Jesus was crucified for our sins during the Jewish Passover festival.
He was buried.
And he rose from the dead three days later on Easter Sunday. Then he appeared to those who had believed on him.
Forty days later he ascended into heaven while they watched.
This marked the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. But it was just the beginning of church ministry.
Ten days after Jesus went back to heaven, the Holy Spirit came. He empowered the disciples for Christian ministry. In fact, these uneducated, Hebrew men were given ability to tell the mighty deeds of God in at least 16 other languages (Acts 2:9-11). Thus, the truth about Jesus was proclaimed to people from all over the world who were visiting in Jerusalem for the festival.
Peter also preached that day. About three thousand people believed and were baptised(Acts 2:41). Soon thereafter, Peter preached in the temple. Two thousand more believed (Acts 4:4).
Peter called people to be saved in his first sermon. He said, “Be saved from this crooked generation” (Acts 2:40).
Then, as now, people need to be saved from this crooked generation.
People’s minds and morals have become warped and twisted due to sin. They fail to appreciate Christ but delight in ugliness and perversion.
Sin dooms the world to God’s judgment. But though judgment is certain, individuals can still be saved through faith in Christ.
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).
Peter’s second sermon promised blessing by repentance. He said, “God raised up His Servant [Jesus] and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways” (Acts 3:26).
Peter emphasized turning from wicked ways.
The world tells us that wicked ways are a blessing. They say sin will make you happy. But sin brings death and judgement. “There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked” (Isaiah 48:22).
By contest, Jesus came to truly bless those who trust him. And those who trust him will be enabled to turn from wicked ways and enjoy the peace and joy of forgiven sins and eternal life.
Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).
Notice that Peter did not preach about social or political issues. There were many such problems then, just as there are today.
Peter called individuals to change course and believe in Jesus.
He said, “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago” (Acts 3:19-21).
Amen