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A study of the life and character of Peter reveals many noble qualities. His enthusiasm and boldness are traits every Christian should desire. Yes, some of Jesus’ sharpest rebukes were aimed at Peter’s misdirected enthusiasm. But Peter’s intense devotion and commitment to Jesus was demonstrated by his willingness to walk on the stormy waters of the Sea of Galilee to be near Jesus, and by his fearless use of his sword to protect Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.
So it should come as no surprise that Peter, called the rock of church, boldly delivered the first sermon ever preached about Christ, the risen Messiah. Acts 2:14-41 records this first sermon. Do you know what resulted from the first sermon ever preached? 3,000 people believed and were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ!
Here are the six life transforming truths in Peter’s first sermon:
You, who are lost, can be saved.
Acts 2:21 – “…and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Jesus is a real person.
verse 22 – “Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.”
Jesus was crucified and rose from the dead.
verses 23-24 – “This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.”
His death and resurrection were predicted in the Bible.
verses 25-35 – “And David said about him… ‘Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay.'”
Jesus was the long awaited Messiah.
verses 36 – “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
Repent from your sinful nature and be baptized.
verses 37-38 – “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.”
The simplicity of this message is just as powerful today. Evangelism is simply introducing people to Christ and letting the Holy Spirit do the rest!
Find more challenges and insights into the salvation, strength, and satisfaction that can be yours pick up a copy of my book, A Man After God’s Own Heart.
Read From Jim’s heart… Peter’s First Sermon on Elizabeth & Jim George.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
When something difficult happens in your life, are you ever tempted to ask, “What good could come out of this?” The event looks like a disaster. It feels like a disaster. Therefore, we quickly conclude, it is a disaster! But God did not forget His people who were suffering in Babylon. And, my friend, He won’t forget you!
Too many times in the past I’ve told others “I’m fine” in order to hide my pain and sorrows from them. The truth is, my thoughts pulled me down so far that, in private, tears regularly streamed down my face. Are you constantly thinking negative thoughts? Being a woman after God’s own heart is all about “minding your mind.”
As a young mother, I endeavored to “train a child in the way he should go,” so that “when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). A decade later, however, I wasn’t reaping the results I had expected. Angrily, I said to God, “But this isn’t the way it was supposed to be! This isn’t the way it went for this family here or that family over there. And this isn’t the way it was supposed to be for my family!”