Read Acts 2:14–36
On the day of Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit, Peter stood with the other disciples and spoke to the crowds—the people in Judea. He explained that the people whom the Holy Spirit had fallen on were not drunk but rather that this moment in history was a fulfillment of the prophesy of Joel. In Joel 2:28–32, the prophet spoke of a time when God would pour out His spirit on all mankind. This time was here. The outpouring of God’s Spirit had arrived.
Peter went on to affirm that Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah. The One God performed miracles through. The One who was put to death. The One God raised from the dead. The One who defeated sin and death. The One who is exalted and seated at the right hand of God, the Father. Peter spoke boldly to the Jews in Jerusalem as he told them that this Jesus, the One they crucified, was, and is, the Lord—the Christ.
Read Acts 2:37–40
Pierced to the heart. This was the response of the people who heard Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost. They were deeply moved by Peter’s words, and they asked what they could do. Peter’s response? Repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then your sins will be forgiven and you will receive the Holy Spirit. This promise—Jesus, His salvation—is for you, your children, those far away, and those whom God calls.
Remember the day your heart was pierced by the gospel. Remember the feeling, the emotions—the thought that you must do something. Repentance, a feeling of remorse for your sin. An understanding of your need for Jesus. Belief that Jesus is the Savior. A desire to be near Jesus, to follow Him and give your life for Him. This is what the people who heard Peter’s sermon were feeling and thinking. In this way, we can relate to them. In this way, we are connected to the first members of the church. Through the moment our hearts were pierced with the gospel. Oh, what a day! Thank You, God, for Your mercy.
Read Acts 2:41–47
On the day of Pentecost, the church began and three thousand souls were saved (Acts 2:41). This the first church. These people devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching, to fellowship, to eating together, and to prayer. There was awe, amazement, and wonder at what God was doing in them and through them. They spent time together. They shared with one another so that no one was in need. They praised God and had favor with all people. There was joy. It was simple. Because of this, God added to their number day by day as salvation spread. What a beautiful picture of the church! This is our first update on the newly founded church.