Series Big Idea: "Unpacking the book of Acts and the amazing spread of the gospel and the kingdom of God"

Sermon Big Idea: "True repentance, highlighted at Pentecost, is vital for salvation in Jesus"

Key Scripture (Acts 2:14-21)

Repent! The call to repent is often diminished and depicted as an image of a man with a warning sign that no one takes seriously, much like the overlooked flight attendant giving seatbelt instructions on a flight. But without an understanding of sin and the conviction it brings, the gospel loses its meaning and power. Some people also misunderstand repentance, thinking it is merely about feeling sorry, when it is much more than that.

We are going to look at a pivotal moment in the history of the early Church—an event that not only transformed the lives of those present but also marks the beginning of a new era in God’s redemptive plan. We will be unpacking Acts 2:14-21, where Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, speaks to the crowd that is confused by the miraculous events of Pentecost. His message is both a declaration of fulfillment of prophecy and a call to repentance. After we read the passage, I want you to see the two crucial points Peter makes about this momentous event.

(Acts 2:14-21)

4 But Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them: “Men of Judah and all you residents of Jerusalem, let me explain this to you and pay attention to my words. 15For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it’s only nine in the morning. 16 On the contrary, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: 17 And it will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all humanity; then your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. 18 I will even pour out My Spirit on My male and female slaves in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will display wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below: blood and fire and a cloud of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the great and remarkable Day of the Lord comes. 21 Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.



The Fulfillment of Prophecy and the Beginning of the Last days

As the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, the crowd witnessed an extraordinary phenomenon: a sound like a violent wind, tongues of fire, and the ability to speak in various languages. Confusion and amazement filled the air. In response, Peter, standing with the Eleven, stands and speaks to clarify what this all means (Acts 2:14-21).

Peter begins by connecting these miraculous events to the prophecy of Joel, saying, “This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel.” By doing so, he emphasizes that the outpouring of the Spirit signifies the commencement of the "last days," a new chapter in God’s salvation history. This moment is not just an isolated incident but a pivotal fulfillment of God’s promises.

Just as Peter made sense of the events through the lens of prophecy, we too are called to see God's hand in our daily lives. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit was not just a past event but an ongoing reality that invites us to witness and experience God's transformative work today. As we travel our Christian journey, we must recognize that we are living in the days where God's Spirit continues to work, transforming and guiding us according to His divine plan.

The Universal Invitation to Salvation in Jesus

Peter also adds the phrase “they will prophesy” to emphasize that the Spirit will inspire prophecy in everyone—young and old, male, and female, even slaves. This reminds us of Moses' wish that all of God’s people would be prophets (Numbers 11:29). While the Spirit has always been active, the pouring out of the Spirit on “all people” is something new. However, "all people" refers specifically to those who repent and are baptized in Jesus' name for the forgiveness of their sins.

Peter then shifts focus from the miraculous to the message of salvation. He declares that Jesus, whom the crowd had crucified, has been exalted to the right hand of God and is now pouring out the Spirit upon all people. By quoting Joel’s prophecy, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,” Peter emphasizes the universal scope of this salvation.

This declaration is a reminder that salvation through Jesus is not limited by social status, age, or gender. It is available to everyone who responds with repentance and faith. This universal invitation challenges us to reflect on our own response to Jesus' call. It urges us to embrace the offer of salvation and understand that no one is beyond the reach of God's grace.

Conclusion

The events of Pentecost and Peter’s bold proclamation offer us a powerful reminder of the transformative work of the Holy Spirit and the fulfillment of God’s promises. The call to repentance we see in this first part of Peter’s message is not just a warning but a vital response to understanding the weight of our sin and the amazing gift of salvation.

Repentance is often thought of as only sorrow or regret, but it is so much more. It is a complete turning away from our sins and toward God, acknowledging our need for His grace and accepting the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. Without this repentance, the gospel loses its transformative power and becomes a just a concept rather than a life-changing reality.

Peter's message at Pentecost, the arrival of the Holy Spirit, and the fulfillment of Joel's prophecy all point to the central truth of salvation in Christ alone. As we reflect on this passage, please don’t overlook the call to repent but embrace it as an opportunity to fully experience the redemption and renewal offered by Jesus. Just as the Spirit was poured out on all people, you and I must respond with open hearts, accepting the salvation that is available to everyone who calls on the name of the Lord.

Pastor Beaver's thoughts and ideas are inspired by:

Holman Christian Standard Bible

English Standard Version Bible

King James Version Bible

Christian Standard Bible

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