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Complete Sermon Notes
How to be Refreshed and Renewed
INTRO: Not the only way, but it’s the most important way
ACTS 3:11 Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. 12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go.
Solomon’s porch – the early church met there (Acts 5:12). And Christ taught there at the Feast of the Dedication (John 10:23) – gentiles were no doubt present.
A Friend of Sinners does not mean that all sinners like you.
A Friend of Sinners does not mean that Jesus approved of their lifestyle.
He was called “friend of sinners” in a derogatory way.
Sinners “delivered Him up and denied Him in the presence of Pilate.”
THE STATEMENT, “He didn’t make sinners feel bad” is nonsense. BUT He gave them hope – showed them how to be saved [refreshed and renewed]
THE MIRACLE opened the door for PETER to speak – what door is God opening?
NOT THEIR POWER or their “godliness” – obedience is not the saving mechanism, but it repositions my heart.
14 But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. 16 And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
The murder didn’t convict them
The Holy One – the One set apart – Holy represents what type of spirit it is.
The Just One – the only One to take our place
The Prince of Life – abundant life here and eternal life later
17 “Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled.
IGNORANT – Lack of knowledge or information.
19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing* may come from the presence of the Lord,
BAM – no more excuses
*ANAPSYXIS – refreshing, stimulating, energized…
Cain and Abel to Noah – Repent
Kings, Prophets and Priests – Repent
New Testament to Revelation – Repent
It Condemns before it releases
It Sentences me before it pardons me
It Breaks me before it restores me
Most physcologist recognize the guilt is a major cause of depression.
How to be Refreshed and Renewed – Repentance and Refocus
Jeremiah 31:25 “I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”
Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Matthew 11:29: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
1 Chronicles 16:11 “Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!”
Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” FINALLY BRETHREN –
20 and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. 22 For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ 24 Yes, and all the prophets, from Samuel and those who follow, as many as have spoken, have also foretold these days. 25 You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ 26 To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.”
Text to Robin Williams, “Genie, you’re now free.”
Text to Joan Rivers, “Now you’re relaxing in a recliner with a cabana boy bringing you champagne.”
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