This past Sunday we celebrated the Feast of Pentecost. The day that the Holy Spirit came upon Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the apostles in the upper room.
It was the beginning of the church.
As we read in Acts: 2:14-36, Peter gave an incredible speech that day, exhorting all to believe in Jesus, the Messiah. He even quoted verbatim the passages from Joel 2:25-32, and from Psalm 16:8-11.
It had to have been the Holy Spirit speaking through Peter, because Peter wasn't a scholar who would have studied these, or any, scriptures. He ended his speech by saying, "Therefore let the whole house of Israel know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified." Acts 2:36.
Then another amazing thing happened. Instead of feeling indignant and becoming angry with Peter for this finger-pointing lecture, they were…"cut to the heart, and they asked Peter and the other apostles, "What are we to do, my brothers?" 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." Acts 2:37-38.
Repentance must precede God's blessing.
Do you want to receive God's blessing today? Of course you do! Otherwise you would not be reading this blog, or have come to this website. The Holy Spirit is guiding you to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Not sure what to do next? Not to worry. It's very easy. Just follow Peter's example above…Repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit!
"For the promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off, whomever the Lord our God will call." Acts 2:39. Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand persons were added that day. Acts 2:41.
Will today be the day that you choose Christ?
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