cut to the heart

Hi all,
Yesterday we saw a sample of Peter's preaching in the Spirit's power. He explained what God had done in Jesus Christ, who Jesus was. Today we see the result of Peter's preaching: people heard the message and came to God. It seems the crowd felt deep in their souls that what he was saying was right; that's the Spirit working inside each of them. Peter calls everyone to repent and be baptized, saying, "the promise is for you for your children, and for all who are far away..." The call goes out far and wide.

This picture of the early church is an appealing one. These Christians have a rich life together full of worship, fellowship, prayer and faith. Luke tells it quickly, but imagine a community where everyone willingly shares everything they have with others. Think what a radical vision of community that is. With the Spirit's power and joy that must have been obvious and contagious, the message about Jesus spread quickly. I pray that the church will come to know that contagious, loving joy again.

God bless,
Sam


Acts 2:37-47

37Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” 40And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.

42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.