March 20, 2006 - Chuck McKinney, Valley Christian Church (Concord)

March 20, 2006

Acts 2:37-39
Chuck McKinney, Valley Christian Church (Concord)

Read the passage and respond to these questions:

1. What was the message that “cut” these people to the heart?
2. What did Peter say would happen when they were baptized?
3. To whom are the blessings directed?

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter was speaking to a large crowd of Jews. His words caused them to realize their complicity in the crucifixion of Jesus, and they were “cut to the heart” How relieved they must have been to learn that they need only repent and be baptized in order to be forgiven. In fact, about 3,000 were baptized that very day!
We don’t often connect our wrongdoings and shortcomings with the death of Jesus. But His death was in order to atone for every sin that ever has been, or will be, committed.

I wasn’t present at His trial, shouting “Crucify! Crucify Him!”, but my sin was there, along with yours. And I must also repent and be baptized. And you must, too. I committed myself to Christ and was immersed over 50 years ago. I wish that my sin had ended when it was forgiven that day. But again and again, even now, I fail.

If we had to be baptized again each time we sin, we would be as wrinkled as a prune. That is not necessary. Praise God! Our baptism is a once-for-all-time affair, but we must continue to recognize and repent of each sin, one at a time, for our own sakes. There must be a “cutting” of the heart, a painful sorrow for the pain we have caused God.

Today is the first day of spring. Soon there will be fresh blooms, and new life all around us. Will you join me in repenting for every mistake, every failure, so you can enjoy the freshness of renewal in your heart?
prayer
Thank you, Jesus, for the gift of repentance.