1 00:00:00,380 --> 00:00:04,159 Speaker 1: Repent, therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be 2 00:00:04,220 --> 00:00:07,760 Speaker 1: blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing 3 00:00:08,080 --> 00:00:12,979 Speaker 1: from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3.19 Lord Jesus, 4 00:00:13,060 --> 00:00:15,880 Speaker 1: we are grateful for the cleansing of our past sins 5 00:00:17,000 --> 00:00:21,040 Speaker 1: and the new life you offer us. Give us the 6 00:00:21,100 --> 00:00:24,890 Speaker 1: strength and courage to turn away from our past and 7 00:00:24,970 --> 00:00:29,130 Speaker 1: embrace the future you have prepared for us. Help us 8 00:00:29,170 --> 00:00:33,170 Speaker 1: to live in the freedom of your forgiveness, leaving behind 9 00:00:33,290 --> 00:00:39,069 Speaker 1: old habits, and walking boldly in your light. May our 10 00:00:39,170 --> 00:00:43,940 Speaker 1: hearts remain steadfast in following you, trusting in your guidance, 11 00:00:44,729 --> 00:00:49,940 Speaker 1: and embracing the refreshing renewal you bring. In your precious 12 00:00:50,020 --> 00:00:50,760 Speaker 1: name we pray. 13 00:00:51,420 --> 00:00:51,700 Speaker 2: Amen. 14 00:00:52,620 --> 00:00:55,500 Speaker 1: Thank you for praying with me today. You're listening to 15 00:00:55,520 --> 00:01:01,180 Speaker 1: The Jesus Podcast. Dramatic stories inspired by the Bible. Remain 16 00:01:01,220 --> 00:01:04,899 Speaker 1: here for another story from our mini-series on the birth 17 00:01:04,959 --> 00:01:09,080 Speaker 1: of the church. Has this podcast inspired you? We would 18 00:01:09,180 --> 00:01:12,360 Speaker 1: love it if you left a rating and review and 19 00:01:12,420 --> 00:01:17,390 Speaker 1: shared with a friend. Despite the buzzing of worshipers passing 20 00:01:17,470 --> 00:01:21,450 Speaker 1: through the temple gates, Ira paid Peter and John his 21 00:01:21,490 --> 00:01:25,990 Speaker 1: full attention. These men had changed his life in an instant. 22 00:01:27,180 --> 00:01:31,420 Speaker 1: and hadn't asked anything in return. Ira was sure he 23 00:01:31,459 --> 00:01:34,390 Speaker 1: had never met them, and had no wealth or power 24 00:01:34,850 --> 00:01:38,630 Speaker 1: for them to abuse. He couldn't piece together the reason 25 00:01:38,690 --> 00:01:41,930 Speaker 1: for them showing him the greatest act of kindness he 26 00:01:41,970 --> 00:01:45,970 Speaker 1: had ever known. But if they were really empowered men 27 00:01:46,020 --> 00:01:50,000 Speaker 1: of God, as Ira believed them to be, maybe that 28 00:01:50,120 --> 00:01:53,900 Speaker 1: was all the motivation they needed to help a poor 29 00:01:53,960 --> 00:01:55,380 Speaker 1: beggar like himself. 30 00:01:56,040 --> 00:01:58,700 Speaker 3: Please, Allow me to come with you to the temple 31 00:01:58,740 --> 00:02:02,060 Speaker 3: to worship. The name of the Lord must be glorified 32 00:02:02,100 --> 00:02:02,960 Speaker 3: for his goodness. 33 00:02:03,760 --> 00:02:06,530 Speaker 4: We would be happy to have you. Our friends should 34 00:02:06,550 --> 00:02:10,109 Speaker 4: be just inside the walls. Gather your belongings and we'll 35 00:02:10,150 --> 00:02:10,950 Speaker 4: head in together. 36 00:02:12,730 --> 00:02:16,250 Speaker 1: Myra fumbled for his possessions, though he knew none of 37 00:02:16,290 --> 00:02:19,820 Speaker 1: them were necessary anymore. Those had been the tools of 38 00:02:19,880 --> 00:02:22,200 Speaker 1: a man who had lost any hope of leading a 39 00:02:22,260 --> 00:02:27,410 Speaker 1: normal life. the means necessary to simply scrape by for survival. 40 00:02:28,270 --> 00:02:32,370 Speaker 1: But his homely mat and blemished bowl were now the 41 00:02:32,430 --> 00:02:36,990 Speaker 1: mere reminders of a past that Ira was quickly leaving 42 00:02:37,050 --> 00:02:43,060 Speaker 1: behind with radical speed, only made possible by the unstoppable 43 00:02:43,200 --> 00:02:47,280 Speaker 1: force of the Spirit of God. But even his numerous 44 00:02:47,360 --> 00:02:50,770 Speaker 1: years of making the most of his situations couldn't have 45 00:02:50,810 --> 00:02:55,230 Speaker 1: prepared him for the miracle he experienced that day. He 46 00:02:55,290 --> 00:02:58,750 Speaker 1: had no plans for the future, nor ever intended to. 47 00:03:00,050 --> 00:03:03,690 Speaker 1: Allowing himself to daydream in such a way had become 48 00:03:03,730 --> 00:03:07,570 Speaker 1: more depressing than anything else. For all of his hope 49 00:03:07,870 --> 00:03:12,620 Speaker 1: in God, he never allowed himself the privilege of imagining 50 00:03:12,680 --> 00:03:17,180 Speaker 1: the immense freedom he now had. While others took the 51 00:03:17,220 --> 00:03:22,510 Speaker 1: simple act of walking for granted, To Ira, walking open 52 00:03:22,550 --> 00:03:26,250 Speaker 1: the grand expanse of the world to be explored at 53 00:03:26,310 --> 00:03:30,790 Speaker 1: his own will. He haphazardly rolled up his cushion and 54 00:03:30,880 --> 00:03:34,020 Speaker 1: balled it into his mat. He stared at the bundle. 55 00:03:34,840 --> 00:03:38,520 Speaker 1: His old life sat before him with the same stillness 56 00:03:38,580 --> 00:03:42,280 Speaker 1: that once bound him. He clapped his hands together. 57 00:03:43,130 --> 00:03:45,430 Speaker 3: I suppose that's it. Shall we go in? 58 00:03:48,820 --> 00:03:53,360 Speaker 2: Miracles are opportunities. When God opens people's eyes and grabs 59 00:03:53,400 --> 00:03:56,620 Speaker 2: their attention, we have to be swift to seize the moment. 60 00:03:57,200 --> 00:04:01,390 Speaker 2: Welcome to the Jesus Podcast. I'm Zach, your host from Pray.com, 61 00:04:01,750 --> 00:04:05,270 Speaker 2: here to dive into another story inspired by the book 62 00:04:05,290 --> 00:04:08,090 Speaker 2: of Acts. If you've been enjoying this podcast, you know 63 00:04:08,110 --> 00:04:10,670 Speaker 2: what to do. Make sure to follow on whatever platform 64 00:04:10,690 --> 00:04:13,480 Speaker 2: you listen, and it would be awesome if you rated 65 00:04:13,560 --> 00:04:16,170 Speaker 2: us and left a review as well. Today, we're stepping 66 00:04:16,210 --> 00:04:19,979 Speaker 2: into the sandals of Peter as he delivers another show-stopping sermon. 67 00:04:20,480 --> 00:04:24,260 Speaker 2: This episode is inspired by Acts 3, 10-26, and let 68 00:04:24,279 --> 00:04:26,800 Speaker 2: me tell you, Peter knows how to captivate a crowd. 69 00:04:27,380 --> 00:04:30,220 Speaker 2: Fresh off the miraculous healing of a lame man at 70 00:04:30,240 --> 00:04:33,990 Speaker 2: the gate beautiful, Peter doesn't miss a beat. He uses 71 00:04:34,050 --> 00:04:37,210 Speaker 2: the opportunity to preach the gospel. The man is clinging 72 00:04:37,250 --> 00:04:40,390 Speaker 2: to Peter and John, probably out of sheer gratitude, amazement, 73 00:04:40,410 --> 00:04:43,390 Speaker 2: and maybe a mixture of, wow, that just happened, and 74 00:04:43,790 --> 00:04:47,390 Speaker 2: please don't leave me. The crowd is buzzing. Jaws are dropping. 75 00:04:47,770 --> 00:04:51,150 Speaker 2: And what does Peter do? He seizes the moment for 76 00:04:51,190 --> 00:04:51,670 Speaker 2: a sermon. 77 00:04:52,070 --> 00:04:52,790 Speaker 4: Because why not? 78 00:04:55,850 --> 00:05:00,250 Speaker 1: The trio strode into the temple courts. Ira's eyes darted 79 00:05:00,290 --> 00:05:03,490 Speaker 1: all around, keenly taking in the sights as though it 80 00:05:03,690 --> 00:05:07,110 Speaker 1: was for the first time. He found the thought a 81 00:05:07,150 --> 00:05:10,529 Speaker 1: little silly. But the few feet and the difference he 82 00:05:10,610 --> 00:05:14,520 Speaker 1: observed the world with now gave a new perspective on 83 00:05:14,839 --> 00:05:15,940 Speaker 1: everything around him. 84 00:05:17,010 --> 00:05:18,409 Speaker 3: Seas of people. 85 00:05:18,150 --> 00:05:21,750 Speaker 1: That used to roll over him like waves were suddenly 86 00:05:21,870 --> 00:05:28,070 Speaker 1: gentle tides to casually wade through. Stairs seemed like anthills 87 00:05:28,610 --> 00:05:32,680 Speaker 1: compared to the mountainous terrain they once were. Whatever power 88 00:05:32,720 --> 00:05:35,979 Speaker 1: had given strength to his legs had not only changed 89 00:05:36,040 --> 00:05:40,660 Speaker 1: his physical abilities, but was changing his entire outlook on life. 90 00:05:41,510 --> 00:05:45,370 Speaker 1: As they walked through the courtyard, puzzled stares were visible 91 00:05:45,430 --> 00:05:49,250 Speaker 1: all around. Several men and women pointed in Iris' direction, 92 00:05:49,750 --> 00:05:53,410 Speaker 1: frantically whispering to one another. It was a new experience 93 00:05:53,470 --> 00:05:56,650 Speaker 1: for the once lame beggar, who had become accustomed to 94 00:05:56,790 --> 00:06:00,270 Speaker 1: others simply ignoring him after he had sunken into the 95 00:06:00,310 --> 00:06:04,630 Speaker 1: margins of society. But Peter and John were all too 96 00:06:04,690 --> 00:06:08,040 Speaker 1: familiar with the notoriety stirred up after a miracle had 97 00:06:08,070 --> 00:06:11,720 Speaker 1: been performed. A few of those who had been startled 98 00:06:11,779 --> 00:06:15,979 Speaker 1: to see Ira's sudden regaining of faculties approached the three men. 99 00:06:16,740 --> 00:06:19,460 Speaker 4: Aren't you the beggar from the gates? The one who's 100 00:06:19,500 --> 00:06:20,460 Speaker 4: been here for years? 101 00:06:21,140 --> 00:06:21,750 Speaker 3: I know it's him. 102 00:06:22,410 --> 00:06:24,130 Speaker 5: I live just down the road and I see him 103 00:06:24,330 --> 00:06:26,190 Speaker 5: every day when I pass the temple mount. 104 00:06:26,750 --> 00:06:27,810 Speaker 3: How did this happen? 105 00:06:28,390 --> 00:06:28,850 Speaker 4: Tell us! 106 00:06:29,630 --> 00:06:30,870 Speaker 3: What is your secret? 107 00:06:31,290 --> 00:06:34,130 Speaker 5: Was it these men here? Sirs, did you heal the 108 00:06:34,170 --> 00:06:34,630 Speaker 5: lame beggar? 109 00:06:35,420 --> 00:06:38,779 Speaker 1: Ira gave a polite but awkward wave as more curious 110 00:06:38,880 --> 00:06:42,860 Speaker 1: onlookers came to investigate. He hadn't considered how others would 111 00:06:42,920 --> 00:06:46,220 Speaker 1: react to his miraculous healing. If he had been honest 112 00:06:46,260 --> 00:06:51,190 Speaker 1: with himself, he had assumed most wouldn't care, let alone notice. 113 00:06:52,130 --> 00:06:55,589 Speaker 1: He wondered if the newfound strength in his legs was 114 00:06:55,650 --> 00:06:59,969 Speaker 1: worth being the center of attention. For him, attention had 115 00:07:00,070 --> 00:07:03,840 Speaker 1: never meant anything but trouble. But Peter and John knew 116 00:07:03,860 --> 00:07:06,380 Speaker 1: the people weren't coming to make a mockery of Ira 117 00:07:06,850 --> 00:07:11,150 Speaker 1: or cause him any harm. They were coming in wonder 118 00:07:11,630 --> 00:07:15,390 Speaker 1: and awe at what they were witnessing. Peter tilted his 119 00:07:15,430 --> 00:07:16,230 Speaker 1: head toward Ira. 120 00:07:16,990 --> 00:07:21,310 Speaker 3: Just stay calm and follow our lead. We've done this before. 121 00:07:22,090 --> 00:07:25,570 Speaker 1: Ira took a step behind the apostles and subconsciously gripped 122 00:07:25,610 --> 00:07:29,380 Speaker 1: their garments with his fingertips to feel some sense of security. 123 00:07:30,000 --> 00:07:32,400 Speaker 1: Peter looked at John to see if he was thinking 124 00:07:32,460 --> 00:07:36,020 Speaker 1: the same thing. John gestured forward and bowed his head, 125 00:07:36,740 --> 00:07:39,040 Speaker 1: giving Peter the cue to step up to the plate. 126 00:07:39,720 --> 00:07:43,360 Speaker 4: Fellow Israelites, why are you so surprised at what you 127 00:07:43,420 --> 00:07:46,420 Speaker 4: see here today? You stare at us as though it 128 00:07:46,490 --> 00:07:49,350 Speaker 4: was our own power or godliness that allowed us to 129 00:07:49,430 --> 00:07:52,310 Speaker 4: make this man walk. But it was not for our 130 00:07:52,410 --> 00:07:57,430 Speaker 4: sake that this man was healed. No, the God of Abraham, Isaac, 131 00:07:57,450 --> 00:08:01,170 Speaker 4: and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his 132 00:08:01,250 --> 00:08:05,470 Speaker 4: servant Jesus through this sign. This same Jesus was the 133 00:08:05,490 --> 00:08:09,180 Speaker 4: man you handed over to be killed. You disowned him 134 00:08:09,240 --> 00:08:13,020 Speaker 4: from his own people before Pilate, even when the governor 135 00:08:13,040 --> 00:08:15,480 Speaker 4: had decided in his own heart to let him go. 136 00:08:16,100 --> 00:08:19,040 Speaker 1: Peter could tell that his words were cutting his audience 137 00:08:19,260 --> 00:08:22,040 Speaker 1: to the heart. Just as he had seen the people's 138 00:08:22,120 --> 00:08:26,710 Speaker 1: response to the accusation of murdering Jesus on Pentecost, he 139 00:08:26,770 --> 00:08:30,250 Speaker 1: knew that the bad news would soon make way for 140 00:08:30,270 --> 00:08:32,410 Speaker 1: the good news of Jesus' gospel. 141 00:08:33,030 --> 00:08:37,910 Speaker 4: But even worse, you disowned the Holy and Righteous One 142 00:08:38,670 --> 00:08:41,170 Speaker 4: and asked that a murderer be released to you to 143 00:08:41,250 --> 00:08:44,250 Speaker 4: join your ranks by your own hands. 144 00:08:44,980 --> 00:08:47,100 Speaker 3: You killed the author of life. 145 00:08:48,200 --> 00:08:51,900 Speaker 4: But... As the author of life, even the grave could 146 00:08:51,940 --> 00:08:55,080 Speaker 4: not hold him, for God raised him from the dead. 147 00:08:55,840 --> 00:08:58,730 Speaker 4: And we stand here today as witnesses of this for 148 00:08:58,780 --> 00:08:59,420 Speaker 4: your sake. 149 00:08:59,900 --> 00:09:02,830 Speaker 1: Ira's fist clenched tighter at the tunics of the apostles. 150 00:09:03,710 --> 00:09:06,589 Speaker 1: He was worried that his miracle worker was only making 151 00:09:06,630 --> 00:09:11,670 Speaker 1: matters worse by accusing the people of putting Jesus to death. Peter, 152 00:09:11,750 --> 00:09:14,250 Speaker 1: on the other hand, had been consumed with a peace 153 00:09:14,929 --> 00:09:19,170 Speaker 1: beyond his understanding. Peter could feel Iris' grip on the 154 00:09:19,210 --> 00:09:22,550 Speaker 1: side of his clothes. He placed his hand on Iris, 155 00:09:23,050 --> 00:09:26,380 Speaker 1: hoping that he could extend an ounce of peace to 156 00:09:26,410 --> 00:09:27,240 Speaker 1: his new acquaintance. 157 00:09:27,840 --> 00:09:30,660 Speaker 4: By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom 158 00:09:30,700 --> 00:09:35,100 Speaker 4: you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus' 159 00:09:35,179 --> 00:09:37,860 Speaker 4: name and the faith that comes through him that has 160 00:09:37,900 --> 00:09:40,750 Speaker 4: completely healed him, as you can all see. 161 00:09:41,350 --> 00:09:44,730 Speaker 5: So this man was healed by this Jesus, yet you 162 00:09:44,809 --> 00:09:48,640 Speaker 5: say we killed him, I can't speak for the crowds here, 163 00:09:48,760 --> 00:09:51,220 Speaker 5: but I've never so much as struck my neighbor. 164 00:09:51,679 --> 00:09:55,429 Speaker 4: Please, take no offense at my words. I know that 165 00:09:55,470 --> 00:09:58,709 Speaker 4: you all acted in ignorance, just as the leaders of 166 00:09:58,790 --> 00:10:01,760 Speaker 4: our people did. But we now know that it was 167 00:10:01,940 --> 00:10:05,400 Speaker 4: God who allowed it, so that he could fulfill all 168 00:10:05,440 --> 00:10:08,859 Speaker 4: that he had foretold through the prophets, that his Messiah 169 00:10:09,100 --> 00:10:11,240 Speaker 4: would suffer for the sake of the people. 170 00:10:12,040 --> 00:10:15,710 Speaker 1: Ira was stunned that the man made no rebuttal against 171 00:10:15,760 --> 00:10:20,140 Speaker 1: the apostle's statement. In fact, nobody did. It was as 172 00:10:20,200 --> 00:10:25,250 Speaker 1: though they had been enlightened and accepted Peter's accusation as true. 173 00:10:26,090 --> 00:10:28,750 Speaker 1: Ira's suspicions were quickly confirmed. 174 00:10:29,590 --> 00:10:31,490 Speaker 5: Surely there must be something we can do to make 175 00:10:31,530 --> 00:10:35,570 Speaker 5: it right. I would never intentionally dishonor the Lord our God. 176 00:10:36,370 --> 00:10:38,910 Speaker 5: Is there nothing we can do to earn his forgiveness? 177 00:10:39,550 --> 00:10:41,810 Speaker 1: Out of the corner of his eye, Peter could see 178 00:10:41,870 --> 00:10:45,280 Speaker 1: John beaming a smile. It was the moment both of 179 00:10:45,340 --> 00:10:50,020 Speaker 1: them had been waiting for. Like clockwork, The gospel message 180 00:10:50,080 --> 00:10:54,320 Speaker 1: of their master had broken the people's hearts wide open, 181 00:10:54,740 --> 00:10:58,370 Speaker 1: and the Spirit was now planting seeds in the freshly 182 00:10:58,510 --> 00:11:03,069 Speaker 1: cultivated soil. For all of their sowing and watering, it 183 00:11:03,110 --> 00:11:05,170 Speaker 1: was God who gave the increase. 184 00:11:05,690 --> 00:11:10,200 Speaker 4: Repent of your sins. Turn to God and receive His forgiveness. 185 00:11:11,000 --> 00:11:15,240 Speaker 4: Through the blood of Jesus, He will wipe out your sins. 186 00:11:15,870 --> 00:11:19,170 Speaker 4: Be of good cheer, brothers and sisters, for in due 187 00:11:19,320 --> 00:11:23,160 Speaker 4: time the Lord will send the Messiah, Jesus Christ, to you. 188 00:11:24,100 --> 00:11:27,820 Speaker 4: And in that time you will experience times of refreshing 189 00:11:27,880 --> 00:11:32,380 Speaker 4: from him. But as for now, heaven must receive him 190 00:11:32,760 --> 00:11:36,140 Speaker 4: until the time comes for God to restore everything, just 191 00:11:36,220 --> 00:11:39,040 Speaker 4: as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. 192 00:11:39,640 --> 00:11:44,570 Speaker 1: The crowd was dead silent, holding their collective breath. determined 193 00:11:44,590 --> 00:11:47,450 Speaker 1: to not miss a word of the bold preacher standing 194 00:11:47,530 --> 00:11:50,970 Speaker 1: before them. Peter felt like he was watching the scene 195 00:11:51,130 --> 00:11:52,429 Speaker 1: from outside his own body. 196 00:11:53,230 --> 00:11:54,290 Speaker 3: As a boy, he had. 197 00:11:54,250 --> 00:11:59,880 Speaker 1: Memorized the stories of Israel's greats, like Abraham, Jacob, Moses, 198 00:12:00,300 --> 00:12:05,340 Speaker 1: and David. To picture himself, a measly fisherman, one day 199 00:12:05,480 --> 00:12:10,780 Speaker 1: moving crowds to repent, was beyond his wildest dreams. But 200 00:12:10,830 --> 00:12:14,510 Speaker 1: for all of his aspirations, it was Jesus, who had 201 00:12:14,610 --> 00:12:18,490 Speaker 1: brought him thus far, and it was Jesus who would 202 00:12:18,530 --> 00:12:21,650 Speaker 1: sustain him. So long as it was the Lord's name 203 00:12:21,929 --> 00:12:25,969 Speaker 1: he lifted high before the people, Peter was confident God 204 00:12:26,050 --> 00:12:27,390 Speaker 1: would continue to use him. 205 00:12:27,910 --> 00:12:31,010 Speaker 4: For Moses said, The Lord your God will raise up 206 00:12:31,050 --> 00:12:33,830 Speaker 4: for you a prophet like me from among your own people. 207 00:12:34,390 --> 00:12:37,750 Speaker 4: You must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who 208 00:12:37,790 --> 00:12:40,910 Speaker 4: does not listen to him will be completely cut off 209 00:12:41,270 --> 00:12:45,880 Speaker 4: from their people. Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets 210 00:12:45,900 --> 00:12:49,990 Speaker 4: who have spoken have foretold these days, and you are 211 00:12:50,130 --> 00:12:53,270 Speaker 4: heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made 212 00:12:53,309 --> 00:12:58,250 Speaker 4: with your fathers. He said to Abraham, Through your offspring 213 00:12:58,750 --> 00:13:00,770 Speaker 4: all peoples on earth will be blessed. 214 00:13:01,360 --> 00:13:05,660 Speaker 1: Peter's call to repentance had worked. Dozens of men and 215 00:13:05,740 --> 00:13:09,579 Speaker 1: women who filled the courtyards had fallen to their knees 216 00:13:10,059 --> 00:13:13,770 Speaker 1: in deep conviction. They shuffled towards the feet of the apostles. 217 00:13:14,330 --> 00:13:18,130 Speaker 1: They had been inspired by Ira's miraculous healing, but it 218 00:13:18,150 --> 00:13:21,530 Speaker 1: was only the transformative power of the gospel that had 219 00:13:21,610 --> 00:13:25,450 Speaker 1: allured their hearts to a saving faith in the Lord Jesus. 220 00:13:25,970 --> 00:13:28,550 Speaker 1: Peter and John did their best to control the crowds 221 00:13:28,990 --> 00:13:32,350 Speaker 1: while keeping an eye on Ira, who was still dumbfounded 222 00:13:32,809 --> 00:13:36,360 Speaker 1: at the unexpected gathering. The apostles spent the next few 223 00:13:36,460 --> 00:13:40,200 Speaker 1: hours answering the people's questions. They told them about the 224 00:13:40,280 --> 00:13:45,140 Speaker 1: multitudes of other believers gathering regularly throughout Jerusalem, that they 225 00:13:45,200 --> 00:13:49,180 Speaker 1: could now join on this new road of following the 226 00:13:49,220 --> 00:13:53,020 Speaker 1: ways of Jesus. The dimming sunlight alerted the people of 227 00:13:53,140 --> 00:13:57,270 Speaker 1: nightfall's swift approach, but nobody dared to depart from the gathering. 228 00:13:57,770 --> 00:14:01,280 Speaker 1: What they were learning... was of greater importance than a 229 00:14:01,400 --> 00:14:05,319 Speaker 1: timely arrival to their homes. A woman was pressing through 230 00:14:05,340 --> 00:14:08,800 Speaker 1: the streams of people in the opposite direction. She was 231 00:14:08,860 --> 00:14:12,840 Speaker 1: doubled over and scanning the ground, calling out as she 232 00:14:12,900 --> 00:14:14,640 Speaker 1: made her way through the courtyard. 233 00:14:15,490 --> 00:14:15,800 Speaker 5: Ira! 234 00:14:16,850 --> 00:14:17,180 Speaker 4: Ira! 235 00:14:17,990 --> 00:14:20,570 Speaker 5: Where have they taken him? Oh, I knew I had 236 00:14:20,610 --> 00:14:23,410 Speaker 5: a bad feeling about today. I should have never left 237 00:14:23,450 --> 00:14:23,890 Speaker 5: him alone. 238 00:14:24,610 --> 00:14:27,390 Speaker 1: Ira's head perked up at the sound. He spun his 239 00:14:27,410 --> 00:14:30,930 Speaker 1: head around like an owl, as he laughed back in response. 240 00:14:31,510 --> 00:14:34,680 Speaker 4: Tertza, is that you? I'm over here! 241 00:14:35,300 --> 00:14:38,360 Speaker 1: Ira stretched his body as tall as he could and 242 00:14:38,400 --> 00:14:42,420 Speaker 1: waved his arms sporadically over his head. His face broke 243 00:14:42,580 --> 00:14:47,070 Speaker 1: out in a wide grin at this accomplishment. Tertza's face 244 00:14:47,150 --> 00:14:51,630 Speaker 1: contorted in disbelief at the sight. She gasped in seeing 245 00:14:51,670 --> 00:14:56,110 Speaker 1: her beloved friend, not only well, but standing on his 246 00:14:56,210 --> 00:14:59,640 Speaker 1: own two feet. She had hoped to find Ira in 247 00:14:59,680 --> 00:15:03,640 Speaker 1: good health, but never expected to find him like this. 248 00:15:04,460 --> 00:15:06,400 Speaker 4: What? How? 249 00:15:07,000 --> 00:15:10,229 Speaker 3: You can thank my new friends here for that. Or rather, 250 00:15:10,680 --> 00:15:15,350 Speaker 3: you can thank their friend, Jesus. But please, allow me 251 00:15:15,390 --> 00:15:17,710 Speaker 3: to introduce you, Peter and John. 252 00:15:18,330 --> 00:15:20,610 Speaker 1: With a wave of his hand, the two men stepped 253 00:15:20,650 --> 00:15:26,730 Speaker 1: around Ira. Tertza could find no words. For years, she 254 00:15:26,770 --> 00:15:30,710 Speaker 1: had painstakingly carried Ira to the temple gates out of 255 00:15:30,750 --> 00:15:34,770 Speaker 1: a devotion to care for her friend. If these men 256 00:15:34,930 --> 00:15:39,050 Speaker 1: had truly healed Ira, she considered them to be friends 257 00:15:39,110 --> 00:15:43,410 Speaker 1: of hers now, too. She scanned Peter and John up 258 00:15:43,450 --> 00:15:48,230 Speaker 1: and down. From her observations, there was nothing remarkable or 259 00:15:48,370 --> 00:15:53,330 Speaker 1: any apparent standout qualities about them. But through some force 260 00:15:54,070 --> 00:15:58,430 Speaker 1: she had yet to discover, they had indeed healed Ira. 261 00:15:59,220 --> 00:16:04,900 Speaker 1: His cheery bouncing beside the apostles made that unassailable. Peter 262 00:16:04,940 --> 00:16:08,580 Speaker 1: and John could read Tertz's astonishment like an open book. 263 00:16:09,540 --> 00:16:13,320 Speaker 1: They had seen the same look many times before at Jesus' miracles, 264 00:16:14,040 --> 00:16:17,340 Speaker 1: and now they would follow in his footsteps. 265 00:16:17,960 --> 00:16:18,340 Speaker 3: Shalom. 266 00:16:19,270 --> 00:16:22,720 Speaker 4: It appears we are connected through our newly upright friend here. 267 00:16:23,270 --> 00:16:24,660 Speaker 4: My name is Peter. 268 00:16:25,220 --> 00:16:25,900 Speaker 3: This is John. 269 00:16:26,500 --> 00:16:29,960 Speaker 4: We are followers of Jesus. It was through faith and 270 00:16:30,120 --> 00:16:34,640 Speaker 4: by his name that Ira now stands. But I believe 271 00:16:34,660 --> 00:16:37,520 Speaker 4: we've caused enough of a commotion for you both today. 272 00:16:38,240 --> 00:16:41,590 Speaker 3: Please, go and rest and sin no more. 273 00:16:43,470 --> 00:16:45,890 Speaker 1: Terza gave a sudden and vibrant laugh. 274 00:16:46,550 --> 00:16:50,010 Speaker 5: You want us to just go? After all of this? 275 00:16:50,750 --> 00:16:51,370 Speaker 3: Absolutely. 276 00:16:51,930 --> 00:16:54,790 Speaker 4: You both have a lot of life to catch up on. Plus, 277 00:16:55,230 --> 00:16:57,370 Speaker 4: the people here still have need for us. 278 00:16:57,990 --> 00:17:01,530 Speaker 5: If you ever need anything, please let us know. We 279 00:17:01,650 --> 00:17:03,080 Speaker 5: are forever in your debt. 280 00:17:03,840 --> 00:17:07,359 Speaker 3: You are in debt to no one. Now go in 281 00:17:07,400 --> 00:17:08,980 Speaker 3: the freedom of Jesus Christ. 282 00:17:09,580 --> 00:17:13,340 Speaker 1: She smiled affectionately at Peter, then turned to Ira with 283 00:17:13,460 --> 00:17:16,939 Speaker 1: tears forming in her eyes. She was still trying to 284 00:17:17,020 --> 00:17:21,500 Speaker 1: reconcile this new reality in her mind. Ira clicked his 285 00:17:21,540 --> 00:17:25,060 Speaker 1: heels and promptly bent over to secure his mat to 286 00:17:25,100 --> 00:17:28,880 Speaker 1: his back. He gestured to the group and bound off 287 00:17:29,240 --> 00:17:33,219 Speaker 1: out of the temple courts. Terza hesitated. This was the 288 00:17:33,280 --> 00:17:36,609 Speaker 1: first time in ages she would be leaving the temple 289 00:17:36,940 --> 00:17:41,090 Speaker 1: without a stretcher over her shoulder. She took a step forward, 290 00:17:41,910 --> 00:17:46,270 Speaker 1: then another. There was an unfamiliar air of lightness to 291 00:17:46,330 --> 00:17:50,510 Speaker 1: her steps, as though God himself had lifted her weariness 292 00:17:51,310 --> 00:17:54,930 Speaker 1: and propelled her forward. The walk back to her house 293 00:17:55,310 --> 00:18:00,540 Speaker 1: was therapeutic. Like Ira, viewing life free of her previous 294 00:18:00,600 --> 00:18:04,680 Speaker 1: burdens had given her a whole new perspective of the city. 295 00:18:05,400 --> 00:18:08,800 Speaker 1: No longer did she avoid the more unkempt roads or 296 00:18:08,840 --> 00:18:12,330 Speaker 1: laborious hills of the city. In fact, both she and 297 00:18:12,530 --> 00:18:17,500 Speaker 1: Ira gladly welcomed them, exercising the extent of their strength 298 00:18:18,220 --> 00:18:22,000 Speaker 1: without the burdens of their former life. The Spirit of 299 00:18:22,119 --> 00:18:28,699 Speaker 1: Jesus Christ was sweeping through Jerusalem like wildfire, leaving nothing 300 00:18:28,790 --> 00:18:33,170 Speaker 1: in his path unchanged. But this change wasn't solely related 301 00:18:33,210 --> 00:18:40,570 Speaker 1: to circumstances or situations. He was breaking chains, renewing minds, 302 00:18:41,530 --> 00:18:47,090 Speaker 1: and transforming hearts to the praise of God's glorious grace. 303 00:18:52,400 --> 00:18:56,000 Speaker 2: Peter starts off by asking a simple question. Why do 304 00:18:56,040 --> 00:18:58,360 Speaker 2: you marvel at this? Or why do you look so 305 00:18:58,400 --> 00:19:01,740 Speaker 2: intently at us as though our own power or godliness 306 00:19:01,900 --> 00:19:04,810 Speaker 2: has made this man walk? Now, I love this because 307 00:19:04,869 --> 00:19:07,410 Speaker 2: Peter is essentially saying, why are you looking at us 308 00:19:07,530 --> 00:19:10,389 Speaker 2: as if we're some kind of spiritual superheroes? Why are 309 00:19:10,410 --> 00:19:12,870 Speaker 2: you staring at us as if it was our power 310 00:19:12,910 --> 00:19:16,230 Speaker 2: that made this man well? Peter is quick to redirect 311 00:19:16,270 --> 00:19:20,370 Speaker 2: the crowd's focus from himself and John back to Jesus. 312 00:19:20,910 --> 00:19:22,910 Speaker 2: And my friends, this is so crucial for our faith 313 00:19:22,970 --> 00:19:26,169 Speaker 2: as well. When people praise us for our kindness or 314 00:19:26,310 --> 00:19:29,199 Speaker 2: for our gentleness or for some act of charity that 315 00:19:29,240 --> 00:19:32,040 Speaker 2: we perform for somebody else, we have to always and 316 00:19:32,220 --> 00:19:37,540 Speaker 2: faithfully redirect people's attention to the source of that good work, Jesus. 317 00:19:38,300 --> 00:19:39,960 Speaker 2: Peter knows a few things that many of us tend 318 00:19:40,000 --> 00:19:42,980 Speaker 2: to forget. First of all, it's not about you at all. 319 00:19:43,400 --> 00:19:47,550 Speaker 2: It's about Jesus and Jesus alone. Second, miracles, as amazing 320 00:19:47,590 --> 00:19:49,889 Speaker 2: as they are, are not the main event in and 321 00:19:49,910 --> 00:19:53,169 Speaker 2: of themselves. They're not the finish line. They're actually the 322 00:19:53,210 --> 00:19:57,369 Speaker 2: starting gun. Miracles grab people's attention, but it's the message 323 00:19:57,410 --> 00:20:00,730 Speaker 2: of the gospel that saves souls. Peter could have easily 324 00:20:00,780 --> 00:20:02,950 Speaker 2: basked in the glow of this miraculous moment. He would 325 00:20:02,990 --> 00:20:05,450 Speaker 2: sign a book deal, launch his new podcast and the 326 00:20:05,490 --> 00:20:08,460 Speaker 2: series called Miracle Workers, and then take them to show 327 00:20:08,520 --> 00:20:11,920 Speaker 2: on the road. Instead, he turns the crowd's amazement into 328 00:20:11,960 --> 00:20:16,760 Speaker 2: an opportunity to preach about Jesus. Always be wary of 329 00:20:16,840 --> 00:20:20,859 Speaker 2: people who gain popularity and notoriety for their miracles and 330 00:20:21,010 --> 00:20:25,150 Speaker 2: build a brand centered around them. Peter and John's response 331 00:20:25,230 --> 00:20:28,970 Speaker 2: to people's praise tells us something about Jesus' will and 332 00:20:29,050 --> 00:20:33,810 Speaker 2: intention for when we perform miracles. When something amazing happens 333 00:20:33,830 --> 00:20:37,480 Speaker 2: in Through us, we must redirect people's attention to the 334 00:20:37,840 --> 00:20:41,460 Speaker 2: one who actually accomplished this work, the Holy Spirit. Peter 335 00:20:41,510 --> 00:20:43,830 Speaker 2: goes on to remind them that this wasn't some random 336 00:20:43,930 --> 00:20:46,429 Speaker 2: act of power either. It was the work of the 337 00:20:46,470 --> 00:20:50,670 Speaker 2: God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He's speaking these Jews' language, 338 00:20:50,790 --> 00:20:54,020 Speaker 2: connecting Jesus to the very foundations of their faith. And 339 00:20:54,060 --> 00:20:56,419 Speaker 2: then Peter goes for the jugular. He makes this statement. 340 00:20:56,800 --> 00:20:59,939 Speaker 2: You delivered up and denied the Holy and Just One. 341 00:21:00,500 --> 00:21:03,080 Speaker 2: And you asked for the murder of God. 342 00:21:03,740 --> 00:21:03,940 Speaker 3: Ouch. 343 00:21:04,530 --> 00:21:08,149 Speaker 2: Peter isn't holding back here at all. He reminded them 344 00:21:08,170 --> 00:21:11,730 Speaker 2: that they chose Barabbas, a criminal, over Jesus, the Prince 345 00:21:11,930 --> 00:21:14,550 Speaker 2: of Life. He's saying that the one who performed this 346 00:21:14,650 --> 00:21:18,129 Speaker 2: miracle and the one who restored this man is the 347 00:21:18,170 --> 00:21:20,250 Speaker 2: same one who wants to restore your souls, but by 348 00:21:20,310 --> 00:21:22,790 Speaker 2: no means trick yourselves into thinking that you're in good 349 00:21:22,850 --> 00:21:25,850 Speaker 2: standing with him. In fact, you were his enemy. You're 350 00:21:25,869 --> 00:21:28,800 Speaker 2: the one who put him to death. This is actually 351 00:21:28,990 --> 00:21:32,260 Speaker 2: a truth bomb that we all need to ingest ourselves, 352 00:21:32,320 --> 00:21:34,700 Speaker 2: as hard as it might be. We were enemies of 353 00:21:34,780 --> 00:21:37,679 Speaker 2: God until we chose to follow him. And there's no 354 00:21:37,740 --> 00:21:41,000 Speaker 2: inherent identity that we're automatically in good standing with God. 355 00:21:41,359 --> 00:21:43,980 Speaker 2: We need to call upon the name of Jesus. Peter 356 00:21:44,020 --> 00:21:46,399 Speaker 2: is putting it out there. You got it wrong, guys. 357 00:21:46,770 --> 00:21:49,610 Speaker 2: You got it wrong big time. But before you think 358 00:21:49,670 --> 00:21:52,429 Speaker 2: Peter is just up there to shame them, understand that 359 00:21:52,730 --> 00:21:56,690 Speaker 2: he's not interested in condemnation, but in conviction. He's saying, 360 00:21:56,990 --> 00:22:00,590 Speaker 2: look in the mirror. You messed up, but there's still hope. 361 00:22:01,430 --> 00:22:04,420 Speaker 2: Peter clarifies how the lame man was healed. He said 362 00:22:04,460 --> 00:22:06,960 Speaker 2: that by Jesus' name and through faith in his name, 363 00:22:07,140 --> 00:22:10,260 Speaker 2: this man was made strong. It wasn't Peter's charisma or 364 00:22:10,300 --> 00:22:13,859 Speaker 2: John's piety. It was the powerful name of Jesus. In 365 00:22:13,880 --> 00:22:17,740 Speaker 2: biblical terms, a name wasn't just a label. It represented 366 00:22:17,800 --> 00:22:20,679 Speaker 2: the very essence and authority of a person. So when 367 00:22:20,700 --> 00:22:23,879 Speaker 2: Peter says faith in his name, he's talking about a 368 00:22:23,980 --> 00:22:27,560 Speaker 2: faith that taps into the very power, presence, and identity 369 00:22:27,580 --> 00:22:30,720 Speaker 2: of Jesus himself. So let's pause for a second here. 370 00:22:31,330 --> 00:22:34,460 Speaker 2: What are we putting our faith in today? Whose name 371 00:22:34,619 --> 00:22:37,280 Speaker 2: are we living for? Is it our own? Is it 372 00:22:37,320 --> 00:22:40,350 Speaker 2: a celebrity or a politician that we follow? Is it 373 00:22:40,440 --> 00:22:43,689 Speaker 2: our good intentions, our hard work, or our reputation? Is 374 00:22:43,730 --> 00:22:46,869 Speaker 2: it our well-thought-out plans, our careers, our bosses? Is it 375 00:22:46,910 --> 00:22:50,210 Speaker 2: a brand that we follow? Friends, let me tell you, 376 00:22:50,770 --> 00:22:53,129 Speaker 2: none of these things can make the lame walk or 377 00:22:53,150 --> 00:22:56,590 Speaker 2: the blind see. We need to have faith squarely in 378 00:22:56,630 --> 00:23:00,090 Speaker 2: the name of Jesus because only He has the power 379 00:23:00,130 --> 00:23:03,820 Speaker 2: to transform lives. Peter, after dropping this very heavy truth, 380 00:23:04,240 --> 00:23:07,200 Speaker 2: doesn't leave them in despair though. Instead, he gives them 381 00:23:07,300 --> 00:23:10,690 Speaker 2: a path forward. He says, repent therefore and be converted 382 00:23:10,830 --> 00:23:13,810 Speaker 2: and your sins may be blotted out so that the 383 00:23:13,869 --> 00:23:16,869 Speaker 2: times of refreshing may come in the presence of the Lord. 384 00:23:16,890 --> 00:23:19,850 Speaker 2: Let's talk about repentance really quick because a lot of 385 00:23:19,890 --> 00:23:24,210 Speaker 2: people mistake repentance for apologizing. You see, apologizing is saying 386 00:23:24,280 --> 00:23:28,160 Speaker 2: sorry and acknowledging you did something wrong. Repentance isn't just 387 00:23:28,220 --> 00:23:32,320 Speaker 2: acknowledging you did something wrong or feeling sorry. It's a turnaround. 388 00:23:32,560 --> 00:23:34,960 Speaker 2: It's like making a U-turn when you realize you're headed 389 00:23:35,040 --> 00:23:37,879 Speaker 2: in the wrong direction. But here's the good news. Even 390 00:23:37,920 --> 00:23:40,770 Speaker 2: though repentance is hard and changing our ways is hard 391 00:23:40,830 --> 00:23:43,790 Speaker 2: and acknowledging the power of Jesus is hard, it leads 392 00:23:43,830 --> 00:23:47,110 Speaker 2: to ultimate refreshment. Isn't that what we all need? In 393 00:23:47,130 --> 00:23:49,429 Speaker 2: a world full of chaos, stress, and bad news, we 394 00:23:49,470 --> 00:23:52,409 Speaker 2: need times of refreshing. And these times come from the 395 00:23:52,450 --> 00:23:55,659 Speaker 2: presence of the Lord, from Netflix binges, social media likes, 396 00:23:55,880 --> 00:23:59,850 Speaker 2: or a perfect vacation. Peter reminds them of Moses' prophecy, 397 00:23:59,890 --> 00:24:01,869 Speaker 2: the Lord your God will raise up for you a 398 00:24:01,970 --> 00:24:04,990 Speaker 2: prophet like me from your brethren, him you shall hear 399 00:24:05,090 --> 00:24:08,270 Speaker 2: in all things. The crowd knew this prophecy well. They 400 00:24:08,310 --> 00:24:11,230 Speaker 2: knew that Moses was speaking of an ultimate redeemer and Messiah. 401 00:24:11,670 --> 00:24:15,090 Speaker 2: And Peter is making it clear, Jesus is that prophet 402 00:24:15,130 --> 00:24:17,970 Speaker 2: that Moses spoke of. And rejecting him isn't just a 403 00:24:18,010 --> 00:24:21,320 Speaker 2: bad decision, it's a disastrous one for your soul. Peter 404 00:24:21,340 --> 00:24:23,760 Speaker 2: says it plainly, every soul who will not hear the 405 00:24:23,800 --> 00:24:27,900 Speaker 2: prophet shall be utterly destroyed. But he doesn't end with 406 00:24:27,960 --> 00:24:30,920 Speaker 2: a threat. He points back to the promise given to Abraham. 407 00:24:31,540 --> 00:24:33,840 Speaker 2: In your seed, all the families of the earth shall 408 00:24:33,900 --> 00:24:36,900 Speaker 2: be blessed. Peter is saying this promise is for you, 409 00:24:37,420 --> 00:24:40,080 Speaker 2: but it's also to anyone who will receive it of 410 00:24:40,200 --> 00:24:44,170 Speaker 2: any nation. So here's the takeaway, friends. Don't just marvel 411 00:24:44,350 --> 00:24:48,310 Speaker 2: at a simple miracle. Cling to the Messiah. The healed 412 00:24:48,350 --> 00:24:52,050 Speaker 2: man at the Gate Beautiful wanted change, but he got transformation. 413 00:24:52,470 --> 00:24:54,909 Speaker 2: The crowd wanted a spectacle, but they got a sermon. 414 00:24:55,270 --> 00:24:55,550 Speaker 4: And you? 415 00:24:56,160 --> 00:24:59,500 Speaker 2: You may come looking for a little inspiration today, but 416 00:24:59,520 --> 00:25:01,580 Speaker 2: God wants to offer you so much more. He wants 417 00:25:01,600 --> 00:25:05,260 Speaker 2: to offer you new life in Jesus. So repent, turn around, 418 00:25:05,500 --> 00:25:08,199 Speaker 2: and let the times of refreshing come. Because when you 419 00:25:08,220 --> 00:25:11,840 Speaker 2: put your faith in His name, Jesus' name, miracles don't 420 00:25:11,880 --> 00:25:15,199 Speaker 2: just happen. They transform your outlook on life, and they 421 00:25:15,240 --> 00:25:18,580 Speaker 2: transform who you are from the inside out. Thanks again 422 00:25:18,600 --> 00:25:21,350 Speaker 2: for listening to the Jesus Podcast. Join us tomorrow for 423 00:25:21,369 --> 00:25:24,580 Speaker 2: another breathtaking story inspired by the book of Acts. where 424 00:25:24,619 --> 00:25:28,659 Speaker 2: we learn that Jesus moves and breathes in us and 425 00:25:28,700 --> 00:25:29,420 Speaker 2: through us today.