Title: Peter's Sermon 2/Acts 2:22-41
Content Ⅰ. entry
Last time we paid attention to Peter's transformation.
Before the Pentecost incident, Peter was a weak and erring person, but after experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit, which splits like tongues of fire like the sound of a rushing and strong wind, he changed. Peter is no longer ashamed of the gospel even in front of many people! He is apologizing and preaching, quoting the Old Testament words one after the other.
We will now focus on Peter's sermon. In fact, since Peter's sermon is the gospel, it is safe to think that we should think about the gospel again. Hopefully paradoxical peace in these times of unrest by setting our hearts on the cross of Christ once again! May you enjoy the joy of not owning.
II. text observation
1. Two Obstacles in Evangelism in the Early Church
Christ Die on the Cross - The second stumbling block is the fact that Christ died on the cross. At that time, the cross was not a tool for normal people to be punished. It was a tool of death that was used against the heinous death row inmates, those of low rank and heavy crimes. The fact that Christ, the Messiah, died on the cursed cross that crucified the living and made them die naked and exhausted, became an obstacle for people to accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. But, as we know, the Lord made that ugly cross a cross of glory and victory. Here we come to understand why Peter's sermons have no choice but to focus on the cross.
2. Observing Peter's Sermon
(1) Who is the audience?
(2) What is the main content of the sermon?
If I could sum up this sermon in one word, it is the gospel. In other words, we are talking about the incarnation and suffering of Christ, His death on the cross, His resurrection, and the disciples who witnessed His ascension. However, in the unfolding of this gospel, there are two important emphases.
And verse 32 says that we are witnesses of the resurrection of Christ. But before I tell the story, by quoting David's psalm, I confirm that it is not a coincidence. This verse is a quotation from Psalm 16:8-11. But quoting and interpreting this psalm is that David was already dead and buried, and his tomb is among us. But that David knew about Christ in advance and especially about the Resurrection, saying, "He will not be abandoned in hell, nor will the flesh see corruption." That's what we have realized today, and we are witnesses of it.
However, there is one important thing that we should not overlook. It is an observation of why these apologetics and sermons of Peter were conducted. Everyone! What is Peter preaching for now? Is he preaching to show off that he is Spirit-filled? Or was he talking about the cross of Christ (meaning including incarnation, suffering, death, resurrection, and exaltation) to embarrass the assembled crowd? Our answer to these questions is, without question, "no." Then why? Why is the apostle preaching when he raises his voice now?
That means starting as a fisher of people. It is to make people know Christ correctly. This is to reveal that the passing of the cross was a cross for true victory. But the most important thing was to get people to see Christ again.
Ⅲ. Conclusion and application
Dear all!
What do we, as Christians, have to testify with our mouths on this earth? Does this mean that God has blessed me by doing this? no. Are you saying that you have found peace in your heart by believing in Jesus and have received these blessings? no. The eternal subject we must preach is Christ. Sharing the blessings and peace we have received may impress them. It may arouse curiosity. But it convicts them of sin and prevents them from being pierced. This is a fact that cannot be replaced by any theories and sciences of the world. The Cross and Gospel of Christ! There is no substitute for this. Only when this is properly communicated can people change. Dear all! Preach Christ. For us, this time of crisis may be a better way to share Christ.
Let us remember the words of the Apostle Paul. “But I have nothing to boast about except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14). I bless you by name.
The Lord wants us to live our lives to the fullest. But after that, he wants to be free. He asks us not to be anxious about the kingdom of the Lord and those who seek His righteousness. It means that the Lord will do more for you.
Everyone! Jesus Christ, the token of God's love who loved us, yet loved us while we were still sinners! Do you know and believe in Him? Only when we fully look to Him can we see the changes that are taking place within us, and we will be able to enjoy a sense of security that is not anxious while living in an age of anxiety. Today, through the cross of Christ, shown again through the Apostle Peter, I pray that it will be an evening of trying to change ourselves once again. ( * )