The Miraculous Power of the Holy Spirit

“A shadow moved across dusty hills and slipped into a country shack. The Spirit moved past the others there, to a sleeping girl. This teenage peasant girl would be astonished to know that the Spirit hovering over her bed had traveled across galaxies to find her. The voice of an angel later spoke to her, giving her instructions. And she gave a simple response. Even now she felt very little as he whispered a command and a miracle took place in her womb. She stirred ever so slightly, unaware that the fullness of God now dwelt in the microscopic cells that were the beginnings of a boy. In the months to come, her belly would swell until she felt like she was going to explode. She would go through the crucible of a mother’s labor, until Jesus was born. Mary would wrap him in rags and present him as God’s gift to the world.

After birthing Jesus, she would keep a home for her carpenter husband and give birth to several more children. Mary would manage her children in primitive, impoverished conditions, working her fingers to the bone til she dropped off to sleep exhausted at each day’s end. She would grow old before her time, worn and stooped over by the harsh conditions of a difficult life. At the cross, her poverty would be so pronounced that her crucified son would tell a disciple to take her into his home. We last see her after the resurrection of Jesus, in the upper room. She is listed among the rest, no greater than anyone else in the room. After that, we get no further mention of her in scripture.

This is the real Mary. In a sense, she is no different from the rest of us. Like us, she had admirable qualities and glaring faults. Jesus even gently corrected her several times. Though her conception of Jesus was miraculous, the Bible never presents her birth as immaculate. She is not a perpetual virgin. She was born a sinner like the rest of us. Yet she was the most blessed of all women, given the privilege of carrying, birthing, and nurturing the only begotten son of God. She also bore the excruciating sorrow of watching her beloved son be rejected, despised, betrayed, tortured, and crucified." -Robert Petterson, The One Year Book of Amazing Stories (abridged, edited)

It’s not Christmas, so why are we talking about Mary? Well, I want you to think about Mary, and the supernatural event in which she became pregnant with Jesus.

She was an average person, but she lived a holy life with God. She was humble, and had a servant attitude. And then the day came when the angel spoke to her, and her response was simple: Yes, I receive it. May it be so.

I want us to connect that simple faith to receive from God that Mary had, to the disciples, and how they received the baptism or infilling of the Holy Spirit.

And hopefully we can also see today, that we like Mary, can simply receive from God, if we’re ready, power from heaven, to do great deeds in Jesus name.

Jesus had told his disciples to wait in Jerusalem to receive the Spirit. And so the disciples waited, in the midst of the festival of harvest. There were thousands of people in the capital city of Jerusalem at this time. A heavenly wind suddenly blew threw the area. Flames of fire rested on each of the disciples and they began to speak in the languages of numerous people who were visiting Jerusalem during that time. The crowds were astonished, hearing the power of God in their own languages. But some in the crowd accused them of being drunk.

This is our context for the situation we discuss today, that took place two thousand years ago. The Lord made sure many people heard and saw this incident.

The crowds gathered around. And I love how the NASB renders this verse: "Peter took his stand." All the eleven stood up, and they were bold.

First point today, a disciple of Jesus is ever increasingly bold in their faith. That is the concept of taking a stand. And I think it’s a process. At first we’re nervous to pray with someone or share our faith. But, pretty soon, we take an opportunity to bless someone. Then we do it again. Soon we’re trying something even more bold. And that process leads toward more and more boldness.

Verses 14 say this: "Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.”

Peter raised his voice, speaking loudly so the crowd could hear him. And he began to give an address.

He says to them, let me explain this, and listen carefully.

Verse 15, “These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning!”

There is always a division when God does something. Some will turn toward it and say, that’s God at work. And others will sneer at it, and say it’s just a coincidence, it’s just this, it’s just that. They explain it away.

Second point, a disciple of Jesus understands that some will reject the message. We must accept this fact, and move forward. Everyone must make their choice. I try to remind myself, I can’t save everyone, but God will point me toward those who are ready to hear. Also, never underestimate a few words spoken at the right moment. A faithful disciple knows timing. Timing is key. At the right moment, it can change everything.

Peter goes on to explain: Verse 16: "No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel…"

This event was a fulfillment of prophecy given by the prophet Joel in the Old Testament. Joel wrote these words 800 years before Jesus was born.

It’s interesting we don’t think this way, in terms of prophecies, but the Jews did. It’s a good reminder, that God knows every day what will occur before it happens.

A disciple of Jesus knows prophecy is real. And it continues to this very day.

Peter is going to quote from Joel 2:28-32.

Jesus often spoke of the Holy Spirit as a guide and helper for believers, who would remind people of the words of Jesus, he would convict us of sin, and lead us into all truth. When Jesus breathed on the believers in the upper room, in John 21, they received the Holy Spirit. Yet he also told them to wait in Jerusalem to be baptized in the Spirit. That’s what we’re talking about today, which is a separate experience.

Holy Spirit presence means guidance and presence.
Holy Spirit baptism means supernatural power. 

As it says in verse 17...

Verse 17: “In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.”

We see Peter quoting three distinct supernatural experiences.

The first is to prophesy. The Holy Spirit empowers you in a way, where you know something, about someone’s life or future, and you tell it to them.

The second is a vision. The Holy Spirit gives you a vision, where you see something, you aren’t asleep, and you have a vision from God, often with the purpose that you share it with others.

The third is a dream. This is no weird stress dream, this is the Holy Spirit giving you a dream that communicates a mystery to you, often about the future.

Next point, a disciple experiences the supernatural from God. Because they’ve said yes to it through faith.

Do you believe in prophesy, visions, and dreams? I think many of us secretly don’t really believe. We doubt such things still happen. But they happen everyday. And if we aren’t experiencing them, maybe it’s because we’ve decided they aren’t possible. But the Bible tells us they are. And the Bible is always right. So maybe it’s time to change our theology!

Now this doesn’t mean that every time you turn around you’re seeing a new vision or dream. It tends to be rare and for a particular purpose, but, don’t discount it in your life. God can do anything!

Next, verse 18: "Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy."

It’s interesting often in the Bible it will reference only men, it will say “brothers.” Many of our modern translations change it to “brothers and sisters” but right here in the original Greek it is saying both men and women will have these giftings. This is an explicit declaration, women equally share in Spirit gifting.

I hope we all already know that, but if we don’t, there it is.

“I can’t be a powerhouse disciple because I’m not a man" is of course, nonsense.

Next, verse 19: "I will show wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.”

Not only are we as God’s disciples called to the supernatural, God himself also personally will show wonders and signs in the sky and on the Earth.

Blood, Fire, and Billows of Smoke are all references to future judgment, that will take place in the end times described in the book of Revelation.

As disciples we know that one day, there will come a time of great trouble on the Earth, called the tribulation, where God will judge the nations. We see intense imagery therein, like a third of the oceans turning into blood. We see the fall of Babylon in Revelation, burned with fire. We see the bottomless pit that Satan is thrown into, that pours out billows of smoke. This is apocalyptic imagery. 

Peter is citing scripture to stir people up. He wants them to realize that this reality we live in now, where we wake up each day, brush our teeth, eat breakfast and go to work, is temporary. The sun goes up, the sun goes down, but one day, everything will change. And a day of judgment is coming.

He continues, verse 20: “The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.”

In fact, if it’s true that Jesus was crucified on April 3rd, AD 33, we know astronomically that a blood moon occurred that night. I'm speculating of course, but it's an interesting fact. 

But this refers to a future time again, in the end times, referencing Revelation 6:12, the breaking of the sixth seal, where the sun goes dark, and the moon turns the color of blood.

Before the coming, it says, of the day of the Lord. The day of the Lord is the day of judgment, when all of us will be evaluated based on how we lived. Were we faithful or were we living a double life? Were we true Christians, or did we live with one foot in and one foot out? Did we live in secret sins, or did we live holy lives? All the truth will come out on that day.

Next point, a disciple of Jesus is preparing for the day of the Lord. And how does one prepare for the day of the Lord? By developing a close relationship with Jesus, and by putting sin out of our lives radically.

And Peter tells every single person at this gathering, how to escape the wrath that is coming on the world.

Verse 21: “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

There is a pathway out of this wilderness we find ourselves in. It requires us to turn toward the God we so often seek to escape, and to allow Him to be Lord over our lives, and to change us into what he desires us to be.

And just because you’re at church on a Sunday doesn’t necessarily mean you’re on that path. It’s a good thing, don’t get me wrong, but ultimately only you know if you’ve really given your heart to God.

The disciple of Jesus, is in fact one who is committed to helping others know that they need to call out to Jesus to be saved.

That is our chief commitment, it’s what we promote, it’s what we tell others about, it’s the central focus of our lives, telling others about the Nazarene, and how he can change their lives. Nothing else matters more in this world, but that people would know Him.

So Peter has pointed to the crowds, who have just witnessed a supernatural wind blow through the city, the reality of the power of the Holy Spirit. All people, in this new era of God’s kingdom will receive supernatural giftings, prophesy, visions, dreams, and many other gifts.

Power in the Spirit, given at Pentecost.
Miracle and the supernatural in the end times.
The danger of coming judgment.
And the need to call upon God to be saved.

Now Peter is going to point the crowds directly toward Jesus.

Verse 22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.”

I want you to notice how brilliant this statement is from Peter. Jesus of Nazareth, a man, who lived in a particular place, was accredited by God to you.

Accreditation is a powerful thing. If something is accredited in our society it means it’s been tested in numerous ways to make sure it has met clear standards of quality and evidence.

Jesus is a message to us, accredited in certain ways, accredited how? By God to you, from God to you, proven by miracles, signs and wonders.

Every miracle, sign and wonder Jesus did, turning water into wine, feeding the five thousand, walking on water, raising Lazarus from the dead, they all proved clearly that Jesus was the son of God. 

God did miracles through Jesus. Do you think also, that Jesus, through the Holy Spirit could do miracles through you? Greater things, you will do, Jesus said. Because Jesus went to the right hand of God.

Through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, through faith, through Jesus Christ, anything is possible.

And this brings us to our teaching of Jesus for this message, from Matthew 19:26, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

We can't walk in the supernatural ourselves. It's impossible by human reason. But with God dwelling within us, suddenly anything is possible. The Holy Spirit is God within us. But what happens when that Holy Spirit within us goes from indwelling, to baptism, or "filled with"? Suddenly, something special happens. God can do a miracle through you. Yes, you. Because the power that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you. But we must go from Holy Spirit within, to baptized in blazing fire. How do we do that? By believing that anything is possible, and receiving it by faith. 

Peter continues, verse 23: "This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross."

Peter emphasizes again, that all of this was planned by God, a deliberate plan, to provide a pathway for lost humanity. Peter says it clearly, you, with the help of wicked men, put Jesus to death. We all played a part in that, yet Jesus was willing to do it, to make a way for us home.

A disciple knows, that the blood of Jesus was something their sins played a part in. They know the cost Jesus paid. They know a deep gratitude in their hearts for what Jesus did. 

Lastly, verse 24: "But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him."

This is the gospel, God raised Jesus from the dead. It says God freed Jesus from the agony of death, death could not hold Jesus, because Jesus was holy and pure. And so Jesus is our living savior today.

So in conclusion today, what is the key principle, for a disciple of Jesus to follow from our scriptures today?

Before we get there, let’s review our main points.

A disciple...

1.  Is ever increasingly bold in their faith
2.  Understands some will reject the message
3.  Knows prophecy is real & God is in control
4.  Experiences the supernatural power of God
5.  Is preparing for the Day of the Lord
6.  Is committed to telling others about Jesus
7.  Has a deep gratitude for what Jesus did

And now the key principle...

A simple truth: A disciple walks in the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit Baptism, for the purpose of proclaiming Jesus.

This supernatural event, of the tongues of fire, the supernatural blowing wind through the area, was all a work of God. The disciples simply waited for it, and received it when it came.

Same with Mary, at the beginning of our message, she was humble, faithful, waited, and when God spoke, she simply agreed to receive.

So it is with us as well, these are works of God, we ought to walk in them, and then, anything is possible. Dare to believe. Honestly, dare to believe. We so often limit ourselves by what we think is possible. Go beyond the religious dogma. Throw out the box you keep your idea of God in! 

Believe that God can do anything, even through you. Because the Spirit of God lives in you. That is my challenge to you today, dare to believe for more, the strange, supernatural, the glorious, the exceedingly amazing work of God in your life. And even Christ working through you, to do something miraculous. Anything is possible, with God. Believe for more! Bigger, wider, deeper faith. Supernatural faith.

Prayer: Father, we repent of limiting you, we repent of putting you in a box. We repent of seeing the supernatural in the Bible and then refusing to believe that you do the same today. Forgive us Lord for placing human limitations on what you can do in the world and on what you can do through us. We turn now and dare to believe in the God of the supernatural. We turn to you now Father, and we ask not just for the Holy Spirit within us, but the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the blazing fire that landed on the disciples at Pentecost. Do miracles through us Heavenly Father, we ask for it today, and we receive it today, by faith, in Jesus name, amen. 

How to Make a Difficult Decision as a Christian

In 1971 during the Vietnam war there was a Vietnamese translator who worked with a famous Christian evangelist. He translated him as he traveled throughout Vietnam during the war. This young translator was named Hien Pham. Unfortunately, Vietnam fell to the communists, and Hen was arrested for his work. He spent years in prison. “After Hien was released from prison, he secretly began building a boat with about 53 other people to flee communist Vietnam. Just before they were going to leave, four Viet Cong soldiers came to his door and accused him of planning an escape.

At first, Hien lied and denied it. The soldiers left—but afterward Hien felt convicted. He felt he was taking control away from God. He prayed that if they came back, he would tell the truth.

A few hours before the escape, the same four men returned. They asked him again if he was escaping.

This time Hien answered:

“Yes, I am with fifty-three others. Are you going to imprison me again?”

Instead of arresting him, the men leaned forward and whispered:

“No. We want to escape with you.”

So the group grew to 58 people, and they escaped by boat into the South China Sea. During the voyage, a violent storm hit. Hien shared that those four Viet Cong turned out to be fishermen, and their sailing skills were what got them safely to Thailand. Without them, they would have died at sea.” -Tim Campbell, illustration

What if Hien had ignored the conviction of the Holy Spirit? He might’ve never made it safely to America. Well, today we’re talking about a process for decision making. How do we make decisions as a church and as individuals in accordance with what God wants?

For this we continue our series, Follow Me, and today we consider how a disciple makes decisions. We pick up in Acts where we left off, just after the moment Jesus had ascended into the sky.

It had been an unforgettable moment. Jesus their dearest friend, their Lord, rising into the heavens. Then angels appearing telling them Jesus would return again one day.

But today we get the details of what happened immediately after.

From Acts 1:12: “12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city. 

So the ascension of Jesus took place on the Mount of Olives, which is about a half mile outside Jerusalem, and after this event they head back to the city.

Verse 13: "When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.”

So they’re in Jerusalem, at the upper room they’ve been staying in over the festival. And we’re told who is present. We have all of the eleven remaining disciples of Jesus, led by Peter.

Let’s see what the disciples did as they gathered in this upper room.

Next, verse 14: "They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers."

So, we have the eleven disciples, and the women followers of Jesus here as well, this would’ve included Mary Magdalene, Salome, and Joanna, among others. We also see Jesus’ mother present. And what’s interesting is we have Jesus’ brothers present, James, Joseph, Simon, and Jude. You’ll recognize James and Jude, because they wrote books of the New Testament, named after them.

It says they joined together constantly in prayer. They are spending every day together, praying.

Being constantly united in prayer, unites us in the Spirit, and pushes us forward toward the will of God, like riding a wave into God’s unveiling plan.

But if we miss prayer, particularly praying together, I think we begin to miss the will of God, and blunder forward unaware of his plans and purposes. Then we just kind of make it up as we go along, and miss what he really has for us.

Are you following his route or have you carved your own path through the woods, and landed in the wrong place? It’s never too late to redirect your course toward his will. As soon as you acknowledge Him, as the scripture says, and ask for the course correction, God will start cutting a path for you toward what he originally desired for your life.

It’s kind of like how we enter an address into our GPS, but then we start going the opposite direction. Still the GPS keeps rerouting, replotting the course to get you to where you need to be. It’s never too late to get to where God wants you.

The key truth we must understand today is that we aren’t really in charge of our lives.

Next, verse 15: In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty)

Peter is in leadership. It’s kind of like the structure of a church today. You have the pastor who is the shepherd of the flock, you have the other apostles, who are kind of like the elders, and you have the 120, kind of like a church congregation. Quite fascinating.

Next, verses 16-17, Peter says..., “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”

Peter is addressing the situation that occurred the night Jesus was betrayed. He is referencing Judas, and how Judas led the guards to come and arrest Jesus. And Peter reminds the gathering, that all of this was prophesied in the Old Testament.

Notice it says, that Judas was a guide for those who arrested Jesus. And I think in the context of what it means to be a disciple, we must remember that at times, the enemy will attempt to use us.

It happened to Peter himself, who one moment proclaimed Jesus as the messiah, and the next, Jesus told him, get behind me Satan. In a faith community, we can be used by the devil if we aren’t careful. We can end up being a guide for the evil one, for his purposes and will. Self gets in the way, and the devil can influence us, often through pride, or wanting our way. Guard against it.

Next, in verses 18-19 we get Luke, the observer who is recording the events of Acts, give us information on what happened to Judas after he betrayed Jesus.

Verses 18-19: 18 (With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

This is a gruesome depiction. We see Judas purchased a field with the thirty pieces of silver, other accounts say he returned the thirty pieces of silver, and the field was bought by the Sanhedrin. Either way, the field came from the payment Judas received. Certain accounts say Judas hanged himself, here we’re told he fell headlong, and his body burst open, (perhaps both are true) and his intestines spilled out. Judas was punished for his sin.

Next we see Peter continue his speech, verse 20: “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms: “‘May his place be deserted;
let there be no one to dwell in it,’
and, “‘May another take his place of leadership.’

Peter quotes psalm 69:25 and psalm 109:8. Notice as leader here, Peter sees what happened to Judas, he connects it with scripture immediately understanding, that all this happened according to God’s will. And a replacement was needed.

Peter continues, verses 21-22: "21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

Now comes the challenge, who do we replace him with? I’m sure there were many who had traveled with the disciples from the beginning.

Peter knows that Jesus commanded them to be witnesses. So the person in question had to have been with them from the beginning, and saw the things Jesus did, his life, his death, and resurrection.

How do you go about making a difficult decision? Peter looked to scripture. I hope we also look to scripture. Inspired by the Spirit as well. And it filled a current need.

Scripture, Spirit, Need. But still, how do we know who or what to do?

Next verse 23: "So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias."

The church take nominations, or perhaps it was handled by the eleven disciples, we don’t know, but we do know that through a process of nominations, they called forward two men, Joseph and Matthias.

We often do this when we’re attempting to make a decision. We gather together a list of options. We say Ok, I can do this, that, or the other thing. That’s wise. If you have a tough decision to make, about anything, work, a relationship, faith, life choices, sit down and write out your options. Here’s what I can do. So we narrow it down with wisdom and knowledge.

What did they do next? Verses 24-25: Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.”

Then they prayed. Lord, show us. Lord, show us your choice. Not ours, but yours.

Once we’ve narrowed things down through scripture, and in prayer, we step into a new kind of prayer: A direct inquiry to the Lord. We may often ask: "Lord guide me, Lord, show me the way." But this prayer is very direct, "Lord, which of these options is the correct course to take?"

What teaching of Jesus are the disciples following? I think it goes back to the sending out of the 72 in Luke’s gospel. Jesus sent out 72 of his followers to minister, to heal, and to cast out devils. They came back, and Jesus celebrated with them.

Luke 10:21-22 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.

22 “All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

As Jesus taught us, our Father has hidden the mysteries of God from those who think they are great, the prideful, and he has chosen to reveal it to little children, to the humble, to those who are willing to come to the Father like a little child, and simply ask, "Daddy, what should we do?" This gave Jesus great joy to speak this truth.

And I think it should also give us great joy, that Jesus has given us this radical access to the Father. The Son has chosen to reveal the Father to us, and so we enjoy access. But we must choose to utilize it. Come as a humble child. And that’s just what the disciples do.

How little we see that happen in big businesses, how little we see that on college campuses, even among Christians it is rare for us to stop and say wait a minute, God is here, right now, and we can ask Him! And indeed we must.

The humility here is what we need, to let go of control of our own lives, and let God be in control, and ask Him for guidance. But I worry we think asking God’s guidance is doing what we want, and then getting his feedback about how to go about doing what we want.

That’s all backwards. We should instead ask God to show us what he wants, and then ask for his guidance to do His will. Big difference there.

So, last verse today, how do the disciples discover which of the two men is called to be the next apostle?

God reveals the answer to them in a supernatural revelation, through casting lots.

Verse 26: "Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles."

Casting lots is mentioned in certain places in the Bible, but this is the only place in the New Testament where the church makes use of casting lots. We don’t really know from history what this might’ve looked like. We know it was practiced by the high priest in the Old Testament to discern God’s will.

It may have been sticks painted different colors, or stones of different colors, dropped from a bag, or perhaps they had Matthias and Joseph pick stones from a bag. We simply don’t know.

Sometimes in our own lives, we may ask God for a sign or we may “lay out a fleece” for him. And God does sometimes work in that way. But we're also told in scripture to be cautious to not test the Lord. 

Don't demand an answer for everything. Very often the answer from God is: "Trust Me." 

You'd be astonished the number of times I'm seeking an answer from the Lord, and the answer I get is two words: Trust me. 

I can often tell God does not like it when I ask for timing on a particular issue. When I ask Him something he often shares generously with me, but it seems like He desires I not seek to know specific timing on most issues, and that tracks with scripture.  

But as the church today we do not practice the casting of lots. Why not? Well notice this incident, the timing of it, it’s after the resurrection of Jesus, but before the sending of the baptism of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. So, it’s reasonable to assume it was never practiced again, because after Pentecost, all believers would have the presence of God within, the Holy Spirit to speak to them. Indeed, throughout the rest of the Acts we never see casting lots mentioned again. 

In any case, the lot falls to Matthias, and he is chosen to replace Judas, as one of the twelve apostles.

In conclusion today, let’s put it all together. First, how do we make a decision as a church?

Notice the process they went through here. Peter, the "pastor" prayerfully reflects and seeks to do God’s will by replacing Judas.

He discusses this with the 11 disciples, kind of like elders, or a church board, the leadership team. And they address it prayerfully.

Then, they bring it also before the 120 followers of Jesus, kind of like bringing it to the church congregation, who prayerfully seek God’s will as well.

They nominate two leaders, or in a different situation they may list several ideas.

They prayerfully narrow things down through wisdom.

Then they ask God, which one? For the church here, they cast lots, but for us today, after Pentecost, we pray, fast, and seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

As we wait on the Lord, and pray, we receive an answer in some form.

The last step then, having heard from God is, we take action in accordance with what he said.

That’s how the church ought to function.

Now, how about you in your life choices? Now let me be clear, this isn’t a process we go through when we’re wondering what pair of pants to put on in the morning. This is for important decisions.

Think of yourself like Peter in this scenario, you are the "leader" in your life.

So a decision is before you, something big, something you need guidance on.

First thing you do is go to the word and prayer, and consider what to do.

Think of the eleven disciples, like your wife or husband, children, family, closed friends. You talk to them about the decision you’re considering to make, and get their feedback, hopefully prayerfully.

So then perhaps you take it to your church community, to people you know in the church, for guidance, kind of like the 120.

In all this you begin to narrow down your options, and after seeking God in prayer, counsel from family and your faith community, you go to God directly, and simply ask Him the question, which way should I go Lord? Here are the options I’ve narrowed it down to.

And God may say, that one, or this one, or not yet, or none of those, or here is something you didn’t even think of. Be open to anything he may say. He may simply say: Trust Me. 

Lastly, having discovered God’s will, through the Holy Spirit, we take actions in accordance with what God has said. Or we simply wait in faith.

This is the way of a disciple of Jesus. Last time, we talked about how our journey is spirit birthed and spirit empowered.

Our second principle of being a disciple today is this: Having the Humility of Listening for and Obeying the Voice of God.

But perhaps at the very heart of it is this: Loving the voice of God. Loving to do His will. And for that, we need a heart like His. We need a fresh Pentecost in our lives. Which I believe God will provide, if we ask with a full heart.

Prayer: Father in Heaven, I confess that my heart doesn't naturally incline toward you when I make a decision, I too often look to my own ideas. Lord I repent, and I turn to you. Please forgive me Father, and I ask for a fresh fire of the Holy Spirit. God, I turn to you, and seek to do your will, I forsake my own plans and lay them aside for your perfect purposes, in Jesus name, amen. 

Spirit Birthed, Spirit Empowered

“It is not only the first act of conversion which displays divine power; but the whole of the Christian disciple’s life, until he comes to perfection, it is all a clear display of God’s power. The spiritual life is similar to the burning bush which Moses saw on Mt. Horeb: it burnt, but it was not consumed. It’s the same with the Christian, like a bush, he is most fitting fuel for the flame; yet the flame does not hurt him. It kindles about him, but he is not destroyed. The Christian life may also be likened to walking on water. As Peter walked on the waves, and did not sink so long as his faith looked to Jesus; so the believer every day, in every footstep that he takes, is a living miracle. Faith too, in its life, may be compared to flying: “They shall mount up on wings like eagles.” The believer, every day takes venturesome flights into the atmosphere of heaven, rises above the world, leaves its cares and its wants beneath his feet, with no other wings but those of faith and love. This is a continued and beautiful miracle of God’s divine power." -Charles Spurgeon (abridged)

We begin a new series today called “Follow Me” the last words of Jesus to Peter in our last series. So we’ll call the series “Follow Me: Discipleship Keys from the Life of Jesus.” And in this series we will be touching on key points from the book of Acts. So we will be in Acts for much of the series, but, we will continuously jump back from Acts, to certain points in the life of Jesus, to reference the teaching the disciples live in Acts.

For many years the book of Acts was a bit of a mystery to me, and it wasn’t until I took a class on Acts in college that I truly began to understand what it’s about. Acts is listed in the Bible immediately after the four gospel books. It follows the activities of the early church, particularly Peter and Paul, and their actions to help build the early faith communities in the ancient Roman empire. It is comprised of 28 chapters and covers numerous years of activities. It was written by Luke.

During this series we are going to continuously go back to this formula.

1. Look at Acts - the actions of the disciples of Jesus

2. Look at Jesus teachings, as the disciples follow them

3. Look at how we today can act on the teachings of Jesus

Notice the title, Acts. What is an act? It is an action. One of the biggest things we are going to learn about what discipleship is, is that it’s an action.

Taking an action consistent with what you believe is what it really means to be a disciple of Jesus.

So let’s dive in, today we’ll be in Acts 1:1-11, and we’ll dip into John 3:3-6.

Acts 1:1, “In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen.”

The former book referred to here is the gospel of Luke. Luke here, is writing Acts as a second book, to someone by the name of Theophilus. We don’t know exactly who Theophilus was, though he is referred to as “most excellent” so it is possible he was a Roman leader of some sort. But many have pointed out the name Theophilus in Greek actually means, “friend of God” or “loved by God.” So, it’s very easy to think that God set it all up as a letter written to us, who are loved by God.

First thing to notice here is, we have in Luke’s previous book, in fact in all four gospels, an account of those things Jesus did and taught.

We also have a helper who is with us always, that is the Holy Spirit. And the Holy Spirit’s job is to guide us in numerous ways, the most important of which is to constantly point us back to the words and actions of Jesus.

So the more we know the words and deeds of Jesus from the Bible, the more the Holy Spirit can point us to those things.

The book of Acts will be for us a historic explanation of those actions that the early disciples took in cooperation with the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Next, verse 3 “After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.”

The last seven weeks we’ve looked at many of those convincing proofs that Jesus is alive today. We have all that evidence, so we can confidently believe.

During Jesus’ life he kept talking about this mystery called the kingdom of God, that he said had arrived in his time. So another key for this series is going to be understanding what the kingdom of God is, and how it works.

Next, verses 4-5: On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Wait for the gift, is the instruction given by Jesus. After the departure of Jesus, the Holy Spirit would take over as the chief leader and guide of the body of Christ. And to this day, the Holy Spirit fills every true believer.

They are told to wait in Jerusalem, until the Holy Spirit comes.

We see the action that will take place is a baptism, but not simply one of water, but baptism in the Holy Spirit.

But what’s interesting is in John’s gospel, we see that in John 21, Jesus breathed on the disciples and they received the Holy Spirit. Yet we also see Jesus point to a separate incident which will occur later, which is baptism in the Spirit. What is going on here?

There appear to be two separate interactions with the Holy Spirit, the first is called regeneration, it occurs when we initially receive Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior. But there is a second work of grace, a second experience in which we are baptized in the Holy Spirit. This is a separate experience, that empowers us for service and is also connected with the Wesleyan concept of entire sanctification.

Next, verses 6-7: 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

The disciples still don’t quite understand what is happening. They long for Israel to be restored as a nation, but God’s plan is so very different.

Next verse 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.”

Jesus’ response is fascinating. He doesn’t say, no, never. He says, not yet. Only the Father knows those dates. And it’s not for them to know.

We do know that one day Israel will be restored. In fact, it occurs at the conclusion of the end times, when Jesus returns, and sets up a one thousand year reign over the entire Earth, from Jerusalem. At that time, Israel will be restored. But that is future. 

It’s a tough thing when God tells us “not yet.” But in the meantime he has work for us to do in the here and now.

Being a disciple means letting go of what our plans were, and embracing what God wants for us. Do you think it was ever in my plans to live in Chicago, Escanaba, Owosso, Gary, Chicago again, and then Traverse City? I never planned any of that, but God did, and to be a kingdom disciple is to submit to His plans in place of our own.

Next, verse 8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Jesus instantly redirects the disciples, I know you longed for Israel to be restored, however, here is my will and plan: You will receive new power when the Holy Spirit fills you. And you will be witnesses to all the Earth of this fact.

A kingdom disciple knows he or she is a witness of Jesus, and with power, with demonstration of that reality. To the ends of the Earth. From Jerusalem, to the ancient Roman empire, into north Africa, to India, across Europe, even to the Americas, and yes even to northern Michigan. 

Discipleship is to be a witness. And this ability to be a witness is not found within us, yet, it is found within us, because, the Lord, the Holy Spirit dwells within us.

An eastern cleric was challenged to read the Bible, and once finished, they questioned him on what he found to be most surprising part, and they thought well, he would certainly say Jesus being raised from the dead, or God creating the world, but his answer surprised them, he said the most amazing thing was, that in Christianity God dwells within human beings.

This hearkens all the way back to Jesus’ conversation one night, early in his ministry, with Nicodemus, a leader of the pharisees.

John 3:3-6: 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.”

A person of flesh trying really hard to be good can’t inherit eternal life. Me or you, born from our mother, can’t enter the kingdom of God system. We never could. It’s just white washed tombs, self-righteousness. But, if we go through Jesus Christ, we will experience the new birth. A new birth given by God himself.

The Spirit gives birth to this new us. But he doesn’t stop there. There is much more to come, in the Spirit life. And in our surrender to Him, comes the next phase of that adventure.

Next, verse 9: “After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.”

Wait for the Holy Spirit. You will be witnesses everywhere. And then… Jesus begins rising up to heaven. And that is the last time they saw Jesus in the flesh, rising into the sky.

Can you imagine the grief of the disciples? Their teacher would no longer be with them. Yes, he would send a new helper, the Holy Spirit, but I’m sure they would always long, the rest of their lives, to be with Jesus again face to face.

Similarly, we as kingdom disciples also carry a mysterious pain within us, a longing to see our dear savior Jesus face to face. We long to be with him in paradise. Every soul knows it's pain, the pain of longing for our true home.

Next, verse 10: They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.

Suddenly, angels stood with them. It’s a great reminder that angels continue to stand with us today. Jesus may have ascended, but the angels remain with us, protecting us, and delivering messages to us from God.

Discipleship is knowing we have angelic support all around us. We are not alone. God is with us. The Holy Spirit is with us. Jesus is with us. But we also have angel armies surrounding us. They fight off the demonic hordes all around us. 

Next, verse 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Why are you staring up into the sky? Perhaps they hoped he might come back. The angels explain to them, Jesus has been taken to heaven.

Jesus is now seated in heaven, on a throne, at the right hand of God the Father. One day he will return. And he will return literally from the sky, and the word says "Every eye will see Him."

For now, he lives forever to make intercession for us. What does that mean? He’s making the case for us before the Father, every step of the way, praying for us, speaking for us, covering us, standing with the Father, as the Father guides our lives, giving us exactly what we need.

How does God the Father and Jesus do this? They do it through the Holy Spirit, who is the Lord, living within us.

The Holy Spirit is even called in scripture, the Spirit of Christ. The Holy Spirit points us to Christ, and Christ communicates to us through the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes I talk to Jesus when I pray, sometimes I talk to the Father when I pray, but the Holy Spirit is always speaking to me. And he’s always speaking to you.

Jesus is in heaven. Yet he is with us through the Spirit.

Chelsey and I went to a play recently in Hillsdale, a play called The Pilgrim and it tells the story, with creative license, of John Bunyan’s classic book, the Pilgrim’s Progress.

But in the play the director actually plays Jesus, God, standing in the background, unseen by the main character, but seen by us. There’s a scene, spoiler alert, where the main character Christian, loses a dear friend, and he is weeping uncontrollably, and he’s angry at God because his friend had died. But as the audience we can see God holding the friend with him, weeping just as hard as he is. It gives an entirely new perspective to our sufferings, to see Jesus crying with us through our struggles and losses. Christian cries out to God, do you even care, and as the audience, we could all see God weeping desperately with Him, there was no question that he cared even more deeply than Christian did, for his beloved one who had died.

But every step of the way, the God character in white was with Christian, invisible to Him, but always with Him. So it is with Jesus. He is always with us, invisible to our eyes, yet always with us, through the Holy Spirit within us.

So in conclusion today, very simply, the first principle we want to understand about discipleship, and the command to “follow Jesus” is that this journey is Spirit birthed in us, it is not something we create in ourselves, but a gift from God. It is not trying harder, but it is being born again.

Secondly though, it is also Spirit empowered. Once we receive the new birth, and we surrender, and receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit, we are empowered for service. And we cooperate with the Holy Spirit synergistically, listening for his voice, and following Him, which truly is to follow Jesus. And this Spirit gives us power, power to proclaim Jesus, power to heal, power to pray, power to manifest the fruits of the Spirit, and power to overcome our own fears and inadequacies.

So if we walk by the Spirit, let us then keep in step with the Spirit. Hallelujah. Praise the Lord!

Peter Restored after Denying Jesus Three Times

There was once a young man who seemed to have a promising future. But one day his uncle called up his grandfather to let him know, your grandson is in the newspaper. And not in a good way. This young man with the bright future, began to head down the wrong path, so it seemed. And more incidents occurred, so much so this young man was labeled as bad, or as no longer able to make something of himself. It was too late for that. He’d done too many bad things. He needed to wear the label, of one who was unworthy, the bad one. Of course I refer to my own story. 

And for years I felt I was the bad one, the wrong one, why couldn’t I just be like the other cousins who did everything right? I made my parents look bad. But one day, I realized, I couldn’t make something of myself, not with what I’d been through, but if I gave my life to Jesus Christ, he could make me into something special. But, wasn’t I the unworthy one? The bad one? The Lord gave me a bit of a miraculous realization one day: It doesn’t matter what they say about you, even your own family, if I’ve called you then you're called. Period.

This is the 7th of our 7 part Resurrection series. We first looked at the raising of Lazarus, how Lazarus shined as a bright example of Jesus power, so we too shine as an example of Jesus power today. 2nd we looked at the triumphal entry of Jesus, and saw how a gathering can form a revival, and we too sought the Lord to revive us as a church. 3rd we studied the death of Jesus, and saw how as Jesus died, we too must die to self. 4th we looked at the resurrection, how Jesus raised us to new spiritual power. 5th we looked at the Emmaus road, how lost dreams can be replaced by new dreams, 6th we saw how Jesus gives us perfect peace to heal our doubt. Now today, we tie it all together, with the concept of loving restoration.

We will be in John 21:1-19 today.

This would be the last time the disciples would see the resurrected Jesus.

Three years earlier, there was a man named Simon, a young man, working as a fishermen on a lake in Galilee. He must’ve felt like he was called to something more. But he did his best to make ends meet for himself and his wife, and sick mother in law. Yet one night he fished all night, and caught nothing.

That day a mysterious rabbi approached his boat, telling him to cast his nets one more time. Simon was struck by this man’s words and threw his net, and the catch was so huge, they could barely pull the net from the water.

This was his first meeting with Jesus. After this miraculous catch, Jesus commanded Simon to follow him. Three years later, we come to our scripture today, which deals with Peter’s last meeting with Jesus.

From John 21:1-3: Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.”

This is where Peter, James, and John made their living. They grew up on the lake. And Peter decides he’s going fishing. Just like what he used to do. We never see Peter fishing from the moment he started following Jesus, but now, here he is, going back to what he used to do before following Jesus.

What is going through Peter’s mind? Has he given up? More so, perhaps, does he feel he is not worthy?

"I failed Jesus at the critical moment, when he was arrested. I’m not worthy to lead the disciples anymore. I’m going back to my old life of fishing." 

Now, it doesn’t say he was thinking these things, in the text. So we don’t know for sure. We just know he went fishing. Maybe they just needed food. Or maybe something deeper was happening.

Sometimes I think we too, after we’ve had a personal failure, think, well, I’m not worthy to follow Jesus. I’ve failed him too many times. But… the story doesn’t end there.

We keep seeing in this series, Jesus’ resurrection is not confined to himself alone. His victory keeps getting applied like balm to the hearts of others, whether it’s Mary at the tomb, or the two disciples on the Emmaus road, or Thomas in the house, this resurrection life keeps flowing from Jesus to others.

Second part of verse 3, “So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.”

They fished all night, not a single one. Have you ever gone fishing and caught nothing? It’s pretty frustrating. Just one, even a little one would be enough! But nothing at all is tough. 

It feels like Peter goes back to what’s familiar here. It is so easy to cling to what’s familiar in our lives. For better or for worse. If we’ve developed a pattern of faithful prayer and worship attendance and evangelizing, and that’s what’s familiar, and we keep defaulting back to it, that’s amazing.

But what happens when what’s familiar isn’t God’s will? This is the great struggle for someone who was raised in abuse. A child raised in an abusive home may often end up in an abusive marriage, because it’s what they’re used to. It’s so familiar, they default back to it.

Same with drug addiction or alcoholism, their life was rewritten over years, to center around the use of a substance to feel safe. And any attempt at escape from that lifestyle is so hard, because it feels so unfamiliar.

Peter, I believe, goes back to what he knows.

How often do we do that as believers? We’ve been transformed, made new, but, we sometimes drift back to old ways of doing things that aren’t of God.

Next, verses 4-5: 4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”

“No,” they answered.

At dawn, Jesus shows up. The sun is rising barely, still so dark. Yet they can make out this figure on the shore calling out to them.

Jesus could’ve said well, Peter let me down, so I really can’t trust him anymore. Time to move on, put someone else in charge. But instead, Jesus comes to the water’s edge, with a plan to take action in Peter’s life.

Jesus does the same thing for us, when we’ve failed in some way, he calls to us.

Next, verse 6: He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

Jesus is doing something very special here. He is replaying the original incident in which he called Simon Peter. But it’s also symbolic of something much bigger.

Next, verses 7-8: 7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards.

Simon Peter’s response here to jump into the water, is so Peter in every way! It just matches his personality. But I think more so, it reinforces the narrative we’re seeing, of Peter thinking perhaps he was unworthy. But suddenly he’s filled with hope, and takes off toward Jesus. For those who feel unworthy today, God hasn’t left you, he’s coming right toward you.

And I encourage you to join Peter in his response to the incredible restorative love of Jesus, by running, swimming, crawling, whatever you gotta do, toward Jesus.

Don’t let that lie of “I’m not worthy” keep you away from your savior. Run toward Him.

At the same time, scripture does command us in numerous places, to live in a way worthy of our calling (Ephesians 4:1, Phil 1:27, 1 Thess 2:12). So, we do want to make sure, by God’s help, we are living a lifestyle matching our calling.

Yet Peter lived unworthy of the gospel, you might say, by denying Jesus, but, Jesus still comes to him.

Next, verse 9: “9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.”

This moment, of breakfast with Jesus, it calls back to the last supper moment, where Jesus told Peter, you will deny me three times. Yet despite that moment, and what happened after…

There is now a new meal. Breakfast.

It reminds me of that scripture from Revelation 3:20, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”

It also brings to mind the marriage supper of the lamb. Revelation 17:18, "For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
and his bride has made herself ready."

And again in Revelation 19:9 “Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”

Next, verses 10-11: 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.”

Many have wondered at the meaning of the number 153. Could it symbolize the number of nations that the gospel would go out to? An early church writer Jerome indicated that Greeks had a listing of 153 types of fish, symbolizing completeness, the gospel going out to all peoples everywhere.

Whatever it may mean, I think it must symbolize the spread of the gospel throughout the nations.

Some say well the disciples were just bragging about how many fish they caught, I tend to doubt that, simply because scripture only includes information if it's important. If it's in there, it matters in some way. 

Next, verses 12-14: Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. 14 This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.”

They were now sure of it, no question remained, this is Jesus, he is Lord, and he is risen. They eat breakfast by the water, with the sun rising in the east.

This is pure love. He comes and serves them breakfast. It shows us how much Jesus loves us, and particularly Peter, the one who had failed him. Yet Jesus did not view him as unworthy, he viewed him as worthy of redemption. This is divine restoration.

Next, verses 15-17: When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

In front of the other disciples, Jesus begins to question Simon Peter, asking him a simple question: Do you love me the most of everyone here?

Peter answers yes. Jesus asks him a second time, do you love me?

Peter again answers, Yes Lord, you know that I love you.

Each time Jesus reminds him his leadership role: Feed my sheep. What does he mean? Feed them fish and bread? No, he means to feed them his word, to engage them in discipleship, like Jesus did.

Who fed the sheep while Jesus was on Earth? Jesus did. Now, as Jesus departs, Peter will feed the sheep.

A third time, Jesus asks Peter, do you love me?

Second part of verse 17: Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”

Why did Jesus ask him three times? Because while Jesus was arrested, three different times, when Peter was asked about Jesus, Peter said, “I don’t know him.”

He denied his savior three times. And Jesus here, does not ignore that sin, he doesn’t condemn Peter either, but, he draws Peter toward repentance, toward changing his actions, by asking him such a simple question, “Do you love me?”

Peter answers three times, I do love you. This is Peter’s act of repentance, to turn away from the three times when he said he didn’t know Jesus. Which is a major thing, really. We’re told in scripture one of the worst things we could do as a Christian is to deny our Lord and Savior.

Yet here we see such deep love from Jesus, to restore Peter to his role of leadership. Not by avoiding the sin issue, but by walking him through it to repentance, and complete redemption.

If you’ve felt unworthy, maybe the devil has been lying to you. Because God has called you for a purpose.

But, maybe if you’d felt unworthy, there is something God wants to redeem in you. Something he wants to restore in you. Come running to Jesus. He’s waiting at the shore to meet with you about it. And to set you free.

We see Peter go on to live a life of victory, never again denying his savior, but standing boldly for him, to the very end.

Next, verses 18-19: 18 Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” 19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God.”

Jesus gives Peter a hard word about his future. It sounds like Peter used to love going for walks, long walks, such a feeling of freedom. And Peter is told, one day, you will be taken forcefully somewhere you don’t want to go. You’ll be killed, and this death will glorify God.

Let me ask you this: Is everything perfect once you’re a Christian? Everything goes great once you give your life to Christ? Of course not! We go through terribly difficulties and problems. These trials test and refine our faith. We walk through a world that does not know us, because it didn’t know Jesus. Life isn’t easy. And for some like Peter, they will be called to make the ultimate sacrifice, to die for Jesus.

Some of you maybe already have been martyred in a way, you’ve been through such horrible sufferings, it was like a sort of spiritual or emotional death. Life is very hard sometimes. And Jesus knows that.

I love how God knows our whole story. He tells Peter I saw you when you were young, going for your walks wherever you wanted, and he sees the end, where Peter would be arrested and killed. He sees it all.

Lastly, second part of verse 19: Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

I’ve heard it said, I think it was on the Chosen series, "I’ve only got one thing to do today: Follow him, the rest will work itself out."

I think that’s true. We’ve been restored by God’s love. We know we who overcome, are worthy in Christ to receive all things as our inheritance, says the word of God (Rev 21:7). 

We’ve experienced resurrection. This resurrection in our lives happens in so many different ways. When we first met Christ, we began shining for Him. Then through gathering together we grew. Through death to self we let go our past ways. Christ sanctified us, raised us up. Lost dreams becoming new dreams. We received perfect peace in our healed hearts.

And now in loving restoration through our failures, we understand our identity: Loved completely. Worthy to be called children of God. Worthy of redemption. Worthy of Restoration. Worthy of Divine Love.

And now today, tomorrow, and the next day, and the day after that, the goal is “follow Jesus.” Follow the one who loves us. Take up our cross. Listen for His voice. Obey His voice. And live and walk the way Jesus did. We do it gladly, because his love for us is so complete. This is discipleship, to follow Jesus.

And that is also, what our next series will focus in on, the lifestyle of discipleship, following Jesus through the leading of the Spirit.