The Revivalنموونە

New Direction

In Acts 2 we read about how the Holy Spirit shows up and all the believers begin speaking in different languages. The onlookers reckon they must be drunk, but Peter stands up to the accusers, reminding them it’s only nine in the morning: no one’s been drinking! He goes on to quote Old Testament scriptures from David and recites the prophecies of Joel. He then concludes his sermon by telling the people about Jesus and how they are the ones who crucified Him. This is the lead-up to God’s renewal in the lives of those listening. Verse 37 reads, "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?”’ Peter doesn’t miss the moment, encouraging them to repent, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Suddenly, these people have been revived and their lives are going in a whole new direction.

What I find so moving about this passage of scripture is that not long before this moment Peter denies even knowing Jesus. Now, he’s standing up at Pentecost preaching to the Jews about salvation through Jesus alone. I’ve no doubt Peter felt guilt and shame over what he did, but it seems he didn’t let that mistake hold him back from stepping into the new direction God was leading him. Not only that, after he preaches this stern message, the people are ‘cut to the heart’ and ask a genuine question – to which Peter gives an immediate, powerful answer. I’m challenged to make sure I’m ready to answer people honestly and sincerely when they ask questions about knowing God more. Two thousand years later, I’ve practiced emulating Peter’s conversation when I study the Bible with someone, talking about how it was our sins that nailed Jesus to the cross. I ask the Holy Spirit to pierce their heart, and if He does, then I hope they’ll ask a question about what they’re feeling. If someone asks me, ‘What shall I do?’, I tell them the same thing Peter told that crowd long ago: repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of your sins, and you’ll receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

My hope today is that, if God’s Word has cut you to the heart, you’d have the humility to ask God what to do. Repentance is the first thing: confess your sins and ask God to take your life in a whole new direction as you learn to walk in His ways. And if you’re already following Jesus, my challenge to you is to be ready when someone encounters God and asks you, ‘What’s next?’

First the Word – now the Workout:

Partner study and Partner Workout

‘You go, I go’ style with a partner; both you and your partner do 20 rounds each

By yourself, rest 1:1

20 rounds for time:

2 deadlifts (heavy)

5 TTB

7 cal assault bike