WEBVTT 0 00:00:04.920 --> 00:00:07.286 Welcome to the Willow Ridge Sermons podcast. 1 00:00:07.430 --> 00:00:11.094 This is where you can find audio from Sunday morning, messages and more. 2 00:00:11.254 --> 00:00:14.350 Make sure you're subscribed so that you don't miss future episodes. 3 00:00:14.422 --> 00:00:15.914 And thanks for listening. 4 00:00:24.814 --> 00:00:26.518 Those announcements were really good. 5 00:00:26.606 --> 00:00:27.394 I agree. 6 00:00:28.074 --> 00:00:30.014 It's good to be with y'all this morning. 7 00:00:31.034 --> 00:00:43.374 The first thing I probably should do, just as a matter of housekeeping, is to say to you, it is an absolute joy to be standing before you this morning to represent the Lexington Baptist association. 8 00:00:43.674 --> 00:00:47.394 And, Joel, that was a valiant effort, and it is a mouthful. 9 00:00:47.554 --> 00:00:51.538 But I do have to say that there's a little word that I need to make sure that I change. 10 00:00:51.586 --> 00:00:53.274 I'm not the executive director. 11 00:00:53.394 --> 00:00:54.914 I'm the associate director. 12 00:00:54.994 --> 00:00:59.920 Brother Johnny Rumbo is still at the Lexington Baptist association, and he served as the executive director. 13 00:00:59.992 --> 00:01:10.328 So with that, a little bit of a caveat of a difference there, let me just say it is a pleasure to be here and to serve Willow Ridge and truly all the churches of the Lexington association. 14 00:01:10.416 --> 00:01:18.064 And I count it, to be quite frank with you, even more of a joy to know that we can be here this morning and open the word together. 15 00:01:18.224 --> 00:01:21.564 That is the most important thing that we're going to talk about here today. 16 00:01:22.244 --> 00:01:27.980 Being said, I would ask if you would want to, and I pray that you do join me in God's word. 17 00:01:28.012 --> 00:01:30.264 We're going to be in acts chapter three today. 18 00:01:30.564 --> 00:01:32.020 Acts chapter three. 19 00:01:32.172 --> 00:01:35.824 And we will be looking specifically at verses eleven through 16. 20 00:01:36.444 --> 00:01:40.604 Now, as you're making your way there, acts chapter three, verses eleven through 16. 21 00:01:40.764 --> 00:01:43.548 Let me begin by trying to make sure we're all on the same page. 22 00:01:43.596 --> 00:01:48.388 Give us a little context of what we're about to jump in here and discover this morning. 23 00:01:48.436 --> 00:01:53.714 But by the way, by the way, here's the thing about a room like this. 24 00:01:54.254 --> 00:01:56.314 We all love the Lord, right? 25 00:01:56.934 --> 00:01:57.894 We all love the Lord. 26 00:01:57.934 --> 00:01:59.094 Can somebody say yes? 27 00:01:59.214 --> 00:01:59.838 Yes. 28 00:01:59.966 --> 00:02:00.678 Okay. 29 00:02:00.806 --> 00:02:02.030 Now, here's why I do that. 30 00:02:02.062 --> 00:02:06.958 Because what I have to tell you is that I get excited about God's word. 31 00:02:07.086 --> 00:02:10.422 And so sometimes, out of my excitement, I might want to see if you're excited, too. 32 00:02:10.478 --> 00:02:14.854 So, you know, if you're not a person that says amen a lot, that's perfectly fine. 33 00:02:14.974 --> 00:02:17.486 But just work with me here, people, okay? 34 00:02:17.550 --> 00:02:19.076 I need you to work with me here. 35 00:02:19.190 --> 00:02:22.644 And so are you glad to be in God's house today? 36 00:02:23.584 --> 00:02:24.768 Okay, good, good, good. 37 00:02:24.816 --> 00:02:26.000 Now we're getting it. 38 00:02:26.192 --> 00:02:28.784 So back to the context of the passage here. 39 00:02:28.944 --> 00:02:32.484 What we're looking at is a miracle. 40 00:02:33.304 --> 00:02:47.424 We're looking at a straight up miracle that has just happened in the beginning verses of acts, chapter three, where Peter and John are going up to the the temple to worship, as had been the custom. 41 00:02:47.884 --> 00:03:02.812 And on this particular day, there was a lame man who was outside the temple who was asking for alms, who was asking for a little help because he was unable to walk and he was unable to do anything that would help, getting kind of a support for himself. 42 00:03:02.868 --> 00:03:09.836 And so he would sit on the steps and he would ask for some financial contributions from those who would be entering the temple on this particular day. 43 00:03:09.860 --> 00:03:11.688 And perhaps you're familiar with the story. 44 00:03:11.876 --> 00:03:17.456 On this particular day, Peter and John are walking up, and he asked for a little bit of help from them. 45 00:03:17.640 --> 00:03:19.624 And Peter and I love this. 46 00:03:19.784 --> 00:03:23.064 Peter looks at the lame man and he says, look at me. 47 00:03:23.224 --> 00:03:24.244 Look at me. 48 00:03:24.944 --> 00:03:33.048 He says, silver and gold I don't have, but what I do have I want to give to you right now. 49 00:03:33.096 --> 00:03:36.736 In the name of Jesus, rise up and walk. 50 00:03:36.920 --> 00:03:41.524 Now, I don't know how many of you remember that children's song from back several years ago. 51 00:03:41.964 --> 00:03:44.844 And the next part is what always kind of comes alive in my mind. 52 00:03:44.884 --> 00:03:47.188 He went walking and leaping and praising God. 53 00:03:47.236 --> 00:03:48.540 Anybody remember that song? 54 00:03:48.692 --> 00:03:50.700 He went walking and leaping and praising God. 55 00:03:50.732 --> 00:03:52.104 I see that hand, brother. 56 00:03:52.484 --> 00:03:54.196 A few of us remember that. 57 00:03:54.380 --> 00:03:55.884 That always comes back to my mind. 58 00:03:55.924 --> 00:04:17.698 But today, with that being in context, and we need to realize that really what's going on here in chapter three of acts and chapter four of acts is really the next thing after Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit had shown up and thousands were saved and people were speaking in their own native language. 59 00:04:17.746 --> 00:04:19.854 They heard their own native language, I should say. 60 00:04:20.634 --> 00:04:23.050 And it was a miracle in and of itself and what was happening. 61 00:04:23.082 --> 00:04:35.106 But you remember the tail end of chapter two, where scripture describes the early church as a group of people, that the evidence of the anointing of God was on, and that the power of God was on. 62 00:04:35.130 --> 00:04:37.082 And it said they had favor with all the people. 63 00:04:37.138 --> 00:04:39.814 But it also said many signs and wonders. 64 00:04:40.874 --> 00:04:59.682 And so most Bible scholars would point to what happens next in verses eleven through 16 as God's practical, working out validation, if you will, of what was just said in the end of chapter two, which is there were many signs and wonders taking place because chapter three and chapter four. 65 00:04:59.738 --> 00:05:02.978 And really we could make the case for this of all of scripture. 66 00:05:03.106 --> 00:05:10.674 But specifically and very practically, chapter three and chapter four, it is pointing to the power that is in the name of Jesus. 67 00:05:10.714 --> 00:05:12.786 You see, Jesus is gone back to heaven. 68 00:05:12.930 --> 00:05:15.254 He's not there with them physically anymore. 69 00:05:15.874 --> 00:05:19.374 But his name is still powerful. 70 00:05:19.994 --> 00:05:22.930 His name is still the name above every name. 71 00:05:23.122 --> 00:05:28.498 It's the name, the only name given under heaven among men by which we must be saved. 72 00:05:28.546 --> 00:05:30.610 Chapter four, verse twelve, tells us. 73 00:05:30.762 --> 00:05:38.066 And so today, as we get ready to zero in on this verse, I want to just remind us that we may ask the question. 74 00:05:38.130 --> 00:05:42.612 Sometimes we still see God heal the lame, by the way. 75 00:05:42.708 --> 00:05:43.424 Yes. 76 00:05:43.924 --> 00:05:46.508 Do we still see miracles happen? 77 00:05:46.676 --> 00:05:47.464 Yes. 78 00:05:48.084 --> 00:05:52.864 But I would also remind us of this and ask it in form of a question. 79 00:05:54.164 --> 00:06:09.254 Is there a greater miracle that we could ever see this side of heaven than one who is trapped in the darkness of sin to be raised to the nearness of life through salvation in Jesus Christ to come into the light of salvation? 80 00:06:09.334 --> 00:06:11.286 Is there a greater miracle? 81 00:06:11.310 --> 00:06:15.194 I ask that question because that is an eternal deal right there. 82 00:06:16.974 --> 00:06:24.914 It's great for the lame to be able to get up and walk on this side of heaven, but is it not greater to know that there's eternal life in heaven for those who have been saved? 83 00:06:26.534 --> 00:06:30.126 So this morning I would ask for the particular passage that we're zeroing in here. 84 00:06:30.150 --> 00:06:33.970 If you are able, would you stand with me and honor the reading of God's word? 85 00:06:34.002 --> 00:06:37.306 If we read from acts, chapter three, verses eleven through 16? 86 00:06:37.370 --> 00:06:38.814 If you're able, would you do that? 87 00:06:47.114 --> 00:06:50.626 I will be reading from the new american standard Version, 1995. 88 00:06:50.690 --> 00:06:53.974 Now that it's been a recent addition, I need to make note of that. 89 00:06:55.074 --> 00:06:56.054 Verse eleven. 90 00:06:56.914 --> 00:07:03.650 While he was clinging to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them at the so called portico of Solomon, full of amazement. 91 00:07:03.722 --> 00:07:05.986 Now he being the man who was just healed. 92 00:07:06.170 --> 00:07:06.858 Verse twelve. 93 00:07:06.906 --> 00:07:11.770 But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people, men of Israel, why are you amazed at this? 94 00:07:11.802 --> 00:07:16.814 Or why do you gaze at us if by our own power or piety we had made him walk? 95 00:07:17.274 --> 00:07:29.094 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus, the one whom you delivered and disowned in the presence of Pilate when he had decided to release him. 96 00:07:29.654 --> 00:07:48.910 But you disown the holy and righteous one and ask for a murderer to be granted to you, but put to death the prince of life, the one whom God raised from the dead, a fact to which we are witnesses and on the basis of faith in his name. 97 00:07:49.062 --> 00:07:54.094 It is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know. 98 00:07:54.254 --> 00:07:58.524 And faith which cometh through him has given him his perfect health. 99 00:07:58.684 --> 00:08:01.544 In the presence of you all, let's pray together. 100 00:08:02.364 --> 00:08:04.628 Most precious heavenly Father, we thank you for this day. 101 00:08:04.676 --> 00:08:15.972 We thank you that you've enabled us to come together to worship as the body of Christ in God that you have made available to us through the perfect and precious sacrifice of your son, our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ. 102 00:08:16.148 --> 00:08:24.930 The opportunity to know forgiveness of our sin, to know salvation, to have the hope of eternity in heaven, and Father, in those things. 103 00:08:25.002 --> 00:08:33.010 We not only rejoice, but we greatly anticipate that day when we will be as much in your presence if we will ever be. 104 00:08:33.162 --> 00:08:36.454 God, we are abiding in you this morning as we worship. 105 00:08:36.794 --> 00:08:40.674 We are following the leading of the Holy Spirit, God, as he works in our hearts and lives. 106 00:08:40.714 --> 00:08:50.014 And God, I pray that every person here that names the name of Jesus has a deep desire to be transformed more into his likeness as a result of their being here today. 107 00:08:50.394 --> 00:09:10.854 And still yet, God, for the one that may be here this morning, the one that may be watching online, that has yet to profess faith in Christ Jesus, Lord, I pray that you would just reveal the need that we've all had, the need to be forgiven of our sin and to be ushered into a right relationship with our creator, our heavenly Father and God, that they would make that decision today. 108 00:09:11.274 --> 00:09:16.576 And father, we pray that as we continue to look at your word, that you would just reveal in our own hearts. 109 00:09:16.730 --> 00:09:23.788 Lord, the personal application as well as the general application that we're going to look and see and discover in your word today. 110 00:09:23.836 --> 00:09:26.052 In the name of Jesus, we ask all these things. 111 00:09:26.188 --> 00:09:27.052 Amen. 112 00:09:27.228 --> 00:09:28.304 May be seated. 113 00:09:30.964 --> 00:09:41.324 So again, I look at the passage, and I have so many thoughts, and I find myself again and again and again and again going back to the story as I remember hearing it in my childhood. 114 00:09:41.364 --> 00:09:46.338 I remember vacation Bible school classes about this particular story. 115 00:09:46.506 --> 00:09:51.810 I remember growing up and seeing all sorts of things in the church tradition that I was a part of. 116 00:09:51.882 --> 00:09:56.778 I remember a time when God allowed Lisa and myself. 117 00:09:56.866 --> 00:09:58.346 Lisa's my wife, by the way. 118 00:09:58.450 --> 00:10:01.850 Beautiful lady right over here, who take care of me and who dressed me today, by the way. 119 00:10:01.882 --> 00:10:05.774 I was told that this was similar to Beau's uniform. 120 00:10:07.394 --> 00:10:09.450 Now, see, he told me some people were going to laugh at that. 121 00:10:09.482 --> 00:10:14.186 So those of you who laughed, you have to tell everybody else you didn't understand that, because I'm not sure that I understand. 122 00:10:14.290 --> 00:10:17.554 But anyway, so I don't have b**** like he has. 123 00:10:17.714 --> 00:10:19.202 So I did the best that I could. 124 00:10:19.258 --> 00:10:20.418 What I had to work with. 125 00:10:20.506 --> 00:10:23.706 Anyway, so where was I? 126 00:10:23.890 --> 00:10:25.826 You want me to find it real quick, aren't you? 127 00:10:25.930 --> 00:10:27.570 I want me to find it real quick, too. 128 00:10:27.682 --> 00:10:32.026 So in thinking back about that particular mission trip to Mexico. 129 00:10:32.170 --> 00:10:38.378 There were a bunch of teenagers that had corralled a local, and this was a border place. 130 00:10:38.426 --> 00:10:42.772 This was Nuevo Laredo, and they had corout a local. 131 00:10:42.948 --> 00:10:48.492 And by the time we made our way over, when we had seen this guy before, he was walking around different places. 132 00:10:48.668 --> 00:10:59.584 And we got over to the crowd, and we noticed that there was a lump right here that he was showing them that he had and was asking for prayer for that lump to be taken away. 133 00:11:00.084 --> 00:11:07.442 Now, we were understanding through some broken translation and some stuff going on there, trying to figure out exactly what the lump was. 134 00:11:07.498 --> 00:11:10.386 And to this day, I could not tell you exactly what it was. 135 00:11:10.570 --> 00:11:23.378 And I watched these teenagers, full of faith, begin to lay hands on this man and begin to pray and begin to pray for God to heal him and to remove whatever that lump was. 136 00:11:23.546 --> 00:11:25.186 We referred to it as a tumor. 137 00:11:25.290 --> 00:11:26.386 I don't know that it was cancer. 138 00:11:26.410 --> 00:11:30.466 I don't know it was cancerous, but that's how the reference was going. 139 00:11:30.650 --> 00:11:39.584 And I'm just gonna tell you, standing on this platform in God's house with the good Lord as my witness, as we would say, we stood there and watched that lump visibly go down. 140 00:11:40.764 --> 00:11:46.864 So you might be saying this morning, how can you stand there and say to us that God still works miracles? 141 00:11:47.604 --> 00:11:48.940 That's one reason. 142 00:11:49.132 --> 00:11:51.944 It's not the only one, but it's one reason. 143 00:11:52.644 --> 00:11:53.364 But you know what? 144 00:11:53.404 --> 00:12:01.464 I can also tell you that the greater concern walking around from that moment, or walking away from that moment was, did this man come to faith in Christ? 145 00:12:02.624 --> 00:12:05.928 Did he make a decision to follow Jesus? 146 00:12:06.096 --> 00:12:10.136 That's the story that I think about that coincides with the story here today. 147 00:12:10.320 --> 00:12:21.544 You see, my concern is that if we're not careful, that even coming in gatherings like this, that we can begin to put trust in things that haven't earned our trust, things that aren't worthy of our trust. 148 00:12:21.584 --> 00:12:24.856 We can trust in processes, we can trust in people. 149 00:12:24.920 --> 00:12:26.240 We can trust in programs. 150 00:12:26.272 --> 00:12:32.880 We can trust in a lot of different things that seem to flow and be useful and be profitable for the sake of the kingdom. 151 00:12:32.912 --> 00:12:35.844 But the question is, are we trusting in the name of Jesus? 152 00:12:36.144 --> 00:12:39.124 Are we trusting in him alone? 153 00:12:39.424 --> 00:12:46.456 The challenge is that we need to proclaim that there is no other name, no other name by which we are saved. 154 00:12:46.640 --> 00:12:52.424 There's no other name that is attached to power that the name of Jesus does. 155 00:12:52.464 --> 00:12:54.904 We have salvation in him and that power. 156 00:12:54.984 --> 00:12:58.416 And we stand in that same power. 157 00:12:58.480 --> 00:13:05.288 So today we're going to look at three reminders found in this passage about why the name of Jesus is so very, very important. 158 00:13:05.376 --> 00:13:10.124 First of all, the first reminder is, no other name is miraculous. 159 00:13:10.584 --> 00:13:13.404 No other name is miraculous. 160 00:13:15.184 --> 00:13:31.284 On occasion, I am blessed to have opportunities like God's given today, to be able to open his word and to try to share some truths that he's shown to me, that I feel like he's impressed on my heart that we want to talk about together. 161 00:13:33.024 --> 00:13:41.344 And oftentimes someone may come up after the service and show appreciation, as you know. 162 00:13:41.384 --> 00:13:42.256 Thank you for being here. 163 00:13:42.280 --> 00:13:49.142 Thank you for sharing what you shared and going back to the earliest times that I ever had the privilege of doing that. 164 00:13:49.328 --> 00:13:56.954 I remember struggling with that and the reason why I struggle with that, because I know that, number one, this is God's word. 165 00:13:56.994 --> 00:13:58.294 It's not my word. 166 00:13:59.074 --> 00:14:07.162 Number two, on my best day, the best thing for me to do is to try to make sure I stay out of the way of God's word and what he wants to accomplish through it. 167 00:14:07.178 --> 00:14:09.574 And that's my prayer even as I stand here this morning. 168 00:14:11.114 --> 00:14:32.214 So I can in some way understand how easy it might would have been for Peter and John standing that day, having been used by God to bring forth in terms of a focal point, bring forth not by their own power, Peter said it, but in terms of them being an instrument of God's revealing his power. 169 00:14:33.354 --> 00:14:40.014 How tempting it could have been for them to say, well, you know, we did hang out with Jesus a while. 170 00:14:40.874 --> 00:14:45.594 Well, you know, Jesus himself kind of taught us how to have faith like this. 171 00:14:45.674 --> 00:14:50.392 It could have done a lot of different things, but I absolutely love that. 172 00:14:50.528 --> 00:14:53.884 Peter looked around and said, why are you. 173 00:14:54.584 --> 00:14:56.964 Why are you looking at us like we did something? 174 00:14:57.544 --> 00:15:05.512 By the way, y'all, I don't know if you picked up on it yet, but I was raised in the country, so if you. 175 00:15:05.648 --> 00:15:09.352 If you hear a word that you don't recognize, write it down and see me after the service. 176 00:15:09.408 --> 00:15:11.204 I'll see if I can translate it for you. 177 00:15:13.524 --> 00:15:17.444 Anyway, I know this about man. 178 00:15:17.484 --> 00:15:18.900 I know this about me. 179 00:15:19.012 --> 00:15:30.824 We can have a tendency to, when something's going good, take credit, and when something's going bad, try to push the blame off somewhere else. 180 00:15:32.044 --> 00:15:37.684 And maybe the blame doesn't belong with us, but maybe the credit doesn't belong with us. 181 00:15:37.844 --> 00:15:43.850 And in the same manner, we just have to acknowledge that we are capable of taking our thoughts and our actions and. 182 00:15:43.972 --> 00:16:01.470 And we can, if we're not careful, begin to look at man and look at circumstances and look at all these different things and what we ought to remember, what we have to what we must remember is we cannot trust in the abilities of man and overlook the power of God. 183 00:16:01.582 --> 00:16:05.834 Specifically for our text today, the power in the name of Jesus. 184 00:16:07.374 --> 00:16:15.010 When we pray, we say in Jesus name, and then we put out a word of let's say we're in agreement. 185 00:16:15.162 --> 00:16:15.890 Amen. 186 00:16:16.002 --> 00:16:16.394 Right? 187 00:16:16.474 --> 00:16:17.534 Y'all with me? 188 00:16:17.834 --> 00:16:20.094 If you're with me, in agreement, let's say amen. 189 00:16:20.474 --> 00:16:21.730 There we go. 190 00:16:21.922 --> 00:16:23.426 I told you I was dependent on you. 191 00:16:23.450 --> 00:16:24.178 It's really important. 192 00:16:24.266 --> 00:16:25.294 It's really important. 193 00:16:27.754 --> 00:16:31.974 God is still a miracle working God. 194 00:16:33.554 --> 00:16:54.800 And if and when and however he chooses to work in us and through us, we need to follow the example of Peter here and take that opportunity to point back to the power in the name of Jesus, because that opportunity has given us a platform that we might be able to do that and say, this is because of what God has accomplished in Christ Jesus. 195 00:16:54.832 --> 00:16:57.592 And there is still power in his name. 196 00:16:57.648 --> 00:17:01.004 Only the name of Jesus is miraculous. 197 00:17:01.464 --> 00:17:02.764 Second reminder. 198 00:17:03.744 --> 00:17:07.117 And I want to pick up here, looking through some of these verses again. 199 00:17:07.205 --> 00:17:11.153 I know we've already read them, but I want to just kind of dig into this a little bit. 200 00:17:11.573 --> 00:17:15.353 No other name is faultless. 201 00:17:15.933 --> 00:17:18.553 No other name is faultless. 202 00:17:18.853 --> 00:17:27.525 If you would like to flip back over to Matthew 27, verses eleven through 26, I want to cover those very quickly for us. 203 00:17:27.589 --> 00:17:30.993 Matthew 20 711 26. 204 00:17:32.534 --> 00:17:34.154 Jesus before Pilate. 205 00:17:35.694 --> 00:17:40.526 Now, Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor questioned him, saying, are you the king of the Jews? 206 00:17:40.670 --> 00:17:43.154 And Jesus said to him, it is as you say. 207 00:17:43.454 --> 00:17:47.358 And while he was being accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. 208 00:17:47.526 --> 00:17:52.914 But when Pilate said to him, do you hear how many things they testify against you? 209 00:17:53.414 --> 00:17:56.854 And he, Jesus did not answer him with regard even to a single charge. 210 00:17:56.894 --> 00:17:59.474 So the governor would quiet amazed. 211 00:18:00.014 --> 00:18:05.958 Now, at the feast, the governor was accustomed to release for the people any prisoner whom they wanted. 212 00:18:06.086 --> 00:18:10.234 And at that time, they were holding a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. 213 00:18:10.974 --> 00:18:19.046 So when the people gathered together, Pilate said to them, who do you want me to release for you, Barabbas or Jesus, who is called to Christ? 214 00:18:19.110 --> 00:18:24.434 For he knew that because of the envy they had handed him over. 215 00:18:24.904 --> 00:18:31.680 Verse 19, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, and his wife sent him a message saying, have nothing to do with that righteous man. 216 00:18:31.712 --> 00:18:34.576 For last night I suffered greatly in a dream because of him. 217 00:18:34.720 --> 00:18:39.736 But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and put jesus to death. 218 00:18:39.920 --> 00:18:43.472 The governor said to them, which of the two do you want me to release to you? 219 00:18:43.488 --> 00:18:48.768 And they said, Barabbas and Pilate said to them, then, what shall I do with this Jesus who is called to Christ? 220 00:18:48.816 --> 00:18:50.804 And they all said, crucify him. 221 00:18:51.414 --> 00:18:52.366 And he said, why? 222 00:18:52.430 --> 00:18:53.534 What evil has he done? 223 00:18:53.574 --> 00:18:56.182 But he kept shouting, all the more, crucify him. 224 00:18:56.358 --> 00:19:05.870 When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but rather a riot was starting, he took water and he washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, I am innocent of this man's blood. 225 00:19:06.062 --> 00:19:07.834 Cease to that yourself. 226 00:19:08.254 --> 00:19:11.326 And all the people said, his blood shall be on us and our children. 227 00:19:11.390 --> 00:19:13.574 And then he released Barabbas for them. 228 00:19:13.734 --> 00:19:17.964 But after having jesus scourged, he handed them over to be crucified. 229 00:19:19.584 --> 00:19:25.208 That is a very familiar this time of year, great in the eyes of man. 230 00:19:25.336 --> 00:19:27.044 Mistake that took place. 231 00:19:27.424 --> 00:19:32.664 Pilate thinking that I'm giving them a softball here, I'm giving them a no brainer. 232 00:19:32.784 --> 00:19:42.982 I'm basically saying to them, okay, do you want a murderer released to you, or do you want this guy that they caught praying in the park after hours? 233 00:19:43.168 --> 00:19:44.454 Which one do you want? 234 00:19:47.474 --> 00:19:53.002 Any sane person would have said, well, the last guy we want to turn loose is a murderer. 235 00:19:53.178 --> 00:19:55.314 But they were so inundated with envy. 236 00:19:55.354 --> 00:19:59.746 They were so inundated with, jesus was not doing what they wanted him to do. 237 00:19:59.850 --> 00:20:03.294 He was not producing what they expected him to produce. 238 00:20:06.074 --> 00:20:18.424 And rather than do even what would have seemed to, I would dare say, anyone, to be the most sensible thing in turning loose of the prisoner that was least likely to damage the community. 239 00:20:19.684 --> 00:20:24.224 They were so enraged, they said, crucify Jesus. 240 00:20:28.564 --> 00:20:35.544 Jesus was and always has been without fault. 241 00:20:36.544 --> 00:20:42.800 Man, by contrast, always deals with fault. 242 00:20:42.832 --> 00:20:44.964 And by fault, I mean mistakes. 243 00:20:45.944 --> 00:20:47.000 I mean mistakes. 244 00:20:47.112 --> 00:20:53.696 I can promise you, you can write a sentence and you can say, Lee Butler makes mistakes. 245 00:20:53.880 --> 00:21:00.244 And I can give you a two, three page, maybe longer list of people who will verify that for you. 246 00:21:02.964 --> 00:21:04.524 And maybe you could do the same. 247 00:21:04.604 --> 00:21:05.504 I don't know. 248 00:21:07.124 --> 00:21:09.424 But what I do know is no one. 249 00:21:10.124 --> 00:21:11.460 Well, let's just do this. 250 00:21:11.572 --> 00:21:15.144 Let's just flip through scripture to that passage where Jesus made a mistake. 251 00:21:18.364 --> 00:21:19.504 It's not there. 252 00:21:20.684 --> 00:21:21.824 It's not there. 253 00:21:22.644 --> 00:21:25.304 The name of Jesus is faultless. 254 00:21:27.504 --> 00:21:38.472 But now I wonder, when we think about going back to this credit thing and who gets credit for the goodness and God's faithfulness in our life? 255 00:21:38.648 --> 00:21:42.312 Do we allow other people to give us that credit? 256 00:21:42.488 --> 00:21:46.244 Because if we're allowing other people to give us that credit, perhaps we're making a mistake. 257 00:21:50.064 --> 00:21:58.544 Think about what Peter did in these verses that follow in verse 13 and following. 258 00:21:59.804 --> 00:22:04.948 He makes a connection with the people by saying, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 259 00:22:04.996 --> 00:22:22.100 Okay, now he's got everybody's attention because that was a typical introduction that would for the men of Israel, for the people of Israel, for those of that heritage, when they hear that phrase that's drawing them back to a place that they all agreed on, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 260 00:22:22.132 --> 00:22:23.424 Okay, you got my attention. 261 00:22:24.114 --> 00:22:25.614 But then watch what he does. 262 00:22:26.834 --> 00:22:30.534 The God of our fathers has glorified his servant Jesus. 263 00:22:30.954 --> 00:22:32.174 Okay, hold up. 264 00:22:32.994 --> 00:22:37.746 They may not have all agreed on that, but he doesn't stop there and try to reconcile that in the moment. 265 00:22:37.770 --> 00:22:41.026 What he does is he keeps on moving like he did in his first sermon. 266 00:22:41.050 --> 00:22:42.934 This is Peter's second sermon. 267 00:22:43.594 --> 00:22:45.066 So here he is in his second sermon. 268 00:22:45.090 --> 00:22:46.706 He's kind of going back to a place he was at. 269 00:22:46.730 --> 00:22:51.754 In the first sermon, he said, the one whom you delivered and you disowned in the presence of Pilate. 270 00:22:51.834 --> 00:22:54.034 When Pilate had decided to release him. 271 00:22:54.194 --> 00:22:55.498 You remember, no brainer. 272 00:22:55.546 --> 00:22:57.654 You want the murderer or you want Jesus? 273 00:22:59.354 --> 00:23:01.534 He said, you disowned him. 274 00:23:02.634 --> 00:23:04.770 You disowned the holy and righteous one. 275 00:23:04.842 --> 00:23:08.650 You disowned the one that goes on to say, who is the author of life. 276 00:23:08.722 --> 00:23:18.434 You decided you would take his life in the eyes of man and our quote, unquote, common sense. 277 00:23:21.174 --> 00:23:24.194 Again I say to us, huge mistake. 278 00:23:26.574 --> 00:23:34.154 But I am so thankful that we serve a God who is able, abundantly able, to do more we could ever ask or think. 279 00:23:34.654 --> 00:23:45.074 And because of that, he took a situation that may have seemed so desperate, so ridiculous in many regards to us, and he pulls out of it salvation. 280 00:23:48.464 --> 00:24:12.604 Perhaps you remember the story of Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, taken to a point in place where he was given position, he was given wisdom, and he was given the opportunity to literally save a generation that would have died, perhaps otherwise because of the famine. 281 00:24:13.494 --> 00:24:20.674 And when the brothers came before him to ask for the grain, and again, he was in a position to do whatever he would have wanted to do with those brothers. 282 00:24:21.694 --> 00:24:25.274 And they found out who he was and they were like, oh, no. 283 00:24:26.694 --> 00:24:27.994 He said, it's okay. 284 00:24:29.374 --> 00:24:30.434 It's okay. 285 00:24:31.014 --> 00:24:39.074 What Satan meant for evil, that is that evil that you did to me, God took it and he used it for good. 286 00:24:41.244 --> 00:24:43.900 Perhaps we're all aware of romans 828. 287 00:24:43.972 --> 00:24:48.264 God works all things together for the good of those who love him, who've been called according to his purpose. 288 00:24:50.044 --> 00:24:52.884 We see the essence of these principles at work in this moment. 289 00:24:52.924 --> 00:25:03.060 Where Jesus was betrayed, where he was handed over with the so called mistake of men, was going to end the life of the author. 290 00:25:03.132 --> 00:25:04.104 Of life. 291 00:25:04.624 --> 00:25:06.884 But I'm so glad that God wasn't done. 292 00:25:08.104 --> 00:25:10.496 I'm so glad that that was not the end of the story. 293 00:25:10.560 --> 00:25:14.204 That was the beginning of our redemption. 294 00:25:15.104 --> 00:25:28.096 That was the beginning of the process that was going to lead Christ to Calvary's cross, where he would hang on that cross, have the penalty for the burden of our sin placed upon him while he was there. 295 00:25:28.120 --> 00:25:30.228 Somebody asked me one time, how is it that. 296 00:25:30.336 --> 00:25:34.196 That Jesus paid the penalty for all the sin, past, present, and future? 297 00:25:34.260 --> 00:25:39.380 Because God exists outside of our timeline, okay? 298 00:25:39.572 --> 00:25:40.892 He has always been. 299 00:25:40.948 --> 00:25:42.324 He will always be. 300 00:25:42.404 --> 00:25:44.476 And so there's nothing that God doesn't know. 301 00:25:44.540 --> 00:25:46.184 Let me remind you that this morning. 302 00:25:46.564 --> 00:25:47.980 There's nothing that God doesn't know. 303 00:25:48.012 --> 00:25:49.276 He sees your situation. 304 00:25:49.460 --> 00:25:50.644 He sees your need. 305 00:25:50.764 --> 00:25:55.704 He sees everything about you, knows everything that's going on in your heart, in your mind, in your world. 306 00:25:58.184 --> 00:26:04.204 And he sees that for all people from way before we ever got here. 307 00:26:05.184 --> 00:26:13.524 If Jesus doesn't come back to way after, we will leave and places that penalty on Christ. 308 00:26:15.984 --> 00:26:23.024 And so whenever he died, when Jesus died on that cross, he died with that weight on him. 309 00:26:24.804 --> 00:26:27.224 But again, praise God, that wasn't the end of the story. 310 00:26:28.684 --> 00:26:29.764 He's placed in the tomb. 311 00:26:29.804 --> 00:26:31.788 And we just celebrated a couple weeks ago. 312 00:26:31.916 --> 00:26:43.220 He came out of the tomb and listen, every Sunday's resurrection Sunday, if you're worshiping Jesus, then he comes out of that tomb. 313 00:26:43.252 --> 00:26:46.468 And so now he's victorious over sin. 314 00:26:46.636 --> 00:26:48.684 He's victorious over death. 315 00:26:48.804 --> 00:26:50.924 And the Bible says that he has become our first. 316 00:26:51.004 --> 00:26:53.404 He is showing us the way, knowing that one day what? 317 00:26:53.444 --> 00:27:01.184 Whether Jesus comes back and takes us home or whether we physically come to a place where we die. 318 00:27:01.964 --> 00:27:05.504 And then apostle Paul said to be asking from the Bible to be present with the Lord. 319 00:27:06.644 --> 00:27:16.464 Whichever happens, we have our way into the eternal presence of our heavenly Father because of what Jesus accomplished. 320 00:27:17.844 --> 00:27:19.544 And this was a part of it. 321 00:27:20.064 --> 00:27:25.616 The betrayal of man was a part of it, as unbelievable as that sounds. 322 00:27:25.640 --> 00:27:26.992 And I mentioned this verse a minute ago. 323 00:27:27.048 --> 00:27:28.744 Acts, chapter four, verse twelve. 324 00:27:28.904 --> 00:27:34.724 Jesus becomes the only name that's been given under heaven among men by which we must be saved. 325 00:27:38.344 --> 00:27:47.244 So Jesus name is miraculous, Jesus name is faultless, and thirdly, Jesus name is worthy of our faith. 326 00:27:48.944 --> 00:27:52.280 I don't know how many of you have ever been around someone who like to. 327 00:27:52.472 --> 00:27:55.352 Let me see if this communicates name drop. 328 00:27:55.448 --> 00:27:56.424 Anybody know what I'm talking about? 329 00:27:56.464 --> 00:27:56.976 Show of hands? 330 00:27:57.000 --> 00:27:57.328 Anybody? 331 00:27:57.376 --> 00:27:58.244 Name drop. 332 00:27:59.664 --> 00:28:08.264 So let me demonstrate that so I can stand here before you today, and I can honestly say I need you to hear this now. 333 00:28:08.304 --> 00:28:09.824 Because you may doubt me in just a minute. 334 00:28:09.944 --> 00:28:15.064 I need you to honestly hear me that I can honestly say this. 335 00:28:15.444 --> 00:28:18.116 I can tell you about a time, it's been a few years ago. 336 00:28:18.220 --> 00:28:36.024 I can tell you about a time whenever I was hanging out backstage and about to date myself, here I was hanging out backstage, colonial life with Toby Mack, Matthew west, the news boys. 337 00:28:37.924 --> 00:28:39.264 Y'all know those people. 338 00:28:42.894 --> 00:28:44.114 That's the truth. 339 00:28:44.694 --> 00:28:48.474 See how I just kind of dropped some names and I kind of gave you a scenario? 340 00:28:50.294 --> 00:28:58.474 But if you knew the exact scenario, what it was, was they used to invite youth pastors backstage to have time of prayer before they had winter jam. 341 00:29:00.734 --> 00:29:01.710 I'm telling you. 342 00:29:01.822 --> 00:29:08.414 And so I went back, and I was just standing there doing nothing, saying nothing. 343 00:29:08.954 --> 00:29:17.894 We were getting instructions, and they were telling us a little bit about how they were going to do the invitation later on so that we could be prepared for what they were doing and not be scrambling, trying to figure out what we could do to help. 344 00:29:19.954 --> 00:29:25.922 And Matthew west gets up on the little makeshift platform they had in the back, and he says a couple of words. 345 00:29:25.978 --> 00:29:29.770 And I looked over to my right and I see the new boys over here. 346 00:29:29.962 --> 00:29:37.270 And then Matthew west goes to get down, and he says, in just a minute, I'm gonna have my brother come up and pray. 347 00:29:37.302 --> 00:29:45.314 Well, I was trying to figure out who it was gonna be, you know, and there's this little short guy over here standing next to me, and he said, toby, come up and pray. 348 00:29:46.014 --> 00:29:50.118 God, I was standing next to you, got up and prayed us out, and I'm going, man, he's short. 349 00:29:50.206 --> 00:29:51.374 That's all I could think about. 350 00:29:51.494 --> 00:29:52.594 Man, he's short. 351 00:29:54.054 --> 00:29:56.550 Now, see, that's the reality. 352 00:29:56.622 --> 00:30:02.956 But if I had just said, hey, I was backstage with these guys, and I leave your imagination wide open to do with that. 353 00:30:02.980 --> 00:30:03.284 What you. 354 00:30:03.324 --> 00:30:07.388 Oh, well, you know, we had brother Leah on Sunday, and, man, he knows people. 355 00:30:07.436 --> 00:30:11.944 He know, I mean, you could do whatever you wanted to with that, but I know the reality. 356 00:30:12.644 --> 00:30:14.148 Now, here's why I'm bringing this up. 357 00:30:14.236 --> 00:30:17.384 I also know the reality of my relationship with Christ. 358 00:30:18.644 --> 00:30:20.144 And I can say his name. 359 00:30:20.884 --> 00:30:23.904 I can tell you some things I've heard other people say about him. 360 00:30:24.764 --> 00:30:28.904 But the question for me at the end of the day is, do I have a relationship with him? 361 00:30:30.084 --> 00:30:30.796 Do I know him? 362 00:30:30.820 --> 00:30:33.424 Have I placed my faith in him? 363 00:30:34.004 --> 00:30:36.564 There's no other name worthy of our faith. 364 00:30:36.684 --> 00:30:38.188 Look at verse 16 with me again. 365 00:30:38.276 --> 00:30:39.784 We're almost home here. 366 00:30:40.764 --> 00:30:54.944 And on the basis of faith in his name, it is the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know, and the faith which comes through him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all. 367 00:30:55.764 --> 00:31:04.584 That brings up an interesting question, because the word that's used for faith here in verse 16 is the same word that's used over in Ephesians, chapter two. 368 00:31:05.044 --> 00:31:13.944 It is by grace we are saved through faith, and this not of ourself, it is a gift of God, lest any man should boast. 369 00:31:15.244 --> 00:31:15.900 Same word. 370 00:31:15.932 --> 00:31:22.756 So some have raised the question, well, was Peter trying to say that it was this man's faith unto salvation that made him well? 371 00:31:22.820 --> 00:31:27.054 Or was this man's faith to be healed that led him ultimately to salvation? 372 00:31:27.874 --> 00:31:30.226 And there's a really simple answer to that question. 373 00:31:30.290 --> 00:31:36.534 I would say to you, what happened happened when he believed. 374 00:31:37.834 --> 00:31:41.146 What happened happened when he put his faith in the name of Jesus. 375 00:31:41.170 --> 00:31:45.002 You might say, wait a minute, now, tell me again why Jesus name has anything to do with it. 376 00:31:45.018 --> 00:31:48.890 And listen, let me just pause right here for a second, please. 377 00:31:48.962 --> 00:31:54.502 If you are hearing me say, just stamp Jesus name on something and it makes it all okay. 378 00:31:54.598 --> 00:31:55.954 That is not what I'm saying. 379 00:31:57.294 --> 00:32:20.890 What I am pointing to is the truth of the reality that there is power in the name of Jesus, and that even when he was not physically present with the disciples, with the apostles, as they had grown accustomed to him being, and when he was not there for people to watch the miracle be performed through him physically, his name still evoked the power. 380 00:32:21.002 --> 00:32:23.642 It still gave credence. 381 00:32:23.698 --> 00:32:29.414 It still let people know that Jesus wasn't just gone out of sight, out of mind. 382 00:32:30.754 --> 00:32:40.774 Matter of fact, some Bible scholars say, you know, the early, the first century church made it their business to make sure that the glory of Jesus name would never fade. 383 00:32:43.454 --> 00:32:47.102 And this is an amazing thing to me so many times with believers and so many times with myself. 384 00:32:47.158 --> 00:32:50.822 And we say that we trust in Jesus for our eternal salvation. 385 00:32:50.878 --> 00:32:52.550 Eternity is a long time, folks. 386 00:32:52.742 --> 00:32:55.874 A lot can happen between now and whenever we go home. 387 00:32:59.094 --> 00:33:04.794 And we struggle so much to figure out whether or not we're going to trust God to do what's going on right now. 388 00:33:06.534 --> 00:33:11.074 And so I would say to you, it's a fair question to say, am I trusting him for my eternity? 389 00:33:11.114 --> 00:33:13.854 But am I not trusting him in the moment? 390 00:33:17.114 --> 00:33:24.694 Because if he can accomplish something that's eternal, something that I can't earn, something that I can't deserve, something that's through faith in him alone. 391 00:33:26.834 --> 00:33:47.004 If he can heal a lame man, if he can heal a blind man, surely he can help me out with my health situation, my financial situation, my family situation, and truly can remind us all he can. 392 00:33:47.824 --> 00:33:49.124 That's not the question. 393 00:33:50.184 --> 00:33:58.324 The question is, have we come to the realization that if he chooses to do it differently than what we would like to see done, are we okay with that? 394 00:34:00.144 --> 00:34:01.364 That's the question. 395 00:34:02.204 --> 00:34:07.904 No other name is worthy of our faith. 396 00:34:10.124 --> 00:34:13.744 Those who look into our life can see that we have needs. 397 00:34:15.724 --> 00:34:20.744 The people that knew this lame man knew that there was an obvious need for him to be able to walk. 398 00:34:22.564 --> 00:34:30.074 But there was a need, an even greater need that he had, and that was to know Christ. 399 00:34:32.094 --> 00:34:40.074 These people that were so many of the same ones that had shouted crucified, they had a dilemma. 400 00:34:40.654 --> 00:34:50.550 To believe that the miracle had happened in Jesus name would mean they would have to admit that Jesus is indeed the son of God, that he was everything that he said that he was. 401 00:34:50.582 --> 00:34:53.594 He was the person that he always claimed to be. 402 00:34:54.344 --> 00:34:56.084 And what would that mean for them? 403 00:34:57.144 --> 00:34:57.856 What would it mean? 404 00:34:57.880 --> 00:34:59.964 Would have to change in their life. 405 00:35:00.864 --> 00:35:15.604 You see, placing your faith in Jesus may very well reveal a need to examine things about your life and how other people see God at work in your life. 406 00:35:18.504 --> 00:35:25.392 Is your life being lived as an example that points other people to Jesus that brings glory to his name? 407 00:35:25.448 --> 00:35:26.560 Colossians, chapter three. 408 00:35:26.592 --> 00:35:27.804 I'm wrapping with this. 409 00:35:29.904 --> 00:35:34.464 The first 17 verses encourages us to continue being transformed into the likeness of Christ. 410 00:35:34.504 --> 00:35:36.056 I'm going to bookend this for you. 411 00:35:36.200 --> 00:35:41.360 Verse one begins by telling us to keep seeking things above where Christ is seated with God. 412 00:35:41.512 --> 00:35:44.704 Verse 17 concludes at the end of a lot of material. 413 00:35:44.744 --> 00:35:46.344 I want to encourage you to go back and read that. 414 00:35:46.384 --> 00:36:00.464 A lot of material that we should pursue by the power of the Holy Spirit wraps up in verse 17, reminding us to do all things, whether in word or deed. 415 00:36:00.884 --> 00:36:02.356 Don't miss this phrase. 416 00:36:02.540 --> 00:36:05.344 In the name of Jesus. 417 00:36:05.804 --> 00:36:07.900 In the name of Jesus. 418 00:36:08.012 --> 00:36:13.944 And so I hear that and I start thinking, so therefore, can I sin in the name of Jesus? 419 00:36:14.734 --> 00:36:15.914 No, I can't. 420 00:36:16.974 --> 00:36:20.594 Can I doubt in the name of Jesus? 421 00:36:21.934 --> 00:36:22.674 No. 422 00:36:23.094 --> 00:36:26.794 Can I treat others badly in the name of Jesus? 423 00:36:27.734 --> 00:36:28.954 I don't think so. 424 00:36:30.134 --> 00:36:35.474 Can I ignore God's word in the name of Jesus? 425 00:36:36.934 --> 00:36:39.206 And obviously that is not an exhaustive list. 426 00:36:39.270 --> 00:36:40.754 That's just getting started. 427 00:36:42.124 --> 00:36:56.064 Some of the central ideas that somehow, far too often, we can become complacent and participate in some of these things, but we can't do it in the name of Jesus. 428 00:36:59.524 --> 00:37:02.956 For the name of Jesus is miraculous. 429 00:37:03.140 --> 00:37:04.304 It's faultless. 430 00:37:05.364 --> 00:37:11.080 It is worthy of our faith, absolutely worthy of our faith. 431 00:37:11.112 --> 00:37:22.324 And so this passage reminds us of the incredible power of faith, the transformative nature of God's grace, and the importance of sharing this message of redemption with others. 432 00:37:24.344 --> 00:37:28.044 As believers, that's our calling. 433 00:37:29.184 --> 00:37:32.924 As brothers and sisters, we need to encourage one another to this. 434 00:37:33.924 --> 00:37:35.188 I love that verse. 435 00:37:35.236 --> 00:37:50.784 Eleven uses a word that while he was clinging to Peter and John, it reminds me, and I pray it will remind you, that there's a point in time where we chose to trust in Christ Jesus, to place our faith in him, to ask him to forgive us of our sin. 436 00:37:51.644 --> 00:37:57.584 But, oh, brothers and sisters, please don't see that as a moment in time that happened and then you moved on from. 437 00:37:58.424 --> 00:38:01.444 It's been said this way, don't ever get over your salvation. 438 00:38:02.144 --> 00:38:04.004 Don't ever get over your salvation. 439 00:38:05.424 --> 00:38:16.964 But as you continue to walk and be transformed into the likeness of Christ, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you and remind you in whose name in which you live. 440 00:38:18.664 --> 00:38:22.204 As a family, we have a little adage that we share oftentimes. 441 00:38:22.784 --> 00:38:26.754 Never forget who you are and never forget whose you are. 442 00:38:28.134 --> 00:38:31.318 May that be our life before holy and righteous God. 443 00:38:31.486 --> 00:38:32.714 Would you pray with me? 444 00:38:34.614 --> 00:38:38.062 Father, I thank you for the opportunity to hear from you, from your word this morning. 445 00:38:38.118 --> 00:38:45.994 God, I pray the Holy Spirit continues to work in each and every heart and life, even now, as we take this time to pause before we conclude our service. 446 00:38:47.174 --> 00:38:59.244 God, I pray for every believer that they would be called back to a place of faith, realizing the power of the name of Jesus and all that's available in him and God, all that you've called us to do in his name. 447 00:38:59.984 --> 00:39:06.084 And still, Father, I pray for the one that's yet to make a decision, to trust in Christ Jesus as our lord and savior. 448 00:39:06.584 --> 00:39:09.684 For Lord, as we've already said, we all have that need. 449 00:39:10.224 --> 00:39:35.244 And God, I just ask in Jesus name, truly that you would reveal in hearts and lives the response that you're calling them to, Father, that they might be found pursuing you with a heart that desires to experience your love, your mercy, your grace, at an even deeper level than ever have before. 450 00:39:36.984 --> 00:39:40.924 May you transform lives from darkness to light of salvation. 451 00:39:42.104 --> 00:39:48.524 We're gonna give you all the praise, the honor and the glory in Christ's name we pray. 452 00:39:49.224 --> 00:39:50.084 Amen. 453 00:39:54.564 --> 00:39:59.068 Thanks again for listening, and be sure to check back next week for another episode. 454 00:39:59.196 --> 00:40:06.764 In the meantime, you can visit us@willowridgechurch.org or by searching for Willow Ridge Church on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.