Speak Out
Opening Prayer
Lord Jesus, I bow before You now as the One whom the Father has made Lord and Christ.
Read ACTS 2:14-39
[14] Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. [15] These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! [16] No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: [17] “‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. [18] Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. [19] I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. [20] The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. [21] And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ [22] “Fellow Israelites, 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 you yourselves know. [23] This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. [24] 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. [25] David said about him: “‘I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. [26] Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope, [27] because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay. [28] You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.’ [29] “Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. [30] But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. [31] Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. [32] God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. [33] 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. [34] For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand [35] until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”‘ [36] “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” [37] When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” [38] 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. [39] The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What is the point of Peter’s sermon (36)?Peter stands up to explain these alarming happenings. The focus of all he says is Jesus—he doesn’t dwell on the miracles or take credit for himself and the believers, but points unfalteringly to the risen and ascended Lord. He argues convincingly that the phenomena are from God and foretold in Scripture, quoting the prophet Joel to explain the miracles (17-21), Psalm 16 as foretelling the resurrection (25-28) and Psalm 110 (34,35) to give proof of the Kingship of Christ. Notice the difference. Once Peter was impulsive, speaking truth from God one moment and discouragement from Satan the next. Now he stands with authority and calms the bewildered crowd, and delivers a balanced scriptural interpretation of events. Whereas once in fear he had denied the Lord, now in front of thousands he declares Christ as King, not flinching from accusing the Jews of putting him to death. Days earlier he was going fishing. Now he is a true leader, strengthening his brothers and bringing in a catch greater than on the shores of Galilee. This is the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
Apply
Pray for the opportunity and power of the Holy Spirit to witness to Christ today. Thank God for his Good News.
Closing prayer
Lord, I, too, want to be able to speak clearly and boldly for You whenever You give me the opportunity.
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