Slideshow image
Scripture for the day: Acts 2:38-39 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
Thought for the day: Sometimes when the Lord shows me something from His Word, which He does more often than I can tell you, I get the distinct impression I should immediately share that something with as many as possible. More often than not, though, I feel like I’m preaching to the choir. Today is no different.
Take a look again at Peter’s reply to the heartfelt cry from the crowd, “What shall we do?” He took the time to explain the psychological ramifications of sin in a person’s life. All who were interested were invited to participate in character analysis tests meant to determine the best response they could make; the response that would mean the most to them. The crowd was assured that, once these preliminary examinations were completed and each one had a better understanding of personal needs, the gates of heaven would be opened to them. No! No! A thousand times no! His answer was as simple as their question – “Repent!”
Now, Peter had no idea the background of the people crowded in streets of Jerusalem. I’m pretty sure he didn’t care. He knew nothing about their upbringing, their life experiences, or the challenges they faced every day as they made their way through this thing we call life. All Peter and the other disciples knew was that those they faced were in need of a Savior and he had been commissioned to meet that need.
Repent! Make a complete turn-around, heart, body and soul. Repentance, as a result of an eye-opening realization of having offended the Creator of all life, is the only criteria for salvation. Let me tell you a story.
I once knew a person who came to my office saying he wanted to become a Christian.
"Well, my friend, I think I can help. What’s holding you back?” He didn’t want to tell me what was bothering him; he was incredibly nervous over the matter. I waited patiently and, after an obvious inner struggle he said, "The fact is, I have overdrawn my account at work."
"Did you take your employer's money?"
"Yes."
"How much?"
"I don't know. I have never kept account of it."
"Well, try to guess. Do you think you stole $15,000 last year?"
"I am afraid it is that much."
"Now, look here, I said, “I don't believe in sudden work; don't steal more than ten thousand dollars this next year, and the next year not more than five thousand, and in the course of the next few years you will get so that you won't steal any. If your employer catches you, tell him you are being converted; and you will get so that you won't steal any by and by."
OK, that conversation never happened; it would be a complete farce! I’m afraid, though, that the church has gotten to the place in our society that we embrace the idea of a gradual improvement rather than a radical change of direction. Growth is gradual but one passes from death to life in a moment of true repentance.
Lord, help us to remember our purpose in the kingdom. You have called us, commissioned each and every one of us, to testify to the life-changing power of the blood of Jesus Christ. Help us to fulfill that commission, to the glory of the Lord. Amen.
Now go take on your world. – Bill