Acts 2:38 KJV
[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.
As at the time of the verse above, the Holy Spirit had been promised and given to the apostles, who were in the place where Jesus commanded them to remain. Power to be effective witnesseses was promised, and each one got a share. A man like Peter, who was originally called Simon, which means a reed, and who was given to sudden bursts of temper as well as cowardice, now became a man who could stand before thousands of people to proclaim the good news of Jesus. That is the proof of the work that the Holy Spirit can do in the life of anyone who is totally surrendered to Him. There is no compulsion to submit, but the benefits that accrue from such are life-changing.
Peter stood up and spoke as inspired by the Holy Spirit. The message was simple: the Jesus you thought was your regular buddy is actually the One sent by God to be the Saviour of the world. By His death, forgiveness of sin and redemption by the blood are offered free to all who would believe in Jesus. The people may have lost sight of the role of Jesus in their lives due to the issue of familiarity, but this was an opportunity to repent and be restored to God, by faith in Jesus. That is the simple message we have been asked to say to all who come in contact with us. It takes one who has experienced this power, to also speak of it. Have I truly experienced this power and can I truly speak of what I have seen, heard, touched and tasted? Is it real to me?
Men who have not experienced it will say whatever they like about it, but that must not be my concern. I am asked to preach the good news of repentance, redemption and salvation. The message is for everyone, because all have sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God. Peter had his past, but an encounter with the Holy Spirit changed his life's direction. All of us need this impact and infilling, because the empowerment that comes from the presence of the Holy Spirit cannot be replicated by anyone or anything else. The message then is still the message now: repentance leads to forgiveness, and the Holy Spirit is freely given, without money or price, so that one can also become a witness to the power of mercy. Have you received this power? God's time of favour is here.
No comments:
Post a Comment