Central Truth

We have ample assurance that Jesus was sent by God as our Lord and Savior. Joel's prophecy was fulfilled. Jesus' miracles proved He is Lord and Christ. King David foretold the Messiah's kingship and His resurrection. Finally, Jesus' self-proclaimed resurrection proves He is our Lord and Savior.

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Reflections

Imagine the sights and sounds of thousands of devout foreign Jews visiting Jerusalem for the Festival of Harvest, also known as Pentecost. The festival occurred a mere 10 days after Jesus had ascended to heaven, and 50 days after His resurrection. Many of those present had seen or heard of Christ's crucifixion, resurrection, and His supernatural appearance on earth for forty days.

On this day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came into the hearts of men and women as Jesus had promised. Suddenly, the Galileans began speaking in the visitor's languages about the wonderful things God had been doing. They spoke so all could understand! The crowd was amazed and perplexed.

Can you imagine the spiritual rush when the Holy Spirit inspired Peter to step up and explain these events to the crowd? The same Spirit empowered Peter to preach the first church service, an international service, so convincing that about 3,000 persons received Christ as their Lord and were baptized on the spot!

Peter's Spirit-inspired words deeply convicted the crowd that Jesus was their Messiah. Peter reminded them of Joel's prophecy that the Messiah would come and save anyone who called on the name of the Lord. Some in the crowd had witnessed Jesus' miracles, which proved Him to be the Christ. King David wrote that one of his descendants would sit on his throne as the Messiah. Peter rightly accused the crowd of crucifying Jesus, their Messiah, but God raised Him from the dead, as Jesus himself had proclaimed. When they realized what they had done, the crowd wanted to know what they should do. Peter told them to turn from their sins, ask forgiveness, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

If we allow the Holy Spirit to rule in our heart, our heart's desire will be to tell others of the wonderful things God is doing. Be absolutely convinced that Jesus is everything scripture says about Him. He loves us, heals us, forgives us and ushers us into eternal life with our heavenly Father. Thank Him, Praise Him, and believe nothing less of Him.

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Discussion Questions

1. Is my Christian witness enthusiastic, honest and empowered by the Holy Spirit, or am I concerned that people will judge my witness and my life? Allow the Spirit to lead.
2. Before the resurrection, Peter was impulsive, egocentric and denied Christ three times out of concern for his own well-being. When did he repent and realize he had been walking with the Son of God? How did this time in the refiners fire help prepare him for being empowered to deliver such a powerful message?
3. As a priest and ambassador to the world for my Lord and King, what can I do to improve my spoken words, actions and my ability to yield to the Holy Spirit?

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