Good morning,
How did God transform the disciples of Christ? They were baptized by the Holy Ghost. Who stepped up and preached the first sermon of the church age? Peter did. It is found in Acts 2:14-47. We will focus in on Peter’s sermon.
Peter’s Preaching at Pentecost
The response to Peter’s preaching (2:37-41)
37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
The Holy Spirit was at work convicting the hearers of their sin and need to repent.
Four things happen at the end of Peter’s message.
First, conviction. “…they were pricked in their heart…” The Holy Spirit used Peter’s message to convict the hearers that were sinners, in need of the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Second, a question. “…what shall we do?” If an unbeliever is under conviction by the Holy Spirit, there will be a need to know what to do.
Third, the answer to the question. “Repent and be baptized.” All unbelievers must deal with their sin. God wants us to confess all our sin before Him. Repent means to turn in the opposite direction. Follow Jesus.
Fourth, decision. “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” The hearers could choose to accept or reject God’s message of salvation. Three thousand chose to accept.
Tomorrow, we will see if this decision had any impact on their lives.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001 chaplain@alaskaseniors.com
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