The book of Acts can be described in many ways. This morning lets think of it as a study of a Domestic Dispute.

Acts describes how the Jewish community fractured over the person of Jesus.

Peter and John, as good Jews, go to the Temple to pray.

At the very gate they encounter a crippled beggar.

Peter heals the man in Jesus' name and an up-roar ensues. Rocky then goes on to provide an interpretation of the healing in the sermon read this morning.

This text from Acts 3 is a fine example of a sermon from the early days of the Church.

First, recall that this is the same guy speaking whom a couple of months earlier denied even knowing Jesus.

Second, the sermon's theology is "primitive." Jesus is crucified not as our substitute sacrifice but because of the ignorant and evil actions of God's people.

Third, Jews were the targeted audience and how they responded would split that faith community.

Fourth, Pete also hints at the larger hope and goal: the inclusion of the Gentiles in this new Israel.

So what?

This is about what the message of a resurrected Messiah does to people. Some are healed, astonished, threatened, angered and some even believe! How about you?

Second, this story reminds us that God has NO grand- children, only children.

If you can't call yourself a child of God, Peter's offer is as good today as it was then:

Repent and believe!