April 25, 1999... What will we do?...  Acts 2

By Ronald E. George Jr.

What will you do when you hear the news? The news that Jesus that was crucified has risen from the dead. The good news is that he died for you. This news had a convicting affect upon the hearers. They were pricked in their hearts. They felt the Spirit leading them to ask this question. They felt that they must do something about this Jesus who is the long awaited messiah, the Christ. Evidently many of the listeners had been involved in the crucifixion. In verses 37-40 Peter told them what they could do. As we look at what Peter told the Jews let's also ask ourselves the question what can we do?

Scripture Text: Acts 2:37 Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men], as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

  1. What could they do?
  1. They could Repent. They could change their minds about the one who said that he is the way, the truth, and the life. They could turn from their ways to follow the example and life the Lord himself lived. They knew that following him may mean for them to die. Didn't he say "take up your cross and follow me?"
  2. They could be Baptized. Baptism was a service used to initiate those who were converts to the faith of the Jews. Now these devout Jews would have to be baptized in the name and authority of the one who they had crucified. This would be the outward sign of the inward faith they could claim. This was the seal on the vow they were taking to follow the Lord Jesus Christ throughout their lives.
  3. They could receive the Holy Spirit. God would come to indwell in those who had followed Jesus. They would become the place where God lives on earth. He lives inside of followers of Jesus. He is the gift of God himself.
  4. They could receive the Blessings and the Promises of God. God gives himself to all those who choose to believe him. But, he also blesses us with the promises that are for those who believe.
  5. They could save themselves. While many choose to believe a lie and be damned. They had the opportunity to save ourselves by throwing our life into the hands of the master. He is the lifeguard who will save us if we will only trust him. Take his offer of forgiveness and receive him as our Lord and Savior. They could put their lives into his hands.
  1. What did They do?
  1. They gladly Received Peter's Message/God's message through Peter.
  2. They were Baptized. About 3000 souls were baptized that day.
  3. They devoted themselves to God by devoting themselves to each other. They continued in teaching, learning, fellowship, communion, and prayer. '
  4. They joined the church in body and spirit. They were there because they wanted to be. They wanted to be with the others who had given themselves to the Lord.
  5. They saw miracles and wonders that the Lord had performed.
  6. They gave to each other as they had need.
  7. They were praising God and having favor with each other. I believe that they got along with each other because the verse says with singleness of heart. Their hearts were together.
  8. Many more were added to the church because the church was living for the Lord.
  9. Many of them died for their Lord and Savior.

Just this week two teenage girls were confronted by armed men, who forced these girls to confess their faith in Jesus Christ. The eyewitness accounts say that upon the affirmation of their faith in Christ that the men immediately shot them in the Columbine, Colorado High School. In Peduka, KY students were gunned down as they prayed outside of their school. Just 4 chapters later Stephen, a man of God was stoned to death for his testimony of Jesus. We know what these have done. But the question we must confront today is,

  1. What can we do? We could a life with the Lord now. We could pick up our cross and follow him. We could be who he wants us to be. Why, because, we can. With Him all things are possible. What can we do? We can follow the Master.
  2. What will we do? That is up to you. For now. Decide now to follow the Lord before it is too late.

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