June 30: The Effect of the Truth
In Acts chapter two, we read the first sermon delivered after Christ’s resurrection. Peter told the people that Jesus had been sent by God and they were the ones who killed Him; however, God had raised Jesus from the dead. Peter then wrapped up his sermon by acknowledging that Jesus (whom they had killed but God has raised) was “both Lord and Christ” Acts 2:36 (NKJ).
The effect of this sermon shows us what the appropriate response should be to the truth. “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?’” Acts 2:37
Peter responded to the people listening to him by saying they needed to “repent” and “be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” and went on to say that they would “receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Peter further told them that the gift of the Holy Spirit was a promise given “to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call” Acts 2:38-39.
Just think of how Peter’s audience must have felt. After hearing of the heinous part they played in assassinating God’s chosen One, there was nothing left to do except lay themselves at the mercy of the God against whom they had sinned. To their amazement, they then heard not only that God would forgive them, but also had already supplied them with a wonderful gift designed to help them move on from guilt to live in His glory. The obvious response followed. “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them” Acts 2:41.
Whenever we hear the truth of God’s word, our response should be one of instantaneous action too. In other words, when God says, “Jump,” our reaction should immediately be to start jumping as we ask, “How high?” If we hear a word and don’t know what we should do, ask the preacher or a mature Christian to lead you to the Bible’s answer. Let’s worship God today for being the illuminator and forgiver of our failures, as well as the supplier of the power to overcome them.
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©2014 Sharon Norris Elliott. Feel free to forward this devotion in its entirety, including this copyright line. Leave comments, ask questions, read past devotions, or subscribe to receive these devotions daily in your e-mail at www.sanewriter.wordpress.com. Also, periodically check in at www.LifeThatMatters.net to see what’s going on in the ministry.
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Boomerangs to Arrows: A Godly Guide for Launching Young Adult Children
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Power Suit: The Armor of God Fit for the Feminine Frame
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