In The Word
Read Acts 2:37-47
The Ingathering
37 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” 38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” 40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!” 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. 42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Walking In The Word
In our reading today, as Peter finished his message, a move of God took place and men were “pierced to their heart” (Acts 2:37). They asked what they should do next. The response was to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. That day three thousand accepted the call of God. Time and again, Peter would get an opportunity to speak and thousands would receive Christ. It was an exciting time.
A few weeks back, we had the opportunity to see the movie Woodlawn, a story of the Great Awakening of the 1960s and 70s. As a convert from that period, I can tell you it was quite an amazing time as “God called people to Himself” (Acts 2:39). Thousands of people that you would have never believed would experience a conversion to Christ were getting saved. The outpouring of God’s Spirit was evident across the country. Back then, most salvations were very basic invitations to church to witness what God was doing. It is said seventy-four percent of all conversions were from believers who had been saved two years or less, sharing their faith. What does that say about our love for sinners? When we’re first saved, we know the experience, the goodness of God, and want to share it. After a few years, we can be tempted to take our salvation for granted and believe that unbelievers will figure it out for themselves. Many people believe, with our country in the shape it’s in, that we’ll never witness another Pentecost Revival. I’m here to tell you that, just like it was in the past, it can happen again! No one, no president, no government can stop the move of God. Instead of just praying for your country, spend time praying for revival as well! When the people’s hearts are changed, this nation will change!