WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.180 Well, I think the encouragement goes two ways. 00:00:03.260 --> 00:00:05.100 We've been very encouraged to be here. 00:00:05.240 --> 00:00:08.800 ! We're so thankful to be able to worship with you this morning. 00:00:09.300 --> 00:00:16.260 And you may not know this, but we pray for the ministry of this church back home at Grace and Peace pretty regularly. 00:00:16.260 --> 00:00:22.260 In fact, we walked in and immediately we recognized this room from the Knowlton's newsletters. 00:00:22.480 --> 00:00:28.780 And so we're thankful for the privilege to be able to be here with you. 00:00:28.780 --> 00:00:32.660 Last night with the international dinner was an amazing encouragement. 00:00:33.439 --> 00:00:38.799 We were able to hear fantastic music last night as well, a piece from Bach. 00:00:38.880 --> 00:00:39.820 It was a delight. 00:00:39.820 --> 00:00:48.540 And so I'm going to read from Acts 2 in just a moment, Acts 2, 36 through 47. 00:00:49.340 --> 00:00:53.960 But before I do, I mean, it's so good to be here in a beautiful city like this. 00:00:54.040 --> 00:00:55.960 You know, I'm a Presbyterian minister. 00:00:56.120 --> 00:00:58.240 I've been a Presbyterian minister for 17 years. 00:00:58.240 --> 00:01:06.439 We're a Presbyterian church, which means that we have a – we're indebted to the churches here in this country. 00:01:07.540 --> 00:01:13.000 And I don't know – hopefully you hear this when Americans come, especially from Presbyterian churches. 00:01:13.120 --> 00:01:24.579 But it bears – it's worth repeating that we're thankful for the ties that bind us, not just historically, but we truly are by the Holy Spirit family. 00:01:24.579 --> 00:01:33.019 We're going to read about the Spirit's work here in Acts 2, verses 36 through 47. 00:01:33.359 --> 00:01:34.340 And then I will pray. 00:01:34.340 --> 00:01:39.500 This is the Apostle Peter speaking at Pentecost. 00:01:39.500 --> 00:01:44.200 Therefore, let all Israel be assured of this. 00:01:44.819 --> 00:01:50.239 God has made this Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Messiah. 00:01:50.239 --> 00:01:56.919 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 00:01:57.079 --> 00:01:58.219 Brothers, what shall we do? 00:01:59.219 --> 00:02:06.359 And Peter replied, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins. 00:02:07.119 --> 00:02:09.319 And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 00:02:09.319 --> 00:02:17.419 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, all whom the Lord our God will call. 00:02:18.359 --> 00:02:21.719 With many other words, he warned them and he pleaded with them, 00:02:22.079 --> 00:02:24.539 Save yourselves from this corrupt generation. 00:02:25.740 --> 00:02:33.139 And those who accepted his message were baptized, and about 3,000 were added to their number that day. 00:02:33.139 --> 00:02:40.839 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. 00:02:41.719 --> 00:02:46.919 And everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 00:02:47.879 --> 00:02:50.979 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 00:02:52.019 --> 00:02:55.959 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 00:02:56.719 --> 00:03:00.379 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. 00:03:00.379 --> 00:03:05.900 They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 00:03:06.519 --> 00:03:10.379 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. 00:03:10.919 --> 00:03:15.060 And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. 00:03:15.560 --> 00:03:17.219 Let's pray and ask God's help. 00:03:18.939 --> 00:03:25.039 Father, we thank you that you have preserved your word for us for these thousands of years. 00:03:25.740 --> 00:03:29.579 And we thank you that they are not mere words, they are your very words. 00:03:29.580 --> 00:03:33.900 And we ask, Holy Spirit, that you would breathe life into them. 00:03:34.800 --> 00:03:37.540 And that you would convict us where we need to be convicted. 00:03:37.760 --> 00:03:40.600 That you would comfort us where we need to be comforted. 00:03:41.100 --> 00:03:47.360 That you would dig out for us ears to hear and give us eyes to see the crucified and risen Christ. 00:03:47.460 --> 00:03:48.620 We pray this in his name. 00:03:49.380 --> 00:03:49.760 Amen. 00:03:49.759 --> 00:04:03.840 One of the things that you're struck by when you visit a new town, a new country immediately is that you are not certain at any moment where anything is, where you're going. 00:04:03.979 --> 00:04:09.439 We're glued to our phones, those of us who have service, trying to figure out where are we going. 00:04:09.439 --> 00:04:13.639 And it occurs to me, we long for certainty, don't we? 00:04:14.379 --> 00:04:18.000 Not just for where we're going, where we are. 00:04:18.100 --> 00:04:20.680 We long for certainty relationally. 00:04:21.139 --> 00:04:23.879 We long for certainty for the future. 00:04:24.079 --> 00:04:26.819 We long for certainty in so many ways. 00:04:27.019 --> 00:04:28.659 And it is, it's elusive. 00:04:29.620 --> 00:04:30.600 Ever elusive. 00:04:30.800 --> 00:04:33.639 We're not certain of many things, are we? 00:04:33.639 --> 00:04:42.819 And in this passage, when Peter is speaking at Pentecost, this great, famous sermon, early sermon of the Christian church, 00:04:43.879 --> 00:04:51.719 Peter tells his audience that there is something that they can be certain of, though it goes through great grief. 00:04:52.319 --> 00:05:01.319 And he wants them to know that there is certainty in their grief so that he might give them a certainty, something they don't even know to look for. 00:05:01.319 --> 00:05:09.079 There's a certainty in their grief when he says, know for certain that Jesus is God's anointed. 00:05:09.319 --> 00:05:13.399 He is his Lord and Christ, and you killed him. 00:05:14.060 --> 00:05:14.980 You murdered him. 00:05:15.920 --> 00:05:27.399 He gives them this certainty that pierces their heart so that they might have another certainty that is rooted in the grace of God that is greater, 00:05:27.399 --> 00:05:31.979 more powerful, more powerful, more stronger than their sin. 00:05:33.099 --> 00:05:40.339 And so that's what I want to talk about this morning, that there is an amazing scene here where the apostle Peter is been, 00:05:40.579 --> 00:05:41.919 he's preaching with power. 00:05:42.019 --> 00:05:49.419 The Holy Spirit falls on God's people, and he wants them to know with certainty that they're sinners before God 00:05:49.419 --> 00:05:52.879 so that they might have certainty in the grace of God. 00:05:52.879 --> 00:06:01.600 The Spirit who changes who we are changes our relationship with Jesus. 00:06:01.779 --> 00:06:06.379 And if we're going to hear anything this morning, it is that Christianity isn't just about what we do. 00:06:07.040 --> 00:06:09.360 It's not merely what we believe. 00:06:10.439 --> 00:06:15.819 But it is an experience that God has given us his Spirit, changes who we are, 00:06:15.819 --> 00:06:21.639 that we might have a new relationship with God's Lord and Christ. 00:06:23.199 --> 00:06:25.099 This is incredible news for us. 00:06:25.159 --> 00:06:28.920 It was incredible news for the original audience, for Peter. 00:06:30.019 --> 00:06:31.040 And here's what Peter says. 00:06:31.100 --> 00:06:35.139 He says, even though Jesus' crucifixion was part of God's plan, 00:06:36.279 --> 00:06:38.879 your part in it is devastating. 00:06:40.139 --> 00:06:42.800 God is not surprised by what has happened. 00:06:42.800 --> 00:06:51.699 God has orchestrated everything, and yet the part that you played in it when you murdered Jesus is devastating. 00:06:52.780 --> 00:06:55.120 He says in verse 36, 00:06:56.580 --> 00:06:59.519 Therefore let all Israel be assured of this. 00:06:59.660 --> 00:07:05.800 God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah. 00:07:05.800 --> 00:07:12.300 Know for certain that the embodiment of righteousness and perfection, 00:07:12.840 --> 00:07:17.500 the embodiment of God's love, walked in your presence. 00:07:18.259 --> 00:07:23.319 And you didn't recognize the embodiment of righteousness and perfection 00:07:23.319 --> 00:07:27.960 when he walked in your presence and when he spoke and you rejected him. 00:07:27.959 --> 00:07:33.979 What do you do when you realize you've been wrong on this kind of level? 00:07:35.500 --> 00:07:39.799 For those of us who had the privilege of hearing, you know, a piece of Bach last night, 00:07:39.899 --> 00:07:43.699 imagine sort of walking into a room where that is happening and saying, 00:07:43.779 --> 00:07:45.659 I'd rather have a conversation right now. 00:07:46.259 --> 00:07:47.399 Who wants to play a game? 00:07:48.199 --> 00:07:51.299 Imagine hearing that and not being struck with, 00:07:51.300 --> 00:07:56.960 we need to be quiet and we need to soak this in and appreciate what this is. 00:07:56.960 --> 00:08:02.439 Some of us might even be moved to tears by the majesty of what we heard. 00:08:03.800 --> 00:08:05.480 Imagine hearing it and saying, 00:08:05.600 --> 00:08:08.220 there's nothing memorable about this at all. 00:08:09.180 --> 00:08:11.519 As tragic as this response would be, 00:08:11.600 --> 00:08:17.360 it pales in comparison to the human response of seeing righteousness 00:08:17.360 --> 00:08:23.040 and perfection and love embodied and rejecting him. 00:08:25.020 --> 00:08:26.280 How could this have happened? 00:08:27.420 --> 00:08:29.360 You know, this doesn't happen in a vacuum. 00:08:29.480 --> 00:08:31.759 And sometimes I think it's easy for some of us to think, 00:08:31.860 --> 00:08:34.120 had I been there, I would have been different. 00:08:35.139 --> 00:08:36.480 We would not have been different. 00:08:38.240 --> 00:08:43.560 You know, the Bible famously says that all of creation proclaims the glory of God. 00:08:43.559 --> 00:08:49.539 Even blustery days like we've had proclaim the glory of God, 00:08:49.939 --> 00:08:51.399 the power of God. 00:08:51.719 --> 00:08:54.979 Blue skies proclaim the glory of God. 00:08:56.279 --> 00:08:57.539 Psalm 19 says, 00:08:57.819 --> 00:08:59.399 day to day pours out speech, 00:08:59.519 --> 00:09:02.359 and night to night reveals knowledge 00:09:02.359 --> 00:09:05.359 that there is something of our God that we can know. 00:09:05.459 --> 00:09:07.919 There is something of his glory we can be certain of. 00:09:07.939 --> 00:09:12.379 When we look out at this world that he has spoken into existence, 00:09:12.379 --> 00:09:15.539 it proclaims his glory. 00:09:17.159 --> 00:09:21.519 But because you and I have fallen short of this glory, 00:09:22.480 --> 00:09:27.559 God's word to us in creation doesn't merely speak glory, 00:09:27.679 --> 00:09:33.080 it also proclaims to us that we are accountable to the God who has made us. 00:09:34.700 --> 00:09:37.500 Paul tells us in Romans 1, he says, 00:09:37.500 --> 00:09:40.279 for the wrath of God is revealed from heaven 00:09:40.279 --> 00:09:44.179 against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men 00:09:44.179 --> 00:09:48.720 who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 00:09:50.220 --> 00:09:53.820 And so when we look out, you know, at God's creation, 00:09:54.019 --> 00:09:57.039 we, our group, we hiked up Arthur's seat, 00:09:57.139 --> 00:10:00.340 and we got to see a beautiful picture of your city. 00:10:00.340 --> 00:10:01.940 When you look out and you see, 00:10:03.320 --> 00:10:04.639 from a higher vantage point, 00:10:04.700 --> 00:10:06.340 you get to see God's creation 00:10:06.340 --> 00:10:08.040 and what we have done in it, 00:10:08.080 --> 00:10:10.600 we get to remind ourselves like how small we are. 00:10:10.660 --> 00:10:11.780 We feel it, don't we? 00:10:12.540 --> 00:10:15.420 But sometimes with that feeling of our finitude, 00:10:16.120 --> 00:10:19.340 there's a haunting feeling that comes with that. 00:10:20.360 --> 00:10:23.500 Sometimes we feel it when we put our heads on our pillow at night, 00:10:23.500 --> 00:10:27.000 and we feel deep in our bones, 00:10:27.159 --> 00:10:28.940 we are in need of grace. 00:10:29.879 --> 00:10:32.559 There is something that is wrong with us, 00:10:32.620 --> 00:10:37.100 and God intends to meet us with every need with his grace. 00:10:38.320 --> 00:10:39.460 But my point is, 00:10:39.559 --> 00:10:43.279 if we suppress this truth in unrighteousness 00:10:43.279 --> 00:10:45.200 when God speaks to us in creation, 00:10:45.299 --> 00:10:46.679 as all humans do, 00:10:47.080 --> 00:10:48.779 the logical conclusion of that 00:10:48.779 --> 00:10:50.960 is that we would suppress and reject 00:10:50.960 --> 00:10:52.920 God's embodied word 00:10:52.920 --> 00:10:55.100 when he comes and he walks in our midst. 00:10:56.900 --> 00:10:58.440 And so all of us 00:10:58.440 --> 00:10:59.840 are more in common, 00:10:59.900 --> 00:11:02.440 have more in common with those who rejected Jesus 00:11:02.440 --> 00:11:04.680 than we would like to admit. 00:11:06.960 --> 00:11:08.560 What happens when you realize 00:11:08.560 --> 00:11:11.200 that you've been wrong to this degree? 00:11:12.320 --> 00:11:13.519 You see, what Peter is saying is 00:11:13.519 --> 00:11:16.560 rejecting Jesus is more significant 00:11:16.560 --> 00:11:18.019 than we think that it is, 00:11:18.060 --> 00:11:20.600 and it's more violent than we think it is 00:11:20.600 --> 00:11:21.580 as well. 00:11:23.279 --> 00:11:24.460 And so often, 00:11:24.940 --> 00:11:28.259 when we're confronted with our sin, 00:11:28.560 --> 00:11:30.379 we justify it to ourselves, 00:11:30.460 --> 00:11:30.860 don't we? 00:11:31.860 --> 00:11:34.040 Well, no, no, you misunderstood me. 00:11:34.659 --> 00:11:35.639 That's not what I meant. 00:11:36.019 --> 00:11:37.300 You misheard me. 00:11:37.620 --> 00:11:38.700 That's not what I meant. 00:11:39.340 --> 00:11:40.820 The problem here is with you. 00:11:40.879 --> 00:11:42.519 It's not with what I have done. 00:11:43.080 --> 00:11:45.500 Or you don't know what they did to me first, 00:11:45.560 --> 00:11:48.100 and so of course I would respond this way. 00:11:48.100 --> 00:11:50.300 We justify our sin. 00:11:51.340 --> 00:11:52.420 But not here. 00:11:54.399 --> 00:11:55.639 Peter's original audience, 00:11:55.720 --> 00:11:57.820 they cannot justify themselves. 00:11:57.980 --> 00:11:59.820 The evidence is irrefutable. 00:12:01.620 --> 00:12:04.680 Instead, we read that they were cut to the heart. 00:12:04.679 --> 00:12:07.579 When the people heard this, 00:12:07.639 --> 00:12:08.799 they were cut to the heart 00:12:08.799 --> 00:12:10.579 and said to Peter and the other apostles, 00:12:10.719 --> 00:12:13.139 Brothers, what shall we do? 00:12:15.199 --> 00:12:18.399 There's a question for us reading this text today. 00:12:18.899 --> 00:12:23.779 How do we know if the Holy Spirit is at work in our life? 00:12:23.779 --> 00:12:27.039 How do we know if he is present in our life? 00:12:28.000 --> 00:12:29.459 And one sign, there are many, 00:12:30.600 --> 00:12:35.100 one sign is that our sin grieves us. 00:12:36.379 --> 00:12:39.459 That we aren't just grieved by the sins of others. 00:12:39.600 --> 00:12:42.480 That we realize the problem isn't just out there, 00:12:42.579 --> 00:12:43.980 but it's in here. 00:12:44.779 --> 00:12:46.759 That when we are confronted again 00:12:46.759 --> 00:12:49.039 by the Spirit's conviction, 00:12:49.039 --> 00:12:52.719 there is a grief that accompanies it. 00:12:54.459 --> 00:12:56.480 You know, this grief isn't always felt 00:12:56.480 --> 00:12:58.079 with the same intensity. 00:12:58.419 --> 00:13:01.719 We have seasons of winter and spring in our own hearts. 00:13:03.000 --> 00:13:04.899 But a common Christian experience 00:13:04.899 --> 00:13:06.459 is that we feel a grief 00:13:06.459 --> 00:13:08.579 when confronted with our sin. 00:13:08.580 --> 00:13:14.120 There are two different kinds of grief. 00:13:14.440 --> 00:13:15.940 Paul says in 2 Corinthians, 00:13:16.700 --> 00:13:18.840 there is a godly grief 00:13:18.840 --> 00:13:21.160 and a worldly grief. 00:13:22.540 --> 00:13:25.759 He says godly grief leads to eternal life. 00:13:25.879 --> 00:13:28.200 Worldly grief leads to death. 00:13:29.120 --> 00:13:30.060 What's the difference? 00:13:31.420 --> 00:13:34.460 I'll share two examples from my life. 00:13:34.460 --> 00:13:37.160 Both are embarrassing. 00:13:37.400 --> 00:13:39.480 From a previous season of my life, 00:13:39.540 --> 00:13:41.680 it was not uncommon in my late teens, 00:13:41.780 --> 00:13:42.680 early 20s, 00:13:43.019 --> 00:13:46.000 to overindulge with alcohol. 00:13:46.580 --> 00:13:48.100 And there were two times 00:13:48.100 --> 00:13:51.700 where I really felt particularly grieved 00:13:51.700 --> 00:13:53.240 by my behavior. 00:13:54.700 --> 00:13:57.100 And once, before I was a Christian, 00:13:57.720 --> 00:13:59.519 before I had been converted, 00:13:59.680 --> 00:14:00.820 had a regenerate heart, 00:14:00.820 --> 00:14:04.180 I was at a party in college 00:14:04.180 --> 00:14:06.980 and had overindulged 00:14:06.980 --> 00:14:10.320 and proclaimed my love, basically, 00:14:10.940 --> 00:14:13.060 for this young woman who was there 00:14:13.060 --> 00:14:14.660 in front of others very loudly 00:14:14.660 --> 00:14:15.780 and obnoxiously. 00:14:16.100 --> 00:14:18.060 It was unacceptable. 00:14:18.820 --> 00:14:20.260 And I woke up the next morning 00:14:20.260 --> 00:14:22.420 utterly grieved by my behavior. 00:14:23.100 --> 00:14:24.820 It had nothing to do with the sin 00:14:24.820 --> 00:14:26.100 against a holy God. 00:14:26.200 --> 00:14:27.680 It had everything to do with 00:14:27.680 --> 00:14:30.280 I've ruined my reputation. 00:14:30.279 --> 00:14:32.000 I've embarrassed myself. 00:14:32.059 --> 00:14:33.639 I've made a fool of myself. 00:14:33.720 --> 00:14:35.939 I was grieved by how I had acted, 00:14:36.100 --> 00:14:38.079 but it had nothing to do with sin 00:14:38.079 --> 00:14:39.539 or a holy God. 00:14:40.759 --> 00:14:42.360 And then a few years later, 00:14:43.100 --> 00:14:44.039 as a Christian, 00:14:45.500 --> 00:14:46.699 a similar experience happened. 00:14:46.799 --> 00:14:47.919 I overindulged, 00:14:48.000 --> 00:14:49.519 and this was on purpose, 00:14:49.779 --> 00:14:51.279 and I woke up the next morning 00:14:51.279 --> 00:14:52.360 deeply grieved, 00:14:52.480 --> 00:14:54.339 but it was a very different sort of grief, 00:14:54.459 --> 00:14:56.480 though outwardly it looked the exact same. 00:14:56.480 --> 00:14:57.960 How could I have done this 00:14:57.960 --> 00:15:00.000 against a holy God? 00:15:00.700 --> 00:15:02.320 And I was grieved by those 00:15:02.320 --> 00:15:03.560 that I had been around. 00:15:03.700 --> 00:15:06.539 I have not modeled that the grace of Jesus 00:15:06.539 --> 00:15:07.500 is powerful, 00:15:07.940 --> 00:15:11.300 and that following Him is worth our lives. 00:15:12.360 --> 00:15:15.360 I've sinned against God in this way, 00:15:15.460 --> 00:15:16.200 and I am grieved. 00:15:16.360 --> 00:15:17.779 And so outwardly, 00:15:17.840 --> 00:15:21.320 you have two very similar expressions, 00:15:21.320 --> 00:15:25.320 though inwardly a very different matter 00:15:25.879 --> 00:15:26.920 is happening altogether. 00:15:28.220 --> 00:15:29.780 The common Christian experience 00:15:29.780 --> 00:15:32.300 is to feel grief over our sin, 00:15:32.400 --> 00:15:35.520 but that grief stems from primarily 00:15:35.520 --> 00:15:39.240 sinning against a holy God 00:15:39.240 --> 00:15:40.960 who has been kind to us 00:15:40.960 --> 00:15:43.800 in sending His Messiah, Jesus. 00:15:43.799 --> 00:15:46.839 And that's what's happening 00:15:46.839 --> 00:15:48.279 in this passage. 00:15:49.959 --> 00:15:50.919 They're grieved. 00:15:52.819 --> 00:15:53.819 And they're wondering, 00:15:54.240 --> 00:15:55.779 what do we do, Peter, 00:15:56.259 --> 00:15:58.439 with our sin against this Jesus? 00:15:58.579 --> 00:15:59.339 What do we do? 00:15:59.399 --> 00:16:01.059 We have murdered the one 00:16:01.059 --> 00:16:02.819 who is the embodiment of righteousness 00:16:02.819 --> 00:16:04.459 and holiness and perfection. 00:16:04.779 --> 00:16:06.419 What do we do with that? 00:16:06.479 --> 00:16:07.199 And Peter says, 00:16:07.519 --> 00:16:09.659 turn to the one you have sinned against. 00:16:10.879 --> 00:16:12.299 It's utterly counterintuitive. 00:16:12.299 --> 00:16:14.620 How do we flee from our guilt? 00:16:14.719 --> 00:16:15.959 You have to turn to 00:16:15.959 --> 00:16:17.500 the one you've sinned against. 00:16:18.259 --> 00:16:20.079 You must lean on His promises. 00:16:21.620 --> 00:16:22.879 You must lean on the one 00:16:22.879 --> 00:16:24.039 that you have rejected, 00:16:24.219 --> 00:16:26.759 for He is gracious to sinners. 00:16:29.159 --> 00:16:30.359 And see, the grief that we find 00:16:30.359 --> 00:16:31.459 in Acts chapter 2, 00:16:31.559 --> 00:16:33.479 it leads to repentance. 00:16:33.740 --> 00:16:35.439 And the repentance that we find here 00:16:35.439 --> 00:16:37.319 is far more than just a mere 00:16:37.319 --> 00:16:39.099 outward change in behavior. 00:16:39.100 --> 00:16:42.920 More than changing their behavior, 00:16:43.080 --> 00:16:45.300 their relationship with Jesus 00:16:45.300 --> 00:16:47.440 has been fundamentally changed. 00:16:49.060 --> 00:16:50.600 We are not rejecting Him. 00:16:50.659 --> 00:16:51.519 We're not suppressing 00:16:51.519 --> 00:16:52.600 what He has to say. 00:16:52.680 --> 00:16:55.100 We want to be identified with Him. 00:16:55.259 --> 00:16:56.800 We want to turn to Him 00:16:56.800 --> 00:16:58.420 and be marked by Him. 00:17:02.420 --> 00:17:03.399 Repentance in the Bible 00:17:03.399 --> 00:17:05.140 is a combination of three things. 00:17:05.220 --> 00:17:06.900 We see this in our shorter catechism. 00:17:06.900 --> 00:17:11.280 It is marked by hatred of sin. 00:17:12.680 --> 00:17:14.540 But it is marked by 00:17:14.540 --> 00:17:15.900 an understanding, 00:17:16.780 --> 00:17:17.920 an acknowledgement, 00:17:18.340 --> 00:17:19.940 an apprehension of the love 00:17:19.940 --> 00:17:22.780 and the mercy of God in Jesus. 00:17:24.980 --> 00:17:26.680 Only then can we endeavor 00:17:26.680 --> 00:17:28.080 after new obedience. 00:17:29.220 --> 00:17:30.980 We must hate our sin, 00:17:31.380 --> 00:17:33.519 but that alone is not enough. 00:17:33.519 --> 00:17:36.639 we must see more than our hatred for sin. 00:17:37.900 --> 00:17:39.639 A reception of the mercy 00:17:39.639 --> 00:17:41.019 and the grace 00:17:41.019 --> 00:17:43.220 and the love of Jesus. 00:17:44.319 --> 00:17:45.240 And it is love 00:17:45.240 --> 00:17:47.359 and it is mercy from Jesus 00:17:47.359 --> 00:17:49.660 that transforms our hearts 00:17:49.660 --> 00:17:51.500 and changes our motivations 00:17:51.500 --> 00:17:53.619 far more powerfully, 00:17:54.500 --> 00:17:55.440 compellingly, 00:17:55.500 --> 00:17:57.019 than guilt alone. 00:17:57.019 --> 00:17:59.460 And then we strive 00:17:59.460 --> 00:18:00.759 after new obedience. 00:18:02.799 --> 00:18:02.980 You know, 00:18:03.000 --> 00:18:04.379 Christians are forced regularly 00:18:04.379 --> 00:18:08.200 to face our own sinfulness. 00:18:08.339 --> 00:18:09.220 It doesn't go away, 00:18:09.339 --> 00:18:10.200 unfortunately, 00:18:10.440 --> 00:18:11.359 when we become Christians, 00:18:11.440 --> 00:18:11.759 does it? 00:18:12.900 --> 00:18:14.259 The Holy Spirit continues 00:18:14.259 --> 00:18:16.119 to expose our hearts 00:18:16.119 --> 00:18:17.019 and our motivations 00:18:17.019 --> 00:18:18.960 that are contrary to His. 00:18:18.960 --> 00:18:21.600 And the goal is never 00:18:21.600 --> 00:18:22.920 for us to see 00:18:22.920 --> 00:18:24.799 how badly we can feel 00:18:24.799 --> 00:18:25.799 over our sin 00:18:25.799 --> 00:18:27.019 as if that was the goal. 00:18:27.900 --> 00:18:29.460 Just understand how bad you are. 00:18:29.680 --> 00:18:30.319 Just understand 00:18:30.319 --> 00:18:31.240 that you messed up again. 00:18:31.319 --> 00:18:31.920 Just understand 00:18:31.920 --> 00:18:32.819 that you're not 00:18:32.819 --> 00:18:33.740 who you were meant to be. 00:18:33.920 --> 00:18:34.840 That's not the goal. 00:18:36.579 --> 00:18:37.860 Repentance will always 00:18:37.860 --> 00:18:39.220 remain incomplete 00:18:39.220 --> 00:18:41.920 if the dominant word 00:18:41.920 --> 00:18:43.340 that we hear from God 00:18:43.340 --> 00:18:46.539 isn't grace and mercy. 00:18:46.539 --> 00:18:49.119 This is why Peter says 00:18:49.119 --> 00:18:49.960 in verse 38, 00:18:50.420 --> 00:18:51.960 repent and be baptized. 00:18:52.759 --> 00:18:53.559 Every one of you 00:18:53.559 --> 00:18:54.859 in the name of Jesus Christ 00:18:54.859 --> 00:18:55.559 for the forgiveness 00:18:55.559 --> 00:18:56.379 of your sins 00:18:56.379 --> 00:18:57.299 and you will receive 00:18:57.299 --> 00:18:58.440 the Holy Spirit. 00:18:59.859 --> 00:19:00.920 You have to know 00:19:00.920 --> 00:19:02.159 that the cleansing blood 00:19:02.159 --> 00:19:03.759 of Jesus symbolized 00:19:03.759 --> 00:19:04.519 in baptism, 00:19:05.039 --> 00:19:06.119 it washes you, 00:19:06.920 --> 00:19:08.000 it cleanses you, 00:19:09.000 --> 00:19:10.359 in such a way 00:19:10.359 --> 00:19:11.559 that Jesus' life, 00:19:11.759 --> 00:19:12.039 death, 00:19:12.139 --> 00:19:12.879 and resurrection 00:19:12.879 --> 00:19:14.700 no longer is merely 00:19:14.700 --> 00:19:16.240 a marker of our guilt. 00:19:16.240 --> 00:19:17.240 It is a marker 00:19:17.240 --> 00:19:18.319 of our acceptance 00:19:18.319 --> 00:19:19.779 with God. 00:19:21.359 --> 00:19:22.299 True repentance 00:19:22.299 --> 00:19:23.859 can only be born 00:19:23.859 --> 00:19:25.140 out of God's grace. 00:19:26.240 --> 00:19:26.620 Otherwise, 00:19:26.880 --> 00:19:27.880 it is not repentance. 00:19:29.740 --> 00:19:31.240 Conviction is a good thing, 00:19:31.339 --> 00:19:32.019 but it is meant 00:19:32.019 --> 00:19:32.799 to be temporary 00:19:32.799 --> 00:19:34.819 and it serves its purpose 00:19:34.819 --> 00:19:36.200 only in so far 00:19:36.200 --> 00:19:37.700 as it drives us back 00:19:37.700 --> 00:19:39.220 to the cross of Jesus. 00:19:39.900 --> 00:19:41.779 Conviction is a good thing 00:19:41.779 --> 00:19:43.240 so far as it drives us 00:19:43.240 --> 00:19:43.960 to the mercy 00:19:43.960 --> 00:19:45.160 and grace of Jesus. 00:19:45.160 --> 00:19:46.800 And once it has done that, 00:19:46.880 --> 00:19:48.140 it has served its purpose. 00:19:52.759 --> 00:19:53.960 In verse 39, 00:19:54.100 --> 00:19:54.420 he says, 00:19:54.519 --> 00:19:55.060 For the promise 00:19:55.060 --> 00:19:55.720 is for you 00:19:55.720 --> 00:19:56.460 and your children, 00:19:56.600 --> 00:19:57.840 for all who are far off, 00:19:58.560 --> 00:19:59.160 whom the Lord, 00:19:59.240 --> 00:19:59.759 our God, 00:20:00.440 --> 00:20:01.000 will call. 00:20:02.680 --> 00:20:03.680 I won't belabor 00:20:03.680 --> 00:20:04.620 this point, 00:20:04.700 --> 00:20:05.040 but again, 00:20:05.120 --> 00:20:05.560 what we see, 00:20:05.660 --> 00:20:06.840 if this passage 00:20:06.840 --> 00:20:08.360 is the culmination 00:20:08.360 --> 00:20:09.040 of so many 00:20:09.040 --> 00:20:10.160 Old Testament promises 00:20:10.160 --> 00:20:12.259 that God will pour out 00:20:12.259 --> 00:20:13.120 his Holy Spirit 00:20:13.120 --> 00:20:14.220 on his people, 00:20:14.360 --> 00:20:15.300 we also see 00:20:15.300 --> 00:20:15.940 the fulfillment 00:20:15.940 --> 00:20:17.019 that God has been 00:20:17.019 --> 00:20:17.860 making promises 00:20:17.860 --> 00:20:18.880 ever since Abraham. 00:20:19.100 --> 00:20:20.180 I will bless 00:20:20.180 --> 00:20:21.200 the world 00:20:21.200 --> 00:20:22.180 through you 00:20:22.180 --> 00:20:23.300 and your family. 00:20:23.500 --> 00:20:25.200 And here at Pentecost, 00:20:25.300 --> 00:20:25.779 they're seeing, 00:20:25.940 --> 00:20:26.620 Peter is saying, 00:20:26.980 --> 00:20:28.080 God is going to bless 00:20:28.080 --> 00:20:28.600 the world 00:20:28.600 --> 00:20:29.400 through you 00:20:29.400 --> 00:20:30.420 and your family 00:20:30.420 --> 00:20:31.400 as you receive 00:20:31.400 --> 00:20:32.460 this Holy Spirit 00:20:32.460 --> 00:20:33.740 and you go out 00:20:33.740 --> 00:20:34.700 in your lives 00:20:34.700 --> 00:20:36.500 carrying this promise 00:20:36.500 --> 00:20:37.080 with you. 00:20:37.079 --> 00:20:39.619 And so he says, 00:20:39.699 --> 00:20:40.579 save yourself. 00:20:42.500 --> 00:20:43.899 My translation says 00:20:43.899 --> 00:20:45.480 from this crooked generation, 00:20:45.759 --> 00:20:48.599 what is this corrupt generation? 00:20:49.480 --> 00:20:50.220 What does it mean? 00:20:51.939 --> 00:20:53.519 It means that the refuge 00:20:53.519 --> 00:20:55.139 offered to us in Jesus 00:20:55.139 --> 00:20:58.179 is as real for us 00:20:58.179 --> 00:20:59.019 and our families 00:20:59.019 --> 00:20:59.799 as the refuge 00:20:59.799 --> 00:21:01.099 that God offered Noah 00:21:01.099 --> 00:21:02.000 and his family 00:21:02.000 --> 00:21:03.059 in the ark. 00:21:03.419 --> 00:21:05.659 That when we flee to Jesus, 00:21:05.660 --> 00:21:08.240 there is a rescue 00:21:08.240 --> 00:21:10.040 and a protection 00:21:10.040 --> 00:21:11.920 in a world 00:21:11.920 --> 00:21:13.019 that is corrupt 00:21:13.019 --> 00:21:14.160 and yet we are left 00:21:14.160 --> 00:21:14.960 in this world. 00:21:15.220 --> 00:21:16.120 How does this work? 00:21:16.420 --> 00:21:17.460 What does this look like? 00:21:18.779 --> 00:21:19.620 We're rescued 00:21:19.620 --> 00:21:20.420 from a kingdom 00:21:20.420 --> 00:21:21.220 and rebellion 00:21:21.220 --> 00:21:22.279 against God 00:21:22.279 --> 00:21:24.240 and yet we get 00:21:24.240 --> 00:21:24.960 to remain 00:21:24.960 --> 00:21:26.240 to serve 00:21:26.240 --> 00:21:27.500 in this world. 00:21:28.920 --> 00:21:29.460 You see, 00:21:29.540 --> 00:21:30.080 for the Christian, 00:21:30.180 --> 00:21:30.740 the Holy Spirit 00:21:30.740 --> 00:21:31.620 changes the way 00:21:31.620 --> 00:21:32.100 that we look 00:21:32.100 --> 00:21:32.640 at everything. 00:21:34.019 --> 00:21:34.880 It changes the way 00:21:34.880 --> 00:21:36.060 we look at our relationships. 00:21:36.640 --> 00:21:37.640 It changes the way 00:21:37.640 --> 00:21:38.060 that we look 00:21:38.060 --> 00:21:38.840 at our families, 00:21:39.540 --> 00:21:40.260 our work, 00:21:41.340 --> 00:21:41.760 everything. 00:21:42.700 --> 00:21:43.500 Everything now 00:21:43.500 --> 00:21:44.400 is seen in light 00:21:44.400 --> 00:21:44.920 of Jesus 00:21:44.920 --> 00:21:45.700 and the healing 00:21:45.700 --> 00:21:47.140 that he brings. 00:21:49.700 --> 00:21:50.280 And so we see 00:21:50.280 --> 00:21:51.040 in verse 41, 00:21:51.260 --> 00:21:52.500 those who accepted 00:21:52.500 --> 00:21:53.500 his message 00:21:53.500 --> 00:21:54.940 were baptized 00:21:54.940 --> 00:21:57.100 and about 3,000 00:21:57.100 --> 00:21:57.660 were added 00:21:57.660 --> 00:21:58.900 to their number 00:21:58.900 --> 00:21:59.620 that day. 00:21:59.619 --> 00:22:02.619 their lives 00:22:02.619 --> 00:22:03.299 were changed 00:22:03.299 --> 00:22:05.339 and not just 00:22:05.339 --> 00:22:06.059 changed 00:22:06.059 --> 00:22:06.839 as individuals, 00:22:07.639 --> 00:22:08.299 they're brought 00:22:08.299 --> 00:22:09.279 into a community, 00:22:09.439 --> 00:22:10.079 the church, 00:22:10.759 --> 00:22:11.119 together. 00:22:12.759 --> 00:22:13.759 The common 00:22:13.759 --> 00:22:14.619 Christian experience 00:22:14.619 --> 00:22:15.639 is a humbling one 00:22:15.639 --> 00:22:16.899 where we see 00:22:16.899 --> 00:22:17.699 our need 00:22:17.699 --> 00:22:18.599 for a savior 00:22:18.599 --> 00:22:20.679 and yet we also 00:22:20.679 --> 00:22:22.079 see that we cannot 00:22:22.079 --> 00:22:23.279 and must not 00:22:23.279 --> 00:22:24.299 go about life 00:22:24.299 --> 00:22:25.659 all on our own 00:22:25.659 --> 00:22:26.019 anymore. 00:22:26.019 --> 00:22:28.139 in God's kindness 00:22:28.139 --> 00:22:28.920 he has given us 00:22:28.920 --> 00:22:29.579 a community, 00:22:30.240 --> 00:22:30.960 his body, 00:22:31.759 --> 00:22:32.359 the church. 00:22:34.480 --> 00:22:35.099 And so we see 00:22:35.099 --> 00:22:35.619 this is why 00:22:35.619 --> 00:22:36.660 they devote themselves 00:22:36.660 --> 00:22:37.440 to the apostles' 00:22:37.639 --> 00:22:38.000 teaching 00:22:38.000 --> 00:22:39.359 and to fellowship, 00:22:40.039 --> 00:22:41.220 to breaking of bread, 00:22:41.859 --> 00:22:42.480 and to prayer. 00:22:42.779 --> 00:22:44.039 They commit themselves 00:22:44.039 --> 00:22:45.119 to immersing 00:22:45.119 --> 00:22:45.779 themselves 00:22:45.779 --> 00:22:47.960 in the good gifts 00:22:47.960 --> 00:22:48.559 that God 00:22:48.559 --> 00:22:49.460 has given us 00:22:49.460 --> 00:22:50.799 that show us 00:22:50.799 --> 00:22:51.740 what to do 00:22:51.740 --> 00:22:52.480 with our guilty 00:22:52.480 --> 00:22:53.339 consciences. 00:22:53.339 --> 00:22:55.679 when our consciences 00:22:55.679 --> 00:22:57.459 are stung again, 00:22:57.619 --> 00:22:58.659 when we are pierced 00:22:58.659 --> 00:22:59.859 again and anew 00:22:59.859 --> 00:23:00.679 by the sin 00:23:00.679 --> 00:23:01.319 that we continue 00:23:01.319 --> 00:23:02.579 to see in our life, 00:23:02.879 --> 00:23:03.879 God has called 00:23:03.879 --> 00:23:04.359 a people 00:23:04.359 --> 00:23:05.519 to devote ourselves, 00:23:05.659 --> 00:23:06.899 to immerse ourselves 00:23:06.899 --> 00:23:08.039 in the ways 00:23:08.039 --> 00:23:09.139 that God has promised 00:23:09.139 --> 00:23:10.059 to meet us 00:23:10.059 --> 00:23:11.480 and shape our minds. 00:23:12.559 --> 00:23:13.079 The apostles' 00:23:13.299 --> 00:23:13.599 teaching, 00:23:13.759 --> 00:23:13.899 of course, 00:23:13.980 --> 00:23:15.000 is the New Testament. 00:23:15.139 --> 00:23:15.480 We're given 00:23:15.480 --> 00:23:16.319 the scriptures 00:23:16.319 --> 00:23:17.539 to be reminded 00:23:17.539 --> 00:23:18.679 that it's not all 00:23:18.679 --> 00:23:19.359 law, 00:23:19.679 --> 00:23:20.220 do this 00:23:20.220 --> 00:23:20.959 and thou shalt 00:23:20.959 --> 00:23:21.699 not do this, 00:23:21.699 --> 00:23:22.459 but grace 00:23:22.460 --> 00:23:23.579 for those 00:23:23.579 --> 00:23:24.380 who cannot 00:23:24.380 --> 00:23:25.480 do this perfectly. 00:23:26.559 --> 00:23:28.539 We're reminded 00:23:28.539 --> 00:23:29.740 again and again 00:23:29.740 --> 00:23:30.660 as we immerse 00:23:30.660 --> 00:23:31.120 ourselves 00:23:31.120 --> 00:23:31.860 in the scriptures 00:23:31.860 --> 00:23:32.680 together 00:23:32.680 --> 00:23:33.700 that God 00:23:33.700 --> 00:23:34.559 has done for us 00:23:34.559 --> 00:23:35.120 what we cannot 00:23:35.120 --> 00:23:36.500 do for ourselves. 00:23:37.620 --> 00:23:38.180 And we're called 00:23:38.180 --> 00:23:39.220 to immerse ourselves 00:23:39.220 --> 00:23:40.039 in prayer 00:23:40.039 --> 00:23:41.420 with God's people, 00:23:41.980 --> 00:23:44.259 to adore the God 00:23:44.259 --> 00:23:45.120 who has graciously 00:23:45.120 --> 00:23:46.200 forgiven us 00:23:46.200 --> 00:23:47.000 of our sins 00:23:47.000 --> 00:23:47.900 and we ask him 00:23:47.900 --> 00:23:48.539 to make us 00:23:48.539 --> 00:23:49.299 more like him. 00:23:50.299 --> 00:23:51.259 And we immerse 00:23:51.259 --> 00:23:52.059 ourselves in 00:23:52.059 --> 00:23:53.059 the breaking 00:23:53.059 --> 00:23:53.619 of bread, 00:23:53.740 --> 00:23:54.460 the Lord's Supper, 00:23:54.579 --> 00:23:54.879 where we get 00:23:54.879 --> 00:23:55.980 to see again 00:23:55.980 --> 00:23:56.599 and again 00:23:56.599 --> 00:23:57.920 that Jesus' 00:23:58.140 --> 00:23:59.240 body broken 00:23:59.240 --> 00:24:00.039 on a cross 00:24:00.039 --> 00:24:01.599 points to more 00:24:01.599 --> 00:24:02.359 than our guilt. 00:24:02.759 --> 00:24:03.440 It does point 00:24:03.440 --> 00:24:03.859 to that. 00:24:04.140 --> 00:24:04.960 He must die 00:24:04.960 --> 00:24:05.759 for our sin. 00:24:06.379 --> 00:24:07.319 But it points 00:24:07.319 --> 00:24:08.779 to our forgiveness 00:24:08.779 --> 00:24:09.700 and the grace 00:24:09.700 --> 00:24:10.619 that we receive. 00:24:11.420 --> 00:24:12.079 And we cannot 00:24:12.079 --> 00:24:13.200 hear this message 00:24:13.200 --> 00:24:14.000 one time 00:24:14.000 --> 00:24:15.200 or two times 00:24:15.200 --> 00:24:16.299 or three times. 00:24:16.379 --> 00:24:17.220 We have to hear it 00:24:17.220 --> 00:24:18.519 again and again 00:24:18.519 --> 00:24:19.480 and not just 00:24:19.480 --> 00:24:20.200 as individuals, 00:24:20.200 --> 00:24:21.379 as a body, 00:24:22.379 --> 00:24:23.299 as a church. 00:24:26.299 --> 00:24:26.960 All of this 00:24:26.960 --> 00:24:28.019 happens in Acts 00:24:28.019 --> 00:24:28.799 in the context 00:24:28.799 --> 00:24:30.039 of fellowship. 00:24:32.819 --> 00:24:33.400 Here's the other 00:24:33.400 --> 00:24:33.879 thing I think 00:24:33.879 --> 00:24:34.720 that we might 00:24:34.720 --> 00:24:35.279 not notice 00:24:35.279 --> 00:24:35.700 immediately 00:24:35.700 --> 00:24:36.720 from this passage. 00:24:39.220 --> 00:24:39.799 It's easy, 00:24:39.920 --> 00:24:40.079 I think, 00:24:40.119 --> 00:24:40.940 sometimes to hear 00:24:40.940 --> 00:24:41.759 this and think, 00:24:41.940 --> 00:24:42.079 okay, 00:24:42.139 --> 00:24:42.619 here's what I've 00:24:42.619 --> 00:24:43.119 got to do. 00:24:43.220 --> 00:24:43.940 I've got to read 00:24:43.940 --> 00:24:44.359 the scriptures 00:24:44.359 --> 00:24:45.559 and I've got to pray 00:24:45.559 --> 00:24:46.259 and I've got 00:24:46.259 --> 00:24:46.619 to take 00:24:46.619 --> 00:24:47.279 the Lord's Supper 00:24:47.279 --> 00:24:47.740 and, oh, 00:24:47.759 --> 00:24:48.200 I need to do 00:24:48.200 --> 00:24:48.980 that with people 00:24:48.980 --> 00:24:50.779 and not see 00:24:50.779 --> 00:24:51.440 that these are 00:24:51.440 --> 00:24:53.220 gifts from God. 00:24:54.099 --> 00:24:54.819 And it's not 00:24:54.819 --> 00:24:55.599 just a gift, 00:24:55.740 --> 00:24:56.399 it's not just 00:24:56.399 --> 00:24:56.980 a checklist, 00:24:57.139 --> 00:24:57.759 it's a gift 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:59.700 because there 00:24:59.700 --> 00:25:00.799 is more pain 00:25:00.799 --> 00:25:01.919 in this life 00:25:01.919 --> 00:25:02.980 than just the 00:25:02.980 --> 00:25:03.960 conviction of sin, 00:25:04.119 --> 00:25:04.599 isn't there? 00:25:06.440 --> 00:25:06.700 I mean, 00:25:06.879 --> 00:25:08.339 we feel pain 00:25:08.339 --> 00:25:09.819 and misery 00:25:09.819 --> 00:25:11.500 all the time 00:25:11.500 --> 00:25:12.179 and some of that 00:25:12.179 --> 00:25:13.519 is a hardship 00:25:13.519 --> 00:25:14.319 that just comes 00:25:14.319 --> 00:25:15.720 with our work 00:25:15.720 --> 00:25:16.039 life. 00:25:16.359 --> 00:25:17.119 We go to work 00:25:17.119 --> 00:25:17.859 and things 00:25:17.859 --> 00:25:18.359 don't work 00:25:18.359 --> 00:25:18.919 the way that 00:25:18.919 --> 00:25:19.559 we think they 00:25:19.559 --> 00:25:19.919 should. 00:25:20.259 --> 00:25:20.619 We're not 00:25:20.619 --> 00:25:21.200 treated as 00:25:21.200 --> 00:25:22.059 fairly as we 00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:23.039 want and there 00:25:23.039 --> 00:25:23.740 is a pain 00:25:23.740 --> 00:25:24.659 that is there. 00:25:25.859 --> 00:25:27.299 Or relationally, 00:25:27.419 --> 00:25:28.079 there is pain 00:25:28.079 --> 00:25:28.339 that the 00:25:28.339 --> 00:25:28.899 relationships 00:25:28.899 --> 00:25:29.519 that should be 00:25:29.519 --> 00:25:30.059 the easiest 00:25:30.059 --> 00:25:30.539 for us 00:25:30.539 --> 00:25:31.240 sometimes feel 00:25:31.240 --> 00:25:31.659 like they're 00:25:31.659 --> 00:25:32.259 the hardest. 00:25:34.720 --> 00:25:35.460 Maybe you've 00:25:35.460 --> 00:25:36.299 asked for the 00:25:36.299 --> 00:25:36.919 good gift of 00:25:36.919 --> 00:25:37.720 children in your 00:25:37.720 --> 00:25:38.339 life and then 00:25:38.339 --> 00:25:38.839 they come and 00:25:38.839 --> 00:25:39.519 you're not sure 00:25:39.519 --> 00:25:40.399 how to raise 00:25:40.399 --> 00:25:40.579 them. 00:25:40.659 --> 00:25:41.579 Am I messing 00:25:41.579 --> 00:25:42.179 them up? 00:25:42.259 --> 00:25:43.619 Life is hard. 00:25:44.319 --> 00:25:45.480 And we are 00:25:45.480 --> 00:25:46.659 people filled 00:25:46.659 --> 00:25:47.579 with anxiety 00:25:47.579 --> 00:25:49.119 and at times 00:25:49.119 --> 00:25:49.740 depression. 00:25:51.460 --> 00:25:52.480 Life in this 00:25:52.480 --> 00:25:53.179 fallen world 00:25:53.179 --> 00:25:53.899 is hard. 00:25:54.980 --> 00:25:55.399 And then there 00:25:55.399 --> 00:25:55.899 are medical 00:25:55.899 --> 00:25:56.619 diagnoses 00:25:56.619 --> 00:25:57.819 where we get 00:25:57.819 --> 00:25:58.539 the devastating 00:25:58.539 --> 00:25:59.539 news that it's 00:25:59.539 --> 00:26:01.439 cancer or 00:26:01.439 --> 00:26:03.720 Alzheimer's or 00:26:03.720 --> 00:26:04.279 somebody you 00:26:04.279 --> 00:26:05.399 know and love 00:26:05.399 --> 00:26:06.279 is taken from 00:26:06.279 --> 00:26:07.019 you too early 00:26:07.019 --> 00:26:07.720 and they pass 00:26:07.720 --> 00:26:08.480 away from this 00:26:08.480 --> 00:26:08.819 life. 00:26:09.119 --> 00:26:09.939 Life in this 00:26:09.939 --> 00:26:10.519 fallen world 00:26:10.519 --> 00:26:11.379 is hard. 00:26:11.380 --> 00:26:11.420 God. 00:26:13.020 --> 00:26:13.940 And when we 00:26:13.940 --> 00:26:14.820 read that the 00:26:14.820 --> 00:26:15.980 early church 00:26:15.980 --> 00:26:17.320 had they shared 00:26:17.320 --> 00:26:18.140 their possessions 00:26:18.140 --> 00:26:18.840 together. 00:26:18.840 --> 00:26:19.920 It's more than 00:26:19.920 --> 00:26:20.420 possessions. 00:26:20.420 --> 00:26:21.320 They shared 00:26:21.320 --> 00:26:22.080 their lives 00:26:22.080 --> 00:26:23.240 together. 00:26:23.660 --> 00:26:24.300 And why? 00:26:25.400 --> 00:26:26.240 Because when you 00:26:26.240 --> 00:26:27.460 live life together 00:26:27.460 --> 00:26:28.680 sometimes people 00:26:28.680 --> 00:26:29.500 are up here. 00:26:30.220 --> 00:26:30.860 Life is going 00:26:30.860 --> 00:26:31.600 well and the 00:26:31.600 --> 00:26:32.460 paycheck is coming 00:26:32.460 --> 00:26:33.180 in and sometimes 00:26:33.180 --> 00:26:34.000 you live life 00:26:34.000 --> 00:26:35.660 down here and 00:26:35.660 --> 00:26:36.160 you go to a 00:26:36.160 --> 00:26:37.480 funeral again. 00:26:37.480 --> 00:26:39.720 and God has 00:26:39.720 --> 00:26:40.319 given us a 00:26:40.319 --> 00:26:41.259 people together 00:26:41.259 --> 00:26:42.720 saturated in 00:26:42.720 --> 00:26:44.039 this good news 00:26:44.039 --> 00:26:45.680 so that we have 00:26:45.680 --> 00:26:46.360 people to come 00:26:46.360 --> 00:26:47.259 alongside of us 00:26:47.259 --> 00:26:47.799 and say you 00:26:47.799 --> 00:26:48.620 cannot pray for 00:26:48.620 --> 00:26:49.440 yourself today but 00:26:49.440 --> 00:26:50.180 I can pray for 00:26:50.180 --> 00:26:50.420 you. 00:26:51.339 --> 00:26:52.240 And you don't 00:26:52.240 --> 00:26:52.700 know how to 00:26:52.700 --> 00:26:53.279 pay for your 00:26:53.279 --> 00:26:54.120 bill this month 00:26:54.120 --> 00:26:55.059 but we can come 00:26:55.059 --> 00:26:56.019 alongside you. 00:26:56.920 --> 00:26:57.660 And then when you 00:26:57.660 --> 00:26:58.120 are in another 00:26:58.120 --> 00:26:59.019 place in life and 00:26:59.019 --> 00:26:59.740 that person is 00:26:59.740 --> 00:27:00.259 down well we 00:27:00.259 --> 00:27:01.559 have one another. 00:27:02.759 --> 00:27:03.360 And so what God 00:27:03.360 --> 00:27:04.059 has given us in 00:27:04.059 --> 00:27:05.019 the church is not 00:27:05.019 --> 00:27:06.220 just a checklist of 00:27:06.220 --> 00:27:06.839 things that we're 00:27:06.839 --> 00:27:07.740 supposed to do. 00:27:07.899 --> 00:27:09.519 It is grace for 00:27:09.519 --> 00:27:10.779 all of our wounds 00:27:10.779 --> 00:27:12.079 and we need one 00:27:12.079 --> 00:27:13.159 another because none 00:27:13.159 --> 00:27:14.480 of us is ever able 00:27:14.480 --> 00:27:16.139 to face all of life 00:27:16.139 --> 00:27:16.939 at the same time. 00:27:17.980 --> 00:27:19.980 We need help to 00:27:19.980 --> 00:27:21.199 rejoice and we 00:27:21.199 --> 00:27:22.740 need help to 00:27:22.740 --> 00:27:23.299 grieve. 00:27:24.119 --> 00:27:25.159 And we need help 00:27:25.159 --> 00:27:26.399 to come alongside 00:27:26.399 --> 00:27:27.859 one another when we 00:27:27.859 --> 00:27:28.619 need to bring a 00:27:28.619 --> 00:27:29.519 meal for somebody 00:27:29.519 --> 00:27:30.699 who doesn't have 00:27:30.699 --> 00:27:32.079 one or isn't in 00:27:32.079 --> 00:27:33.919 the situation or 00:27:33.919 --> 00:27:35.099 position to prepare 00:27:35.099 --> 00:27:35.839 it for themselves. 00:27:36.839 --> 00:27:38.439 God has given 00:27:38.439 --> 00:27:41.199 us a body to 00:27:41.199 --> 00:27:42.379 come alongside of 00:27:42.379 --> 00:27:43.539 us when we feel 00:27:43.539 --> 00:27:44.439 the wounds of 00:27:44.439 --> 00:27:45.379 life in a fallen 00:27:45.379 --> 00:27:46.659 world that might 00:27:46.659 --> 00:27:47.720 not flow directly 00:27:47.720 --> 00:27:48.859 from conviction of 00:27:48.859 --> 00:27:50.599 sin and yet it is 00:27:50.599 --> 00:27:51.679 still a mark of 00:27:51.679 --> 00:27:52.679 just life in a 00:27:52.679 --> 00:27:53.879 world that doesn't 00:27:53.879 --> 00:27:54.659 function the way 00:27:54.659 --> 00:27:55.379 that it is supposed 00:27:55.379 --> 00:27:55.679 to. 00:27:58.679 --> 00:27:59.779 We ought not to 00:27:59.779 --> 00:28:00.359 fall into the 00:28:00.359 --> 00:28:02.439 trap that the 00:28:02.439 --> 00:28:03.259 early church was 00:28:03.259 --> 00:28:04.500 particularly better at 00:28:04.500 --> 00:28:05.700 this than we were. 00:28:06.660 --> 00:28:07.700 As if they were 00:28:07.700 --> 00:28:08.579 forgiven and all 00:28:08.579 --> 00:28:09.259 went well right 00:28:09.259 --> 00:28:09.779 after that. 00:28:10.880 --> 00:28:11.920 Two chapters after 00:28:11.920 --> 00:28:13.539 this two church 00:28:13.539 --> 00:28:14.920 members are punished 00:28:14.920 --> 00:28:16.359 severely because they 00:28:16.359 --> 00:28:17.420 make a mockery of 00:28:17.420 --> 00:28:18.880 sharing life together. 00:28:20.319 --> 00:28:21.039 In 1 Corinthians 00:28:21.039 --> 00:28:22.359 Paul tells us that 00:28:22.359 --> 00:28:23.039 you Christians 00:28:23.039 --> 00:28:24.099 sometimes forget 00:28:24.099 --> 00:28:25.559 the rich are 00:28:25.559 --> 00:28:26.500 exploiting the 00:28:26.500 --> 00:28:26.859 poor. 00:28:27.039 --> 00:28:27.839 We need the 00:28:27.839 --> 00:28:28.960 gospel again to 00:28:28.960 --> 00:28:30.000 remind us our 00:28:30.000 --> 00:28:31.380 sinfulness continues 00:28:31.380 --> 00:28:33.480 to run deep but 00:28:33.480 --> 00:28:35.460 God's grace triumphs 00:28:35.460 --> 00:28:36.839 over that and we 00:28:36.839 --> 00:28:39.839 need each other to 00:28:39.839 --> 00:28:41.059 embody that together 00:28:41.059 --> 00:28:42.819 to see that in one 00:28:42.819 --> 00:28:43.160 another. 00:28:45.160 --> 00:28:46.799 It's a good gift for 00:28:46.799 --> 00:28:49.160 us and lastly and 00:28:49.160 --> 00:28:50.140 most briefly probably 00:28:50.140 --> 00:28:52.500 it's a good gift for 00:28:52.500 --> 00:28:53.420 the watching world. 00:28:54.619 --> 00:28:55.920 When we live life 00:28:55.920 --> 00:28:56.759 together when the 00:28:56.759 --> 00:28:58.279 gospel meets us and 00:28:58.279 --> 00:28:59.700 transforms us as a 00:28:59.700 --> 00:29:01.240 body as individuals 00:29:01.240 --> 00:29:03.180 surely but also as a 00:29:03.180 --> 00:29:05.620 body what we find in 00:29:05.620 --> 00:29:06.740 this passage is that 00:29:06.740 --> 00:29:07.920 the watching world 00:29:07.920 --> 00:29:09.299 will they marvel. 00:29:10.880 --> 00:29:11.680 Verse 46 00:29:11.680 --> 00:29:14.279 every day they the 00:29:14.279 --> 00:29:15.400 church continued to 00:29:15.400 --> 00:29:16.480 meet together in the 00:29:16.480 --> 00:29:17.360 temple courts they 00:29:17.360 --> 00:29:18.480 broke bread in their 00:29:18.480 --> 00:29:19.319 homes they ate 00:29:19.319 --> 00:29:20.380 together with glad 00:29:20.380 --> 00:29:21.600 and sincere hearts 00:29:21.600 --> 00:29:23.840 praising God and 00:29:23.840 --> 00:29:25.240 enjoying the favor of 00:29:25.240 --> 00:29:27.140 all the people and 00:29:27.140 --> 00:29:28.259 the Lord added to 00:29:28.259 --> 00:29:29.519 their number daily 00:29:29.519 --> 00:29:30.960 those who were being 00:29:30.960 --> 00:29:31.579 saved. 00:29:33.859 --> 00:29:36.180 The gospel renews us 00:29:36.180 --> 00:29:38.240 to live the lives that 00:29:38.240 --> 00:29:39.799 we were created to 00:29:39.799 --> 00:29:40.200 live. 00:29:41.000 --> 00:29:44.099 It renews us and when 00:29:44.099 --> 00:29:45.299 we begin to live that 00:29:45.299 --> 00:29:46.480 life out together 00:29:46.480 --> 00:29:49.220 somebody will notice. 00:29:49.819 --> 00:29:51.079 How did you get through 00:29:51.079 --> 00:29:51.700 that season? 00:29:52.660 --> 00:29:54.299 How did you pick 00:29:54.299 --> 00:29:54.960 yourself up? 00:29:55.019 --> 00:29:55.599 How did you put 00:29:55.599 --> 00:29:56.379 yourself through it? 00:29:56.380 --> 00:29:57.340 I didn't. 00:29:57.340 --> 00:29:57.420 I didn't. 00:29:58.420 --> 00:30:00.060 God was gracious to me. 00:30:00.260 --> 00:30:01.800 He met me in my 00:30:01.800 --> 00:30:02.640 church community. 00:30:03.720 --> 00:30:05.000 And they might think 00:30:05.000 --> 00:30:07.020 that we are crazy for 00:30:07.020 --> 00:30:07.800 the things that we 00:30:07.800 --> 00:30:08.340 believe. 00:30:09.460 --> 00:30:11.300 But we might also find 00:30:11.300 --> 00:30:12.440 that they long for the 00:30:12.440 --> 00:30:13.860 community that we find 00:30:13.860 --> 00:30:15.800 when a community is 00:30:15.800 --> 00:30:17.380 being shaped by the 00:30:17.380 --> 00:30:19.240 love and mercy of 00:30:19.240 --> 00:30:19.740 Jesus. 00:30:19.740 --> 00:30:21.720 because a community 00:30:21.720 --> 00:30:22.839 that is being shaped 00:30:22.839 --> 00:30:23.900 by the love and the 00:30:23.900 --> 00:30:25.539 mercy of Jesus finds 00:30:25.539 --> 00:30:27.319 itself becoming more 00:30:27.319 --> 00:30:28.519 merciful and loving 00:30:28.519 --> 00:30:29.220 itself. 00:30:30.019 --> 00:30:31.720 Meeting the needs of 00:30:31.720 --> 00:30:32.200 others. 00:30:32.839 --> 00:30:34.019 And the part of all of 00:30:34.019 --> 00:30:35.160 us that looks around 00:30:35.160 --> 00:30:36.620 and sees the glory of 00:30:36.620 --> 00:30:38.240 God in creation but 00:30:38.240 --> 00:30:39.539 then also feels like 00:30:39.539 --> 00:30:40.680 there's something wrong 00:30:40.680 --> 00:30:40.960 with me. 00:30:41.019 --> 00:30:42.000 I'm accountable to this 00:30:42.000 --> 00:30:42.299 God. 00:30:42.299 --> 00:30:44.419 that part of us is 00:30:44.419 --> 00:30:46.419 drawn powerfully to 00:30:46.419 --> 00:30:47.599 seeing the body of 00:30:47.599 --> 00:30:49.379 Christ living life 00:30:49.379 --> 00:30:50.099 together. 00:30:51.680 --> 00:30:53.460 Why do people love 00:30:53.460 --> 00:30:54.159 like that? 00:30:54.259 --> 00:30:55.319 Well, Jesus has loved 00:30:55.319 --> 00:30:55.779 us. 00:30:57.039 --> 00:30:58.879 The mark of love, the 00:30:58.879 --> 00:30:59.740 mark of those who have 00:30:59.740 --> 00:31:01.099 received great love is 00:31:01.099 --> 00:31:02.039 that they become loving 00:31:02.039 --> 00:31:03.019 themselves. 00:31:03.419 --> 00:31:04.759 And this is good news 00:31:04.759 --> 00:31:06.379 for us and it is good 00:31:06.379 --> 00:31:07.619 news for the world 00:31:07.619 --> 00:31:08.879 around us. 00:31:08.880 --> 00:31:11.320 Let's pray and ask God 00:31:11.320 --> 00:31:12.880 to help us live in 00:31:12.880 --> 00:31:13.800 light of that now. 00:31:13.800 --> 00:31:13.860 Amen.