1 00:00:00,390 --> 00:00:04,170 Speaker 1: Repent, therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be 2 00:00:04,230 --> 00:00:07,780 Speaker 1: blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing 3 00:00:08,070 --> 00:00:13,000 Speaker 1: from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3.19 Lord Jesus, 4 00:00:13,060 --> 00:00:15,900 Speaker 1: we are grateful for the cleansing of our past sins 5 00:00:17,000 --> 00:00:21,060 Speaker 1: and the new life you offer us. Give us the 6 00:00:21,120 --> 00:00:24,900 Speaker 1: strength and courage to turn away from our past and 7 00:00:24,980 --> 00:00:29,139 Speaker 1: embrace the future you have prepared for us. Help us 8 00:00:29,160 --> 00:00:33,190 Speaker 1: to live in the freedom of your forgiveness, leaving behind 9 00:00:33,300 --> 00:00:39,089 Speaker 1: old habits and walking boldly in your light. May our 10 00:00:39,190 --> 00:00:43,949 Speaker 1: hearts remain steadfast in following you, trusting in your guidance, 11 00:00:44,729 --> 00:00:49,950 Speaker 1: and embracing the refreshing renewal you bring. In your precious 12 00:00:50,010 --> 00:00:50,769 Speaker 1: name we pray. 13 00:00:51,440 --> 00:00:51,720 Speaker 2: Amen. 14 00:00:52,640 --> 00:00:55,500 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 15 00:00:55,540 --> 00:01:01,190 Speaker 1: The Jesus Podcast. Dramatic stories inspired by the Bible. Remain 16 00:01:01,230 --> 00:01:04,920 Speaker 1: here for another story from our mini-series on the birth 17 00:01:04,980 --> 00:01:09,100 Speaker 1: of the church. Has this podcast inspired you? We would 18 00:01:09,180 --> 00:01:12,380 Speaker 1: love it if you'd left a rating and review and 19 00:01:12,440 --> 00:01:17,399 Speaker 1: shared with a friend. Despite the buzzing of worshipers passing 20 00:01:17,480 --> 00:01:21,459 Speaker 1: through the temple gates, Ira paid Peter and John his 21 00:01:21,500 --> 00:01:26,010 Speaker 1: full attention. These men had changed his life in an instant. 22 00:01:27,200 --> 00:01:31,420 Speaker 1: and hadn't asked anything in return. Ira was sure he 23 00:01:31,459 --> 00:01:34,400 Speaker 1: had never met them, and had no wealth or power 24 00:01:34,860 --> 00:01:38,649 Speaker 1: for them to abuse. He couldn't piece together the reason 25 00:01:38,690 --> 00:01:41,950 Speaker 1: for them showing him the greatest act of kindness he 26 00:01:41,990 --> 00:01:45,990 Speaker 1: had ever known. But if they were really empowered men 27 00:01:46,010 --> 00:01:50,010 Speaker 1: of God, as Ira believed them to be, maybe that 28 00:01:50,110 --> 00:01:53,920 Speaker 1: was all the motivation they needed to help a poor 29 00:01:53,970 --> 00:01:55,200 Speaker 1: beggar like himself. 30 00:01:56,020 --> 00:01:58,720 Speaker 3: Please, allow me to come with you to the temple 31 00:01:58,760 --> 00:02:02,080 Speaker 3: to worship. The name of the Lord must be glorified 32 00:02:02,120 --> 00:02:05,180 Speaker 3: for his goodness. We would be happy to have you. 33 00:02:05,840 --> 00:02:08,720 Speaker 3: Our friends should be just inside the walls. Gather your 34 00:02:08,780 --> 00:02:10,959 Speaker 3: belongings and we'll head in together. 35 00:02:12,760 --> 00:02:16,260 Speaker 1: Myra fumbled for his possessions, though he knew none of 36 00:02:16,280 --> 00:02:19,820 Speaker 1: them were necessary anymore. Those had been the tools of 37 00:02:19,880 --> 00:02:22,179 Speaker 1: a man who had lost any hope of leading a 38 00:02:22,240 --> 00:02:27,430 Speaker 1: normal life. the means necessary to simply scrape by for survival. 39 00:02:28,280 --> 00:02:32,390 Speaker 1: But his homely mat and blemished bowl were now the 40 00:02:32,450 --> 00:02:37,010 Speaker 1: mere reminders of a past that Ira was quickly leaving 41 00:02:37,070 --> 00:02:43,050 Speaker 1: behind with radical speed, only made possible by the unstoppable 42 00:02:43,190 --> 00:02:47,290 Speaker 1: force of the Spirit of God. But even his numerous 43 00:02:47,350 --> 00:02:50,770 Speaker 1: years of making the most of his situation couldn't have 44 00:02:50,810 --> 00:02:55,260 Speaker 1: prepared him for the miracle he experienced that day. He 45 00:02:55,320 --> 00:02:58,760 Speaker 1: had no plans for the future, nor ever intended to. 46 00:03:00,080 --> 00:03:03,700 Speaker 1: Allowing himself to daydream in such a way had become 47 00:03:03,740 --> 00:03:07,590 Speaker 1: more depressing than anything else. For all of his hope 48 00:03:07,889 --> 00:03:12,630 Speaker 1: in God, he never allowed himself the privilege of imagining 49 00:03:12,690 --> 00:03:17,210 Speaker 1: the immense freedom he now had. While others took the 50 00:03:17,250 --> 00:03:22,500 Speaker 1: simple act of walking for granted, To Ira, walking open 51 00:03:22,560 --> 00:03:26,270 Speaker 1: the grand expanse of the world to be explored at 52 00:03:26,310 --> 00:03:30,790 Speaker 1: his own will. He haphazardly rolled up his cushion and 53 00:03:30,870 --> 00:03:34,030 Speaker 1: balled it into his mat. He stared at the bundle. 54 00:03:34,850 --> 00:03:38,540 Speaker 1: His old life sat before him with the same stillness 55 00:03:38,580 --> 00:03:42,300 Speaker 1: that once bound him. He clapped his hands together. 56 00:03:43,140 --> 00:03:45,440 Speaker 3: I suppose that's it. Shall we go in? 57 00:03:48,820 --> 00:03:53,360 Speaker 2: Miracles are opportunities. When God opens people's eyes and grabs 58 00:03:53,420 --> 00:03:56,640 Speaker 2: their attention, we have to be swift to seize the moment. 59 00:03:57,200 --> 00:04:01,390 Speaker 2: Welcome to the Jesus Podcast. I'm Zach, your host from Pray.com, 60 00:04:01,770 --> 00:04:05,290 Speaker 2: here to dive into another story inspired by the Book 61 00:04:05,310 --> 00:04:08,090 Speaker 2: of Acts. If you've been enjoying this podcast, you know 62 00:04:08,130 --> 00:04:10,690 Speaker 2: what to do. Make sure to follow on whatever platform 63 00:04:10,710 --> 00:04:13,490 Speaker 2: you listen, and it would be awesome if you rated 64 00:04:13,570 --> 00:04:16,190 Speaker 2: us and left a review as well. Today, we're stepping 65 00:04:16,210 --> 00:04:19,969 Speaker 2: into the sandals of Peter as he delivers another show-stopping sermon. 66 00:04:20,490 --> 00:04:24,250 Speaker 2: This episode is inspired by Acts 3, 10-26, and let 67 00:04:24,290 --> 00:04:26,820 Speaker 2: me tell you, Peter knows how to captivate a crowd. 68 00:04:27,400 --> 00:04:30,240 Speaker 2: Fresh off the miraculous healing of a lame man at 69 00:04:30,260 --> 00:04:34,000 Speaker 2: the gate beautiful, Peter doesn't miss a beat. He uses 70 00:04:34,060 --> 00:04:37,219 Speaker 2: the opportunity to preach the gospel. The man is clinging 71 00:04:37,260 --> 00:04:40,409 Speaker 2: to Peter and John, probably out of sheer gratitude, amazement, 72 00:04:40,430 --> 00:04:43,390 Speaker 2: and maybe a mixture of, wow, that just happened, and 73 00:04:43,810 --> 00:04:47,400 Speaker 2: please don't leave me. The crowd is buzzing. Jaws are dropping. 74 00:04:47,779 --> 00:04:51,160 Speaker 2: And what does Peter do? He seizes the moment for 75 00:04:51,200 --> 00:04:52,800 Speaker 2: a sermon. Because why not? 76 00:04:55,860 --> 00:05:00,270 Speaker 1: The trio strode into the temple courts. Ira's eyes darted 77 00:05:00,310 --> 00:05:03,510 Speaker 1: all around, keenly taking in the sights as though it 78 00:05:03,710 --> 00:05:07,130 Speaker 1: was for the first time. He found the thought a 79 00:05:07,170 --> 00:05:10,550 Speaker 1: little silly. But the few feet and the difference he 80 00:05:10,630 --> 00:05:14,520 Speaker 1: observed the world with now gave a new perspective on 81 00:05:14,839 --> 00:05:18,980 Speaker 1: everything around him. Seas of people that used to roll 82 00:05:19,080 --> 00:05:24,130 Speaker 1: over him like waves were suddenly gentle tides to casually 83 00:05:24,210 --> 00:05:29,770 Speaker 1: wade through. Stairs seemed like anthills compared to the mountainous 84 00:05:29,810 --> 00:05:33,739 Speaker 1: terrain they once were. Whatever power had given strength to 85 00:05:33,770 --> 00:05:38,040 Speaker 1: his legs had not only changed his physical abilities, but 86 00:05:38,080 --> 00:05:42,150 Speaker 1: was changing his entire outlook on life. As they walked 87 00:05:42,210 --> 00:05:47,090 Speaker 1: through the courtyard, puzzled stares were visible all around. Several 88 00:05:47,130 --> 00:05:50,969 Speaker 1: men and women pointed in Ira's direction, frantically whispering to 89 00:05:51,050 --> 00:05:53,990 Speaker 1: one another. It was a new experience for the once 90 00:05:54,089 --> 00:05:58,130 Speaker 1: lame beggar, who had become accustomed to others simply ignoring 91 00:05:58,170 --> 00:06:01,490 Speaker 1: him after he had sunken into the margins of society. 92 00:06:02,310 --> 00:06:05,450 Speaker 1: But Peter and John were all too familiar with the 93 00:06:05,490 --> 00:06:09,810 Speaker 1: notoriety stirred up after a miracle had been performed. A 94 00:06:09,880 --> 00:06:12,539 Speaker 1: few of those who had been startled to see Ira's 95 00:06:12,560 --> 00:06:15,960 Speaker 1: sudden regaining of faculties approached the three men. 96 00:06:16,760 --> 00:06:19,479 Speaker 3: Aren't you the beggar from the gates? The one who's 97 00:06:19,520 --> 00:06:20,480 Speaker 3: been here for years? 98 00:06:21,160 --> 00:06:21,780 Speaker 2: I know it's him. 99 00:06:22,420 --> 00:06:24,140 Speaker 4: I live just down the road and I see him 100 00:06:24,320 --> 00:06:26,200 Speaker 4: every day when I pass the Temple Mount. 101 00:06:26,760 --> 00:06:30,890 Speaker 3: How did this happen? Tell us! What is your secret? 102 00:06:31,310 --> 00:06:34,130 Speaker 4: Was it these men here? Sirs, did you heal the 103 00:06:34,170 --> 00:06:34,630 Speaker 4: lame beggar? 104 00:06:35,440 --> 00:06:38,799 Speaker 1: Ira gave a polite but awkward wave as more curious 105 00:06:38,880 --> 00:06:42,880 Speaker 1: onlookers came to investigate. He hadn't considered how others would 106 00:06:42,920 --> 00:06:46,219 Speaker 1: react to his miraculous healing. If he had been honest 107 00:06:46,279 --> 00:06:51,200 Speaker 1: with himself, he had assumed most wouldn't care, let alone notice. 108 00:06:52,140 --> 00:06:55,580 Speaker 1: He wondered if the newfound strength in his legs was 109 00:06:55,670 --> 00:06:59,970 Speaker 1: worth being the center of attention. For him, attention had 110 00:07:00,070 --> 00:07:03,860 Speaker 1: never meant anything but trouble. But Peter and John knew 111 00:07:03,880 --> 00:07:06,400 Speaker 1: the people weren't coming to make a mockery of Ira 112 00:07:06,860 --> 00:07:11,160 Speaker 1: or cause him any harm. They were coming in wonder 113 00:07:11,620 --> 00:07:15,410 Speaker 1: and awe at what they were witnessing. Peter tilted his 114 00:07:15,430 --> 00:07:16,250 Speaker 1: head toward Ira. 115 00:07:16,990 --> 00:07:21,330 Speaker 3: Just stay calm and follow our lead. We've done this before. 116 00:07:22,110 --> 00:07:25,570 Speaker 1: Ira took a step behind the apostles and subconsciously gripped 117 00:07:25,610 --> 00:07:29,390 Speaker 1: their garments with his fingertips to feel some sense of security. 118 00:07:29,990 --> 00:07:32,410 Speaker 1: Peter looked at John to see if he was thinking 119 00:07:32,450 --> 00:07:36,030 Speaker 1: the same thing. John gestured forward and bowed his head, 120 00:07:36,730 --> 00:07:39,030 Speaker 1: giving Peter the cue to step up to the plate. 121 00:07:39,710 --> 00:07:43,370 Speaker 3: Fellow Israelites, why are you so surprised at what you 122 00:07:43,430 --> 00:07:46,430 Speaker 3: see here today? You stare at us as though it 123 00:07:46,470 --> 00:07:49,350 Speaker 3: was our own power or godliness that allowed us to 124 00:07:49,430 --> 00:07:52,310 Speaker 3: make this man walk. But it was not for our 125 00:07:52,410 --> 00:07:57,440 Speaker 3: sake that this man was healed. No, the God of Abraham, Isaac, 126 00:07:57,480 --> 00:08:01,650 Speaker 3: and Jacob, the God of our fathers. glorified his servant 127 00:08:01,750 --> 00:08:05,680 Speaker 3: Jesus through this sign. This same Jesus was the man 128 00:08:05,700 --> 00:08:09,400 Speaker 3: you handed over to be killed. You disowned him from 129 00:08:09,440 --> 00:08:13,160 Speaker 3: his own people before Pilate, even when the governor had 130 00:08:13,180 --> 00:08:15,480 Speaker 3: decided in his own heart to let him go. 131 00:08:16,100 --> 00:08:19,040 Speaker 1: Peter could tell that his words were cutting his audience 132 00:08:19,260 --> 00:08:22,070 Speaker 1: to the heart. Just as he had seen the people's 133 00:08:22,150 --> 00:08:26,730 Speaker 1: response to the accusation of murdering Jesus on Pentecost, he 134 00:08:26,790 --> 00:08:30,250 Speaker 1: knew that the bad news would soon make way for 135 00:08:30,290 --> 00:08:32,429 Speaker 1: the good news of Jesus' gospel. 136 00:08:33,030 --> 00:08:37,910 Speaker 3: But even worse, you disowned the Holy and Righteous One 137 00:08:38,690 --> 00:08:41,180 Speaker 3: and asked that a murderer be released to you to 138 00:08:41,260 --> 00:08:46,300 Speaker 3: join your ranks by your own hands. You killed the 139 00:08:46,420 --> 00:08:51,199 Speaker 3: author of life. But... As the author of life, even 140 00:08:51,240 --> 00:08:54,400 Speaker 3: the grave could not hold him, for God raised him 141 00:08:54,440 --> 00:08:57,980 Speaker 3: from the dead. And we stand here today as witnesses 142 00:08:58,020 --> 00:08:59,440 Speaker 3: of this for your sake. 143 00:08:59,920 --> 00:09:02,840 Speaker 1: Ira's fist clenched tighter at the tunics of the apostles. 144 00:09:03,720 --> 00:09:06,590 Speaker 1: He was worried that his miracle worker was only making 145 00:09:06,640 --> 00:09:11,670 Speaker 1: matters worse by accusing the people of putting Jesus to death. Peter, 146 00:09:11,770 --> 00:09:14,270 Speaker 1: on the other hand, had been consumed with a peace 147 00:09:14,950 --> 00:09:19,160 Speaker 1: beyond his understanding. Peter could feel Iris' grip on the 148 00:09:19,220 --> 00:09:22,540 Speaker 1: side of his clothes. He placed his hand on Iris, 149 00:09:23,040 --> 00:09:26,390 Speaker 1: hoping that he could extend an ounce of peace to 150 00:09:26,429 --> 00:09:27,250 Speaker 1: his new acquaintance. 151 00:09:27,850 --> 00:09:30,670 Speaker 3: By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom 152 00:09:30,690 --> 00:09:35,110 Speaker 3: you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' 153 00:09:35,190 --> 00:09:37,850 Speaker 3: name and the faith that comes through him that has 154 00:09:37,910 --> 00:09:40,750 Speaker 3: completely healed him, as you can all see. 155 00:09:41,350 --> 00:09:44,730 Speaker 4: So this man was healed by this Jesus, yet you 156 00:09:44,809 --> 00:09:48,650 Speaker 4: say we killed him. I can't speak for the crowds here, 157 00:09:48,770 --> 00:09:51,240 Speaker 4: but I've never so much as struck my neighbor. 158 00:09:51,679 --> 00:09:55,449 Speaker 3: Please, take no offense at my words. I know that 159 00:09:55,490 --> 00:09:58,729 Speaker 3: you all acted in ignorance, just as the leaders of 160 00:09:58,809 --> 00:10:01,760 Speaker 3: our people did. But we now know that it was 161 00:10:01,940 --> 00:10:05,420 Speaker 3: God who allowed it, so that he could fulfill all 162 00:10:05,460 --> 00:10:08,859 Speaker 3: that he had foretold through the prophets, that his Messiah 163 00:10:09,120 --> 00:10:11,240 Speaker 3: would suffer for the sake of the people. 164 00:10:12,040 --> 00:10:15,720 Speaker 1: Ira was stunned that the man made no rebuttal against 165 00:10:15,760 --> 00:10:20,140 Speaker 1: the apostle's statement. In fact, nobody did. It was as 166 00:10:20,220 --> 00:10:25,270 Speaker 1: though they had been enlightened and accepted Peter's accusation as true. 167 00:10:26,110 --> 00:10:28,770 Speaker 1: Ira's suspicions were quickly confirmed. 168 00:10:29,590 --> 00:10:31,510 Speaker 4: Surely there must be something we can do to make 169 00:10:31,550 --> 00:10:35,590 Speaker 4: it right. I would never intentionally dishonor the Lord our God. 170 00:10:36,370 --> 00:10:38,929 Speaker 4: Is there nothing we can do to earn his forgiveness? 171 00:10:39,580 --> 00:10:41,820 Speaker 1: Out of the corner of his eye, Peter could see 172 00:10:41,900 --> 00:10:45,300 Speaker 1: John beaming a smile. It was the moment both of 173 00:10:45,340 --> 00:10:50,040 Speaker 1: them had been waiting for. Like clockwork, The gospel message 174 00:10:50,100 --> 00:10:54,320 Speaker 1: of their master had broken the people's hearts wide open, 175 00:10:54,760 --> 00:10:58,360 Speaker 1: and the Spirit was now planting seeds in the freshly 176 00:10:58,520 --> 00:11:03,079 Speaker 1: cultivated soil. For all of their sowing and watering, it 177 00:11:03,120 --> 00:11:05,179 Speaker 1: was God who gave the increase. 178 00:11:05,700 --> 00:11:10,180 Speaker 3: Repent of your sins. Turn to God and receive His forgiveness. 179 00:11:11,000 --> 00:11:15,250 Speaker 3: Through the blood of Jesus, He will wipe out your sins. 180 00:11:15,890 --> 00:11:19,200 Speaker 3: Be of good cheer, brothers and sisters. For in due 181 00:11:19,320 --> 00:11:23,170 Speaker 3: time the Lord will send the Messiah, Jesus Christ, to you. 182 00:11:24,110 --> 00:11:27,830 Speaker 3: And in that time you will experience times of refreshing 183 00:11:27,910 --> 00:11:32,390 Speaker 3: from him. But as for now, heaven must receive him 184 00:11:32,770 --> 00:11:36,179 Speaker 3: until the time comes for God to restore everything, just 185 00:11:36,240 --> 00:11:39,060 Speaker 3: as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 186 00:11:39,660 --> 00:11:44,600 Speaker 1: The crowd was dead silent, holding their collective breath, determined 187 00:11:44,620 --> 00:11:47,460 Speaker 1: to not miss a word of the bold preacher standing 188 00:11:47,559 --> 00:11:50,980 Speaker 1: before them. Peter felt like he was watching the scene 189 00:11:51,120 --> 00:11:54,200 Speaker 1: from outside his own body. As a boy, he had 190 00:11:54,260 --> 00:11:59,890 Speaker 1: memorized the stories of Israel's greats, like Abraham, Jacob, Moses, 191 00:12:00,309 --> 00:12:05,350 Speaker 1: and David. To picture himself, a measly fisherman, one day 192 00:12:05,490 --> 00:12:10,800 Speaker 1: moving crowds to repent, was beyond his wildest dreams. But 193 00:12:10,840 --> 00:12:14,540 Speaker 1: for all of his aspirations, it was Jesus who had 194 00:12:14,640 --> 00:12:18,510 Speaker 1: brought him thus far. And it was Jesus. who would 195 00:12:18,550 --> 00:12:21,670 Speaker 1: sustain him. So long as it was the Lord's name 196 00:12:21,950 --> 00:12:25,970 Speaker 1: he lifted high before the people, Peter was confident God 197 00:12:26,050 --> 00:12:27,410 Speaker 1: would continue to use him. 198 00:12:27,910 --> 00:12:31,020 Speaker 3: For Moses said, The Lord your God will raise up 199 00:12:31,059 --> 00:12:33,860 Speaker 3: for you a prophet like me from among your own people. 200 00:12:34,400 --> 00:12:37,780 Speaker 3: You must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who 201 00:12:37,820 --> 00:12:40,950 Speaker 3: does not listen to him will be completely cut off 202 00:12:41,290 --> 00:12:45,890 Speaker 3: from their people. Indeed, Beginning with Samuel, all the prophets 203 00:12:45,910 --> 00:12:50,000 Speaker 3: who have spoken have foretold these days. And you are 204 00:12:50,130 --> 00:12:53,270 Speaker 3: heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made 205 00:12:53,320 --> 00:12:58,260 Speaker 3: with your fathers. He said to Abraham, Through your offspring, 206 00:12:58,760 --> 00:13:00,780 Speaker 3: all peoples on earth will be blessed. 207 00:13:01,360 --> 00:13:05,680 Speaker 1: Peter's call to repentance had worked. Dozens of men and 208 00:13:05,740 --> 00:13:09,579 Speaker 1: women who filled the courtyards had fallen to their knees 209 00:13:10,059 --> 00:13:13,790 Speaker 1: in deep conviction. They shuffled towards the feet of the apostles. 210 00:13:14,350 --> 00:13:18,150 Speaker 1: They had been inspired by Ira's miraculous healing, but it 211 00:13:18,170 --> 00:13:21,550 Speaker 1: was only the transformative power of the gospel that had 212 00:13:21,610 --> 00:13:25,470 Speaker 1: allured their hearts to a saving faith in the Lord Jesus. 213 00:13:25,990 --> 00:13:28,569 Speaker 1: Peter and John did their best to control the crowds 214 00:13:29,010 --> 00:13:32,370 Speaker 1: while keeping an eye on Ira, who was still dumbfounded 215 00:13:32,830 --> 00:13:36,350 Speaker 1: at the unexpected gathering. The apostles spent the next few 216 00:13:36,470 --> 00:13:40,220 Speaker 1: hours answering the people's questions. They told them about the 217 00:13:40,290 --> 00:13:45,160 Speaker 1: multitudes of other believers gathering regularly throughout Jerusalem, that they 218 00:13:45,200 --> 00:13:49,180 Speaker 1: could now join on this new road of following the 219 00:13:49,240 --> 00:13:53,020 Speaker 1: ways of Jesus. The dimming sunlight alerted the people of 220 00:13:53,160 --> 00:13:57,280 Speaker 1: nightfall's swift approach, but nobody dared to depart from the gathering. 221 00:13:57,780 --> 00:14:01,300 Speaker 1: What they were learning was of greater importance than a 222 00:14:01,400 --> 00:14:05,329 Speaker 1: timely arrival to their homes. A woman was pressing through 223 00:14:05,350 --> 00:14:08,810 Speaker 1: the streams of people in the opposite direction. She was 224 00:14:08,870 --> 00:14:12,830 Speaker 1: doubled over and scanning the ground, calling out as she 225 00:14:12,910 --> 00:14:14,660 Speaker 1: made her way through the courtyard. 226 00:14:15,500 --> 00:14:15,800 Speaker 4: Ira? 227 00:14:16,860 --> 00:14:17,180 Speaker 3: Ira! 228 00:14:18,000 --> 00:14:20,600 Speaker 4: Where have they taken him? Oh, I knew I had 229 00:14:20,620 --> 00:14:23,420 Speaker 4: a bad feeling about today. I should have never left 230 00:14:23,460 --> 00:14:23,900 Speaker 4: him alone. 231 00:14:24,620 --> 00:14:27,400 Speaker 1: Ira's head perked up at the sound. He spun his 232 00:14:27,420 --> 00:14:30,970 Speaker 1: head around like an owl as he laughed back in response. 233 00:14:31,550 --> 00:14:34,700 Speaker 3: Tutsa, is that you? I'm over here! 234 00:14:35,320 --> 00:14:38,360 Speaker 1: Ira stretched his body as tall as he could and 235 00:14:38,420 --> 00:14:42,440 Speaker 1: waved his arms sporadically over his head. His face broke 236 00:14:42,600 --> 00:14:47,080 Speaker 1: out in a wide grin at this accomplishment. Terza's face 237 00:14:47,140 --> 00:14:51,630 Speaker 1: contorted in disbelief at the sight. She gasped in seeing 238 00:14:51,690 --> 00:14:56,110 Speaker 1: her beloved friend, not only well, but standing on his 239 00:14:56,230 --> 00:14:59,670 Speaker 1: own two feet. She had hoped to find Ira in 240 00:14:59,710 --> 00:15:03,640 Speaker 1: good health, but never expected to find him like this. 241 00:15:04,480 --> 00:15:09,060 Speaker 3: What? How? You can thank my new friends here for that. 242 00:15:09,780 --> 00:15:14,360 Speaker 3: Or rather, you can thank their friend, Jesus. But please, 243 00:15:14,960 --> 00:15:17,730 Speaker 3: allow me to introduce you, Peter and John. 244 00:15:18,350 --> 00:15:20,630 Speaker 1: With a wave of his hand, the two men stepped 245 00:15:20,670 --> 00:15:26,750 Speaker 1: around Ira. Tertza could find no words. For years, she 246 00:15:26,790 --> 00:15:30,720 Speaker 1: had painstakingly carried Ira to the temple gates... out of 247 00:15:30,760 --> 00:15:34,760 Speaker 1: a devotion to care for her friend. If these men 248 00:15:34,940 --> 00:15:39,060 Speaker 1: had truly healed Ira, she considered them to be friends 249 00:15:39,120 --> 00:15:43,420 Speaker 1: of hers now, too. She scanned Peter and John up 250 00:15:43,460 --> 00:15:48,250 Speaker 1: and down. From her observations, there was nothing remarkable or 251 00:15:48,390 --> 00:15:53,350 Speaker 1: any apparent standout qualities about them. But through some force, 252 00:15:54,110 --> 00:15:58,390 Speaker 1: she had yet to discover they had indeed healed Ira. 253 00:15:59,230 --> 00:16:04,910 Speaker 1: His cheery bouncing beside the apostles made that unassailable. Peter 254 00:16:04,950 --> 00:16:08,590 Speaker 1: and John could read Tertz's astonishment like an open book. 255 00:16:09,550 --> 00:16:13,330 Speaker 1: They had seen the same look many times before at Jesus' miracles, 256 00:16:14,050 --> 00:16:17,350 Speaker 1: and now they would follow in his footsteps. 257 00:16:17,970 --> 00:16:22,050 Speaker 3: Shalom. It appears we are connected through our newly upright 258 00:16:22,130 --> 00:16:26,610 Speaker 3: friend here. My name is Peter. This is John. We 259 00:16:26,650 --> 00:16:30,290 Speaker 3: are followers of Jesus. It was through faith and by 260 00:16:30,390 --> 00:16:34,850 Speaker 3: his name that Ira now stands. But I believe we've 261 00:16:34,910 --> 00:16:38,630 Speaker 3: caused enough of a commotion for you both today. Please, 262 00:16:39,270 --> 00:16:41,580 Speaker 3: go and rest and sin no more. 263 00:16:43,480 --> 00:16:45,900 Speaker 1: Terza gave a sudden and vibrant laugh. 264 00:16:46,560 --> 00:16:50,040 Speaker 4: You want us to just go? After all of this? 265 00:16:50,760 --> 00:16:53,520 Speaker 3: Absolutely. You both have a lot of life to catch 266 00:16:53,620 --> 00:16:57,359 Speaker 3: up on. Plus, the people here still have need for us. 267 00:16:58,030 --> 00:17:01,530 Speaker 4: If you ever need anything, please let us know. We 268 00:17:01,650 --> 00:17:03,090 Speaker 4: are forever in your debt. 269 00:17:03,850 --> 00:17:07,369 Speaker 3: You are in debt to no one. Now go in 270 00:17:07,390 --> 00:17:08,990 Speaker 3: the freedom of Jesus Christ. 271 00:17:09,590 --> 00:17:13,330 Speaker 1: She smiled affectionately at Peter, then turned to Ira with 272 00:17:13,450 --> 00:17:16,950 Speaker 1: tears forming in her eyes. She was still trying to 273 00:17:17,020 --> 00:17:21,520 Speaker 1: reconcile this new reality in her mind. Ira clicked his 274 00:17:21,560 --> 00:17:25,080 Speaker 1: heels and promptly bent over to secure his mat to 275 00:17:25,119 --> 00:17:28,880 Speaker 1: his back. He gestured to the group. and bound off 276 00:17:29,240 --> 00:17:33,239 Speaker 1: out of the temple courts. Terza hesitated. This was the 277 00:17:33,300 --> 00:17:36,619 Speaker 1: first time in ages she would be leaving the temple 278 00:17:36,940 --> 00:17:41,080 Speaker 1: without a stretcher over her shoulder. She took a step forward, 279 00:17:41,920 --> 00:17:46,310 Speaker 1: then another. There was an unfamiliar air of lightness to 280 00:17:46,350 --> 00:17:50,530 Speaker 1: her steps, as though God himself had lifted her weariness 281 00:17:51,350 --> 00:17:54,950 Speaker 1: and propelled her forward. The walk back to her house 282 00:17:55,330 --> 00:18:00,550 Speaker 1: was therapeutic. Like Ira, Viewing life free of her previous 283 00:18:00,609 --> 00:18:04,670 Speaker 1: burdens had given her a whole new perspective of the city. 284 00:18:05,390 --> 00:18:08,790 Speaker 1: No longer did she avoid the more unkempt roads or 285 00:18:08,830 --> 00:18:12,350 Speaker 1: laborious hills of the city. In fact, both she and 286 00:18:12,550 --> 00:18:17,510 Speaker 1: Ira gladly welcomed them, exercising the extent of their strength 287 00:18:18,230 --> 00:18:22,010 Speaker 1: without the burdens of their former life. The Spirit of 288 00:18:22,109 --> 00:18:28,720 Speaker 1: Jesus Christ was sweeping through Jerusalem like wildfire, leaving nothing 289 00:18:28,780 --> 00:18:33,180 Speaker 1: in his path unchanged. But this change wasn't solely related 290 00:18:33,220 --> 00:18:40,610 Speaker 1: to circumstances or situations. He was breaking chains, renewing minds, 291 00:18:41,510 --> 00:18:47,129 Speaker 1: and transforming hearts to the praise of God's glorious grace. 292 00:18:52,420 --> 00:18:56,020 Speaker 2: Peter starts off by asking a simple question. Why do 293 00:18:56,040 --> 00:18:58,360 Speaker 2: you marvel at this? Or why do you look so 294 00:18:58,390 --> 00:19:01,740 Speaker 2: intently at us as though our own power or godliness 295 00:19:01,900 --> 00:19:04,800 Speaker 2: has made this man walk? Now, I love this because 296 00:19:04,859 --> 00:19:07,399 Speaker 2: Peter is essentially saying, why are you looking at us 297 00:19:07,520 --> 00:19:10,399 Speaker 2: as if we're some kind of spiritual superheroes? Why are 298 00:19:10,420 --> 00:19:12,880 Speaker 2: you staring at us as if it was our power 299 00:19:12,920 --> 00:19:16,240 Speaker 2: that made this man well? Peter is quick to redirect 300 00:19:16,280 --> 00:19:20,400 Speaker 2: the crowd's focus from himself and John back to Jesus. 301 00:19:20,940 --> 00:19:22,920 Speaker 2: And my friends, this is so crucial for our faith 302 00:19:22,980 --> 00:19:26,169 Speaker 2: as well. When people praise us for our kindness or 303 00:19:26,310 --> 00:19:29,189 Speaker 2: for our gentleness or for some act of charity that 304 00:19:29,230 --> 00:19:32,060 Speaker 2: we perform for somebody else, we have to always and 305 00:19:32,230 --> 00:19:37,600 Speaker 2: faithfully redirect people's attention to the source of that good work, Jesus. 306 00:19:38,320 --> 00:19:39,980 Speaker 2: Peter knows a few things that many of us tend 307 00:19:40,000 --> 00:19:43,010 Speaker 2: to forget. First of all, it's not about you at all. 308 00:19:43,420 --> 00:19:47,570 Speaker 2: It's about Jesus and Jesus alone. Second, miracles, as amazing 309 00:19:47,609 --> 00:19:49,690 Speaker 2: as they are, are not the main event in and 310 00:19:49,710 --> 00:19:53,030 Speaker 2: of themselves. themselves. They're not the finish line. They're actually 311 00:19:53,090 --> 00:19:56,990 Speaker 2: the starting gun. Miracles grab people's attention, but it's the 312 00:19:57,050 --> 00:20:00,359 Speaker 2: message of the gospel that saves souls. Peter could have 313 00:20:00,450 --> 00:20:02,820 Speaker 2: easily basked in the glow of this miraculous moment. He 314 00:20:02,840 --> 00:20:05,379 Speaker 2: would sign a book deal, launch his new podcast and 315 00:20:05,390 --> 00:20:08,240 Speaker 2: the series called Miracle Workers, and then take them to 316 00:20:08,280 --> 00:20:11,620 Speaker 2: show on the road. Instead, he turns the crowd's amazement 317 00:20:11,730 --> 00:20:16,679 Speaker 2: into an opportunity to preach about Jesus. Always be wary 318 00:20:16,720 --> 00:20:20,419 Speaker 2: of people who gain popularity and notoriety for their miracles 319 00:20:20,760 --> 00:20:24,439 Speaker 2: and build a brand centered around them. Peter and John's 320 00:20:24,500 --> 00:20:28,810 Speaker 2: response to people's praise tells us something about Jesus' will 321 00:20:28,910 --> 00:20:33,330 Speaker 2: and intention for when we perform miracles. When something amazing 322 00:20:33,410 --> 00:20:37,500 Speaker 2: happens Through us, we must redirect people's attention to the 323 00:20:37,840 --> 00:20:41,480 Speaker 2: one who actually accomplished this work, the Holy Spirit. Peter 324 00:20:41,510 --> 00:20:43,850 Speaker 2: goes on to remind them that this wasn't some random 325 00:20:43,930 --> 00:20:46,429 Speaker 2: act of power either. It was the work of the 326 00:20:46,470 --> 00:20:50,670 Speaker 2: God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He's speaking these Jews' language, 327 00:20:50,810 --> 00:20:54,030 Speaker 2: connecting Jesus to the very foundations of their faith. And 328 00:20:54,050 --> 00:20:56,429 Speaker 2: then Peter goes for the jugular. He makes this statement. 329 00:20:56,790 --> 00:20:59,959 Speaker 2: You delivered up and denied the Holy and Just One. 330 00:21:00,520 --> 00:21:03,100 Speaker 2: And you asked for the murder of God. 331 00:21:03,760 --> 00:21:03,960 Speaker 3: Ouch. 332 00:21:04,530 --> 00:21:08,149 Speaker 2: Peter isn't holding back here at all. He reminded them 333 00:21:08,190 --> 00:21:11,750 Speaker 2: that they chose Barabbas, a criminal, over Jesus, the Prince 334 00:21:11,950 --> 00:21:14,550 Speaker 2: of Life. He's saying that the one who performed this 335 00:21:14,650 --> 00:21:18,129 Speaker 2: miracle and the one who restored this man is the 336 00:21:18,170 --> 00:21:20,270 Speaker 2: same one who wants to restore your souls, but by 337 00:21:20,330 --> 00:21:22,810 Speaker 2: no means trick yourselves into thinking that you're in good 338 00:21:22,869 --> 00:21:25,870 Speaker 2: standing with him. In fact, you were his enemy. You're 339 00:21:25,890 --> 00:21:28,790 Speaker 2: the one who put him to death. This is actually 340 00:21:28,990 --> 00:21:32,250 Speaker 2: a truth bomb that we all need to ingest ourselves, 341 00:21:32,330 --> 00:21:34,710 Speaker 2: as hard as it might be. We were enemies of 342 00:21:34,770 --> 00:21:37,699 Speaker 2: God until we chose to follow him. And there's no 343 00:21:37,740 --> 00:21:41,000 Speaker 2: inherent identity that we're automatically in good standing with God. 344 00:21:41,380 --> 00:21:44,000 Speaker 2: We need to call upon the name of Jesus. Peter 345 00:21:44,040 --> 00:21:46,399 Speaker 2: is putting it out there. You got it wrong, guys. 346 00:21:46,780 --> 00:21:49,620 Speaker 2: You got it wrong big time. But before you think 347 00:21:49,680 --> 00:21:52,449 Speaker 2: Peter is just up there to shame them, understand that 348 00:21:52,750 --> 00:21:56,690 Speaker 2: he's not interested in condemnation, but in conviction. He's saying, 349 00:21:56,990 --> 00:22:00,610 Speaker 2: look in the mirror. You messed up, but there's still hope. 350 00:22:01,450 --> 00:22:04,430 Speaker 2: Peter clarifies how the lame man was healed. He said 351 00:22:04,470 --> 00:22:06,980 Speaker 2: that by Jesus' name and through faith in his name, 352 00:22:07,140 --> 00:22:10,280 Speaker 2: this man was made strong. It wasn't Peter's charisma or 353 00:22:10,320 --> 00:22:13,879 Speaker 2: John's piety. It was the powerful name of Jesus. In 354 00:22:13,900 --> 00:22:17,740 Speaker 2: biblical terms, a name wasn't just a label. It represented 355 00:22:17,820 --> 00:22:20,679 Speaker 2: the very essence and authority of a person. So when 356 00:22:20,720 --> 00:22:23,899 Speaker 2: Peter says faith in his name, he's talking about a 357 00:22:24,000 --> 00:22:27,560 Speaker 2: faith that taps into the very power, presence, and identity 358 00:22:27,600 --> 00:22:30,740 Speaker 2: of Jesus himself. So let's pause for a second here. 359 00:22:31,340 --> 00:22:34,480 Speaker 2: What are we putting our faith in today? Whose name 360 00:22:34,619 --> 00:22:37,300 Speaker 2: are we living for? Is it our own? Is it 361 00:22:37,340 --> 00:22:40,340 Speaker 2: a celebrity or a politician that we follow? Is it 362 00:22:40,440 --> 00:22:43,699 Speaker 2: our good intentions, our hard work, or our reputation? Is 363 00:22:43,740 --> 00:22:46,879 Speaker 2: it our well-thought-out plans, our careers, our bosses? Is it 364 00:22:46,900 --> 00:22:50,230 Speaker 2: a brand that we follow? Friends, let me tell you, 365 00:22:50,790 --> 00:22:53,149 Speaker 2: none of these things can make the lame walk or 366 00:22:53,170 --> 00:22:56,609 Speaker 2: the blind see. We need to have faith squarely in 367 00:22:56,650 --> 00:23:00,090 Speaker 2: the name of Jesus because only He has the power 368 00:23:00,150 --> 00:23:03,840 Speaker 2: to transform lives. Peter, after dropping this very heavy truth, 369 00:23:04,240 --> 00:23:07,220 Speaker 2: doesn't leave them in despair though. Instead, he gives them 370 00:23:07,320 --> 00:23:10,700 Speaker 2: a path forward. He says, repent therefore and be converted 371 00:23:10,840 --> 00:23:13,830 Speaker 2: and your sins may be blotted out so that the 372 00:23:13,890 --> 00:23:16,889 Speaker 2: times of refreshing may come in the presence of the Lord. 373 00:23:16,910 --> 00:23:19,850 Speaker 2: Let's talk about repentance really quick because a lot of 374 00:23:19,890 --> 00:23:24,230 Speaker 2: people mistake repentance for apologizing. You see, apologizing is saying 375 00:23:24,300 --> 00:23:28,180 Speaker 2: sorry and acknowledging you did something wrong. Repentance isn't just 376 00:23:28,240 --> 00:23:32,320 Speaker 2: acknowledging you did something wrong or feeling sorry. It's a turnaround. 377 00:23:32,580 --> 00:23:34,960 Speaker 2: It's like making a U-turn when you realize you're headed 378 00:23:35,060 --> 00:23:37,899 Speaker 2: in the wrong direction. But here's the good news. Even 379 00:23:37,920 --> 00:23:40,780 Speaker 2: though repentance is hard and changing our ways is hard 380 00:23:40,840 --> 00:23:43,780 Speaker 2: and acknowledging the power of Jesus is hard, it leads 381 00:23:43,840 --> 00:23:47,119 Speaker 2: to ultimate refreshment. Isn't that what we all need? In 382 00:23:47,140 --> 00:23:49,439 Speaker 2: a world full of chaos, stress, and bad news, we 383 00:23:49,480 --> 00:23:52,429 Speaker 2: need times of refreshing. And these times come from the 384 00:23:52,470 --> 00:23:55,669 Speaker 2: presence of the Lord, from Netflix binges, social media likes, 385 00:23:55,890 --> 00:23:59,869 Speaker 2: or a perfect vacation. Peter reminds them of Moses' prophecy, 386 00:23:59,910 --> 00:24:01,889 Speaker 2: the Lord your God will... Raise up for you a 387 00:24:01,970 --> 00:24:04,990 Speaker 2: prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear 388 00:24:05,090 --> 00:24:08,270 Speaker 2: in all things. The crowd knew this prophecy well. They 389 00:24:08,310 --> 00:24:11,230 Speaker 2: knew that Moses was speaking of an ultimate redeemer and Messiah. 390 00:24:11,260 --> 00:24:15,100 Speaker 2: And Peter is making it clear Jesus is that prophet 391 00:24:15,140 --> 00:24:17,980 Speaker 2: that Moses spoke of. And rejecting him isn't just a 392 00:24:18,040 --> 00:24:21,320 Speaker 2: bad decision. It's a disastrous one for your soul. Peter 393 00:24:21,359 --> 00:24:23,780 Speaker 2: says it plainly. Every soul who will not hear the 394 00:24:23,820 --> 00:24:27,899 Speaker 2: prophet shall be utterly destroyed. But he doesn't end with 395 00:24:27,980 --> 00:24:30,879 Speaker 2: a threat. He points back to the promise given to Abraham. 396 00:24:31,530 --> 00:24:33,850 Speaker 2: In your seed, all the families of the earth shall 397 00:24:33,910 --> 00:24:36,910 Speaker 2: be blessed. Peter is saying this promise is for you, 398 00:24:37,430 --> 00:24:40,100 Speaker 2: but it's also to anyone who will receive it of 399 00:24:40,220 --> 00:24:44,180 Speaker 2: any nation. So here's the takeaway, friends. Don't just marvel 400 00:24:44,359 --> 00:24:48,320 Speaker 2: at a simple miracle. Cling to the Messiah. The healed 401 00:24:48,340 --> 00:24:52,060 Speaker 2: man at the gate beautiful wanted change, but he got transformation. 402 00:24:52,480 --> 00:24:54,919 Speaker 2: The crowd wanted a spectacle, but they got a sermon. 403 00:24:55,280 --> 00:24:59,000 Speaker 2: And you, you may come looking for a little inspiration today, 404 00:24:59,420 --> 00:25:01,409 Speaker 2: but God wants to offer you so much more. He 405 00:25:01,450 --> 00:25:04,250 Speaker 2: wants to offer you new life in Jesus. So repent, 406 00:25:04,590 --> 00:25:07,830 Speaker 2: turn around, and let the times of refreshing come. Because 407 00:25:07,990 --> 00:25:10,690 Speaker 2: when you put your faith in his name, Jesus' name, 408 00:25:11,230 --> 00:25:14,520 Speaker 2: miracles don't just happen. They transform your outlook on life, 409 00:25:14,990 --> 00:25:17,139 Speaker 2: and they transform who you are from the inside out. 410 00:25:18,180 --> 00:25:20,879 Speaker 2: Thanks again for listening to the Jesus Podcast. Join us 411 00:25:20,900 --> 00:25:24,060 Speaker 2: tomorrow for another breathtaking story inspired by the book of Acts, 412 00:25:24,440 --> 00:25:28,419 Speaker 2: where we learn that Jesus moves and breathes in us 413 00:25:28,580 --> 00:25:29,420 Speaker 2: and through us today.