Repent and be baptised
Today's focusCut to the heart, the crowd asks 'What shall we do?'; Peter calls them to repent, be baptised and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, and three thousand respond.
Read
36Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38Then 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. 39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call. 40And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
Reflection
When the crowd heard the truth about Jesus, they were "pricked in their heart." This deep inner stirring led them to a desperate, honest question: "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" They did not turn away in shame or defensiveness; instead, they looked to the apostles for a way forward. If you have ever felt a sharp conviction or a longing for change, you are standing where these listeners stood.
Peter’s response offers a clear path. He calls you to "Repent, and be baptized" in the name of Jesus Christ. This turning results in the "remission of sins" and the invitation to "receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." This is not a narrow offer; Peter declares that "the promise is unto you," to your children, and even to those "afar off."
On that day, three thousand souls "gladly received his word" and were added to the fellowship. The same call remains open to you today. God is still calling people to step away from an "untoward generation" and enter into the life and power he has promised.
AI-written reflection on the passage above. Let Scripture itself be the main thing.
Reflect
Has God's word ever 'cut you to the heart'? How did you respond, and how might you respond today?
Pray
Lord Jesus, you are Lord and Christ. I turn to you again today. Thank you for the promise of forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit, for me and for my children.