05/27/2021
Peter preached the gospel of Jesus to the Jews, and told them how they had crucified the Son of God. When they came to understand this as truth they were distraught, and asked what they could do to save themselves. Today we hear the same gospel, and find that we are just as lost to sin as they were. When we come to understand this truth we are equally distraught, but brothers and sisters, fear not, because the solution that Peter preached to the Jews in his day is still sufficient to save us today.
“Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?””
Acts 2:37 ESV
In realizing your plight, and your sinful life, you are probably asking, “Tell me, what is the solution that Peter said would save the Jews, and will it save me from my sin too?”, well, it is surprisingly simple, and straightforward; listen…
“And Peter said to them, “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.”
Acts 2:38 ESV
And these are the same instructions that Jesus gave us as well…
“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
Mark 16:15-16 ESV
So you have already heard the gospel of Jesus, that he lived, suffered, died, was resurrected, has ascended into heaven, and that He will return to claim those who believe in Him, His church; His bride. Now you ask how we know that this solution which Peter, and Jesus, said would save those in their day will still save you today. For reassurance we only need to read the very next verse. Listen to Peter as he continues on…
“For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.””
Acts 2:39 ESV
So here you stand today as a sinner, and you have heard the gospel, know your plight, and have been given the solution that will redeem you. Are you ready to begin your journey through a life of faith… towards being like Jesus, righteous, perfect, Holy, obedient, and drinking in the living water of an eternal life with God that has been graciously offered you?
If so then you already feel inside you that God has called you to this place and time to know His Son, and that you truly do accept Him for who He is… the Christ… in this you realize that you believe! So now that the first step in your new life has been taken; go to God in a prayer of contrition, and confess your sins as you ask Him for His forgiveness in the name of Jesus, then submit to baptism so that you will receive the gift of God’s Holy Spirit. In this way you will have become a new creature, and the Holy Spirit will guide you as your transformation continues to unfold. This is the first moment in your life of peace, and great joy.
““These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
John 14:25-27 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for calling me to your Son Jesus Christ, and for revealing to me the truth in who He is. Thank you for hearing the confession of my sins, and the contrition in my voice, and heart, as I asked you to forgive me my sins. Thank you Lord for forgiving me as you said you would. Thank you for the waters of baptism that I have submitted myself to so that I was reborn, and your Holy Spirit came over me as I rose up from beneath them… out of my old life, and into a new life of faith, and righteousness. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who never gave up on me, even in the midst of my worst sins. Praised be your name for honoring your promise of forgiveness, and providing your own Son as the blood sacrifice for my redemption. Merciful are you who loved me despite my sin, and offered me a solution to the dilemma I was in… I was lost in the world to sin. Your grace which was poured out on me through Jesus, though I did nothing myself to deserve it, has brought me to a new life, and your Holy Spirit now prays with me, teaches me, and leads me to righteousness, all the days of my life.
You have washed me in the blood of Jesus, and cleansed me of my sin. I pray in His name that on the day of my judgement you will see me as pure in Him and that I stand worthy as He is worthy, before you. Seat me at your table Father, and feed me the manna of your Word forevermore!
Rich Forbes