Verse of the Day 3/4

Through the Bible - Numbers 35-36, Mark 11:1-14

 

Good morning,

We saw and considered yesterday how Peter had seen the transfiguration, the crucifixion, the empty tomb, and the resurrected Christ. 

 

For today's verse we go to a familiar chapter in Acts, chapter 2 where Peter tells us that He testified about  these "experiences" with many words, referring back to O.T. scriptures, to convict men of their sins and exhort them to follow Christ.

 

Acts 2:40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation." 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.   NKJV

or from the NIV
Acts 2:40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.    NIV

The NKJV says that Peter testified and exhorted his hearers.  What does it mean to testify?  It is to tell the truth.  Which begs the question "what is truth"?  The question that Pilate flippantly answered when he met face to face with Jesus.  Yet this question is one of the most important ones that we will consider.

 

R.C. Sproul has said that "truth is reality as perceived by God".  Think about that for a moment (or longer).

It is never distorted, it is perfect.

 

As we see in this passage, many believed the truth of the gospel and were saved.  Truth changes things, changes us.  Being baptized is telling the world that we have received this truth from God in the form of the resurrected Jesus Christ.

 

What will the truth do for us, it will not bind us in legalism, actually it is just the opposite, it frees us.  Frees us from sin that we may live for Him, and seek Him in a new way.

 

John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.  32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."   NKJV

B. Simpson wrote these words:

 

"Once it was the Blessing, now it is the Lord.
Once it was the Feeling, now it is His Word.
Once His Gifts I wanted, now the Giver alone.
Once I sought Healing, now Himself alone

 

How are you "seeking" Him today?

 

In Christ,

Mike

 

Acts 2:36-3:1

36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?"

38 Then Peter said to them,"Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call."

 

A Vital Church Grows

 

40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation." 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.  42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.