Peter’s Redemption

00:00:00 Speaker 1: This Jesus God raised up to which we all are witnesses. Acts two thirty two. Heavenly Father, we thank you for the truth of your word and for raising Jesus to life just as you promised. Acts two thirty two reminds us of the power of your resurrection and the hope we have in Christ. Lord, we acknowledge our need for your spirit to embolden us. Help us to be bold witnesses, not just in our words, but in the way we live and treat others. Transform our hearts to reflect your love, grace and truth. Give us the courage to stand firm in our faith and to shine your light in a world that desperately needs you. Empower us to live out the Gospel daily, glorifying You in awe we do. It's in Jesus' name, we pray, Amen. Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to the Jesus Podcast. Remain here for our mini series on the birth of the Church. If this podcast has blessed you, we would love it if you left a review. Doing so makes a huge impact on our team. 00:01:32 Speaker 2: So what does this mean? 00:01:35 Speaker 3: What wonder of God has befallen us here on this day, a. 00:01:40 Speaker 1: Scoff could be heard to the side of the crowd. A harsh voice spat at the disciples with disdain. 00:01:47 Speaker 3: Wonder of God, it seems like you all started your celebration a little early today. You're nothing more than a group of drunkards making up fairy tales. I've traveled up and down these lands, and i can tell you with absolute certainty that no Galilean would ever be educated enough to speak in more than two languages, let alone a dozen. 00:02:11 Speaker 1: A few of the surrounding bystanders grunted in agreement. Feeling the sting of disrespect, James made a move to lunge at the man who had insulted them. He didn't care that some one would mock him, but to deface a radical work of God by calling it a drunken stupor was more than the fiery disciple could handle. But before he could make his move, he was quickly pulled back by John and Andrew. Philip and Nathaniel stepped in front of him, allowing him a moment to come to his senses. 00:02:45 Speaker 3: See they can't even control themselves. 00:02:49 Speaker 1: Matthias stood behind the other eleven apostles. His eyes darted from left to right. He knew that the others were likely much more used to these types of interactions, but as for himself, every second felt like hours as his insides knotted together with fear. Almost instinctively, he looked to Peter for any inkling of what they should do next. He watched as Peter stood tall, his chest was puffed out and his head tilted slightly forward. He stared fixedly at the crowd as he calculated their next move. Peter tried to think what Jesus would have done in a situation like this, argue, flee, perform a miracle. How was he supposed to know what to do? He looked over at Matthias, who was staring back at him, clearly looking for answers. Peter thought back to what he had said to the new apostle on the rooftop that morning. 00:03:56 Speaker 4: He called me because he wanted my heart. Just give him your heart, and here is he bley the rest. 00:04:04 Speaker 1: Jesus wanted Peter's heart, just like he wanted the hearts of the men who stood before them. Now they weren't his enemies, they were lost sheep in desperate need of a shepherd. Jesus had Peter's heart, and in return, he had supplied Peter with everything he needed, the spirit of the Living God. Peter knew exactly what he needed to do. It was time for him to feed Jesus sheep. 00:04:40 Speaker 5: There's power in the gospel, not the lofty, liturgical, ceremonial gospel of long robes in burning candles, but the raw, simple and unfiltered testimony of someone who's been transformed by Jesus. Welcome to the Jesus Podcast. I'm Zach frompray dot Com here to guide you through an another epic saga on the birth of the Church. We've been going through a mini series on the birth of the Church, showcasing how the ministry of Jesus continued on in his disciples, and as we learn more about them, perhaps we'll discover that we, too, are a continuation of Jesus' work. If you enjoyed this podcast, take a moment to follow it on whatever platform you're listening, to share it with a friend. If you've enjoyed it as well, and if you want to go above and beyond for us, write a review. Today we're diving into a passage that's a game changer for the early church, and if we let it. It could be a game changer for us too. We're looking into a story inspired by Acts two twelve through forty one, where we see Peter stand up and deliver the first sermon of the Christian Church. Now I know some of you faithful listeners are already thinking great, okay, another sermon on a sermon, another story on a sermon. But hang in there with me, because it's no ordinary message. 00:05:57 Speaker 1: Feeling the sting of disrespect, James made a move to lunge at the man who had insulted them. He didn't care that someone would mock him, but to deface a radical work of God by calling it a drunken stupor was more than the fiery disciple could handle. But before he could make his move, he was quickly pulled back by John and Andrew. Philip and Nathaniel stepped in front of him, allowing him a moment to come to his senses. 00:06:27 Speaker 3: See they can't even control themselves. 00:06:31 Speaker 1: Matthia stood behind the other eleven apostles. His eyes darted from left to right. He knew that the others were likely much more used to these types of directions, but as for himself, every second felt like hours. As his insides knotted together with fear. Almost instinctively, he looked to Peter or any inkling of what they should do next. He watched as Peter stood tall, his chest was puffed out and his head tilted slightly forward. He stared fixedly at the crowd as he calculated their next move. Peter tried to think what Jesus would have done in a situation like this, argue, flee, perform a miracle. How was he supposed to know what to do? He looked over at Matthias, who was staring back at him, clearly looking for answers. Peter thought back to what he had said to the new apostle on the rooftop that morning. He called me because he wanted my heart. Just give him your heart, and Lucy bley the rest. Jesus wanted Peter's heart, just like he wanted the hearts of the men who stood before them. Now they weren't his enemies, they were lost sheep in desperate need of a shepherd had Peter's heart, and in return, he had supplied Peter with everything he needed the spirit of the living God. Peter knew exactly what he needed to do. It was time for him to feed Jesus sheep. Peter worked his way to the front of the other eleven. His heart was racing. He tried to collect his thoughts to no effect. Andrew strode up to Peter's side. 00:08:31 Speaker 6: What are you doing, Peter. 00:08:33 Speaker 1: Peter didn't really have an answer for his brother. He wasn't exactly sure himself. Normally, this would have been the time that Jesus would give them their cue, but he was no longer there to step in. A dreadful thought to Peter, Peter muttered a prayer under his breath, loud enough for only him to hear, though deep down he knew that his words reached the ears of God. It was as though he were standing right beside him. Peter felt peace slowly wash over his body. It flowed from his mind down to his heart, before consuming his whole being. He felt a faint whisper inside of him, inaudible but still present. He couldn't tell if it was his own voice or another, but the words were clear. These people need Jesus preached to them his gospel. The answer was simple yet powerful. If God had given them this miraculous gift of speaking in the language of all the men present, then Peter would use it to advance the kingdom, a chance for many nations to receive the spark of life from the good news of Jesus Christ. Was this the better that Jesus was talking about? He figured he would soon find out. He found the words to respond to Andrew's question. Peter's eyes never broke from the crowd, but the scowl that once covered his face had been replaced by a gentleness, a look of compassion at sheep in need of a shepherd. Without breaking his focus from the people, he calmly answered Andrew. But Peter knew his words were just as much an affirmation to himself as they were in answer for his brother. 00:10:30 Speaker 4: I am being faithful to the spirit. 00:10:32 Speaker 1: Peter took one last breath before stepping up before the rowdy people. A few of the men continued to jeer at the apostles, but most questioned with anticipation to learn more about this mystery of God unfolding before them. Peter was just as curious as they to see how this mystery would play out. He wondered how Jesus had always known exactly what to say when addressing unplanned gatherings. He thought back to Jesus words after their dinner with the Pharisees. 00:11:06 Speaker 7: Do not worry about how you would defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say. 00:11:17 Speaker 1: Peter trusted God would give him the words to speak, even if he was still working on not worrying. He steadied his breathing and felt his heart rate slowly drop. For once, he didn't feel like it was going to beat out of his chest. He closed his eyes and asked the Holy Spirit to teach him what to say. In an instant, Peter felt compelled to address the crowds. Gone were the days of denying Jesus. Nothing would stop the emboldened Apostle from preaching Jesus and his gospel. He raised his voice. It carried strongly down the field. 00:12:00 Speaker 4: Fellow Jews, then, all of you who live in Jerusalem, listen carefully to what I am about to explain to you. You suppose these people are drunk. You could not be further from the truth. It's only nine in the morning. 00:12:16 Speaker 3: If you're not drunk, then explain your bizarre behavior gladly. 00:12:22 Speaker 4: I'm sure you're all quite familiar with the writings of the prophet Joel. Consider his words when he wrote this, In the last days, God says, I will pour out my spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, Your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women. I will pour out my spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the below, blood fire and blows the smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious Day of the Lord, and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. 00:13:17 Speaker 1: Peter's heart skipped a beat with joy. Jesus promise was true. He had been given the words to speak through the Spirit. No amount of preparation could have made him ready for this. Peter knew that the Spirit had called him to take a leap of faith, proving that God's strength would be made perfect in his weakness, and he was sure this wouldn't be the last. Inspired by the Spirit's power at work, Peter carried on. 00:13:49 Speaker 4: Fellow Israelites, listen to this Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you through his divine power. God so fit to do these works among you through him. You have no doubt heard these stories of Jesus's works and know all of this to be true. 00:14:09 Speaker 2: Yes, we have, and we've also had the news of his death. 00:14:14 Speaker 7: If God was at work through him, why would he allow himself to be crucified by our very enemies. 00:14:20 Speaker 1: The man's tone was steadily shifting from skepticism to curiosity. Peter prayed that the spirit would continue to transform the hearts of the people listening. He knew the words were coming from his own lungs, but the breath of life necessary for these men and women to receive the seed on fertile soil could only come from a power greater than his own. 00:14:46 Speaker 4: This was of no surprise to God, nor an obstacle to his plan. In fact, the man Jesus was handed over to you by God's deliberate plan. You may point fingers at the Romans, but it was you, with the help of wicked men, who put him to death by nailing him to the cross. It was God's own people who cried out for Jesus of Nazareth to be crucified. 00:15:13 Speaker 1: Gasps could be heard from the crowd. They were alarmed at how forthright Peter had been with them, but couldn't deny the truth behind his accusation. But Peter's intent was not to condemn, but he knew bad news must be present for good news to take its full effect. The people needed to fully grasp the weight of their sin if they were going to realize their desperate need for a savior. 00:15:42 Speaker 4: But the hope of the Gospel is this. He did not stay in the grave, for God raised him from the dead. He freed him from the agony of death because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. Ha ha ha ha. All of this was done to fulfill the Father's good and perfect will. The Great King David wrote this in the songs about him. I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices. My body also will rest in hope because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead. You will not let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the pads of life you will fill me with joy in your presence. 00:16:36 Speaker 1: Peter knew he had the crowd's full attention. At this point, he carefully considered what they needed to hear. Next, he thought back to the days with Jesus. He recalled how the ones who most opposed jesus divine authority were the religious leaders who failed to see how the scriptures all pointed to him. Thus, faithful Jews, these men and women would hold fast to the word of God if he could only show them that it all centered around the Man of Nazareth. 00:17:11 Speaker 4: My brothers and sisters, I can tell you confidently that the Patriarch David died and was buried. His tomb is here in the city of David to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on the throne. Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah. That he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. 00:17:51 Speaker 1: Jesus promise of being his witness was being fulfilled. Before Peter's eyes. He was astonished how simple it all really felt. In the moment they had waited for, the promised gift of the Father and the power of the Spirit was teaching the people about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus had been many things to Peter. He was his rabbi when he felt lost in life, his friend when he needed a shoulder to cry on, and a role model when he required correcting. But what the people needed to hear most right now was how he reigned in heaven as the risen king over creation. 00:18:38 Speaker 4: Exalted to the right hand of God. He has received the promise holy Spirit from the Father. What you now see and hear today is this very spirit poured out. For David did not ascend to heaven. And yet he said, the Lord said to my Lord, set in my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet. Therefore, let all of Israel be assured of this truth. God has made this same Jesus whom you crucified on that cursitry both everlasting Lord and Messiah. 00:19:16 Speaker 1: Peter's words cut to their hearts like a honed scalpel of a seasoned surgeon. The exterior pain was the means necessary to reach the soul and eradicate from it the disease of sin. But Peter knew that the pain would subside as the healing power of the Gospel took effect. The apostle waited for some sort of response, anything that would indicate that he had made the right decision to speak in the manner he had. He heard the steady breathing of the other apostles behind him. No one dared say anything. The spirit had given Peter everything that needed to be said. The people stared in amazement. They had never heard one speak with such authority, commanding the scriptures with such nuance. This small band of Galileans continued to impress the people while uprooting their preconceived notions. The elderly man from Babylonia stepped forward and turned toward the people. 00:20:25 Speaker 2: You see, it is a wonder of God that these men should speak in our tongues on this day, For never in all my years have I heard one teach the word of God with such clarity. 00:20:38 Speaker 1: He arduously pivoted himself towards the apostles. With a low bow of his head. He gently grasped Peter's hands in. 00:20:47 Speaker 2: His brothers, What shall we do? 00:20:51 Speaker 1: Peter smiled at the elderly man. He was reminded of how he would have felt prideful in his younger days in a moment like this. But now, Oh, there was no denying the reality of God's Spirit. There was no denying the reality that God's Spirit was the only one who could take credit for glorifying the Father and the Son on this day. He looked into the eyes of the elderly man. They glimmered with hope, the same hope Peter knew fondly. He lifted his eyes to the people. This was a call for all people to hear. 00:21:29 Speaker 4: Every one of you must repent and be baptized in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you too will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is a promise God has made to you and your children, and for all who are far off, for anyone who will answer the call of God. 00:21:53 Speaker 1: The crowd pressed their way forward with inquisitive minds, repentant hearts, and praising ants. Compelled by the spirit. They desired to answer God's call for adoption as sons and daughters. The sheep had found their shepherd. The apostles would continue to witness in like manner all throughout Jerusalem that day, calling the people to save themselves from this corrupt generation. For three years, Jesus had equipped them for the work of the ministry, teaching them and setting the example of life in the spirit. Now empowered by the same spirit, they courageously shared the good news of Jesus to anyone who would give ears to hear. Over three thousand accepted their message that day. In obedience to jesus commission, the disciples led them out of the city to the brook Kildren. There they baptized them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, a baptism of water that reflected the glorious baptism of the Spirit poured out from the heavens above. Standing on the banks of the river, Andrew wrapped his arm over Peter's shoulder. 00:23:18 Speaker 6: I'm proud of you. 00:23:19 Speaker 1: The words melted Peter's heart. He knew the pride Andrew felt was not because of his greatness, but because he had finally learned to submit. This submission was the platform Jesus used to build his church. That day, Peter finally understood what it meant to be the rock. He was just one stone up on which Jesus would stack many others to build his spiritual house. The brothers looked back at the city walls as the sun set atop the hills, filling the skies with all autumn raise. 00:24:01 Speaker 6: I know Jesus had told us he would teach us to be vicies of men, but I never imagined the catch would be even greater than the one we saw that day. 00:24:12 Speaker 5: Picture this, It's the day of Pentecosts and the streets of Jerusalem are buzzing. Group of Galileans suddenly starts speaking in languages that they've never heard. People from all over the known world hear them declaring the wonders of God in their own tongues. Some are amazed, others are perplexed, and a few smart Alecs in the crowd mutter, those guys must be drunk. And just like that, Peter stands up ready to preach his first big sermon. But instead of getting defensive or walking away like he did when a servant girl confronted him about knowing Jesus, Peter, now filled with the holy Spirit declares, men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let it be known to you these people are not drunk, as it's only nine am. I love that Peter's first line is essentially, guys, it's way too early to be drunk. But here's the kicker. Peter isn't just cracking a joke to lighten the mood. He's addressed the real question what is happening here with the authority and clarity that only comes from God. You see, this is the same Peter who just weeks earlier was so afraid that he denied Jesus three times. Now being filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter stands in front of a thousand people and proclaims the truth with confidence. What changed the Holy Spirit is what changed. When the Spirit takes hold of a person, he transforms fear into boldness and confusion into clarity. Peter doesn't just stop at clearing up the drunk theory. He goes to explain what's really going on using scripture. He quotes the prophet Joel who said, in the last days, God said, I will pour out my spirit on all people. Peter, who was once a fisherman, now speaks like a seasoned theologian, and he makes it clear this isn't a random occurrence, It's a fulfillment of God's promise. Peter goes on to talk about Jesus, his miracles, his crucifixion, his resurrection. This Jesus whom you crucified, Peter says, God has raised up. Can you imagine the hush that fell over the crowd when he said that. It's like Peter is saying, you thought you were dealing with a rabble rouser, you were dealing with the son of God, and then something amazing happens. The crowd, cut to the heart, asks what shall we do now? This is the moment every preacher hopes for, the moment when people don't just hear the message, but actually respond to it. And Peter doesn't miss a beat. He says, repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Notice how straightforward Peter's invitation is. He doesn't say go and get your life together first, or take a six month discipleship course. No, he says, repent and be baptized. It's simple but profound. At the same time, Repentance isn't just about feeling sorry. It's about changing a direction, changing course. You were going in this way, but now turn and go the other way. It's about turning from our way and turning to God's way, and baptism is the outward expression of that inward change. Peter also makes it clear that this promise isn't just for Jewish people. He says, the promise is for you and your children and all who are far off from all who the Lord God would call. That includes us today. Friends. This Holy Spirit that empowered Peter is the same spirit that's available to us. The promise wasn't just at Pentecost either. It's for now. It's for you, It's for your neighbor, It's for that coworker who drives you crazy. It's for that family member who always gets way too political during Thanksgiving. It's for everyone, and everyone needs the Gospel. So what about us. Are we living in the power of the Holy Spirit like Peter? Are we boldly declaring the truth of who Jesus is? Or are we, like pre Pentecost Peter, afraid and unsure. Let's remember that Peter didn't prepare a ted talk, he didn't go to seminary before standing up to speak. He spoke out of a life transformed and walking with Jesus and being filmed with the Holy Spirit. All of those aspects are available to you as well. As we leave here today. Let's not just hear another sermon and move on. Let's be people who like Peter, are willing to stand up and speak the truth with boldness, clarity, and maybe even a bit of humor. Let's be a church that doesn't just talk about the Holy Spirit, but lives out in the power of the Holy Spirit. And let's remember that the promise is for all of us, young, old, near and far. So let's go and live. Let's live like Jesus. Let's live boldly, Let's live empowered by the Holy Spirit, and let's live transformed, just as Peter was. Thanks again for listening to the Jesus Podcast. You already know what to do. Make sure to follow this podcast and share with a friend. In our next episode, we're going to be exploring a very specific word. That word is quynania fellowship. What does it mean to be a truly healthy and thriving church