Why do we preach / share / proclaim the gospel of Jesus? Some might answer that question with the word "salvation". We want people to know the salvation that Jesus offers to them. Yes!!! We do desire people to be saved. Others might say that preach Jesus because that is what we are commanded to do in Matthew 28:19-20 and other passages of the Bible as well. Yes!!! We are directly commanded to preach the message of Jesus in the Bible.
Do you ever wonder why sometimes Jesus is preached and no one is saved? Have you ever discussed salvation with someone who didn't want that salvation offered? Perhaps the answer is that they were unwilling to respond in the way that is necessary for salvation.
Yesterday we took a quick look at the message that Peter preached on the Day of Pentecost. We noticed that the central theme of that message was Jesus. The next verses reveal that once the people heard the message "they were pierced to the heart" and then asked the question: "Brothers, what must we do?" (Acts 2:37). They heard the message loud and clear. They also knew that something had to happen. A person cannot encounter the message of Jesus without responding. Some will respond in a negative way; while others will respond like these people did.
What answer were they given? This is a perfect place for a song of invitation. "I surrender all, all to Jesus I surrender." Right? That would be the perfect timing for that. Oh, but notice Peter's response was a simple word: "REPENT" (Acts 2:38). Again, a person cannot hear the message of Jesus without a response and the correct response is to "repent". This means to turn. Turn from one's sin to the love and forgiveness found only in Jesus. Turn from one's previous way of life to a life focused on following Jesus.
Repent. We also realize that repentance is a one time action for salvation, but a life-time need in the life of a Christian. As the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, we need to "repent" of that sin and cling to Jesus.
Praying today for:
(1) Lake of the Pines community of Indian Hills / Deer Cove
(2) State of Alaska
(3) Nation of the Central African Republic
(4) Southeast Asian Peoples throughout the World
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