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The Pilgrim Path (1-22-2021)

The Pilgrim Path---Acts 4: 1 – 12

And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.

On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed to a crippled man, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead---by him, this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

By What Name Did You Do This?

---Annoyed: someone (or some group) always seems to be bothered by the preaching of the resurrection of Jesus---with the call to faith and repentance as the basis for salvation. We must expect the Sadducees to be troubled: they did not believe in the resurrection (they were, “sad—you—see”).

---Advance: many did in fact-- trust in the message proclaimed---even in the face of opposition from the Religionists (it is something how often the “merely” religious attempt to obstruct the progress of the Gospel and the work of the Church of Jesus Christ---usually because they simply want to have the pre-eminence).

---An explanation: the rulers, elders, and the high priest (and his family members) needed to know what was at the root of this seeming spiritual revolution that was going on (another 5,000 were just converted). Tell us how you did this?

---A Spirit-filled reply: the Apostle Peter tells all assembled---it is by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth (whom you crucified)---that this healed beggar “stands” among you! Jesus is the stone the builders rejected (the head of the corner). “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

---An incredible transformation: these men who ran when the LORD Jesus was arrested---have been arrested and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be His Ambassadors before all who will hear. What an awesome time in the history of the Church. Spirit of God descend upon our hearts!

From Thomas Manton: Noah knew the ark was God’s means and waited in the ark many months until the rain ceased, and the floods dried up. The ark is a type of Christ. The ark was the only means of salvation, and so is Jesus Christ (Acts 4: 12). If men had built a tower, and gone up to the tops of the mountains, and were giant-like men, they could not escape the flood. So all other things are but vain confidences; though you are strict and severe in life, and practice many duties, yet out of Christ these mean nothing. All outside the ark perished in the waters. Many saw the ark, but unless they were in it, they were not safe! You may hear of Christ, but if you are not in Christ, it will avail nothing. There is salvation in no other. Money and large possessions did not help those outside the ark; ‘Riches do not profit in the day of wrath’ (Proverbs 11: 4). Those that were once in the ark were sure and safe and could not miscarry. So there is sure salvation in Christ. Once in Christ, salvation is forever. All the floods of calamity can never overwhelm you; they will be your safety, and not your ruin. The flood mounted the ark higher and made it safe from the rocks. Floods rise to a great advantage. Both afflictions and blessings are faithful administrations.

From John Duncan: Man cannot be saved without atonement and without regeneration.

From Jonathan Edwards: The natural man is destitute of any sense of the things of the Spirit. He has no knowledge of spiritual things, and no fellowship with Christ. But Christ calls and the sinner immediately comes. The first moment sinners have any life is the moment Christ calls!

From Richard Baxter: It is more than mere gracious inclination. Christ has undertaken the task to seek and to save that which is lost! He is bringing home straying souls to God, making peace between God and man.

From Samuel Rutherford: I bless the LORD, that all our troubles come through Christ’s fingers, and that he casteth sugar among them: and casteth in some ounce weights of heaven and of the spirit of glory in our cup.

THE PSALTER, 1912; mod.

Remember not, O God, the sins of long ago;

In tender mercy visit us, distressed and humbled low.

O LORD, our Savior, help, and glorify your name;

Deliver us from all our sins and take away our shame.

In your compassion hear your prisoners’ plaintive sigh,

And in the greatness of your power save those about to die.

Then safe within your fold, we will exalt your name;

Our thankful hearts with songs of joy your goodness will proclaim.

From Psalm 79: 8 – 13

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason