August 17, 2021 — Acts 2:37–3:10

“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. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at homeand ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” Acts 2:38-47

3000 people are cut to the heart by Peter’s preaching and they are baptized – they were added to the numbers of people being saved. This is a pastor’s pipe-dream – that with one long sermon hundreds or thousands of new believers will want to be baptized. And remember, this is the same Peter that seemed to blurt out inappropriate things in the Gospels and often spoke impetuously because he often did not understand what Jesus was doing, or saying. But, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Peter has begun a powerful ministry which will continue for some time (even the Catholic Church will claim him as their first official leader.) 

If we ever doubt what role the spirit can play in our lives, we should remember this text from Acts. And we should remember Peter. Three times he denies his Lord – but Jesus does not give up on him. Instead Peter is empowered with the Holy Spirit – the same Spirit we are given in our baptisms. Remember, Jesus never gives up on us.

Let us Pray,

Lord, you speak to me in sermons, in your word, in your presence throughout my life. I pray today your spirit will cut me to the heart that I may repent of my sins and welcome you into my heart. Amen

Pastor Dave