Acts 2:14-41

 

         Everything of lasting value is built on a firm foundation. The solid foundation of God’s people is Jesus Christ. He was a carpenter’s son. Yet He is the Master Builder. A master builder gets excellent materials and uses them to their full potential. No one else sees the value of the raw materials until the product is finished. That’s how it was with the early Church. The world saw backwater hicks; they were simple, poor Galileans. God saw Peter the Rock, the mighty Apostles, godly solid women, Jesus’ beloved mom, and Jesus’ loyal brothers. A small group of about 120 believers.

From this, Jesus built his Church. And He will continue to grow it until the great and glorious Day of the Lord’s return (2 Peter 3). From day one, God’s people talked about the wonderful things God has done. Let’s continue that example today!

God’s promise is this: if we repent and are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, we will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Believe, repent, and be baptized today. That’s the best counsel this life offers.

Christians must meet together. From day one, Christians met in person. God, the Holy Spirit, engages us as we join together in prayer and worship. We need to expect God to show his glory.

We can expect to be ridiculed as these believers were misinterpreted to be drunk at breakfast time. But being misunderstood pales compared to the benefits of living in Christ. Life as a believer in Christ is everything - like finding the Holy Grail or the meaning of life. So, expect to be part of an incomparable adventure. This life starts when you repent of your sins, turn to God, and are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Only God has the power to wipe our consciences clean and to forgive our sins. Be confident that you will see the goodness of God while here in the land of the living. The promise is the Good Life, the beginning of eternal life. It’s no exaggeration. The world views Christians as odd ducks and boring. Yes, we are strange, but boring, no! Instead, we are brave and courageous as we patiently wait on the Lord God, our Saviour.

         Notice how God orchestrated the believers, the people from Galilee (v.7), to speak many languages on this world-impacting day. That’s the Church, God’s people. We have God’s blessing to show his glory to all the unseen powers of the spiritual world. God will always use his creativity by outpouring the Holy Spirit on His people to impact every nation.

         Notice again that Peter stepped up. It is his time to lead. Where are our Holy Spirit-filled leaders today? It is your time to show up as a servant leader, like Peter and the mighty Apostles. Those ready to risk it all to ‘Feed His sheep.’  We have to be prepared to step up like Peter. And, like Peter, we must know the Scripture (you see here that Peter quotes Joel and the Psalms), and we must know God by trusting Him daily.

         Peter explained that God poured out his Holy Spirit on His people as He had always planned. Peter explained that God endorsed Jesus and had a prearranged plan for Jesus’ betrayal, death, and victory over death. Peter asked his fellow Jews to think about the words of their ancestor, King David. David was looking into the future and speaking of the Messiah’s resurrection. Peter declares Jesus Lord and Messiah. He is the only God, the only one that can deliver what He promises.

         Peter declares what he saw with his own eyes: God raised Jesus from the dead, just as David prophesied. Jesus is now with God in the place of highest honor. The Father gave Jesus the Holy Spirit to pour out upon the believers. This is the mystery of the one true God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

         Notice how preaching the Good News about Jesus pierced their hearts. That’s God. He uses his Word, his message of power and forgiveness, and the Messiah to pierce people’s hearts. He continues to do that right now, all around the world. We must share this message of eternal life and speak of the wonderful things God has done and is doing. 

We know that people must choose to act. God won’t force them. Peter said, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”  We need God’s help to preach this same message today. This is a crooked generation – all generations are. God provides salvation. He shows his people what they must do. And Peter says we save ourselves by trusting God, calling on His name, obeying God’s message, and doing what the Apostles explained. This is how every believer is born again. The Church will continue to grow today. May we be faithful to do our part.

  Lord God, please give me opportunities to share the faithful message of the Apostles. Lord Jesus, please help us, like Peter, to strongly urge all listeners to believe God’s message. Lord Jesus, please expand and grow your Church today. Amen.

Barcelona with Samuel.