Faith — The Detour - Friday
TODAY’S VERSE
Acts 2:37
Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (ESV)
Tomorrow is Independence Day, when we get to celebrate the 250th birthday of our nation! You might cook out or spend time with family and friends, but my favorite tradition for celebrating this holiday is fireworks! There is something about hearing the sound as they are launched, and then hearing the boom as the night sky fills with colorful lights. When you see a good fireworks show, it’s hard not to respond somehow, with a “Wow!” or to clap and cheer when it’s over.
This week, we’ve been talking about God’s faithfulness. The focus of Abram’s story was not on his faithfulness, but God’s faithfulness. We see the ultimate display of God’s faithfulness in Jesus and what He did for us through the cross and empty tomb. When we are confronted with this life-changing good news, how much more should it elicit a response from us? That’s exactly what we see in Acts 2, when Peter steps forward and preaches the gospel of Jesus to the crowd that was gathered. It says in Acts 2:37 that “they were cut to the heart” and asked, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
They knew that if all of this about Jesus was true, it required a response on their part. In verse 38, Peter gives them the answer: “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.”
Our response to Jesus’ faithfulness is to follow Him. Have you turned from leading your own life and surrendered to Jesus’ leadership? Have you taken the step of baptism, believing and confessing Jesus as your Lord and Savior? If not, there’s your step. Follow Him.
Maybe you’ve been baptized, but you haven’t responded to Jesus in a while. What’s He leading you toward? Is it to forgive someone? To find a group so you’re not doing this alone? To lead a group to help others grow with Jesus? Maybe He’s leading you to get off the sidelines and to be a part of His mission to seek and save the lost. Whatever it is, remember, He is faithful. You can trust Him. Take the step, and follow Him.
APPLICATION
If you’d like to talk to someone about getting baptized or joining the team and serving here at Southland, take a minute now to let us know! We would love to help you as you take your next step following Jesus.
PRAYER
Father, because You are faithful, we can follow You with confidence. Help me become someone who consistently follows Jesus, no matter what.