Scripture: Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles — all who have been called by the Lord our God.” Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the Church that day — about 3,000 in all. Acts 2:37-41 We Christians are told to always be ready to explain [our Christian hope] (1 Peter 3:15) and to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors (1 Peter 2:12) to bring honor to God. So what is the very best way you can share Gods love with those close to you, and other people you encounter? The Rock Peter was one of the first disciples, and also one of the most outstanding (noteworthy? remarkable?). He had been deeply involved in the family fishing business with his brother Andrew. Yet when Jesus called for them to become His followers, they left their nets at once and followed Him (Matthew 4:20). Peter demonstrated his decisiveness (some would say impulsiveness), leaving his livelihood to head into the unknown. Peter’s name had been Simon, but Jesus’ new title for him was Peter, meaning “Rock.” Jesus went on to call him the rock [upon which] I will build My Church (Matthew 16:18). In today’s Scripture, Peter preaches to thousands to start building the Lords Church. Time spent with Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit, had transformed this uneducated fisherman into a powerful gospel messenger. After that speech, Peter continued to build the Church, in person and through letters to new Believers. These letters eventually became part of the Bible -- First and Second Peter -- and continue to strengthen Jesus’ followers to this day.
Posted on: Mon, 28 Oct 2013 09:21:43 +0000
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