:20:33.859 --> 00:20:34.659 who claim to be divine? 00:20:36.139 --> 00:20:37.259 What makes Jesus different 00:20:37.259 --> 00:20:37.779 than the Buddha, 00:20:38.960 --> 00:20:39.700 who even if the Buddha 00:20:39.700 --> 00:20:40.720 didn't teach that He was divine, 00:20:40.839 --> 00:20:41.659 a lot of other people 00:20:41.659 --> 00:20:42.099 around Him 00:20:42.099 --> 00:20:43.000 thought that He might be? 00:20:43.000 --> 00:20:43.599 Friends, 00:20:46.599 --> 00:20:47.319 is it not this, 00:20:48.380 --> 00:20:50.559 that Jesus Christ 00:20:50.559 --> 00:20:51.819 came to do a unique thing 00:20:51.819 --> 00:20:53.720 amidst all the world religions, 00:20:54.220 --> 00:20:55.940 He came to lay down 00:20:55.940 --> 00:20:56.700 His life 00:20:56.700 --> 00:20:58.200 in the place of sinners. 00:20:59.559 --> 00:21:00.680 He didn't come 00:21:00.680 --> 00:21:01.539 just to teach 00:21:01.539 --> 00:21:02.859 a way of godliness 00:21:02.859 --> 00:21:03.859 or teach a way 00:21:03.859 --> 00:21:04.480 of enlightenment. 00:21:04.799 --> 00:21:05.880 He came actually 00:21:05.880 --> 00:21:06.740 to stand 00:21:06.740 --> 00:21:07.839 in the place 00:21:07.839 --> 00:21:08.640 of the condemned 00:21:08.640 --> 00:21:10.440 and to be judged 00:21:10.440 --> 00:21:10.940 and punished 00:21:10.940 --> 00:21:11.780 in their place 00:21:11.780 --> 00:21:12.900 so that they could 00:21:12.900 --> 00:21:13.360 be forgiven 00:21:13.360 --> 00:21:14.060 and set free 00:21:14.060 --> 00:21:14.660 from the penalty 00:21:14.660 --> 00:21:15.380 of sin and death. 00:21:17.440 --> 00:21:18.400 In short, friends, 00:21:18.720 --> 00:21:21.200 no other religious leader 00:21:21.200 --> 00:21:22.300 died for your sins. 00:21:24.320 --> 00:21:26.300 Who else saw us 00:21:26.300 --> 00:21:27.360 in our plight 00:21:27.360 --> 00:21:28.180 as lost sinners 00:21:28.180 --> 00:21:29.000 under the just 00:21:29.000 --> 00:21:30.280 sentence of death? 00:21:30.700 --> 00:21:32.200 Who else emptied himself 00:21:32.200 --> 00:21:33.140 of heavenly glory 00:21:33.140 --> 00:21:33.600 and honor 00:21:33.600 --> 00:21:34.540 and took the form 00:21:34.540 --> 00:21:35.759 of a servant for us? 00:21:36.640 --> 00:21:37.380 Who else 00:21:37.380 --> 00:21:38.320 didn't just come 00:21:38.320 --> 00:21:38.560 and say, 00:21:38.640 --> 00:21:39.040 well, if you want 00:21:39.040 --> 00:21:39.380 to get out 00:21:39.380 --> 00:21:39.920 from under that, 00:21:39.980 --> 00:21:40.440 you've got to do 00:21:40.440 --> 00:21:41.060 all these things, 00:21:41.140 --> 00:21:41.500 but said, 00:21:41.640 --> 00:21:42.759 I'll do the thing. 00:21:43.940 --> 00:21:44.600 I'll stand 00:21:44.600 --> 00:21:45.180 in your place 00:21:45.180 --> 00:21:45.820 and bear the wrath 00:21:45.820 --> 00:21:46.400 that you deserve. 00:21:47.660 --> 00:21:48.340 Who else 00:21:48.340 --> 00:21:48.980 loved us 00:21:48.980 --> 00:21:49.860 that much? 00:21:51.280 --> 00:21:51.820 Loved us 00:21:51.820 --> 00:21:52.240 to the point 00:21:52.240 --> 00:21:52.980 of laying down 00:21:52.980 --> 00:21:53.820 His life for us. 00:21:55.180 --> 00:21:56.320 Only Jesus Christ. 00:21:57.840 --> 00:21:58.520 Why is He 00:21:58.520 --> 00:21:59.280 the only Savior? 00:22:00.380 --> 00:22:01.340 Because only He 00:22:01.340 --> 00:22:02.300 atoned for our sins 00:22:02.300 --> 00:22:02.960 through His death 00:22:02.960 --> 00:22:04.280 and only He 00:22:04.280 --> 00:22:04.800 rose again 00:22:04.800 --> 00:22:05.440 on the third day 00:22:05.440 --> 00:22:06.180 for our justification. 00:22:07.500 --> 00:22:08.320 And He rose 00:22:08.319 --> 00:22:09.740 so that all 00:22:09.740 --> 00:22:10.519 who trust in Him, 00:22:10.639 --> 00:22:11.379 all who come 00:22:11.379 --> 00:22:12.839 to unite themselves 00:22:12.839 --> 00:22:13.220 to Him 00:22:13.220 --> 00:22:13.899 through faith, 00:22:14.899 --> 00:22:16.000 all who do that 00:22:16.000 --> 00:22:16.859 will receive 00:22:16.859 --> 00:22:17.759 the same 00:22:17.759 --> 00:22:18.619 verdict 00:22:18.619 --> 00:22:19.779 that the Father 00:22:19.779 --> 00:22:21.079 spoke over Jesus 00:22:21.079 --> 00:22:21.960 on that first 00:22:21.960 --> 00:22:22.599 Easter morning. 00:22:22.720 --> 00:22:23.439 You see what was being 00:22:23.439 --> 00:22:24.399 said in the resurrection? 00:22:25.700 --> 00:22:26.659 The powers that be 00:22:26.659 --> 00:22:27.919 said Jesus was guilty, 00:22:28.059 --> 00:22:28.879 He was a criminal, 00:22:28.980 --> 00:22:29.779 He was condemned, 00:22:29.919 --> 00:22:31.000 He was a blasphemer, 00:22:31.000 --> 00:22:32.259 but in the resurrection 00:22:32.259 --> 00:22:33.180 the Father spoke 00:22:33.180 --> 00:22:33.740 over the Son 00:22:33.740 --> 00:22:34.299 this word, 00:22:34.640 --> 00:22:35.380 He is the righteous 00:22:35.380 --> 00:22:35.740 one. 00:22:36.700 --> 00:22:37.779 He is my Son. 00:22:38.480 --> 00:22:39.099 Death has no 00:22:39.099 --> 00:22:39.960 holder over Him. 00:22:40.319 --> 00:22:41.279 He lives no more 00:22:41.279 --> 00:22:41.759 to die. 00:22:43.819 --> 00:22:45.019 And in His life 00:22:45.019 --> 00:22:46.079 we live. 00:22:48.400 --> 00:22:49.440 His was a unique work. 00:22:49.519 --> 00:22:50.380 Only Jesus died 00:22:50.380 --> 00:22:50.960 and rose again 00:22:50.960 --> 00:22:51.779 for our salvation. 00:22:52.619 --> 00:22:53.000 And you see, 00:22:53.039 --> 00:22:54.180 because of His unique work 00:22:54.180 --> 00:22:55.259 and because of His 00:22:55.259 --> 00:22:56.079 unique person 00:22:56.079 --> 00:22:59.000 and because of His 00:22:59.000 --> 00:22:59.500 unique person 00:22:59.500 --> 00:23:00.299 having accomplished 00:23:00.299 --> 00:23:01.220 that unique work, 00:23:02.379 --> 00:23:03.839 Jesus now occupies 00:23:03.839 --> 00:23:04.939 a unique office, 00:23:05.059 --> 00:23:06.179 a unique standing. 00:23:07.220 --> 00:23:07.960 In verse 11, 00:23:08.079 --> 00:23:08.799 Peter quotes 00:23:08.799 --> 00:23:10.000 Psalm 118.22. 00:23:12.179 --> 00:23:12.939 He says, 00:23:13.199 --> 00:23:13.699 this Jesus 00:23:13.699 --> 00:23:14.759 is the stone 00:23:14.759 --> 00:23:15.539 that was rejected 00:23:15.539 --> 00:23:16.039 by you, 00:23:16.119 --> 00:23:16.519 the builders, 00:23:16.679 --> 00:23:17.379 which has become 00:23:17.379 --> 00:23:18.299 the cornerstone. 00:23:19.419 --> 00:23:21.500 Quoting Psalm 118.22. 00:23:22.939 --> 00:23:23.359 You see, 00:23:23.419 --> 00:23:23.720 the rulers 00:23:23.720 --> 00:23:24.299 and authorities 00:23:24.299 --> 00:23:25.179 of Jesus' day 00:23:25.179 --> 00:23:25.779 refused 00:23:25.779 --> 00:23:26.960 to receive Him 00:23:26.960 --> 00:23:28.220 and instead 00:23:28.220 --> 00:23:29.079 they rejected Him. 00:23:29.899 --> 00:23:30.519 But when God 00:23:30.519 --> 00:23:31.319 raised Him up, 00:23:32.019 --> 00:23:32.799 God was declaring 00:23:32.799 --> 00:23:33.319 that Jesus 00:23:33.319 --> 00:23:34.480 is indeed 00:23:34.480 --> 00:23:35.319 all that He claimed 00:23:35.319 --> 00:23:35.839 to be. 00:23:36.799 --> 00:23:37.460 And God 00:23:37.460 --> 00:23:38.399 made Jesus, 00:23:38.980 --> 00:23:39.660 according to Peter, 00:23:40.039 --> 00:23:40.960 that cornerstone. 00:23:41.079 --> 00:23:41.539 Or actually, 00:23:41.759 --> 00:23:41.980 better, 00:23:42.379 --> 00:23:43.720 it's a capstone, 00:23:44.119 --> 00:23:44.319 right? 00:23:45.059 --> 00:23:46.339 It's the rock 00:23:46.339 --> 00:23:47.559 that sits at the top 00:23:47.559 --> 00:23:48.139 of an arch 00:23:48.139 --> 00:23:49.599 and it holds it 00:23:49.599 --> 00:23:50.099 all together. 00:23:52.619 --> 00:23:53.519 In other words, 00:23:53.619 --> 00:23:54.539 God has made 00:23:54.539 --> 00:23:55.319 and God has established 00:23:55.779 --> 00:23:57.639 the risen Jesus 00:23:57.639 --> 00:23:59.119 as the key figure 00:23:59.119 --> 00:24:00.399 in His plan 00:24:00.399 --> 00:24:01.299 for the restoration 00:24:01.299 --> 00:24:02.059 of His people 00:24:02.059 --> 00:24:02.639 and the renewal 00:24:02.639 --> 00:24:03.559 of the whole creation. 00:24:04.240 --> 00:24:05.119 That's why in verse 12, 00:24:05.220 --> 00:24:05.839 Peter can say, 00:24:06.200 --> 00:24:06.960 there's no other name 00:24:06.960 --> 00:24:07.619 under heaven 00:24:07.619 --> 00:24:09.680 given among men 00:24:09.680 --> 00:24:10.940 by which we must be saved. 00:24:11.019 --> 00:24:12.579 The Father gave 00:24:12.579 --> 00:24:14.440 His one and only Son 00:24:14.440 --> 00:24:15.079 for this role 00:24:15.079 --> 00:24:17.039 and He demonstrated it 00:24:17.039 --> 00:24:17.879 by raising Him 00:24:17.879 --> 00:24:18.740 from the dead. 00:24:19.680 --> 00:24:20.819 The Father has seated Him 00:24:20.819 --> 00:24:21.599 at His right hand. 00:24:22.200 --> 00:24:23.019 Listen to how Paul speaks 00:24:23.019 --> 00:24:23.619 to the same thing 00:24:23.619 --> 00:24:24.339 in Philippians 2, 00:24:24.379 --> 00:24:24.859 8-11. 00:24:25.960 --> 00:24:26.299 He says, 00:24:26.359 --> 00:24:27.339 of Jesus being found 00:24:27.339 --> 00:24:28.220 in human form, 00:24:28.279 --> 00:24:29.139 He humbled Himself 00:24:29.139 --> 00:24:30.599 by becoming obedient 00:24:30.599 --> 00:24:31.480 to the point of death, 00:24:31.519 --> 00:24:32.519 even death on a cross. 00:24:32.700 --> 00:24:33.039 Therefore, 00:24:34.000 --> 00:24:35.539 God has highly exalted Him 00:24:35.539 --> 00:24:37.200 and bestowed on Him 00:24:37.200 --> 00:24:37.920 the name that is 00:24:37.920 --> 00:24:38.720 above every name 00:24:38.720 --> 00:24:39.859 so that at the name 00:24:39.859 --> 00:24:40.259 of Jesus 00:24:40.259 --> 00:24:41.559 every knee should bow 00:24:41.559 --> 00:24:42.339 in heaven 00:24:42.339 --> 00:24:43.200 and on earth 00:24:43.200 --> 00:24:43.859 and under the earth 00:24:43.859 --> 00:24:45.099 and every tongue confess 00:24:45.099 --> 00:24:46.000 that Jesus Christ 00:24:46.000 --> 00:24:46.500 is Lord 00:24:46.500 --> 00:24:47.799 to the glory 00:24:47.799 --> 00:24:49.099 of God the Father. 00:24:49.099 --> 00:24:51.839 So on the basis 00:24:51.839 --> 00:24:52.939 of His unique identity, 00:24:54.059 --> 00:24:54.839 His unique work 00:24:54.839 --> 00:24:56.240 and His unique status, 00:24:57.480 --> 00:24:58.939 Jesus is the only Savior. 00:25:01.980 --> 00:25:02.599 So friends, 00:25:02.639 --> 00:25:03.659 what are you trusting in today? 00:25:05.719 --> 00:25:06.819 Perhaps on the one hand, 00:25:07.319 --> 00:25:08.019 our vision needs 00:25:08.019 --> 00:25:08.839 to be expanded 00:25:08.839 --> 00:25:10.519 so that you can see 00:25:10.519 --> 00:25:10.959 the fullness 00:25:10.959 --> 00:25:12.159 of this unique salvation 00:25:12.159 --> 00:25:13.159 that God has in store. 00:25:13.279 --> 00:25:14.419 God's plan is to remove 00:25:14.419 --> 00:25:15.139 all sin, death, 00:25:15.179 --> 00:25:15.619 and decay 00:25:15.619 --> 00:25:16.519 from His creation. 00:25:16.519 --> 00:25:17.940 He's working 00:25:17.940 --> 00:25:19.139 to reconcile sinners 00:25:19.139 --> 00:25:19.819 to Himself 00:25:19.819 --> 00:25:21.119 not so that they can 00:25:21.119 --> 00:25:21.940 grovel in fear 00:25:21.940 --> 00:25:22.720 before Him 00:25:22.720 --> 00:25:23.660 but so that they can 00:25:23.660 --> 00:25:24.559 worship and love Him 00:25:24.559 --> 00:25:25.519 as His children. 00:25:28.960 --> 00:25:30.319 But if that is the salvation 00:25:30.319 --> 00:25:31.400 that God has in store, 00:25:32.720 --> 00:25:34.480 what are you trusting in 00:25:34.480 --> 00:25:36.440 to be a part of it? 00:25:37.420 --> 00:25:38.420 The truth is, friends, 00:25:38.480 --> 00:25:39.759 we need a Savior. 00:25:40.920 --> 00:25:41.900 We need someone 00:25:41.900 --> 00:25:43.019 to forgive our sins. 00:25:43.379 --> 00:25:43.920 We need someone 00:25:43.920 --> 00:25:45.019 to remove the curse 00:25:45.019 --> 00:25:45.639 of death from us. 00:25:45.640 --> 00:25:46.140 We need someone 00:25:46.140 --> 00:25:46.840 to bring us out 00:25:46.840 --> 00:25:47.740 from under the wrath 00:25:47.740 --> 00:25:48.080 of God 00:25:48.080 --> 00:25:48.880 that our sins deserve. 00:25:49.100 --> 00:25:50.440 But what will do that? 00:25:52.020 --> 00:25:53.020 Will our good works 00:25:53.020 --> 00:25:53.540 be enough 00:25:53.540 --> 00:25:54.380 to kind of cancel 00:25:54.380 --> 00:25:55.440 that debt that we owe? 00:25:56.020 --> 00:25:56.360 No. 00:25:57.460 --> 00:25:58.880 Will sincere religious effort 00:25:58.880 --> 00:25:59.420 be enough 00:25:59.420 --> 00:26:00.540 to work our way back 00:26:00.540 --> 00:26:01.240 out from under 00:26:01.240 --> 00:26:01.920 the curse of death? 00:26:02.120 --> 00:26:02.480 No. 00:26:03.940 --> 00:26:04.620 And if you trust 00:26:04.620 --> 00:26:05.780 in any of those things, 00:26:05.820 --> 00:26:06.540 you will remain 00:26:06.540 --> 00:26:07.280 in your sins, 00:26:07.880 --> 00:26:09.020 alienated from God 00:26:09.020 --> 00:26:10.600 and far off 00:26:10.600 --> 00:26:12.000 from His salvation. 00:26:12.000 --> 00:26:14.859 But friends, 00:26:14.920 --> 00:26:15.779 here's the good news. 00:26:17.619 --> 00:26:18.519 That great debt 00:26:18.519 --> 00:26:19.180 that we owe, 00:26:20.440 --> 00:26:21.420 Jesus paid it all. 00:26:23.299 --> 00:26:24.319 What you could not do, 00:26:24.400 --> 00:26:25.240 He did in your place. 00:26:25.440 --> 00:26:26.180 And if you entrust 00:26:26.180 --> 00:26:26.900 your life to Him, 00:26:27.200 --> 00:26:28.000 He will clothe you 00:26:28.000 --> 00:26:28.700 with His righteousness. 00:26:30.160 --> 00:26:31.119 And His saving death 00:26:31.119 --> 00:26:32.200 will wash away your sins 00:26:32.200 --> 00:26:33.299 and you will be saved. 00:26:34.880 --> 00:26:36.400 Jesus is the only Savior, 00:26:36.599 --> 00:26:36.779 yes, 00:26:36.779 --> 00:26:37.980 and He receives 00:26:37.980 --> 00:26:39.759 everyone who comes to Him. 00:26:41.200 --> 00:26:42.480 No one who comes to Him 00:26:42.480 --> 00:26:43.259 will be turned away. 00:26:46.259 --> 00:26:47.859 And if you have trusted in Christ 00:26:47.859 --> 00:26:49.660 as your and the only Savior, 00:26:50.680 --> 00:26:51.559 what do we see 00:26:51.559 --> 00:26:52.500 in the rest of this passage? 00:26:54.299 --> 00:26:55.220 What does living 00:26:55.220 --> 00:26:56.859 in light of this truth 00:26:56.859 --> 00:26:58.440 that Christ is the only Savior 00:26:58.440 --> 00:26:59.119 mean for us 00:26:59.119 --> 00:26:59.879 as we live for Him? 00:27:00.240 --> 00:27:01.299 Well, let's walk through 00:27:01.299 --> 00:27:01.680 the passage 00:27:01.680 --> 00:27:02.379 and just point out 00:27:02.379 --> 00:27:02.960 a few things 00:27:02.960 --> 00:27:04.160 as we wrap up. 00:27:04.160 --> 00:27:04.519 First, 00:27:05.519 --> 00:27:06.380 consider that 00:27:06.380 --> 00:27:08.360 our message about Jesus 00:27:08.360 --> 00:27:10.300 ought to both 00:27:10.300 --> 00:27:10.920 annoy 00:27:10.920 --> 00:27:12.740 and attract. 00:27:14.480 --> 00:27:15.519 We saw in verse 2 00:27:15.519 --> 00:27:16.460 how the message 00:27:16.460 --> 00:27:17.100 of the gospel 00:27:17.100 --> 00:27:18.759 greatly annoyed 00:27:18.759 --> 00:27:19.980 the temple authorities, 00:27:20.259 --> 00:27:20.460 right? 00:27:20.560 --> 00:27:21.940 I love that word 00:27:21.940 --> 00:27:23.200 that Luke chose there. 00:27:24.700 --> 00:27:25.700 But look at what Luke 00:27:25.700 --> 00:27:26.640 tells us in verse 4. 00:27:27.640 --> 00:27:28.340 The temple authorities 00:27:28.340 --> 00:27:29.100 were greatly annoyed, 00:27:29.700 --> 00:27:31.300 but many of those 00:27:31.300 --> 00:27:32.460 who had heard the word 00:27:32.460 --> 00:27:32.940 believed, 00:27:32.940 --> 00:27:34.200 and the number of men 00:27:34.200 --> 00:27:35.640 came to about 5,000. 00:27:36.759 --> 00:27:37.960 The message of Jesus 00:27:37.960 --> 00:27:38.720 and the resurrection 00:27:38.720 --> 00:27:40.920 was both challenging 00:27:40.920 --> 00:27:42.559 and compelling. 00:27:43.240 --> 00:27:44.059 It was both 00:27:44.059 --> 00:27:45.320 greatly annoying 00:27:45.320 --> 00:27:47.500 and wonderfully attractive 00:27:47.500 --> 00:27:48.840 all at the same time. 00:27:50.259 --> 00:27:50.580 And friends, 00:27:50.620 --> 00:27:51.779 that's how it will always be. 00:27:52.880 --> 00:27:53.539 Every time, 00:27:53.660 --> 00:27:54.059 every place, 00:27:54.140 --> 00:27:54.600 every culture 00:27:54.600 --> 00:27:55.660 will have things within it 00:27:55.660 --> 00:27:57.180 that when confronted 00:27:57.180 --> 00:27:57.840 with the gospel, 00:27:58.160 --> 00:27:59.340 it will find both attractive 00:27:59.340 --> 00:28:00.700 and repulsive. 00:28:00.700 --> 00:28:01.180 Right? 00:28:02.460 --> 00:28:03.080 Think of us today. 00:28:04.000 --> 00:28:04.799 The gospel is a message 00:28:04.799 --> 00:28:05.259 of forgiveness, 00:28:05.720 --> 00:28:06.140 of love, 00:28:06.420 --> 00:28:06.980 of unity, 00:28:07.120 --> 00:28:07.759 of misdifference. 00:28:08.620 --> 00:28:09.720 And those things resonate 00:28:09.720 --> 00:28:10.660 deeply with our culture, 00:28:10.700 --> 00:28:11.120 do they not? 00:28:12.000 --> 00:28:13.059 But the gospel is also 00:28:13.059 --> 00:28:13.779 a message that says 00:28:13.779 --> 00:28:14.500 you are not your own. 00:28:14.620 --> 00:28:15.539 You were bought with a price. 00:28:16.080 --> 00:28:16.819 Your personal freedom 00:28:16.819 --> 00:28:17.360 and expression 00:28:17.360 --> 00:28:18.059 must come under 00:28:18.059 --> 00:28:19.039 the lordship of Christ. 00:28:19.740 --> 00:28:20.960 And we don't like that one bit. 00:28:21.500 --> 00:28:21.740 Right? 00:28:22.000 --> 00:28:22.680 No thanks. 00:28:22.680 --> 00:28:25.500 And so, 00:28:25.779 --> 00:28:27.400 as we are sharing the gospel 00:28:27.400 --> 00:28:28.539 and living the gospel 00:28:28.539 --> 00:28:29.100 as a church, 00:28:29.220 --> 00:28:30.820 we shouldn't be surprised 00:28:30.820 --> 00:28:32.460 if people are offended 00:28:32.460 --> 00:28:33.720 by the claims of the gospel. 00:28:33.900 --> 00:28:35.539 People will be greatly annoyed. 00:28:36.240 --> 00:28:37.360 That's how it always been. 00:28:37.620 --> 00:28:37.860 But, 00:28:38.380 --> 00:28:39.940 we should also expect 00:28:39.940 --> 00:28:41.680 that the gospel will 00:28:41.680 --> 00:28:43.039 at the same time 00:28:43.039 --> 00:28:43.840 attract. 00:28:44.860 --> 00:28:45.420 Right? 00:28:46.039 --> 00:28:47.940 Because it's a life-giving message. 00:28:47.940 --> 00:28:50.600 And if we find, 00:28:50.720 --> 00:28:51.640 if we find 00:28:51.640 --> 00:28:53.080 that there's only one 00:28:53.080 --> 00:28:53.519 or the other, 00:28:54.299 --> 00:28:55.640 people are only kind of 00:28:55.640 --> 00:28:57.220 comforted and attracted, 00:28:57.360 --> 00:28:58.279 people are only kind of 00:28:58.279 --> 00:28:59.460 offended and repulsed, 00:29:00.080 --> 00:29:01.019 if we find that it's only 00:29:01.019 --> 00:29:01.539 one or the other, 00:29:02.620 --> 00:29:04.160 we may be missing something 00:29:04.160 --> 00:29:04.820 in our message. 00:29:07.220 --> 00:29:08.059 Second application. 00:29:09.160 --> 00:29:09.960 Not only does the message 00:29:09.960 --> 00:29:10.779 of Jesus both annoy 00:29:10.779 --> 00:29:11.460 and attract, 00:29:12.420 --> 00:29:13.320 but we should also 00:29:13.320 --> 00:29:13.960 be praying 00:29:13.960 --> 00:29:15.940 and looking for opportunities 00:29:15.940 --> 00:29:18.480 to turn our conversations 00:29:18.480 --> 00:29:19.559 and interactions 00:29:19.559 --> 00:29:21.680 explicitly to who Jesus is 00:29:21.680 --> 00:29:22.820 and what he's done. 00:29:23.240 --> 00:29:24.200 Notice how in the second 00:29:24.200 --> 00:29:25.320 paragraph of our passage, 00:29:25.480 --> 00:29:25.960 Peter and John 00:29:25.960 --> 00:29:26.820 are brought to trial 00:29:26.820 --> 00:29:28.279 and the authorities say, 00:29:28.799 --> 00:29:29.700 tell us by what power 00:29:29.700 --> 00:29:30.559 and by what name, 00:29:30.660 --> 00:29:30.860 that is, 00:29:31.000 --> 00:29:32.019 tell us by what authority 00:29:32.019 --> 00:29:33.200 you're doing all this. 00:29:34.900 --> 00:29:35.620 And think about Peter. 00:29:35.720 --> 00:29:36.320 Peter could have said, 00:29:36.400 --> 00:29:36.980 well, gee, 00:29:37.380 --> 00:29:37.640 you know, 00:29:37.759 --> 00:29:39.279 we prayed 00:29:39.279 --> 00:29:40.559 and look what happened. 00:29:40.960 --> 00:29:41.500 God just happened 00:29:41.500 --> 00:29:42.039 to heal this guy. 00:29:42.100 --> 00:29:42.360 I don't know, 00:29:42.360 --> 00:29:43.380 it's pretty surprising to us too. 00:29:44.340 --> 00:29:44.799 I mean, 00:29:44.820 --> 00:29:45.340 you're not going to just 00:29:45.340 --> 00:29:45.860 punish us 00:29:45.859 --> 00:29:46.699 for a good deed, right? 00:29:46.740 --> 00:29:46.899 I mean, 00:29:46.919 --> 00:29:47.459 we're all in agreement 00:29:47.459 --> 00:29:48.419 that people need to be helped, 00:29:48.500 --> 00:29:48.740 right? 00:29:51.259 --> 00:29:52.039 Peter could have answered 00:29:52.039 --> 00:29:52.479 that way. 00:29:53.639 --> 00:29:54.619 But instead of kind of 00:29:54.619 --> 00:29:55.079 backtracking, 00:29:55.159 --> 00:29:55.799 what does Peter do? 00:29:56.979 --> 00:29:57.839 He says this, 00:29:57.899 --> 00:29:58.119 he says, 00:29:58.179 --> 00:29:58.359 well, 00:29:59.159 --> 00:30:00.319 if you're really asking me 00:30:00.319 --> 00:30:01.179 how this man was healed, 00:30:01.240 --> 00:30:01.759 I'll tell you, 00:30:02.959 --> 00:30:03.639 Jesus did it. 00:30:04.419 --> 00:30:05.179 The same Jesus 00:30:05.179 --> 00:30:05.779 you crucified 00:30:05.779 --> 00:30:06.599 a few weeks ago. 00:30:07.559 --> 00:30:08.219 God raised him 00:30:08.219 --> 00:30:08.719 from the dead. 00:30:09.079 --> 00:30:09.639 And now, 00:30:09.719 --> 00:30:10.740 just like the psalm said, 00:30:11.159 --> 00:30:12.039 he's the capstone 00:30:12.039 --> 00:30:12.799 of God's people 00:30:12.799 --> 00:30:14.379 and there isn't salvation 00:30:14.379 --> 00:30:15.059 in anyone else. 00:30:15.059 --> 00:30:16.980 Ouch. 00:30:16.980 --> 00:30:17.039 Ouch. 00:30:20.279 --> 00:30:21.220 In other words, 00:30:22.079 --> 00:30:23.700 when asked about 00:30:23.700 --> 00:30:24.980 what was really going on, 00:30:26.599 --> 00:30:26.980 Peter 00:30:26.980 --> 00:30:28.859 made Jesus 00:30:28.859 --> 00:30:29.700 the hero 00:30:29.700 --> 00:30:31.819 because he is. 00:30:33.740 --> 00:30:34.220 Now, 00:30:34.259 --> 00:30:35.339 we don't always get the chance 00:30:35.339 --> 00:30:36.200 to be as forthright 00:30:36.200 --> 00:30:36.659 as Peter, 00:30:36.779 --> 00:30:37.079 do we? 00:30:38.000 --> 00:30:38.460 You know, 00:30:38.519 --> 00:30:39.519 sometimes our conversations 00:30:39.519 --> 00:30:40.579 are a little further upstream. 00:30:40.579 --> 00:30:43.899 But the same spirit 00:30:43.899 --> 00:30:45.319 that filled Peter 00:30:45.319 --> 00:30:46.000 in that moment 00:30:46.000 --> 00:30:48.419 to speak what he ought to say 00:30:48.419 --> 00:30:49.559 to testify to Christ 00:30:49.559 --> 00:30:50.819 also fills us. 00:30:52.099 --> 00:30:52.339 You know, 00:30:52.379 --> 00:30:54.099 Jesus promised in Luke chapter 12, 00:30:54.139 --> 00:30:55.159 back in the gospel of Luke, 00:30:55.599 --> 00:30:56.619 the first chapter 00:30:56.619 --> 00:30:57.899 of Luke's two-part work. 00:30:57.980 --> 00:30:59.000 In Luke chapter 12, 00:30:59.039 --> 00:30:59.799 verse 11 through 12, 00:30:59.879 --> 00:31:00.259 Jesus said, 00:31:00.359 --> 00:31:00.759 when they bring you 00:31:00.759 --> 00:31:01.319 before the rulers 00:31:01.319 --> 00:31:01.879 and authorities, 00:31:01.960 --> 00:31:02.539 the Holy Spirit 00:31:02.539 --> 00:31:03.259 will teach you 00:31:03.259 --> 00:31:04.319 what you ought to say. 00:31:05.319 --> 00:31:06.319 And here in Acts 4, 00:31:06.399 --> 00:31:07.700 we see that Jesus' promise 00:31:07.700 --> 00:31:08.419 is coming true. 00:31:09.000 --> 00:31:10.059 And that same promise 00:31:10.059 --> 00:31:10.859 is true for us. 00:31:11.700 --> 00:31:12.819 The Spirit helps us 00:31:12.819 --> 00:31:14.220 in our everyday moments 00:31:14.220 --> 00:31:15.859 with what we ought to say. 00:31:16.480 --> 00:31:17.599 He will help us 00:31:17.599 --> 00:31:19.559 to turn our conversation 00:31:19.559 --> 00:31:20.980 to the things of the gospel 00:31:20.980 --> 00:31:22.339 in a way that's fitting 00:31:22.339 --> 00:31:23.460 and natural to the moment. 00:31:23.740 --> 00:31:24.779 We might not get a chance 00:31:24.779 --> 00:31:25.559 to say everything 00:31:25.559 --> 00:31:26.639 that we want to say 00:31:26.639 --> 00:31:27.339 about Jesus 00:31:27.339 --> 00:31:28.259 or that we hope 00:31:28.259 --> 00:31:29.139 to say about Jesus, 00:31:29.279 --> 00:31:30.599 but we can still pray 00:31:30.599 --> 00:31:31.599 for the opportunities 00:31:31.599 --> 00:31:32.279 to draw people 00:31:32.279 --> 00:31:33.240 a little closer 00:31:33.240 --> 00:31:35.099 to the unique Savior 00:31:35.099 --> 00:31:36.039 who holds out 00:31:36.039 --> 00:31:37.019 this unique 00:31:37.019 --> 00:31:38.000 and beautiful salvation. 00:31:38.819 --> 00:31:39.480 So I think we learn 00:31:39.480 --> 00:31:40.039 from this text 00:31:40.039 --> 00:31:40.620 to be praying, 00:31:40.880 --> 00:31:41.460 to be depending 00:31:41.460 --> 00:31:41.980 on the Spirit, 00:31:42.140 --> 00:31:43.279 to turn the corner 00:31:43.279 --> 00:31:44.240 of our conversations 00:31:44.240 --> 00:31:46.279 to make Jesus known. 00:31:47.380 --> 00:31:47.620 Right? 00:31:47.900 --> 00:31:48.680 How many of you, 00:31:48.759 --> 00:31:49.620 when you, you know, 00:31:49.640 --> 00:31:50.279 run into friends 00:31:50.279 --> 00:31:51.019 or things like that, 00:31:51.059 --> 00:31:51.359 and you're like, 00:31:51.400 --> 00:31:52.240 oh, I was, you know, 00:31:52.380 --> 00:31:53.160 I was, what were you doing 00:31:53.160 --> 00:31:53.500 this weekend? 00:31:53.620 --> 00:31:54.299 Oh, I was at church. 00:31:54.480 --> 00:31:55.819 Oh, it's nice to have community, 00:31:55.940 --> 00:31:56.319 isn't it? 00:31:56.779 --> 00:31:57.000 Right? 00:31:57.759 --> 00:31:59.019 I hear that a lot, actually. 00:31:59.700 --> 00:32:00.400 And it is nice 00:32:00.400 --> 00:32:00.980 to have community. 00:32:01.099 --> 00:32:01.640 Isn't it wonderful? 00:32:01.900 --> 00:32:02.079 Yeah? 00:32:02.079 --> 00:32:02.199 Yeah? 00:32:03.099 --> 00:32:04.220 Oh, what would the Holy Spirit 00:32:04.220 --> 00:32:05.000 prompt us to say 00:32:05.000 --> 00:32:05.539 in that moment? 00:32:06.619 --> 00:32:06.960 You know, 00:32:07.139 --> 00:32:08.279 community is great, 00:32:08.379 --> 00:32:08.819 but I'll tell you, 00:32:08.859 --> 00:32:09.519 the one at the center 00:32:09.519 --> 00:32:10.159 of our community 00:32:10.159 --> 00:32:10.839 is even better. 00:32:12.159 --> 00:32:12.740 I don't know. 00:32:13.519 --> 00:32:14.279 The Holy Spirit 00:32:14.279 --> 00:32:14.759 will lead you, 00:32:14.879 --> 00:32:15.480 brothers and sisters. 00:32:16.759 --> 00:32:17.480 Third and last, 00:32:18.519 --> 00:32:19.899 we should not only pray 00:32:19.899 --> 00:32:20.740 for opportunities 00:32:20.740 --> 00:32:21.859 to speak about Jesus. 00:32:22.319 --> 00:32:23.359 If He is indeed 00:32:23.359 --> 00:32:24.240 the only Savior, 00:32:25.539 --> 00:32:26.519 then the most important 00:32:26.519 --> 00:32:27.379 thing we can do 00:32:27.379 --> 00:32:29.279 is spend time 00:32:29.279 --> 00:32:29.720 with Jesus. 00:32:29.720 --> 00:32:32.120 Notice the last paragraph 00:32:32.120 --> 00:32:32.860 of our passage. 00:32:32.980 --> 00:32:33.920 The rulers and authorities 00:32:33.920 --> 00:32:35.180 are sort of surprised 00:32:35.180 --> 00:32:36.500 at the boldness 00:32:36.500 --> 00:32:37.480 of Peter and John. 00:32:38.480 --> 00:32:39.279 They speak 00:32:39.279 --> 00:32:41.019 not just with courage, 00:32:41.480 --> 00:32:42.360 but that word there, 00:32:42.539 --> 00:32:43.120 that word there, 00:32:43.279 --> 00:32:44.900 courage or boldness 00:32:44.900 --> 00:32:46.480 also means clarity 00:32:46.480 --> 00:32:47.400 and insight 00:32:47.400 --> 00:32:48.279 and freedom, 00:32:48.779 --> 00:32:49.740 freedom of speech. 00:32:50.660 --> 00:32:50.799 Right? 00:32:51.660 --> 00:32:52.559 And the authorities 00:32:52.559 --> 00:32:53.299 are surprised 00:32:53.299 --> 00:32:54.259 at that courage, 00:32:54.319 --> 00:32:55.240 at that boldness, 00:32:55.240 --> 00:32:57.319 because Peter and John 00:32:57.319 --> 00:32:59.400 are uneducated, 00:32:59.799 --> 00:33:00.460 common men. 00:33:02.160 --> 00:33:02.779 That is, 00:33:02.920 --> 00:33:03.299 that is, 00:33:03.400 --> 00:33:04.839 technically what that means 00:33:04.839 --> 00:33:05.660 is that they hadn't 00:33:05.660 --> 00:33:06.299 gone through 00:33:06.299 --> 00:33:08.480 the formal rabbinical training 00:33:08.480 --> 00:33:10.620 that the religious authorities had. 00:33:10.759 --> 00:33:11.579 They hadn't been schooled 00:33:11.579 --> 00:33:12.059 in their schools. 00:33:12.160 --> 00:33:12.880 They hadn't been trained 00:33:12.880 --> 00:33:13.519 in their methods, 00:33:13.599 --> 00:33:13.799 right? 00:33:14.799 --> 00:33:15.759 They hadn't gotten 00:33:15.759 --> 00:33:16.539 their certification. 00:33:18.220 --> 00:33:18.720 Peter and John, 00:33:18.779 --> 00:33:19.140 in other words, 00:33:19.180 --> 00:33:20.480 were not religious professionals. 00:33:20.480 --> 00:33:21.539 They were just lay people. 00:33:21.539 --> 00:33:24.759 And yet, 00:33:25.519 --> 00:33:26.180 they spoke 00:33:26.180 --> 00:33:27.299 with insight, 00:33:27.659 --> 00:33:28.599 with conviction, 00:33:28.920 --> 00:33:29.700 with courage. 00:33:30.599 --> 00:33:31.599 How could that be? 00:33:32.659 --> 00:33:33.680 What gave them 00:33:33.680 --> 00:33:34.399 that boldness? 00:33:36.200 --> 00:33:37.680 Well, the rest of verse 13 reads, 00:33:39.420 --> 00:33:40.200 and they recognized 00:33:40.200 --> 00:33:42.399 that they had been 00:33:42.399 --> 00:33:43.099 with Jesus. 00:33:45.079 --> 00:33:46.159 They had been 00:33:46.159 --> 00:33:47.039 with Jesus. 00:33:47.839 --> 00:33:48.339 You see, 00:33:48.399 --> 00:33:49.519 Jesus also hadn't been trained 00:33:49.519 --> 00:33:50.460 in the rabbinical schools 00:33:50.460 --> 00:33:50.839 of the day. 00:33:52.379 --> 00:33:53.539 He also hadn't gotten 00:33:53.539 --> 00:33:54.500 their same credentials. 00:33:56.139 --> 00:33:56.440 And yet, 00:33:56.500 --> 00:33:56.920 no one taught 00:33:56.920 --> 00:33:57.579 with the authority 00:33:57.579 --> 00:33:58.180 and the clarity 00:33:58.180 --> 00:33:58.700 and insight 00:33:58.700 --> 00:33:59.500 that Jesus did. 00:34:00.940 --> 00:34:01.579 In Jesus, 00:34:01.700 --> 00:34:02.359 all the wisdom, 00:34:03.240 --> 00:34:03.920 all the fullness 00:34:03.920 --> 00:34:05.019 of wisdom and truth 00:34:05.019 --> 00:34:05.879 and goodness dwelled. 00:34:06.139 --> 00:34:06.519 In Jesus, 00:34:06.619 --> 00:34:07.420 the very radiance 00:34:07.420 --> 00:34:08.500 of the glory of God 00:34:08.500 --> 00:34:09.380 shone forth 00:34:09.380 --> 00:34:10.199 in human form. 00:34:11.599 --> 00:34:12.460 And Peter and John, 00:34:12.880 --> 00:34:13.779 that they hadn't been trained 00:34:13.779 --> 00:34:14.460 in the schools, 00:34:15.239 --> 00:34:16.159 had been with Jesus. 00:34:18.759 --> 00:34:19.360 Now, friends, 00:34:19.400 --> 00:34:19.679 of course, 00:34:19.679 --> 00:34:20.679 there is great value 00:34:20.679 --> 00:34:21.639 in learning, 00:34:22.099 --> 00:34:22.599 in study, 00:34:22.859 --> 00:34:23.539 in education. 00:34:24.419 --> 00:34:25.259 Most of you are here 00:34:25.259 --> 00:34:25.719 in New Haven 00:34:25.719 --> 00:34:26.659 to do just that. 00:34:27.099 --> 00:34:28.000 And these are good gifts, 00:34:28.199 --> 00:34:29.379 and they're worth pursuing. 00:34:30.039 --> 00:34:30.619 And Christianity 00:34:30.619 --> 00:34:31.839 has always been a learning 00:34:31.839 --> 00:34:33.399 and teaching faith. 00:34:35.000 --> 00:34:35.619 But, friends, 00:34:35.679 --> 00:34:36.859 what matters most 00:34:36.859 --> 00:34:39.199 is if we have been 00:34:39.199 --> 00:34:39.759 with Jesus. 00:34:39.760 --> 00:34:44.040 Jesus is the only Savior. 00:34:44.760 --> 00:34:45.680 And if He is, 00:34:46.020 --> 00:34:47.440 then the great pursuit 00:34:47.440 --> 00:34:48.860 of our earthly lives 00:34:48.860 --> 00:34:49.660 ought to be 00:34:49.660 --> 00:34:51.060 to commune with Him 00:34:51.060 --> 00:34:51.520 in prayer, 00:34:51.920 --> 00:34:52.920 to learn of Him 00:34:52.920 --> 00:34:53.540 in His Word, 00:34:53.920 --> 00:34:54.740 and to worship Him 00:34:54.740 --> 00:34:56.620 in fellowship 00:34:56.620 --> 00:34:57.360 with His body, 00:34:57.440 --> 00:34:58.140 the local church. 00:35:00.640 --> 00:35:01.580 The passage ends 00:35:01.580 --> 00:35:02.180 with the authorities 00:35:02.180 --> 00:35:03.320 threatening Peter and John 00:35:03.320 --> 00:35:03.960 to never speak 00:35:03.960 --> 00:35:04.780 about Jesus again. 00:35:04.780 --> 00:35:07.720 And then they say this 00:35:07.720 --> 00:35:08.840 in great courage, 00:35:09.340 --> 00:35:09.880 whether it's right 00:35:09.880 --> 00:35:10.480 in the sight of God 00:35:10.480 --> 00:35:11.200 to listen to you 00:35:11.200 --> 00:35:11.980 rather than God, 00:35:12.060 --> 00:35:12.560 you must judge, 00:35:12.980 --> 00:35:13.940 for we cannot but speak 00:35:13.940 --> 00:35:14.640 of what we have seen 00:35:14.640 --> 00:35:15.000 and heard. 00:35:16.160 --> 00:35:16.560 Wow! 00:35:16.980 --> 00:35:17.760 Where did they get 00:35:17.760 --> 00:35:18.540 the courage 00:35:18.540 --> 00:35:19.940 to go on preaching 00:35:19.940 --> 00:35:20.760 and to suffer 00:35:20.760 --> 00:35:21.560 the consequences? 00:35:23.680 --> 00:35:24.080 Friends, 00:35:24.120 --> 00:35:24.920 it's because 00:35:24.920 --> 00:35:25.860 they had been 00:35:25.860 --> 00:35:26.960 with Jesus. 00:35:28.180 --> 00:35:28.980 They had been 00:35:28.980 --> 00:35:29.400 with Him, 00:35:30.540 --> 00:35:31.760 and they had to speak 00:35:31.760 --> 00:35:33.100 of what they had seen 00:35:33.099 --> 00:35:33.460 and heard. 00:35:35.139 --> 00:35:35.860 And that's where 00:35:35.860 --> 00:35:36.380 our courage, 00:35:36.500 --> 00:35:37.460 that's where our boldness 00:35:37.460 --> 00:35:38.239 will come from too. 00:35:39.619 --> 00:35:40.219 Brother, sister, 00:35:40.279 --> 00:35:41.000 if you feel weak 00:35:41.000 --> 00:35:41.779 or weary, 00:35:41.920 --> 00:35:42.739 if you feel timid 00:35:42.739 --> 00:35:43.819 or afraid, 00:35:44.940 --> 00:35:45.679 spend time 00:35:45.679 --> 00:35:46.420 with your Savior. 00:35:46.659 --> 00:35:47.739 Be with Jesus. 00:35:49.759 --> 00:35:50.699 Learn to worship 00:35:50.699 --> 00:35:51.259 and love Him 00:35:51.259 --> 00:35:51.799 in prayer. 00:35:52.480 --> 00:35:53.159 Read and meditate 00:35:53.159 --> 00:35:53.900 on His Word 00:35:53.900 --> 00:35:54.420 until it starts 00:35:54.420 --> 00:35:55.599 to warm your soul. 00:35:55.980 --> 00:35:56.559 Spend time 00:35:56.559 --> 00:35:57.299 with fellow believers 00:35:57.299 --> 00:35:58.440 who can encourage you. 00:35:58.799 --> 00:35:59.420 Spend time 00:35:59.420 --> 00:36:00.659 with Jesus Himself. 00:36:00.659 --> 00:36:03.719 And may it be said 00:36:03.719 --> 00:36:04.480 of us as a church 00:36:04.480 --> 00:36:06.039 as it was said 00:36:06.039 --> 00:36:06.799 of Peter and John, 00:36:08.079 --> 00:36:09.299 and they recognized 00:36:09.299 --> 00:36:10.759 that they had been 00:36:10.759 --> 00:36:11.239 with Jesus. 00:36:13.779 --> 00:36:14.819 And if that is true 00:36:14.819 --> 00:36:15.279 of us, 00:36:16.179 --> 00:36:17.559 then more and more 00:36:17.559 --> 00:36:17.859 and more, 00:36:17.940 --> 00:36:18.599 our message 00:36:18.599 --> 00:36:19.719 and our life 00:36:19.719 --> 00:36:20.719 together as a church, 00:36:21.579 --> 00:36:23.119 it won't only be 00:36:23.119 --> 00:36:23.659 disruptive 00:36:23.659 --> 00:36:24.859 to the status quo, 00:36:25.299 --> 00:36:25.559 right? 00:36:26.119 --> 00:36:26.879 It won't just 00:36:26.879 --> 00:36:27.940 maybe bring a riot 00:36:27.940 --> 00:36:28.719 or two every once 00:36:28.719 --> 00:36:29.139 in a while 00:36:29.139 --> 00:36:29.980 instead of tea. 00:36:31.379 --> 00:36:32.319 It won't just be 00:36:32.319 --> 00:36:32.739 disruptive 00:36:32.739 --> 00:36:33.739 to the status quo, 00:36:34.460 --> 00:36:35.359 but our message 00:36:35.359 --> 00:36:36.299 and our common life 00:36:36.299 --> 00:36:37.239 will also be 00:36:37.239 --> 00:36:38.179 transformative 00:36:38.179 --> 00:36:40.199 and healing. 00:36:42.539 --> 00:36:43.500 It won't be something 00:36:43.500 --> 00:36:44.779 that simply tears down, 00:36:44.879 --> 00:36:45.379 but something 00:36:45.379 --> 00:36:46.159 that builds up. 00:36:48.039 --> 00:36:48.480 Because 00:36:48.480 --> 00:36:49.799 it will be 00:36:49.799 --> 00:36:50.579 Jesus Himself 00:36:50.579 --> 00:36:51.920 that we bring 00:36:51.920 --> 00:36:52.839 to others. 00:36:55.119 --> 00:36:56.179 And they recognized 00:36:56.179 --> 00:36:57.599 that they had been 00:36:57.599 --> 00:36:58.139 with Jesus. 00:36:59.059 --> 00:36:59.819 May God grant it 00:36:59.820 --> 00:37:00.640 to be so with us, 00:37:00.700 --> 00:37:00.880 friends. 00:37:01.320 --> 00:37:01.760 Let's pray. 00:37:06.900 --> 00:37:07.340 Lord, 00:37:07.500 --> 00:37:09.059 we are so grateful 00:37:09.059 --> 00:37:13.039 that You are indeed 00:37:13.039 --> 00:37:15.700 a unique Savior, 00:37:16.700 --> 00:37:18.340 that the great need 00:37:18.340 --> 00:37:19.160 that we had 00:37:19.160 --> 00:37:21.660 to be reconciled 00:37:21.660 --> 00:37:23.220 to God 00:37:23.219 --> 00:37:26.179 for this world 00:37:26.179 --> 00:37:26.819 to be renewed 00:37:26.819 --> 00:37:27.359 and healed. 00:37:27.539 --> 00:37:28.299 You have come, 00:37:28.439 --> 00:37:28.859 Lord Jesus, 00:37:29.259 --> 00:37:30.219 and accomplished 00:37:30.219 --> 00:37:31.719 all that was required. 00:37:32.379 --> 00:37:33.119 So we worship 00:37:33.119 --> 00:37:34.019 and we praise You. 00:37:35.859 --> 00:37:36.679 May our witness 00:37:36.679 --> 00:37:37.099 to You, 00:37:37.199 --> 00:37:37.639 Lord Jesus, 00:37:39.099 --> 00:37:39.599 in lip 00:37:39.599 --> 00:37:40.559 and in life 00:37:40.559 --> 00:37:42.059 be fueled 00:37:42.059 --> 00:37:44.619 not by fear, 00:37:45.000 --> 00:37:45.959 not by pride, 00:37:46.779 --> 00:37:47.879 but may it be fueled 00:37:47.879 --> 00:37:49.000 by that rich communion 00:37:49.000 --> 00:37:49.599 with You. 00:37:49.599 --> 00:37:51.400 O Lord, 00:37:51.480 --> 00:37:52.500 help us even this week 00:37:52.500 --> 00:37:54.679 to be with You, 00:37:55.480 --> 00:37:57.480 to commune with You, 00:37:58.179 --> 00:37:59.299 to walk with You, 00:37:59.480 --> 00:38:00.239 to keep in step 00:38:00.239 --> 00:38:00.900 with Your Spirit. 00:38:04.059 --> 00:38:04.460 Lord, 00:38:04.539 --> 00:38:05.279 I pray that You 00:38:05.279 --> 00:38:05.900 would open 00:38:05.900 --> 00:38:07.159 the eyes 00:38:07.159 --> 00:38:07.719 of those 00:38:07.719 --> 00:38:09.219 who are far from You, 00:38:09.299 --> 00:38:10.039 who are seeking You. 00:38:10.119 --> 00:38:11.000 Help them 00:38:11.000 --> 00:38:11.940 to see in Christ 00:38:11.940 --> 00:38:14.360 the only Savior, 00:38:14.920 --> 00:38:15.860 to trust in Him 00:38:15.860 --> 00:38:16.420 and be saved. 00:38:16.420 --> 00:38:16.460 Lord, 00:38:17.400 --> 00:38:17.980 we pray this 00:38:17.980 --> 00:38:19.000 in Jesus' mighty name. 00:38:19.200 --> 00:38:19.420 Amen. 00:38:20.360 --> 00:38:20.700 Amen.