CUT TO THE HEART

TODAY’S PASSAGE: 

Acts 2:37-47 (NLT) – 37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

• At the conclusion of Peter’s sermon, the hearts of the people listening were “pierced.”
• DEFINITION – pierced (katanyssomai) – metaphorically, to pain the mind sharply, agitate it vehemently: used especially of the emotion of sorrow
• In other words, they were convicted and sorrowful for their sin of crucifying the Messiah.
• They were made aware and convicted of their sin by the Holy Spirit; just like so many of us were when we heard the Gospel.
• This kind of sorrow is actually good for us. The Bible describes this as “godly sorrow.”

2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV) – For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

• Repentance was the only remedy for the sorrow that was cutting the hearts of those listening to Peter’s sermon!
• DEFINITION – repent (metanoeo): to change one’s mind for the better, heartily to amend with abhorrence of one’s past sins, i.e. conduct worthy of a heart changed and abhorring sin
• We repent by changing our mindset and living in a way that shows that we hate sin.

• When we hear the Good News and believe, not only will we be saved, but our belief will be followed by the gift of the Holy Spirit and supported by miraculous signs and wonders.
• Jesus promised this would happen for all who believe!

Mark 16:17 (NLT) – These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages.

• Peter emphatically declared that all who believed, repented, got baptized and forgiven of their sins, would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
• He and the other disciples had just received the gift of the Holy Spirit themselves and were beginning to see the miracles, signs and wonders that Jesus had promised.
• Now, he tells everyone that they too can experience this same gift and power if they will just believe!

• After 3,000 people chose to believe, be baptized, and join the church, their lives were remarkable in some important ways:
  • They devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching and to being discipled
  • They started hanging out with other believers
  • They prayed, spending time in communication with God
  • They attended church regularly and met in their homes for Bible studies
  • They gave selflessly

• All of these things are an important part of the life of a believer, and more importantly, all of these things led to people being saved on a daily basis.
• Like these first converts to Christianity, our lives should be so remarkable to other people that they say, “Can we join you? Can we be saved too?”