The Resilience and Transformative Power of Christianity
Summary
In reflecting on the enduring mystery and power of the Christian Church, we are reminded of its unique and inexplicable resilience throughout history. Despite countless attempts to suppress it, from the early persecutions by Jews and Romans to modern-day challenges, the Church has not only survived but thrived. This phenomenon is not merely a historical curiosity; it is a testament to the transformative power of true Christianity, which changes lives and produces saints. The Church's survival and growth are not due to human efforts or clever strategies but are rooted in the divine power that animates it.
The story of the early Church, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, reveals a community that was often misunderstood and persecuted, yet unstoppable. The blood of the martyrs became the seed of the Church, illustrating how adversity often leads to spiritual renewal and growth. This pattern has repeated throughout history, with revivals breathing new life into seemingly moribund churches and societies. The transformation of England during the Wesleyan revival is a prime example of how a spiritual awakening can change the moral and social fabric of a nation.
Peter's response to the miraculous healing of the lame man at the temple gate underscores a crucial point: Christianity is not about the miracles themselves but about the deeper reality they signify. Peter deflects attention from himself and John, emphasizing that the miracle is not due to their power or holiness but is a manifestation of God's glory through Jesus Christ. This focus on the divine source of power is essential, as it prevents the Church from becoming just another cult or social club offering temporary solutions to life's problems.
The true essence of Christianity lies in its ability to transform lives through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not about offering physical healing or material benefits but about pointing people to the deeper spiritual reality that underlies all phenomena. The Church's mission is to proclaim this truth, inviting people to experience the life-changing power of the Gospel.
Key Takeaways:
- The Church's resilience throughout history is a testament to its divine origin and power. Despite persecution and attempts to suppress it, the Church has thrived, illustrating the transformative power of true Christianity. This resilience is not due to human efforts but to the divine power that animates the Church. [15:25]
- Christianity is not about the miracles themselves but about the deeper reality they signify. Peter's response to the healing of the lame man emphasizes that the miracle is a manifestation of God's glory through Jesus Christ, not due to human power or holiness. [21:08]
- The true essence of Christianity lies in its ability to transform lives through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not about offering temporary solutions to life's problems but about pointing people to the deeper spiritual reality that underlies all phenomena. [26:03]
- The Church's mission is to proclaim the truth of the Gospel, inviting people to experience its life-changing power. This mission is not about attracting followers through miracles or material benefits but about pointing to the divine source of power. [20:50]
- Spiritual renewal and growth often come through adversity, as seen in the history of the Church and revivals. The blood of the martyrs and the transformative power of revivals illustrate how adversity can lead to spiritual renewal and growth. [16:10]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [15:25] - The Church's Enduring Mystery
- [16:10] - Persecution and Resilience
- [16:26] - Jesus: The Phenomenon
- [17:00] - Revivals and Renewal
- [18:02] - Transformation of England
- [18:29] - The Lame Man's Healing
- [19:25] - Peter's Response
- [20:11] - Misunderstandings of Christianity
- [21:08] - The True Explanation
- [22:22] - Rejecting Miracle Workers
- [24:18] - Not by Human Power
- [25:08] - The Role of Faith
- [27:21] - The Deeper Reality
- [28:19] - The Essence of the Gospel
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 3:1-16
2. Matthew 16:18
3. Hebrews 11:1
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#### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of the people when they saw the lame man healed at the temple gate? How did they respond to Peter and John? [18:29]
2. How does Peter explain the source of the miracle performed on the lame man? What does he emphasize about the power behind the miracle? [21:08]
3. What historical examples were given in the sermon to illustrate the resilience and revival of the Church? [17:00]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of adversity in the growth and renewal of the Church? [16:10]
---
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Peter's response to the miracle challenge common perceptions of Christianity as merely a source of miracles or material benefits? [20:11]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Church's resilience is a testament to its divine origin rather than human effort? [15:25]
3. How does the transformation of England during the Wesleyan revival serve as an example of the Church's impact on society? [18:02]
4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of focusing on the deeper spiritual reality rather than the miracles themselves? [28:19]
---
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced adversity. How did it impact your faith, and did it lead to any spiritual growth or renewal? [16:10]
2. How can you ensure that your focus remains on the deeper spiritual reality of Christianity rather than getting caught up in seeking miracles or material benefits? [28:19]
3. In what ways can you contribute to the mission of the Church to proclaim the truth of the Gospel in your community? [20:50]
4. How can you apply the lesson of Peter's humility in deflecting attention from himself to God in your own life and interactions? [21:08]
5. Consider the role of faith in your life. How can you strengthen your faith to experience the transformative power of the Gospel more fully? [26:03]
6. How can you support others in your community who are facing adversity, helping them to see it as an opportunity for spiritual growth? [16:10]
7. Identify one area in your life where you can shift your focus from temporary solutions to seeking a deeper spiritual understanding. What steps will you take this week to make that shift? [28:19]
Devotional
Day 1: The Divine Resilience of the Church
The Christian Church has demonstrated an inexplicable resilience throughout history, surviving and thriving despite numerous attempts to suppress it. This resilience is not a result of human efforts or strategies but is rooted in the divine power that animates the Church. From early persecutions by Jews and Romans to modern-day challenges, the Church's endurance is a testament to the transformative power of true Christianity, which changes lives and produces saints. This divine origin and power are what enable the Church to withstand adversity and continue its mission. [15:25]
"For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?" (Isaiah 14:27, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you witnessed the resilience of the Church in your own life or community, and how does this inspire your faith today?
Day 2: Miracles as Manifestations of God's Glory
Christianity is not about the miracles themselves but about the deeper reality they signify. When Peter healed the lame man at the temple gate, he emphasized that the miracle was not due to his power or holiness but was a manifestation of God's glory through Jesus Christ. This focus on the divine source of power is essential, as it prevents the Church from becoming just another cult or social club offering temporary solutions to life's problems. Instead, miracles point to the deeper spiritual reality and the glory of God. [21:08]
"And when the crowd saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, 'The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!'" (Acts 14:11, ESV)
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from seeking miracles to seeking the deeper spiritual reality they signify in your daily walk with God?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Faith in Jesus Christ
The true essence of Christianity lies in its ability to transform lives through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not about offering temporary solutions to life's problems but about pointing people to the deeper spiritual reality that underlies all phenomena. The Church's mission is to proclaim this truth, inviting people to experience the life-changing power of the Gospel. This transformation is not about physical healing or material benefits but about a profound change in one's heart and life through faith. [26:03]
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: What area of your life do you feel needs transformation through faith in Jesus Christ, and how can you begin to invite His transformative power into that area today?
Day 4: Proclaiming the Truth of the Gospel
The Church's mission is to proclaim the truth of the Gospel, inviting people to experience its life-changing power. This mission is not about attracting followers through miracles or material benefits but about pointing to the divine source of power. The Church is called to be a beacon of truth, guiding people to the deeper spiritual reality that underlies all phenomena. By focusing on the Gospel's transformative power, the Church fulfills its divine purpose and invites others to experience the fullness of life in Christ. [20:50]
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the Church's mission to proclaim the truth of the Gospel in your community or personal relationships?
Day 5: Spiritual Renewal Through Adversity
Spiritual renewal and growth often come through adversity, as seen in the history of the Church and revivals. The blood of the martyrs and the transformative power of revivals illustrate how adversity can lead to spiritual renewal and growth. This pattern has repeated throughout history, with revivals breathing new life into seemingly moribund churches and societies. The transformation of England during the Wesleyan revival is a prime example of how a spiritual awakening can change the moral and social fabric of a nation. [16:10]
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge or adversity you have faced. How can you view this experience as an opportunity for spiritual renewal and growth in your faith journey?
Quotes
phenomenon and she is a phenomenon that has baffled the ages and the centuries she's baffling this present age why does she still exist at all why does she still go on when so many other institutions have come and gone what is this well I'll tell you in a sense what it is this is something that changes the lives of men this is something that produces Saints this is a series of phenomena you read this book of The Acts of the Apostles read the history as far as it is known in the early centuries and this is what you find there was something about these Christian people that not only could nobody understand but that nobody could put a stop to the Jews tried to put a stop to it the Romans did their best to put a stop to it there were Grievous persecutions the church was repeatedly driven underground and yet she still went on they murdered them they tried to murder all the leaders but as we are reminded the blood of the martyrs was the seed of the church [00:15:13]
phenomenon and it's always been a phenomenon Jesus of Nazareth Carpenter born in poverty and he stands up and teaches arrests attention he dies he rises again he that despised galileon has conquered the centuries he stands alone this is a great phenomenon and as I say his people oh very unworthy often but then you see these phenomena appear revivals Life coming into a mariban church suddenly she stands on her feet again and speaks with authority men and women's lives are changed I could keep you in telling you some of these great stories as they've taken place throughout the running centuries and this is this is true Christianity you know about uh30 years 230 years ago the conditions in this country were if anything even worse than they are today morally and religiously have you ever read a book called England before and after Wesley well if you read it you'll see what the condition of this country was degradation and vice and sin the Gin shops here in London how you could get drunk if I remember rightly what was it for a hpne or a penny and if you paid just a little extra you were given the straw as well in which to lie in your drunkenness and to recover devil worship rampant and all that was characteristic of that Tavian period but then you see something happened a phenomenon took place and the face of England was changed a mighty Revival and men and women were taken up out of the degradation of the gutters of life and were washed and cleansed and changed became new men and women and indeed you can't explain the history of the 19th century nor this present Century except in the light of that phenomenon all happened through the Christian Church [00:16:26]
all the people saw him walking and leaping and praising God and they knew that it was he which set for arms at the beautiful gate of the temple they were filled with wonder and amazement and as the lay men which was healed held Peter and John what it means is you know he he was so delighted and so amazed and so thrilled by the fact that he could walk and leap and praise God he was embracing them he wouldn't let them go all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon greatly wondering very well I must leave that but let me leave it with a question have you ever been arrested like that by the Christian message how do you feel to use the modern language that you've got it taped that you understand the whole thing have you been confronted by something that pulls you out that's the first step as it were always in becoming Christian [00:18:29]
he is the mouthpiece of God on this occasion now it's very interesting to notice what he didn't say I'm sorry but I've got to start with a negative again there is such a grievous misunderstanding of Christianity that we've got to say what it doesn't say you would have thought that this was a wonderful opportunity for preacher for Peter to preach about miracles to offer to heal others one has just been healed anybody else want to be healed come along what a wonderful opportunity he doesn't do that but that often passes as Christianity people are offered this and that physical healing friendship guidance experiences of different kinds my dear friends that's not Christianity Christianity does things like that it doesn't preach them that's what the Cults do that's precisely the very method of the Cults isn't it they come to you and say what's your trouble how are you feeling come along we can put you right Christianity doesn't do that as I'm going to show you but Christianity so often been turned into one of the Cults and the church in her Folly because she wants to attract people has presented herself in the guise of a cult that isn't what Peter did and I mustn't do it no no he didn't do anything of that kind [00:19:25]
well what did he do well what Peter did was this he gave the explanation of the miracle he dealt with what had happened and he showed the significance of that which had happened that's what Peter did he didn't begin to use the modern language cash in on what had happened no no he does the exact opposite he said you look here you're looking and you're marveling and looking at us I want to tell you he gives an explanation and he shows the significance of what it is that has happened well now then what is this well again my business tonight is just to expound the Apostle's sermon I'm not preaching a sermon on my own I'm preaching Peter's sermon and here it is this is how he began you men of Israel why marveled ye at this or why look he so earnestly on us as though by our own power or Holiness we had made this men to walk now there you see he starts with the wrong explanation of this phenomenon he says I'm amazed to start with at the fact that you were surprised at this why' you Marvel at this you shouldn't if you understood things as you ought to you wouldn't be marveling at this still less would you be looking at us at my friend John here and myself as if we by our own power or Holiness had enabled this men to walk [00:21:08]
Peter understood the congregation to which he was preaching and he knew that their greatest danger was to regard him and John as a kind of Miracle men there were people like that in the ancient world they were magicians that's what they're called you read about The Magicians in Egypt and there were other magicians as you go on with this book of The Acts of the Apostles you'll come to a magician in some area you'll come to another one called bar Jesus in the 13th chapter of This Book of Acts there were men like that men clever men men who were regarded as Sears men who were regarded as strange and extraordinary in that they had some Curious Powers whereby they were able to treat people and heal their diseases or to charm way a curse that had been put upon them now that kind of thing has been very common not only in the East but it was very common in this country I even remember the relics of that kind of thing I remember a man in a certain District but he refer to him as the wise man and people used to go to him they believed you know in those days that suddenly a farmer would find that his the cream kept on turning sour the milk kept turning sour when it shouldn't do and they believed that somebody put a curse in them and what could they do about this ah they went to the wise men this men with understanding who had books and he had certain signs and they went to him and they paid him a fee and he would give them a message he sometimes make them write it on a bit of paper and then fold it up and sew it inside their shirt or something and they were not to look at it for a given number of days and that would act as a charm and the curse would be dispelled and all would be well with them now that kind of thing was rampant in the ancient world and Peter recognizes this at once and he says you know we are not miracle workers we haven't got some strange power such as these other people claim to have it isn't that you mustn't explain it like that neither he says must you attribute it to some extraordinary pety on our part our own power or Holiness or godliness unusual degree of piety it isn't that says Peter indeed he says in a sense it's got nothing to do with us at all you don't explain it in anything that is in us he's anxious to make that clear and it's equally necessary that it should be clear at the present time [00:22:22]
you can't explain what happens to people when they become Christians in any human terms no man can make another man a Christian people foolishly talk about being so and so convert what a ridiculous thing it is no man has ever converted another oh men can persuade one another I know of course men have persuaded others to join churches but that doesn't mean conversion a man can't change a soul he can't regenerate a soul he can't give life to somebody who's dead spiritually that's what makes a man a Christian no man can do that men can be used as instruments as Peter and John were as Paul was as the great preachers of the centuries have been but they've been nothing but instruments and they don't want personal followers and they're not interested in that they say it isn't that and they do nothing to advertise themselves per se they keep out of sight oh it's not us don't look at us it isn't us not our own power nor Holiness that has enabled this men to walk and in the same way it's made equally clear that it is not something that is taught to the men which he's now got to apply you know the sort of thing I mean the Cults again psychology kism you see here a man who's finding trouble in Walking there's nothing really wrong with him it's imaginary functional and what you do with him well you say to him look here if you do what I tell you you'll soon get rid of this difficulty in Walking say to yourself every day and in every way I'm getting better and better repeat the formula go on repeating it suggest it to yourself and he suddenly finds he's all right nothing like that here my friends that isn't Christianity psychology I verely suggest you as philosophy is one of the greatest enemies of Christianity no no it isn't a formula that you apply what is it well says Peter it's something that's happened to the men see it's happened it happened quickly immediately it's not a course of treatment it is an action his faith his name through faith in his name Ha given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all you see this is in an entirely different category [00:24:18]
there Peter has told them what is the wrong or the false explanation of what has taken place to this men that's not the explanation of the phenomenon what is it then well now then here it is I want to ask you a question as I read this to you at the beginning or as youve read to yourselves perhaps at term hasn't this sermon come as a bit of a surprise to you look at it here it is here's the men who's been healed walking leaping praising God holding on to the apostles and embracing and the crowd gathers what is this Marvel and amazement and astonishment haven't you been rather surprised at what Peter said listen this is what he said you men of Israel why Marvel at this or why look he so earnestly on us as though by our own power or Holiness we had made this man to walk and listen the god of Abraham and the god of Isaac and the god of Jacob the god of our fathers has glorified his son Jesus now here is the very essence of the whole matter this I say is one of the most surprising and astonishing things to the Natural men why is it surprising well it's surprising for these reasons what Peter is rarely telling them is this he says you know you're concentrating on the wrong thing it isn't the miracle qu miracle that is important the vital thing is that to which it points you see Mankind in its cleverness is always interested in the phenomena isn't it and these people came rushing together this is wonderful you can always get a crowd if you want to if you produce some kind of a phenomenon and they rush and they want to understand they want to investigate now you notice that was the very thing that Moses was tempted to do and indeed he was beginning to do it here he is leading his sheep suddenly he sees the phenomenon and he was a very able man Moses and he'd been trained of course in Egypt you see he knew something about The Magicians and all the law and the learning of the ancient Egyptians and it was very considerable it was a great civilization and Moses with the science of those days says Ah I shall turn aside I'm going to investigate this phenomen out comes the voice stand back take off thy shoes from off thy feet for the ground whereon thou standest is Holy Ground the phenomenon is a phenomenon yes but not for our investigation it isn't for our detached academic scientific investigation oh yes I I I I'll get out a book out to the library on Christianity now I've read the others I want to evaluate oh my dear friend if you continue like that you'll never become a Christian take off your shoes from off your feet the ground where on you're standing is Holy Ground it isn't a phenomenon qu phenomenon it's that to which it points let me say again then that it is not a matter merely for theoretical [00:26:03]
phenomenon and she is a phenomenon that has baffled the ages and the centuries she's baffling this present age why does she still exist at all why does she still go on when so many other institutions have come and gone what is this well I'll tell you in a sense what it is this is something that changes the lives of men this is something that produces Saints this is a series of phenomena you read this book of The Acts of the Apostles read the history as far as it is known in the early centuries and this is what you find there was something about these Christian people that not only could nobody understand but that nobody could put a stop to the Jews tried to put a stop to it the Romans did their best to put a stop to it there were Grievous persecutions the church was repeatedly driven underground and yet she still went on they murdered them they tried to murder all the leaders but as we are reminded the blood of the martyrs was the seed of the church [00:15:13]
phenomenon and it's always been a phenomenon Jesus of Nazareth Carpenter born in poverty and he stands up and teaches arrests attention he dies he rises again he that despised galileon has conquered the centuries he stands alone this is a great phenomenon and as I say his people oh very unworthy often but then you see these phenomena appear revivals Life coming into a mariban church suddenly she stands on her feet again and speaks with authority men and women's lives are changed I could keep you in telling you some of these great stories as they've taken place throughout the running centuries and this is this is true Christianity you know about uh30 years 230 years ago the conditions in this country were if anything even worse than they are today morally and religiously have you ever read a book called England before and after Wesley well if you read it you'll see what the condition of this country was degradation and vice and sin the Gin shops here in London how you could get drunk if I remember rightly what was it for a hpne or a penny and if you paid just a little extra you were given the straw as well in which to lie in your drunkenness and to recover devil worship rampant and all that was characteristic of that Tavian period but then you see something happened a phenomenon took place and the face of England was changed a mighty Revival and men and women were taken up out of the degradation of the gutters of life and were washed and cleansed and changed became new men and women and indeed you can't explain the history of the 19th century nor this present Century except in the light of that phenomenon all happened through the Christian Church [00:16:26]
all the people saw him walking and leaping and praising God and they knew that it was he which set for arms at the beautiful gate of the temple they were filled with wonder and amazement and as the lay men which was healed held Peter and John what it means is you know he he was so delighted and so amazed and so thrilled by the fact that he could walk and leap and praise God he was embracing them he wouldn't let them go all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon greatly wondering very well I must leave that but let me leave it with a question have you ever been arrested like that by the Christian message how do you feel to use the modern language that you've got it taped that you understand the whole thing have you been confronted by something that pulls you out that's the first step as it were always in becoming Christian [00:18:29]
he is the mouthpiece of God on this occasion now it's very interesting to notice what he didn't say I'm sorry but I've got to start with a negative again there is such a grievous misunderstanding of Christianity that we've got to say what it doesn't say you would have thought that this was a wonderful opportunity for preacher for Peter to preach about miracles to offer to heal others one has just been healed anybody else want to be healed come along what a wonderful opportunity he doesn't do that but that often passes as Christianity people are offered this and that physical healing friendship guidance experiences of different kinds my dear friends that's not Christianity Christianity does things like that it doesn't preach them that's what the Cults do that's precisely the very method of the Cults isn't it they come to you and say what's your trouble how are you feeling come along we can put you right Christianity doesn't do that as I'm going to show you but Christianity so often been turned into one of the Cults and the church in her Folly because she wants to attract people has presented herself in the guise of a cult that isn't what Peter did and I mustn't do it no no he didn't do anything of that kind [00:19:25]
well what did he do well what Peter did was this he gave the explanation of the miracle he dealt with what had happened and he showed the significance of that which had happened that's what Peter did he didn't begin to use the modern language cash in on what had happened no no he does the exact opposite he said you look here you're looking and you're marveling and looking at us I want to tell you he gives an explanation and he shows the significance of what it is that has happened well now then what is this well again my business tonight is just to expound the Apostle's sermon I'm not preaching a sermon on my own I'm preaching Peter's sermon and here it is this is how he began you men of Israel why marveled ye at this or why look he so earnestly on us as though by our own power or Holiness we had made this men to walk now there you see he starts with the wrong explanation of this phenomenon he says I'm amazed to start with at the fact that you were surprised at this why' you Marvel at this you shouldn't if you understood things as you ought to you wouldn't be marveling at this still less would you be looking at us at my friend John here and myself as if we by our own power or Holiness had enabled this men to walk [00:21:08]
Peter understood the congregation to which he was preaching and he knew that their greatest danger was to regard him and John as a kind of Miracle men there were people like that in the ancient world they were magicians that's what they're called you read about The Magicians in Egypt and there were other magicians as you go on with this book of The Acts of the Apostles you'll come to a magician in some area you'll come to another one called bar Jesus in the 13th chapter of This Book of Acts there were men like that men clever men men who were regarded as Sears men who were regarded as strange and extraordinary in that they had some Curious Powers whereby they were able to treat people and heal their diseases or to charm way a curse that had been put upon them now that kind of thing has been very common not only in the East but it was very common in this country I even remember the relics of that kind of thing I remember a man in a certain District but he refer to him as the wise man and people used to go to him they believed you know in those days that suddenly a farmer would find that his the cream kept on turning sour the milk kept turning sour when it shouldn't do and they believed that somebody put a curse in them and what could they do about this ah they went to the wise men this men with understanding who had books and he had certain signs and they went to him and they paid him a fee and he would give them a message he sometimes make them write it on a bit of paper and then fold it up and sew it inside their shirt or something and they were not to look at it for a given number of days and that would act as a charm and the curse would be dispelled and all would be well with them now that kind of thing was rampant in the ancient world and Peter recognizes this at once and he says you know we are not miracle workers we haven't got some strange power such as these other people claim to have it isn't that you mustn't explain it like that neither he says must you attribute it to some extraordinary pety on our part our own power or Holiness or godliness unusual degree of piety it isn't that says Peter indeed he says in a sense it's got nothing to do with us at all you don't explain it in anything that is in us he's anxious to make that clear and it's equally necessary that it should be clear at the present time [00:22:22]
you can't explain what happens to people when they become Christians in any human terms no man can make another man a Christian people foolishly talk about being so and so convert what a ridiculous thing it is no man has ever converted another oh men can persuade one another I know of course men have persuaded others to join churches but that doesn't mean conversion a man can't change a soul he can't regenerate a soul he can't give life to somebody who's dead spiritually that's what makes a man a Christian no man can do that men can be used as instruments as Peter and John were as Paul was as the great preachers of the centuries have been but they've been nothing but instruments and they don't want personal followers and they're not interested in that they say it isn't that and they do nothing to advertise themselves per se they keep out of sight oh it's not us don't look at us it isn't us not our own power nor Holiness that has enabled this men to walk and in the same way it's made equally clear that it is not something that is taught to the men which he's now got to apply you know the sort of thing I mean the Cults again psychology kism you see here a man who's finding trouble in Walking there's nothing really wrong with him it's imaginary functional and what you do with him well you say to him look here if you do what I tell you you'll soon get rid of this difficulty in Walking say to yourself every day and in every way I'm getting better and better repeat the formula go on repeating it suggest it to yourself and he suddenly finds he's all right nothing like that here my friends that isn't Christianity psychology I verely suggest you as philosophy is one of the greatest enemies of Christianity no no it isn't a formula that you apply what is it well says Peter it's something that's happened to the men see it's happened it happened quickly immediately it's not a course of treatment it is an action his faith his name through faith in his name Ha given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all you see this is in an entirely different category [00:24:18]
there Peter has told them what is the wrong or the false explanation of what has taken place to this men that's not the explanation of the phenomenon what is it then well now then here it is I want to ask you a question as I read this to you at the beginning or as youve read to yourselves perhaps at term hasn't this sermon come as a bit of a surprise to you look at it here it is here's the men who's been healed walking leaping praising God holding on to the apostles and embracing and the crowd gathers what is this Marvel and amazement and astonishment haven't you been rather surprised at what Peter said listen this is what he said you men of Israel why Marvel at this or why look he so earnestly on us as though by our own power or Holiness we had made this man to walk and listen the god of Abraham and the god of Isaac and the god of Jacob the god of our fathers has glorified his son Jesus now here is the very essence of the whole matter this I say is one of the most surprising and astonishing things to the Natural men why is it surprising well it's surprising for these reasons what Peter is rarely telling them is this he says you know you're concentrating on the wrong thing it isn't the miracle qu miracle that is important the vital thing is that to which it points you see Mankind in its cleverness is always interested in the phenomena isn't it and these people came rushing together this is wonderful you can always get a crowd if you want to if you produce some kind of a phenomenon and they rush and they want to understand they want to investigate now you notice that was the very thing that Moses was tempted to do and indeed he was beginning to do it here he is leading his sheep suddenly he sees the phenomenon and he was a very able man Moses and he'd been trained of course in Egypt you see he knew something about The Magicians and all the law and the learning of the ancient Egyptians and it was very considerable it was a great civilization and Moses with the science of those days says Ah I shall turn aside I'm going to investigate this phenomen out comes the voice stand back take off thy shoes from off thy feet for the ground whereon thou standest is Holy Ground the phenomenon is a phenomenon yes but not for our investigation it isn't for our detached academic scientific investigation oh yes I I I I'll get out a book out to the library on Christianity now I've read the others I want to evaluate oh my dear friend if you continue like that you'll never become a Christian take off your shoes from off your feet the ground where on you're standing is Holy Ground it isn't a phenomenon qu phenomenon it's that to which it points let me say again then that it is not a matter merely for theoretical [00:26:03]
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