od G At ork w Acts 2

od G At ork w

Acts 2: 22 -41 v. 22 -24 “Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through Him, as yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by God’s set purpose 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. 32 -33 “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. Exalted to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear”

v. 36 -41 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. ” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do? ” Peter replied, “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 promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call. ” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation. ” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

TODAY: Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” Jesus replied, “I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church” Matthew 16: 16 -18

He connected with his audience (verses 14 -21) “I will pour out My Spirit on all people. . . everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved” It raises 2 questions: Who is this Lord ? Who needs to be saved ?

He convinced his audience (vs. 22 -36) “We preach Jesus Christ and Him Crucified” PETER: Jesus Christ has been vindicated by God

God’s POWER was seen in His life (v. 22) • MIRACLES • WONDERS • SIGNS God’s PURPOSE was seen in His death (v. 23) Jesus’ death was God’s plan and purpose

God’s PROOF was seen in His RESURRECTION (v. 24 -35) The resurrection of Christ was a necessity (v. 24 -31) • A MORAL necessity • A BIBLICAL necessity • A DIVINE necessity The resurrection of Christ was a certainty (v. 32 -36)

He constrained his audience (vs. 37 -41) • He exposed their guilt • He extended them pardon • He exhorted them to respond

2 responses – repent and believe (“be baptized in the Name of Jesus”) Baptism not an imperative for salvation – it is an outward evidence of repentance and faith

Why was a response urged? • God was calling. . . • They couldn’t stay neutral • The corrupt influence of society around them