Acts 2:37-41 – How do I become a Christian? How would you answer this question? What place does repentance play in the modern Church’s message? Why get baptised? Who should get baptised? What is the gift of the Holy Spirit? Who is the Gospel for? All these and more in this sermon – first preached in Scots Kirk Hamilton
Also available as audio only on the ASK podcast here
Act with Acts 6 – The First Christian Sermon
Here are some of the notes I used:
When we look for this church to grow what are we looking for? More people to attend…that would be nice. Perhaps if we changed things – were really nice to people etc… But in reality what we desire is more people to become Christians. We want people to respond to Gods word by giving their lives to Christ….backsliders to return, nominal Christians to become real ones. What does it mean to be a Christian? As we look at the response of the people on the day of Pentecost to Peter’s sermon we have our question answered…..
1) The Question v.37 – They were convicted of their sin.
Cut to the Heart – The crowd were stunned – it was like a sharp pain…
John 16: 8 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 about sin, because people do not believe in me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; 11 and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.
2) The Answer v. 38
Repent – We have lost this concept of repentance….being cut to the heart. We quickly want to say to people – no you are ok….don’t worry. Jesus loves you and died for your sin….we forget the repentance part. What does it mean?
Turn around. Turn back ..
Another word is regret…
Here it means a change of mind. Body, heart and mind. Change of heart, change of action.
Acts 3:19
For Luther every day was a day of repentance for the Christian.
But wait a minute – they had to repent because they had crucified Jesus. But I wasn;t there, I didn’t crucifuy him. I wouldn’t have. Just like we would not have been for slavery…. Jesus had to go to the cross because of your sin.
Be Baptised – Baptism pictures outwardly what is happening internally – repentance and the Holy Spirit. It’s a sign of cleansing…
In the name of Jesus –
For the remission/forgiveness of sins….
This was a radical step – such baptism was only for Gentile converts.
Interesting that for Peter baptism is associated with the flood….Noah and his family. (1 Peter 3P:18-21) and also Psalm 69 which he cited
Save me, O God,
for the waters have come up to my neck.
2 I sink in the miry depths,
where there is no foothold.
I have come into the deep waters;
the floods engulf me.
Jesus went into the waters of suffering for us…
3) The Gift v.38-39
The Holy Spirit
For you and your family – This is not just a general call to all children. This refers to the children of those who repent – they are in covenant. God works in families. As well as amongst individuals. Baptism for children of believers. It point to faith – to Christ – to his covenant.
And to all who are far off – like in Newcastle Australia! \
creating praise on their lips.
Peace, peace, to those far and near,’
says the Lord. ‘And I will heal them.’ (Isaiah 57:19)
4) The Plea – v.40
There is a real sense of urgency v.17 – these are the last days…we are a faithless and evil generation – but there is hope.
Question of the week. How can I be saved?
5) The Acceptance – v. 41
Many other words – 3, 000 “ not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts (Zechariah 4:6 ) 3,000 in one day was more than Jesus had in three years! Greater works than they had even seen him do – John 4:12 Imagine the difficulty of having 3,000 new baby Christians…300, 30…3? We will go on to look at what happened next in a couple of weeks…