More Than Admiration
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Bible Reading
Bible Reading
Let me give you a question to ponder and answer silenty as we come to our message this morning. What are the implications of the resurrection upon your life?
Fifty days after Passover—just weeks after Jesus' crucifixion—Jerusalem was filled with Jewish pilgrims for Pentecost. Suddenly, the Spirit came upon the gathered disciples with power: wind, fire, and known languages. The crowd was amazed. Some were curious. Others mocked. Then Peter stood and preached the first Christian sermon.
Start reading at v.21 -24
Start reading at v.21 -24
Acts 2:22–24 “22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.”
Peter declared that Jesus, now exalted at God’s right hand, had poured out the Holy Spirit as seen and heard by all. He made it clear that Jesus is both Lord and Christ—the very one they had crucified. This deeply convicted the listeners, and they asked, “What shall we do?”
This is my prayer for us today.
The story of the resurrection of Christ calls for a response, not mere admiration. I pray that everyone today will hear me (in their own language) and will recognize the following three truths.
Jesus was approved by God through miracles (v. 22)
Jesus died by God’s plan, yet by human hands (v. 23)Jesus rose again—death couldn’t hold Him (v.24)
Before I pray I would like to extend an invitation. Coffee with a Pastor
Sermon Introduction
Sermon Introduction
There are times you really have a message you want communicated. From the time of the Resurrection until this first sermon you must expect Peter had much he wanted to say and be heard. God did the miraculous for every language to hear. What a gift we get to know this message.
I. Jesus was approved by God through miracles
I. Jesus was approved by God through miracles
Acts 2:22 “22 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:”
A. Jesus’ public ministry was confirmed by heaven through miraculous signs and wonders
A. Jesus’ public ministry was confirmed by heaven through miraculous signs and wonders
a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs,
Jesus wasn’t a hidden figure. His works were public and miraculous.
His miracles were “signs” that authenticated His divine mission. John 3:2 “2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.”
He was the anointed one, the Messiah the one the world needs, the one Jewish people were told to be waiting for.
Genesis 3:15 – The Promise of a Rescuer
2 Samuel 7:12–13 – The Promise of a Forever King
Isaiah 9:6–7 – The Promise of a Righteous Ruler
Seen through vivid stories.
The Passover Lamb
The Bronze serpent
Abraham offering his son
B. The people Peter addressed had seen or heard reliable accounts of Jesus’ works with their own eyes and ears.
B. The people Peter addressed had seen or heard reliable accounts of Jesus’ works with their own eyes and ears.
as ye yourselves also know:
Peter emphasizes: “as ye yourselves also know.”
His audience had firsthand exposure to Jesus’ ministry or heard credible reports.
C. These miracles proved Jesus was sent by God, and to reject Him was to reject the One who sent Him.
C. These miracles proved Jesus was sent by God, and to reject Him was to reject the One who sent Him.
The miracles confirm that Jesus was not a deceiver but one sent by God.
Rejection of Jesus was a rejection of the One whom God had endorsed.
🎵 “In Christ alone, who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save.”
The raising of Lazarus is one of the clearest stories where Jesus' miraculous power, public demonstration, and divine approval are on full display—exactly what Peter referred to in Acts 2:22.
John 11:42–46 “42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. 43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. 44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. 45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him. 46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.”
The religious leaders saw the miracle but still rejected Him:
John 11:53 “53 Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.”
Transitional Statement: Jesus wasn’t just a miracle worker. The greatest sign of who He was came not just in how He lived, but in how He died. Peter moves from the public ministry of Jesus to the plan of God that led to the cross...
Transitional Statement: Jesus wasn’t just a miracle worker. The greatest sign of who He was came not just in how He lived, but in how He died. Peter moves from the public ministry of Jesus to the plan of God that led to the cross...
II. Jesus died by God’s plan, yet by human hand
II. Jesus died by God’s plan, yet by human hand
Acts 2:23 “23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain:”
A. The Father planned the cross—Jesus’ death was part of His eternal purpose.
A. The Father planned the cross—Jesus’ death was part of His eternal purpose.
Delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God
Jesus’ death was not an accident but part of God’s eternal purpose.
The cross was foreordained. Revelation 13:8 “8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
🎵 Vainly they watch His bed—Jesus my Savior! Vainly they seal the dead—Jesus my Lord!
B. We are still responsible—we chose to crucify Him.
B. We are still responsible—we chose to crucify Him.
Ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified
The crowd is guilty—they acted freely and sinfully.
The Roman authorities were involved, but the Jewish leaders instigated it. Acts 4
You and I committed the sin the required a sacrifice in our place.
C. God used human sin to fulfill His plan, but that doesn’t excuse the sin.
C. God used human sin to fulfill His plan, but that doesn’t excuse the sin.
God’s purpose was fulfilled through man’s wickedness, but that does not excuse the wickedness.
🎵“’Til on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied.
For every sin on Him was laid—
Here in the death of Christ I live.”
Let us look at a story that exemplifies this.
John 19:10–11 “10 Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? 11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.”
Transitional Statement: Jesus’ death wasn’t the end of the story—it was the turning point. What seemed like defeat was actually the setup for God’s greatest display of power. And that brings us to the third truth Peter proclaims...
Transitional Statement: Jesus’ death wasn’t the end of the story—it was the turning point. What seemed like defeat was actually the setup for God’s greatest display of power. And that brings us to the third truth Peter proclaims...
III. Jesus rose again—death couldn’t hold Him.
III. Jesus rose again—death couldn’t hold Him.
Acts 2:24 “24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.”
A. God raised Jesus from the dead, overturning the unjust verdict of the religious leaders and Pilate.
A. God raised Jesus from the dead, overturning the unjust verdict of the religious leaders and Pilate.
Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death
The resurrection was God’s vindication of Jesus.
God, the Father, reversed the verdict of the Sanhedrin and Pilate.
The Father untied the death ropes and raised him up
B. Death could not hold Jesus, because He is the source of life and was without sin.
B. Death could not hold Jesus, because He is the source of life and was without sin.
because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.”
The resurrection wasn’t just a surprise—it was inevitable.
Jesus was life itself death had no lasting claim on Him. John 11:25 “25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:”
🎵 “But the grave could not contain You,
For You wear the Victor’s crown.”
“Every high thing must come down,
Every stronghold shall be broken.
You wear the Victor’s crown—You overcome!”
C. The apostles personally witnessed the risen Christ, making the resurrection a historical fact, not just a spiritual belief.
C. The apostles personally witnessed the risen Christ, making the resurrection a historical fact, not just a spiritual belief.
Acts 2:32 “32 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.”
“We are all witnesses” – the resurrection was verified by many.
This makes the message not just spiritual but historical.
Without the resurrection, the cross would have meant defeat; with the resurrection, it means victory.”
The story of Jesus appearing to Thomas puts on full display the vindication of Jesus by God, the power of the resurrection, and the eyewitness confirmation that death could not hold Him.
John 20:24–29 “24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 26 And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. 27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.”
Transitional Statement: These three truths—Jesus’ life, His death, and His resurrection—lead us to a necessary decision. Just like the crowd that day, we are confronted with a message that demands a response...
Transitional Statement: These three truths—Jesus’ life, His death, and His resurrection—lead us to a necessary decision. Just like the crowd that day, we are confronted with a message that demands a response...
Conclusion
Conclusion
This message still calls for a response
This message still calls for a response
A.The crowd was deeply convicted and asked what they should do.
A.The crowd was deeply convicted and asked what they should do.
Acts 2:37 “37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
The Spirit works through the preached Word to pierce hearts.
Their question: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”—shows deep conviction and readiness to act.
B. Peter told them to repent and be baptized as a response to the gospel.
B. Peter told them to repent and be baptized as a response to the gospel.
Acts 2:38 “38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Repent: A complete turning from sin and self to Christ.
Be baptized: A public expression of inward faith and identification with Christ.
How do I know Peter didn’t mean that we must be baptized to be a Believer because after reading this Book, I tell you and others you need to repent and be baptized and that is not what I mean.
C. He promised forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit to all who believe.
C. He promised forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit to all who believe.
Acts 2:38 “38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Peter’s message doesn’t stop at conviction—it moves to invitation and promise. This verse outlines two core gospel blessings for those who repent and believe:
1. Forgiveness is offered.
1. Forgiveness is offered.
For the remission of sins...”
Repentance leads to forgiveness—not partial, not conditional, not temporary.
Through faith in Jesus Christ, the guilt of sin is removed.
You no longer carry it.
God places it on Christ at the cross and removes it from your account forever.
2. The Holy Spirit is given.
2. The Holy Spirit is given.
..ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
This isn’t just a benefit—it’s a Person.
When you believe in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within you—not as some vague force, not as a mystical energy, and certainly not as a temporary visitor.
The Triune God Himself moves in.
Some people imagine being “filled with the Spirit” as getting more of a substance, like more voltage in a wire or more gallons of water in a cup. But that’s a misunderstanding. The Holy Spirit is not a thing to measure—but a Person to know.
To be filled with the Spirit is to be profoundly affected, shaped, and transformed by the ongoing awareness that God lives in the center of your life.
Illustration: Josh Sullivan returning to his family
Illustration: Josh Sullivan returning to his family
When Josh stepped back into his home, it didn’t matter if the dishes were done or the furniture was in place. The house felt different—like it was bursting with life again. Every conversation became more meaningful. Laughter rang louder. Tears were more sacred. Meals felt like feasts. The kids clung to him. The air carried a weight of love, honor, and relief. It wasn’t just politeness—it was presence. Someone deeply loved had come home, and nothing was the same.
Now take that feeling and raise it to the highest possible level: The Holy Spirit now abides in your life.
3. The invitation is universal.
3. The invitation is universal.
...every one of you.”
This isn’t just for those standing in Jerusalem that day. It’s for you, your children, and all who are afar off (v.39).
God’s promise reaches through time, culture, and geography.
No matter your background, shame, or struggle—repent and believe, and you will be forgiven and filled.
God Himself will take up residence in your life.
You must also respond.
You must also respond.
Romans 8 assures believers of their eternal security. No enemy—human, demonic, or divine—can reverse God’s justification.
This is written by a man named Paul. Who like you and I was not an eye witness of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. He wa a persecutor of Christians. He was on a work assignment headed to Damascus. He heard from God and was asked why he persecuted/kicked against God.
Romans 8:31–32 “31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”
The resurrection is not just a powerful moment in history—it’s a personal invitation. The same Jesus who was crucified, raised, and exalted now calls us to respond.
Because Jesus died in our place, rose victorious over death, reigns at the right hand of the Father, and intercedes for us even now, our case is closed—not with guilt, but with grace.
So today, don’t just admire the resurrection—respond to it. Believe. Repent. Trust. Follow.
As we pray consider if the Father, through the Holy Spirit, isn’t asking the same questions. Acts 9:5 “5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.”
Song we have yet to sing: Christus Victor. We will sing it today and we will sing some version of it for all of history.
🎵 “Now to the Lamb upon the throne
Be blessing, honor, glory, power
For the battle You have won
Hallelujah. Amen.”
The cross is the climax of God’s love and history’s centerpiece. But is it central to your life? The resurrection demands more than admiration—it calls for response.
