Scripture:
Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 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.
This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles — all who have been called by the Lord our God.” Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the Church that day — about 3,000 in all. Acts 2:37-41
We Christians are told to "always be ready to explain [our Christian hope]" (1 Peter 3:15) and "to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors" (1 Peter 2:12) to bring honor to God. So what is the very best way you can share God's love with those close to you, and other people you encounter?
The Rock
Peter was one of the first disciples, and also one of the most outstanding (noteworthy? remarkable?). He had been deeply involved in the family fishing business with his brother Andrew. Yet when Jesus called for them to become His followers,"they left their nets at once and followed Him" (Matthew 4:20). Peter demonstrated his decisiveness (some would say impulsiveness), leaving his livelihood to head into the unknown.
Peter’s name had been Simon, but Jesus’ new title for him was Peter, meaning “Rock.” Jesus went on to call him the "rock [upon which] I will build My Church" (Matthew 16:18). In today’s Scripture, Peter preaches to thousands to start building the Lord's Church. Time spent with Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit, had transformed this uneducated fisherman into a powerful gospel messenger.
After that speech, Peter continued to build the Church, in person and through letters to new Believers. These letters eventually became part of the Bible -- First and Second Peter -- and continue to strengthen Jesus’ followers to this day.
Unique Gifts
God has made you special, just as like Peter. He gave each of us unique talents and abilities. How are you feeling God's call on your life? Whatever your profession or job, God can use you. He might not ask you to give it up to become a preacher, as He did with Peter. In fact, another great Apostle, Paul, had a profession: he "lived and worked with [friends who] were tentmakers just as he was" (Acts 18:3).
You can serve God right where you are, with the unique personality and abilities He gave you. As you spend time with the Lord and let the Holy Spirit’s power work in you, you too will be able you to share about Jesus with others.
So what are you good at? Pray that God will help you to make good decisions as you serve and represent Him. "Whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father" (Colossians 3:17).
“How will YOU lead someone to Christ?”
Scripture: Acts 2:37-41
The Bible tells us that Apostle Peter preached the salvation message to a crowd gathered for a religious festival, and three thousand souls were saved!
When you are watchful, alert and expectant, you will see God-given opportunities to lead others to Christ right in the midst of your everyday circumstances!
Here are two personal examples that God can work out in similar ways for you:
• After months and years of a steadily nurtured friendship, my friend said: "Now tell me: how can I follow your Christ like you do?"
• After asking a shopping mall guard how I could pray for him, he said: "Yes, how may I get Jesus to save me?"
Both of these things really did happen!
Here are some more tips on ways to share your faith: •
Always carry gospel tracts (if you have one) to give to people who might ask, or to anyone the Holy Spirit might prompt you to share with.
• Be prepared with a short verbal method of sharing the gospel
• You can even draw the gospel message on a piece of paper.
Remember that sharing the gospel is more than just sharing facts; it’s an invitation to a new life. Always give someone the chance to say “yes” to Jesus’ love and forgiveness. If they are willing, lead them in a prayer asking for forgiveness of their sins and inviting Jesus to be their Lord and Savior.
GOD BLESS YOU TODAY
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