Scripture: Acts 2:38
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’.”
Introduction: A Fresh Start
Have you ever wished for a fresh start? Maybe you’ve made mistakes, said things you regret, or taken the wrong path. The good news is that God offers us a brand-new beginning—one that isn’t based on our past but on His grace.
Acts 2:38 captures a powerful moment in history. It was the day of Pentecost when Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, preached to a crowd about Jesus. When the people realized they had rejected their Savior, they were deeply convicted and asked, ”What shall we do?” (Acts 2:37). Peter’s answer in verse 38 gives us a clear roadmap to salvation:
Repent - Turn away from sin
Be Baptized - Show your commitment to Jesus
Receive the Holy Spirit - Live empowered by God’s presence
Repentance: Turning Back to God
Repentance means more than feeling sorry for your mistakes. It means turning away from sin and running toward God. Think of it like using GPS—when you realize you’re heading the wrong way, you don’t just feel bad, you make a U-turn.
God doesn’t expect us to be perfect, but He does call us to change. No matter what you’ve done, Jesus is ready to forgive and guide you into a new life
Baptism: Declaring Your Faith
Baptism isn’t just a ritual—it’s a public declaration that you belong to Jesus. It symbolizes dying to your old life and being raised to new life in Christ (Romans 6:4). Imagine washing away everything that has held you back—shame, guilt, and fear—so you can step into God’s purpose for your life
If you haven’t been baptized yet, consider taking this step as a sign of your commitment to Jesus
The Holy Spirit: Your Power Source
Peter didn’t just stop at repentance and baptism; he also promised the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God’s presence living in you, guiding, strengthening, and transforming you.
Think of your phone—it needs to be charged daily to function. In the same way, we need to stay connected to the Holy Spirit to live a life that honors God. The Spirit helps us overcome temptation, gives us courage to share our faith, and fills us with joy and peace.
Conclusion: Your Response
Peter’s message was urgent, and so is the call today. If you haven’t given your life to Jesus, now is the time! If you’ve already repented and been baptized, remember that the Holy Spirit is with you every step of the way.
Ask Yourself:
Have I truly repented and turned toward God?
Have I taken the step of baptism as a declaration of my faith?
Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to guide my daily life?
Prayer
Lord, thank You for offering me a fresh start. I choose to turn away from sin and follow You. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I can live boldly for You. Help me walk in faith, knowing that You have a purpose for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Remember, Acts 2:38 isn’t just a one-time decision—it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey with Jesus!