Nov 4th, 2012 Book of Acts Wk6 The God of Second Chances

We continue our series in the book of Acts and see how God is the God of second chances.

If you want a study tool to go along with the podcast, see Lift Notes here:

The book of Acts: The God of Second Chances

November 4th, 2012  by Kasey Crawford

Today’s Passage: Acts 2:22-41

(Review) Acts 1-2:21

In the first chapter, the author (Luke) gives us a framework, a lens, through which to understand everything else that happens in the book, namely: you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…to the end of the earth    Acts 1:8 

(New) Acts 2:22-41

Peter finishes his message with incredible invitation to receive a _____________ from God to be forgiven for all of the ways they have rebelled against God and receive the Holy Spirit.

What makes this offer so good, and encourages us that God wants me and you to live guilt, shame and fear free is _________ Peter is talking to.  “this Jesus whom you crucified.”

This passage gives us a big window into the heart of the Father even before he created the world.

“this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God.” 2:23

With “the foreknowledge of God” we are talking about ____________ past, what God knew way before anything else existed.

In his foreknowledge he knew that his own creation would mess things up, reject him, choose to do it their own way, and break that relationship with them.  But as the God of second chances he __________ to create them anyway.

And he also knew that the world would _________ his own Son, but being the God of second chances he still chose to _________ them anyway.

This is the heart of ____________ on display.

This is what Jesus calls _____________ love.

“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”  Luke 6:27

And its not just theory for Jesus, think of how he treated Judas at the last supper.  He washed his feet (a sign of ____________) and welcomed him to the table (sign of ____________ friendship).

Even on the cross, to those who were beating him, torturing him, falsely accusing him and killing him, Jesus declares,

“Father forgive them for they know not what they do.”   Luke 23:24

All of that heart of God is what is reflected here in Peter’s message. Peter is saying that despite all the things you have done, you have ____________ _____________.

“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your family.” 2:38-39

God makes a ____________ to you of:

Forgiveness– when we repent (turn to God), God lets go of his right  to _____________.

The Holy Spirit-by which we cry “Abba, Father” as beloved ____________.

God wants to let go of his right to punish you thereby scrubbing away all your need for guilt, shame and fear and he wants you to live in the new, strong, free identity of “beloved child.”  That’s good news!

God’s not dwelling on the past, neither should _______.    My sin, my past, my junk is not bigger and more ___________ than what Jesus did on the Cross.  Can you agree with God on this?

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