Peter was preaching in the Temple that day, showing off a man who had been lame and deformed but was now healed and whole. He went on to tell those assembled how they had rejected Jesus, choosing a murderer over the Life-giver.
He told them he realized that their choices about Jesus were made in ignorance, but that God was fulfilling the words of the prophets – that Messiah had to endure those sufferings.
Then Peter said this, “Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;”
Like, “Now you know the truth, choose Life over death,” and about 2,000 did so that day! The power of simple Truth.
I really like how the Amplified Bible translates this verse. It opens up some of the words from the original language that can’t be captured in one English word.
“So repent – change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins and return to God—seek His purpose for your life, so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day;”
Thought provoking, huh?
So, here’s some questions:
Have you repented and returned to God like it says above? Are you seeking God’s purpose for your life? Have you asked Him to wipe away your sins? If not, why not? Please, my friend, do it today.
And for you who are believers, who are living in a thriving and vibrant moment-by-moment relationship with Jesus, do you go where those who don’t know Him are? I’m not talking about going on mission trips. I’m talking about around your town. You know, the grocery store, the coffee shop, the mall, the ball field, wherever. Maybe a better question would be: Do you talk with those who don’t know Jesus as Lord?
It’s time we who are believers got serious about telling people about the Life that lives within us. It’s time we let them know about eternity. It’s time we struck up a conversation with someone we don’t know to build a relationship that will give us the opportunity to learn more about them and if they are not believers, to share the good news with them.
For that matter, do you know people who say they are believers but they act like the world? It may be time for you to ask God for the opportunity to share this truth (Acts 3:19) with them. Then share it.
In either case, share the truth, then let the Holy Spirit take over. You just continue to be the friend you have been.
#LifeChange
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