February 19, 2012
Acts
2:37-42
Now when they heard this, they
were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers,
what should we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of
you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your
children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to
him.” And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying,
“Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” So those who welcomed his
message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the
breaking of bread and the prayers.
Adding to the Number
Peter was a skilled preacher. He spoke the truth. He spoke from the heart. He spoke in a way people could understand. After hearing the Good News of Jesus people
had a question... “What should we do?”.
This is a question even those of us who have been people of faith for a
long time still have. There is a sense
that the Good News of Jesus calls people to action. Jesus calls people to life change. Peter is clear… “Repent and be
baptized”. Make a public life changing
choice. Enter into the work of the Holy
Spirit. God began His church one
decision at a time. Have you made yours?
The Good News is not just for one person. It is a promise for all. Notice how the promise expands. It begins with “you”, moves to “your
children”, includes all who are “far away” and ends with “everyone who God
calls”. It begins with “you”. It begins with us. It begins with me. If we want the church to grow then we must
follow the path God has prepared. Each of
us must devote ourselves to God and each other.
Then we will see the Holy Spirit add to our number. Are we willing to do what it takes to follow
God?
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