This Week: August 25-30
Cut to the Heart
In Acts 2:29–39, Peter stands before a crowd at Pentecost and proclaims Jesus as both Lord and Messiah. Quoting David and pointing to the resurrection, he tells them, “This Jesus whom you crucified, God has made both Lord and Christ.” The people are “cut to the heart” and cry out, “What should we do?”
“Repent and be baptized … and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
Peter’s answer is simple and bold: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
What once seemed impossible for Peter—speaking with boldness, certainty, and assurance—becomes the moment God uses him to launch the church. His words do more than inform; they transform.
What once seemed impossible for Peter—speaking with boldness, certainty, and assurance—becomes the moment God uses him to launch the church. His words do more than inform; they transform.
Table of Contents
Key Points:
- Boldness Comes from God – Peter’s confidence was not in himself, but in God’s Spirit speaking through him.
- The Word Cuts Deep – The gospel doesn’t just inform; it pierces our hearts and calls us to change.
- The Promise Is for All – Forgiveness and the Spirit are for us, our children, and “all who are far away.”
5-Day Devotional
Day 1: Cut to the Heart
Scripture Reference: “Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’” Acts 2:37
The gospel isn’t just information—it demands transformation. The Spirit moves us to conviction.
Action Step: Reflect on a time when God’s Word pierced your heart. What did it stir you to do?
Prayer Prompt: Lord, let Your Word cut through my pride and stir me to obedience.
The gospel isn’t just information—it demands transformation. The Spirit moves us to conviction.
Action Step: Reflect on a time when God’s Word pierced your heart. What did it stir you to do?
Prayer Prompt: Lord, let Your Word cut through my pride and stir me to obedience.
Day 2: Repent and Be Baptized
Scripture Reference: “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.’” Acts 2:38
Repentance isn’t just regret—it’s turning toward God. Baptism marks us as His, washed and renewed.
Action Step: Ask yourself: where in my life do I need to turn around and move back toward God?
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, help me repent fully and walk in the new life You give.
Repentance isn’t just regret—it’s turning toward God. Baptism marks us as His, washed and renewed.
Action Step: Ask yourself: where in my life do I need to turn around and move back toward God?
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, help me repent fully and walk in the new life You give.
Day 3: The Gift of the Spirit
Scripture Reference: “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:39
God’s Spirit is not for a few but for all who call on His name—across generations and nations.
Action Step: Pray for one person in your life who seems “far off.” Ask God to draw them near.
Prayer Prompt: Holy Spirit, thank You for including me in Your promise. Use me to reach others.
God’s Spirit is not for a few but for all who call on His name—across generations and nations.
Action Step: Pray for one person in your life who seems “far off.” Ask God to draw them near.
Prayer Prompt: Holy Spirit, thank You for including me in Your promise. Use me to reach others.
Day 4: Boldness in the Spirit
Scripture Reference: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Peter, once afraid, now preaches boldly. The Spirit transforms timidity into courage.
Action Step: Share your faith this week—through a word of encouragement, an invitation, or a testimony.
Prayer Prompt: Spirit of God, give me courage to speak boldly of what You’ve done in my life.
Peter, once afraid, now preaches boldly. The Spirit transforms timidity into courage.
Action Step: Share your faith this week—through a word of encouragement, an invitation, or a testimony.
Prayer Prompt: Spirit of God, give me courage to speak boldly of what You’ve done in my life.
Day 5: Blessed Assurance
Scripture Reference: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
Peter’s message was clear: believe in the risen Lord and be saved. Our assurance rests not in us, but in Christ.
Action Step: Write out your personal confession of faith—what you believe about Jesus—and keep it where you’ll see it daily.
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, You are Lord and Messiah. Help me live with assurance in Your love and salvation.
Peter’s message was clear: believe in the risen Lord and be saved. Our assurance rests not in us, but in Christ.
Action Step: Write out your personal confession of faith—what you believe about Jesus—and keep it where you’ll see it daily.
Prayer Prompt: Jesus, You are Lord and Messiah. Help me live with assurance in Your love and salvation.
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