Today's Readings: New Testament -
Luke 1:57-66 / Acts 2:22-47
Old Testament -
Psalms 4 / Genesis 9-11
Click on Text Links to Read Online
Focus Verses: Acts 2:36-39
36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." 37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 38 Peter replied, "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. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."
Insight:
Peter preached to the crowds who had gathered in Jerusalem for Pentecost. Many of the God-fearing Israelites accepted his message and responded to it in faith and obedience. They were cut to the heart and said, "What should we do?" Because of their faith, Peter told them to repent and be baptized.
Three thousand people were baptized that day. In that public act, they gave witness to their faith--they believed Jesus as Messiah and Savior. They gave witness to their repentance--they acknowledged their sin and need to turn away from it. They gave witness to their submission--they recognized Jesus' authority for their lives.
Response & Action:
The message of Jesus requires a response from me. If I believe the message of Jesus, I must respond to it in faith. My faith response to Christ begins with belief, repentance, surrender, and obedience. Through baptism I give public witness to the faith-response of my heart (believing, turning, accepting authority).
Responding to Christ is more than a beginning--it's a continual way of life. Every day, every way, I want to live out my faith. I want to live a life that is constantly responsive to the truth of Christ and his calling. I will press on to take hold of all that Christ has for me to be and do.
O God, give me ears to hear, a heart that is receptive, and a mind that is responsive. Help me to live a life that demonstrates my faith, my desire to turn away from sin, and my commitment to follow Jesus in full surrender to his authority. Help me to be so responsive to Christ that I am always praying and thinking about what it means to follow in his steps. Show me your ways. Guide me in your truth, and lead me, for you are God, my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long! Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: 1 John 5:11-12
11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.
Resources:
Basic Christianity
by John R. W. Stott
