Sermon: Jesus, the Lord
Bible Passage: Acts 2:29-36
Jesus’ death was God’s plan of salvation (Acts 2:23)
1. Predetermined plan
2. Foreknowledge of God
3. God used Jews and Roman soldiers to execute His plan (verse 23)
God raised Jesus from the grave according to His Word (cf. Psalm 16:8-11)
1. Acts 2:24 “God raised him [Jesus] up, having released him from the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held in its power”
2. Acts 2:27 “You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay” (cf. Psalm 16:10)
3. Isa 52:13 He shall be high and lifted up, and shall be exalted
God raised from the dead Jesus to be seated at His right hand (Acts 2:30)
1. Acts 2:30 God had sworn to him with an oath to seat one of his descendants on his throne
a. It’s a fulfillment of 2 Sam 7:12-13 … I will raise up your descendant, one of your own sons, to succeed you, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for my name, and I will make his dynasty permanent
b. Psalm 132:11 The Lord made a reliable promise to David; he will not go back on his word. He said, “I will place one of your descendants on your throne
2. The Jews believed that this would be the Messiah who would fulfill the promise to David of an eternal throne
3. The Father appointed Jesus the King/Messiah (Psalm 110:1)
a, He is now on His throne at God’s right hand in heaven as the Lord (cf. Psalm 110:1)
b. It is a divinely authoritative position (Eph 1:20b; cf. Psalm 110:1)
c. It is the highest point of honor (cf. Phil 2:9)
d. God has given cosmic authority to Christ—rules all powers, authorities, dominions, and lords (Eph 2:21)
e. God has given to Christ a title that is superior to all titles of authority in this world (verse 21)
f. God put all things under Christ’s feet (verse 22)
g. God gave Jesus to the church (verse 22)
h. With Jesus’ resurrection, God has established a mystical union between Jesus and the church—Jesus’ body
i. Jesus’ resurrection brought theological clarity: “let all the house of Israel know beyond a doubt that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36)
Jesus’ resurrection was a “game changer” for Jesus’ followers
1. Peter from a Jesus-denier to a powerful Jesus-proclaimer—a fisherman became a fisher of men
2. Mary Magdalene from a weeper (John 20:15) to the first evangelist (John 20:18)—“Rabbonie” (John 20:16)
3. Thomas from a doubter (John 20:25) to a confessor “Jesus my Lord and My God” (John 20:28)
4. Jesus’ resurrection has been a game changer for everyone who met Him
Response to Peter’s sermon
1. Repentance (Acts 2:38)
2. God’s gift consists of: forgiveness of their sins and gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)
3. Establishment of the Church by the preaching of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (Acts 2:41)
Take Away:
Just like Apostle Peter did, share resurrected Jesus to people who are ready for a “game changer”