April 28, 2022 (Thursday)
Jesus ascended to Heaven, instructing His followers to return to Jerusalem and pray (for 10 days), then poured out the Holy Spirit upon them, causing them to testify of their faith in other languages. Peter, with the Apostles by his side, preached the truth that all this was predicted by the prophets and made to happen by the power of Christ. In response, 3000 people accepted Christ and were baptized. This was the beginning of the church–people who identified with Christ as Savior.
Peter’s sermon began as a response to criticism of those who were sharing the gospel in other languages. Critics said they were drunk. Peter began by denying the accusation, pointing out that the day was still young. Then he appealed to the book of Joel, in which the prophet predicted the very things that were happening that day in Jerusalem. He then spoke directly to those who had crucified Jesus: “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know -— this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it” (Acts 2:22-24 ESV).
He concluded his message with an appeal: “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
“Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ And Peter said to them, ‘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. 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.’ And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, ‘Save yourselves from this crooked generation.’ So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:36-41 ESV).
The people testified about their faith in Christ. One of their number preached about Christ, calling for repentance and faith. Thousands accepted Christ and so the church came into being and continued to grow. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see that scene repeated in our own day?
The people heard testimonies about Jesus. Then they heard a sermon that dealt directly with their own need of Christ. Many thousands have been saved after hearing the plain, unvarnished truth such as given by Peter in his sermon that day. Praise God that they heard and believed.
Do you realize you need the Savior? Are you willing to call on Him to save you? You will not be disappointed if you do. Jesus is always ready to help. Call and He will answer.
THEN JESUS CAME
Words: Oswald J. Smith
Music: Homer Rodeheaver
1939
One sat alone beside the highway begging
His eyes were blind, the Light he could not see
He clutched his rags and shivered in the shadows
Then Jesus came and bade the darkness flee
Chorus
When Jesus comes the tempter’s power is broken
When Jesus comes, all tears are wiped away
He takes the gloom and fills my heart with glory
For all is changed when Jesus comes to stay.
“Unclean! Unclean!” the leper cried in torment,
The deaf, the dumb, in helplessness stood near;
The fever raged, disease had gripped its victim
Then Jesus came and cast out ev’ry fear.
Chorus
From home and friends the evil spirits drove him,
Among the tombs he dwelt in misery;
He cut himself as demon pow’rs possessed him,
Then Jesus came, and set the captive free.
Chorus
So men today have found the Savior able,
They could not conquer passion, lust and sin;
Their broken hearts had left them sad and lonely,
Then Jesus came and dwelt, Himself, within.
Chorus
The theme of this week’s blogs is “Birth of the Church.” It began when 120 followers of Jesus fervently prayed. Six blogs dedicated to this theme are:
1. Introduction (April 23-24 – Weekend)
2. Believers Prayed. (April 25 – Monday)
3. Believers were Spirit-filled. (April 26 – Tuesday)
4. Believers shared the gospel. (April 27 – Wednesday)
5. Peter preached about Jesus. (April 28 – Thursday)
6. Thousands believed and were baptized. (April 29 – Friday)