God knew the “code word” to break the lock of Satan’s death grip – it was spelled J.E.S.U.S.
As David said, I repeat to you today: God will show you the path to take in your life, and be confident that you will be filled with God’s joy when in His presence.
When Peter addressed the crowd, he was taking a leadership opportunity. He stood up among non-believers and skeptical people and shared the Gospel. I don’t know why, but wen I read this story in Acts, I get goosebumps and a sense of responsibility.
I think about how much courage it took to address the crowd. I think about how many people were there. Text tells us that “. . . there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.” It could have been in the the thousands.
As you read today’s scripture, think about the responsibility that God has given you as a follower of Jesus. Remember that being a Christian is not a default religion. It’s living a life involved in a relationship with God made possible through Jesus’ sacrifice. It’s being called to live a life set apart from the sin of this world. In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul reminds us that, as Christians, we have been given the ministry of reconciliation. That means that part of our job description is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those who do not yet have a relationship with Him who loved them so much! Live your life.
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Acts 2:14-24
14Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! 16No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17″ ‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
19I will show wonders in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below,
blood and fire and billows of smoke.
20The sun will be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood
before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.’
22″Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men,[b] put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.
Acts 2:38
38Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Related Text:
Ezekiel 36:16-28
Joel 2:28-32
Romans 10:1-13
