The Death of Jesus - SERMON NOTES

Below are Pastor Ben's sermon notes from this past Sunday, in case they may be helpful for further study.

Intro: (1) intro to PS/Easter (2) set up Acts 2

Jesus’ death is for all kinds of people (2:1-8): (1) Pentecost = harvest — spiritual “harvest of souls” marked by diversity (2) “regular folks” speaking in non-native languages (cf. Canfields) — opposite of Tower of Babel (3) God desires all people from all backgrounds to experience him (cf. 1 Tim. 2:4) —cultural, racial, religious, socioeconomic, moral (4) atheist turned theologian

Jesus’ death brings salvation (2:16-21): (1) Peter’s response — reference to Joel 2 (2) three emphases —fulfilled prophecy, “last days”, opportunity for anyone to know God (3) creation’s “groaning” between Pentecost/Christ’s return — opp to be saved (cf. 2 Peter 3:9) (4) God has placed beauty in the midst of our sin-filled world (cf. violinist in subway) — application to unbelievers and believers

Jesus’ death was divinely planned (2:22-23): (1) fully man — humanity’s sub before God (2) fully God —supernatural miracles (2) death based in God’s sovereignty and human responsibility (3) Jesus submitted to the divine judgment intended for us (cf. Is. 53:4-6, 10) (4) God is active even in evil circumstances (cf. Gen. 50:20) (5) forgiveness always comes at a cost (i.e. having car stolen)

Jesus’ death creates boldness (4:27-29): (1) Peter/John threatened — church remembers God’s sovereignty over Christ’s death (2) because God is sovereign even over their opposition, they pray for boldness rather than removal of it (3) God’s sovereignty over Christ’s death comforts us in what intimidates us — physical, relational, financial, vocational, mental/emotional (cf. 2 Kings 6:15-18)

Conclusion: set up time of confession and communion