Psalm 75:1 - "Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks. For that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare."
Acts 2; 36 -46: 36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 Peter 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. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
The Fellowship of the Believers
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
They were really feeling guilty, “cut to the heart” is how they put it. This news was devastating, their Messiah whom it was prophesized of was murdered by their own people, this wicked generation, taken from them and they didn’t even know who He was! They know it now, we know it too, they surely must have heard about Jesus, but they did not know him as Messiah, God Himself had walked among them and they snuffed out His life like a pinched candle flame, gone from sight and just as suddenly. Wow, we made a really big mistake here guys, but is it too late? …“Peter, what to do?”. Shroud in shame, guilt and with great remorse now, they want to make themselves right with God again…to feel better about themselves, what to do, what to do, Peter!… Please tell us! This was one powerful moment that morning, with the arrival of The Holy Spirit, Peter’s exhortation of Jesus, His ministry and the horrors of that which had taken place just 50 days earlier. This is not about Peter, it is not Peter’ gospel, it is the doctrine of, and Gospel of the risen Christ . Peter tells them, yes, something can be done now to make you right with God, take away your feelings of guilt and shame, make you anew, save you from this untoward generation and that is to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth and be filled with The Holy Spirit. With the help of The Holy Spirit, that day were baptized over 3000 souls, they did not know it then, but the Church was born in that moment. Continuing in fellowship, breaking of bread and in prayer. Fear came upon every soul and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. They that believed were together, all things common, sold their possessions and shared with all men in need, united in Christ…praise God! Make your choice, do it now, not tomorrow, permit Jesus to set you free, now, today, become new and find your rest and peace in Jesus…before it is too late. |
