STEVE WEBB - 0:00  
He often said exactly the wrong things, didn't he?

INTRO S12E276 - 0:10  
As the singer said, One more time! Coming to you from Riverside, California. This is the Lifespring Family Audio Bible. And podcasting since 2004, I'm your OG Godcaster, Steve Webb. This is the daily show where we're reading through the entire Bible in a year. And today is Gospel Saturday. We'll be reading Acts 3 and 4. I've got an on this date in church history segment for you, and we've got a couple of prayer requests. I'm calling today's episode, “The Right Words”. The show notes page for today is at lifespringmedia.com/s12e275. And my email address is steve@lifespringmedia.com. Are you ready? Let's get started. 

ACTS 3 (HCSB) - 0:50  
Acts, chapter three. (1) Now Peter and John were going up together to the temple complex at the hour of prayer at three in the afternoon. (2) And a man who was lame from birth was carried there and placed every day at the temple gate called Beautiful, so he could beg from those entering the temple complex. (3) When he saw Peter and John about to enter the temple complex, he asked for help. (4) Peter, along with John, looked at him intently and said, “Look at us.” (5) So he turned to them, expecting to get something from them. (6) But Peter said, “I don’t have silver or gold, but what I have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” (7) Then, taking him by the right hand he raised him up, and at once his feet and ankles became strong. (8) So he jumped up, stood, and started to walk, and he entered the temple complex with them — walking, leaping, and praising God. (9) All the people saw him walking and praising God, (10) and they recognized that he was the one who used to sit and beg at the Beautiful Gate of the temple complex. So they were filled with awe and astonishment at what had happened to him. 

(11) While he  was holding on to Peter and John, all the people, greatly amazed, ran toward them in what is called Solomon’s Colonnade. (12) When Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this? Or why do you stare at us, as though we had made him walk by our own power or godliness? (13) The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you handed over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him. (14) But you denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked to have a murderer given to you. (15) You killed the source of life, whom God raised from the dead; we are all witnesses of this. (16) By faith in His name, His name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. So the faith that comes through Him has given him this perfect health in front of all of you.

(17) “And now, brothers, I know that you did it in ignorance, just as your leaders also did. (18) But what God predicted through the mouth of all the prophets — that His Messiah would suffer — He has fulfilled  in this way. (19) Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out, that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, (20) and that He may send Jesus, who has been appointed  for you as the Messiah. (21) Heaven must welcome Him until the times of the restoration of all things, which God spoke about by the mouth of His holy prophets from the beginning. (22) Moses said: 

The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to Him in everything He will say to you. (23) And everyone who will not listen to that Prophet will be completely cut off from the people.  

(24) “In addition, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those after him, have also announced these days. (25) You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your ancestors, saying to Abraham, And all the families of the earth will be blessed through your offspring. (26) God raised up His Servant and sent Him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your evil ways.” 

ACTS 4 (NASB) - 4:06  
Acts, chapter four. (1) As they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, (2) being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. (3) And they laid hands on them and put them in jail until the next day, for it was already evening. (4) But many of those who had heard the message believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

(5) On the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; (6) and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, all who were of high-priestly descent. (7) When they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?” (8) Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people, (9) if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, (10) let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by this name this man stands here before you in good health. (11) He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief corner stone. (12) And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”

(13) Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus. (14) And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply. (15) But when they had ordered them to leave the Council, they began to confer with one another, (16) saying, “What shall we do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. (17) But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to any man in this name.” (18) And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. (19) But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; (20) for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (21) When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying God for what had happened; (22) for the man was more than forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

(23) When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. (24) And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, “O Lord, it is You who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them, (25) who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said,

‘Why did the Gentiles rage,
And the peoples devise futile things?
(26) The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ.’

(27) For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, (28) to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur. (29) And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, (30) while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” (31) And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.

(32) And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. (33) And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. (34) For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales (35) and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.

(36) Now Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of Encouragement), (37) and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

COMMENTS - 8:39  
In chapter four, after Peter and John were arrested for talking about Jesus after the lame beggar was healed, and they were standing before the religious leaders, they were asked, “By what power or in what name have you done this?” What does scripture say happened?

It says, “Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit said to them…” Alright, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit. Do you remember how often Peter would put his foot in his mouth when he was with Jesus? Sure, he got a few things right. But he often said exactly the wrong things, didn't he? And now that he's filled with the Holy Spirit, God speaks just the right words through him.

Earlier in this chapter, we're told that after he preached, the number of the men added to the church was now about 5000, the day before it was 3000. So the Holy Spirit's filling has made him a powerful and convincing speaker, wouldn't you say? And what happened on the night that Jesus was crucified? Peter wouldn't even admit to knowing Jesus. He was afraid and perhaps even ashamed to acknowledge Jesus. And now the words he speaks have brought about 5000 men to believe in Jesus, and we don't even know how many more women there were.

So many of us are afraid to stand up and speak the name of Jesus. And here in Acts chapter four, Peter says to religious leaders, “…if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, (10) let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead-by this name this man stands here before you in good health. (11) He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief corner stone. (12) And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”

Well, how's that for boldness?

Now get this. It says in verse 13. “Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus.”

Why did they recognize them as having been with Jesus? Because of the Holy Spirit's speaking through them. They spoke in the same way as Jesus did. But of course they did. God is one. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit have the same message because they are one.

The point to take away from this is that if you will let the Holy Spirit speak through you, you will have the right words to say, words that are from God and words that will change the hearts of people.

And beloved, we need this kind of filling of the Holy Spirit as much today as they needed him that day, because there are those who tell us, like the religious leaders told them, do not speak the name of Jesus.

You know, it's true, and it's only getting worse. If you're a believer, be ready to yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit. You will be amazed at what he will do through you.

What do you think? Has God given you the words to say in a certain situation? Let me know in the show notes page at lifespringmedia.com/s12e275. Tomorrow is Epistle Sunday. We'll read Hebrews 5 through 7, who was Melchizedek and why is he important?

Boosts!

SUPPORTER SHOUT-OUTS - 12:12  
Distinguished Producer, Lifespring Family Berean, Brother Paul of Seattle came in today with his weekly $22.22 cent donation. Thank you so much, Brother Paul of Seattle. God bless you. And Associate Producer Timothy LaFontaine came in yesterday with his monthly $20 donation, but I didn't see it until after the show was produced so he gets credited today. And thank you, Timothy. And God bless you. I appreciate both you guys, Brother Paul of Seattle and Timothy LaFontaine. And thank you both for helping this show to keep on going.

Boostagram. I got a boostagram from someone new that I haven't seen before, @brandosellers, using the Fountain app sent in 3,333 sats. He said, “Really love what you're doing with this show. Great job.” Well, thank you very much and God bless you. I appreciate the boostagram.

ON THIS DATE IN CHURCH HISTORY - 13:10  
On this date in church history, June 4, 1948, in Manila, the first missionary radio station, call letters FEBC, which was built in the Philippines by the Far East Broadcasting Company. They went on the air on this date in 1948. Today FEBC broadcast to every country in Asia in more than 150 languages. That's pretty impressive.

And on this date in church history, June 4, 1965, Norwegian Old Testament scholar Sigmund O. P. Mowinckel-- I hope I'm saying that right. I'm probably not. Anyway, he passed away. He's best known for his work on the Psalms, and he also translated much of the Old Testament into Norwegian. What an amazing accomplishment!

PRAYER REQUESTS - 14:02  
All right, we have a couple of prayer requests. You might remember a few episodes back when I talked about my friends, the three guys in my life that are closest to me. One of those guys name is Mark. Well, he has a couple of kids. He has a daughter and a son. And his daughter's name is Allie and Allie is married to Sean. Well, they both have COVID and we need to pray for them.

And then the Lovely Lady LeeAnn has a friend through work named Riley. Riley is married to Josiah and Josiah has been trying to get a position as a pastor at a church. He finished school just recently and has been trying to get a position at a church. So they just made the move to where this church is that has hired him. And LeeAnn said it's been really rough on her. They both got COVID at the same time, so she's worn out. Plus, she's feeling completely torn because the home that they're in right now is in a less than desirable area. And, plus she's away from all of her family and all of her friends. And now they're having to turn around and go back to North Carolina this week for Josiah’s ordination. So we need to pray for Allie and Sean, and Riley and Josiah.

CLOSING PRAYER – 15:16
So let's pray. Our heavenly Father, Lord, we thank you for the Holy Spirit. And we ask that, number one, you would give us opportunities to share Jesus to the people around us that need to know Him. And number two, that the Holy Spirit would speak through us when those opportunities come. Help us, Lord, to yield to Him and to allow his words to be spoken. And may He give us the boldness that he gave to Peter and John that day.

We pray, Lord, for Allie and Sean, that you would bring them through their illness quickly with no lasting ill effects. Heal them, Lord, we pray, and restore their health. And for Riley and Josiah, we pray that You would help them to settle into their new home and build a supportive community of friends around them. Despite the condition or location of their home, help Riley to make it a home that glorifies you and one that she can feel secure in and may she even grow to love it. Be with them, Lord and give them a safe journey back to North Carolina. And as Josiah begins pastoring his church, give him wisdom and bless his efforts to minister to your people there. May Your Holy Spirit guide him and give him your vision for this church.

Thank you for the Lifespring family, Lord, use the words you've given me to encourage each one to follow you closer every day. Bless them today, Lord, I pray in Jesus name. Amen.

If you have a prayer request or a praise, please go to lifespringmedia.com/prayer. And let me know about it. I haven't yet had time to fix prayer.lifespringmedia.com. So just go to lifespringmedia.com/prayer. Or just go to lifespringmedia.com and use the menu at the top of the page.

OUTRO S12E276 - 17:02  
Comment on the show at lifespringmedia.com/s12e275. Email me at steve@lifespringmedia.com. Share the show. And thanks to the team, Kirsty, Sean of San Pedro and Denise. Thanks to Brother Paul of Seattle and Timothy LaFontaine for faithfully supporting the show.

And thank you for sharing your time with me today. Support the show at lifespringmedia.com/support.

And until tomorrow may God bless you richly. My name is Steve Webb.

Bye.

Transcribed by https://otter.ai