Devotional: Start with Repent

Acts 2:37-38 How can we convince people to come into the church? As seen in the book review above there is a need to meet the needs of the total person. In Acts 2 the 120 disciples of Jesus spoke in tongues (languages) that they did not know. This caused the people to question how they were doing so. Some thought that they were drunk (v. 14). Peter stands up and explains that this ability was the work of God and fulfilled the prophecy of Joel (vv. 16-21). Then Peter tells the people about Jesus; how He was crucified and God raised Him from the dead (vv. 22-28). Jesus is now exalted to the right hand of the father, and God has sent His Holy Spirit. Jesus is both Lord and Christ. The people asked what we must do. Peter tells them to repent, be baptized and receive the Holy Spirit. The people repented and were baptized. These people were added to the church. What is the point? People come to church when they repent and make Jesus Lord and Christ. The church must make it their priority to emphasize personal relationship with Christ. This can take place only with the person who repents. Prayer: Lord God we thank you for Jesus who died for our sins. We repent of our sins and we are blessed that you have sent the Holy Spirit to be with us in the church and in our personal life. Amen.