Commissioned

Listen along here:  https://www.pastorwoman.net/podcast/episode/1ab596f6/commissioned-a...

Dateline _ Jerusalem.

May I direct your attention back to the Old City? There is much I could say about sirens and warning signs right now, but it is the first century city, busting at its seams, I want you to picture. Remember the devoted followers of Jesus were praying when they were suddenly filled with the Holy Spirit, and began speaking in unknown languages--strange to them, but familiar tongues to the Jewish pilgrims in town for Pentecost. Miraculously, those from many different countries heard the good news of the Gospel in their own native languages, all at the same time... totally amazing.

Some standing nearby accused Jesus' disciples of being drunk; an incensed Peter would not stand for that, but reminded them of a prophecy from Joel, one they would have known.1

And then Peter, the impetuous disciple of Jesus—the same one who denied him three times, and at Jesus’ most desperate hour, boldly preached the sermon of a lifetime:

➧“People of Israel, listen! God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him, as you well know. But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip."2 

➧“God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this. Now he is exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God’s right hand. And the Father, as he had promised, gave him the Holy Spirit to pour out upon us, just as you see and hear today."3

➧ “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”

Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” Dang, that sounds like now!!

Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all."4

When we see the truth, rationally explained,

backed up with evidence -

like Peter just laid out...

it calls for a response.

The crowd who Peter addressed knew all about Jesus -

that he had done signs and wonders among them,

healing the sick, even raising the dead--

substantiating his claim to be the Son of God.

They knew he had been crucified, then resurrected.

There was an empty tomb that they could walk by, for goodness sake!

In light of these truths, the people pressed Peter, 'What should we do?' Peter answered with words that are as true today as they were poignant and timely then:

"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."5

Action: repent. To repent is to 'turn away from' our sins, because in Jesus, we have forgiveness of sins, (and only through Jesus), and then we will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Peter stresses baptism, because it is a sign of a changed heart, and a severing of ties with Judaism/the Law.

As Christ-followers, the Spirit of God lives within us. Jesus is at work and longs to do 'exceedingly beyond what we could ask or think', if we will but tune our hearts and wills to His. These are exciting times in which we live--abundant with opportunities, if we will seize the day. People are looking for truth and meaning; you have it in Jesus.

From personal experience, sharing the hope of Christ is the greatest adventure ever!

➨So Peter preached the first Christian sermon and 3,000 people believed that very day. The Church was born! It was the plan of the Father, that when the Son came home, the Spirit would descend, filling and equipping believers to take the message of God's grace to all people. First the 12 were commissioned. . . then, the 120 were commissioned. . . and next, the 3,000 were commissioned to believe. . . receive. . . go. . . and make disciples.

And they did--we are evidence of that.

What would happen in your life if you surrendered your will to God's?

What would happen if you said today, 'God--I may not always get it right--

but I'm willing to tell others of the greatest gift ever'?

We recently looked at the bold, faith-filled, courageous life of Caleb of Old, and now inspired by the radically-changed and empowered life of Peter, it emboldens me to . . .

sing!

♪'Put me in, Coach, I'm ready to play--today. . .'♫

I'm ready, willing, able... surrendered and desiring to share the love of God with others.

Friends, there is no greater adventure ever, anywhere, than being on a mission for God. You and me - we've been commissioned!

Listen, be inspired: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zt3fiOJHaSk

People are looking for truth and meaning.

Give it to them.

Christine

PastorWoman.net

1 - Acts 2.14-21

2 - Acts 2.22-24

3 - Acts 2.32-33

4 - Acts 2.36-41

5 - v. 38

6 - Ephesians 3.20