2. 2. Repent! This Promise is for You!
Acts 2:14-41
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3. The first Outreach …
The first proclamation of the Gospel by an Apostle.
The crowd were “cut to the heart” (v 37)
How about you?
How does it compare to Gospel presentations you have heard?
We find hope & confidence in Peter’s presentation

4. 1. The Holy Spirit has been Poured out …
A sound like “rushing wind” (v 2)
Speaking in a variety of languages (v 4, 9)
What is going on? Peter explains –
What Joel prophesied is now taking place.
Peter connects his message to an observable event.
We too can begin with something that is happening.
Interpret it from Scripture –
Let God speak for himself.

5. 2. … because Jesus is Lord and Christ …
Peter does not focus on the Holy Spirit – He puts the spotlight on Jesus!
The Holy Spirit is here to lift Jesus up (John 16:14)
Jesus was approved by God in works, wonders, signs.
Within God’s plan he was Crucified (v 23)
(that’s just the intro … 2 verses)

6. 2. … because Jesus is Lord and Christ …
Next 12 vs focus on the RESURRECTION (& ascension)
David predicted this for a future Holy King:
David is dead. Ps 16:10 (v 27) is not talking about himself.
David calls this person “Lord” (Ps 110:1, v 34-35)
Jesus is proved to be this “Holy One”

7. 2. … because Jesus is Lord and Christ …
Peter picks up the emphasis on the word “Lord”
Joel – “everyone … calls on name of Lord … saved” (v 21)
David called this Holy One “Lord” (v 34)
God confirms that Jesus is “Lord and Christ” (v 36)
These put Jesus on the same level as God
He is divine!!!
But they crucified him. (v 36)

8. 3. … so repent and be Baptized!
They will receive (v 38):
“forgiveness of sins”
The “gift” of the Holy Spirit
Because … “the promise is for you” (v 39)
All we have to do is “Repent and be Baptized” (v 38)

9. 3. … so repent and be Baptized!
Baptism:
Irrevocable … A commitment of loyalty unto death.
Repent!
“metanoia” – “turn around”, maybe “turn towards”
Start with illustrations:
Health warning from a doctor
A student warned about re-registration.

10. 3. … so repent and be Baptized!
Repentance
locates ourselves – where we are heading
Looks up to see where God is and what He’s doing.
Turn towards him – move in that direction.
It is not casual, not quick. It is never finished.
Our sins are already taken care of in Christ.

11. 3. … so repent and be Baptized!
It is how we lay hold of the promise (v 38-39)
Repentance is our response to an invitation.
It allows God’s life to flow into mine.

12. Living It: Spiritual exercise
Locate yourself:
God feels close, you sense your connection
God feels far away, you feel the emptiness & longing
You’re just surviving. Apathy. No motivation.
You’re fired up! Life is exciting without Him.
Hear the invitation (v 38-39).
Repent. Turn. Take hold of this opportunity.

13. Living It: Spiritual exercise
What holds you back? What inhibits your response?
Enticements that appeal to our own desires …
Entangled in a snare …
These things wage war on your soul (1 Pe. 2:11)
Name them and give them to God.
… dwell …
Hear the invitation again …

14. Living It: Spiritual exercise
Are you inhibited – good things have taken over?
When the Spirit prompts … does something hold you back?
Too much on your plate.
What key spiritual practices are you too busy for?
Your excuse for not doing things the Spirit lays on your heart?
The life of God is for NOW!
The one who invites you invented the Sabbath.
There is enough time for all He desires for you.
What good things consume your time in unhealthy, ungodly ways?
… dwell …

15. Living It: Spiritual exercise
Our walk with God – Personal and internal
ALSO … outward and communal.
The NT commands about “one another” …
Sum up the Law: Love God, Love neighbour.

16. Living It: Spiritual exercise
Our busy-ness: more about our agendas than God’s?
God’s terms, God’s timetable.
Not only those we like … those God brought into our lives
May be uncomfortable
They may be annoying, smelly, difficult, mean …
God brought them into your life for a purpose.
Church is shared-life … not a service provider.
Relationships & participation ?
They are essential to your spiritual formation.