A Right Response to the Gospel
Good morning! I give praise to our God in the worthy name of Jesus Christ. Once again, it is good to be with you all this morning. If you're visiting with us, welcome! We're glad you're here to worship our God together. Today, I want to preach from the book of Acts, specifically Acts 2:37-47, on the topic of "A Right Response to the Gospel."
The Foundation of Our Hope
The resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith. The early Christians, including the apostles and disciples, continually emphasized the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. As we journey through the book of Acts, we witness the church's birth and growth, a testament to the ongoing work of Jesus Christ.
The Day of Pentecost
Acts 2:37-47 describes the day of Pentecost, a pivotal moment in church history. Peter's powerful sermon, filled with the Holy Spirit, convicted the hearts of those who heard it. The listeners were "cut to the heart" and asked, "Brothers, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:37, ESV). Peter's response was clear: "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).
Repentance and Faith
Repentance and faith are two sides of the same coin. Repentance involves a change of direction, turning away from sin and turning towards God. It is a heartfelt sorrow for sin and a desire to be cleansed and made whole. Faith is believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, trusting in His finished work on the cross for our salvation.
Baptism: A Symbol of New Life
Peter's call to be baptized is significant. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation. It symbolizes the believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. It is a public declaration of faith, showing that the heart has already turned to God in repentance.
The Early Church Community
Acts 2:41-47 gives us a glimpse into the early church's life. Those who received Peter's message were baptized, and about 3,000 were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They shared everything in common, sold possessions to help those in need, and praised God together. This communal life was marked by unity, generosity, and joy.
God's Presence Within Us
The Holy Spirit's indwelling presence is a profound reality for every believer. God is not only with us but in us. This intimate relationship empowers us to live victoriously, overcoming sin and walking in newness of life. "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).
The Power of the Gospel
The gospel is powerful and transformative. It has the power to save, convict, and change lives. As we share the gospel, we can trust that God's word will not return void. It will accomplish His purposes, whether through conviction, repentance, or the strengthening of believers.
Conclusion
A right response to the gospel involves repentance, faith, and baptism. It is living in the reality of God's indwelling presence and being part of a vibrant, loving church community. May we, like the early Christians, devote ourselves to the teaching of God's word, fellowship, prayer, and the breaking of bread. Let us share the gospel boldly, trusting in its power to bring about transformation in the lives of those who hear it.
May God bless you as you seek to live out this right response to the gospel. Amen.