THE GIFT OF LIFE
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Opening Prayer
Lord God, all of who I am and have belongs to you. Help me, that everything I do today is an expression of love and gratitude.
Read ACTS 2:37–41
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
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.”
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
New International Version (NIV)Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
In what direction is your church’s attendance going?There’s a news story in a national newspaper today, about declining church attendance. According to a Church of England report, church attendance fell more than 20 percent since the pandemic. Strangely, it blames a lack of supply of church services, rather than a lack of demand from worshippers. In a climate of long-term church decline in Europe, it’s hard to engage with the sermon finale in today’s reading (v. 41). There’s an urgency in this account that seems a world away from our reality today.
Peter’s sermon has reached its climax. Moved by his presentation of the life, death, resurrection, and exaltation of Jesus, the crowd is torn open by his words (v. 37). We hear their emotional plea: ‘What shall we do?’ And Peter answers by emphasizing four key elements: repentance, baptism, forgiveness of sins, and receiving the Holy Spirit. The responses required are specific and sequential. Some scholars see here a pattern of Christian initiation that can be seen throughout Acts. And the Spirit who brings the church to life and energizes its mission is also promised to individuals.
Apply
In anticipation of prayer, listen to and even sing Daniel Iverson’s hymn: ‘Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.’
Closing prayer
I come before you, Lord, the giver of life. The One who hovered over the face of the deep, whose breath is in my lungs. I come needing renewal of my life. Lord, breathe in me again.
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