Devotion 5/8, Just As I Am!
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Acts 2:41
It is of value to note that just a short time prior to this Peter had denied the Lord for fear of his life. He and most of the rest of Jesus’ followers were hiding for days. Then Jesus appeared to them and told them what was to happen, how the Holy Spirit would come upon them and enable them to do great things in His name. It happened just as Christ said it would and they were hiding no more!
Peter made many mistakes but he repented of his sins and God used him in a mighty way to further the gospel of Jesus Christ! Peter was not a shy man, he was bold in his confidence in Christ and he lead many people to Jesus during his lifetime. If God can use Peter then He can use me. People may be unforgiving towards us, but God is the only one who truly counts in my book. Since He forgives me of my mistakes, I have a peace that passes understanding! What a wonderful, loving, and forgiving God we serve!
That same Holy Spirit that came to Peter and the rest of those who placed their faith in Christ that day is still at work in those who have accepted Jesus today! God is still desiring for all to be saved so that none would perish (2 Peter 3:9). His Spirit is still powerful and doing mighty things among God’s people.
Acts 2 stands as a hallmark passage showing us the message of salvation, the response of open hearts, and how the Holy Spirit uses this simple message to bring seeking hearts to salvation and community.
The Gospel is still just as simple, so let’s not only study it; let’s share it, praying for God to bring revival to our times and in our broken land!
I think now would be a great time for me to reread Acts 2, a refresher, to recalibrate my own “spiritual personality”.
Precious Lord Jesus, thank You for going to that cross and suffering for me. It saddens me that my sin caused your pain, yet I am filled with joy that Your blood shed covers my sins and makes me forgiven in the eyes of God! Help me to be bold in telling others of Your love for them and to obey You all the days of my life. Amen!
Acts 2:21
All who call on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace that you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works so that no one can boast.
Leave a Reply