What happened when Peter preached his first sermon- Ancient promises came true- the Holy Spirit revived his people, forming a new Israel, from all the nations, in the midst of the old Israel. This was the -mystery hidden for ages,- as Paul wrote in Ephesians. This was the end of time beginning. --As a result of his sermon, the church spread throughout Jerusalem, and where it went, at least five characteristics distinguished it from all other entities and Temple worship.

As Peter and John walk to Temple for praying and worship-possibly to preach-a lame beggar asks for alms. Peter says to him, -Look At Us-. His life would never be the same. --Much could be said here, but at least three questions help us address our spiritual health-our -Gospel receptiveness--from this passage.

The first miracle-the healing of a man lame for 40 years-brings opportunity and danger to the growing church. The crowds who saw the miracle throng to Peter and John with wonder and excitement, wanting to know how the miracle happened. Peter and John answer their question, and in doing so, meet three real needs of the crowd, even if they didn't know they had them.

Like any genuine Father, the Heavenly Father disciplines his children. He it in a variety of ways, but every time, as we see from Hebrews 12, his discipline proves at least three truths to us.

A reminder of the power of the resurrection, and the joys of knowing Christ-

Prayer is commanded, and is to be our joy. What robs us of that joy and of a certain power our prayers can have-namely, the power to find grace and mercy from the Father-

We continue a new selection of sermons dealing with our response, both as a Church and a nation, to the COVID19 pandemic. What are we to do when the Lord afflicts us-

During the COVID19 crisis, what are we to do- Learn from Demas, who fell in love with the world.

Providence is not hard to understand, but is hard to accept, especially in hard times. But, there are at least four reasons it is a comforting doctrine to God's sheep.

Christ, the Lord of Churches and of the Earth, warns Thyatira to purify herself, and no longer tolerate evil in her midst. Will we hear the warning, too-