Saturday 28 June 2025
Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (v. 38)
Background
When Peter was preaching to the crowd on the Day of Pentecost he was doing more than explaining what was happening and showing how it linked to Jewish tradition, scripture and present experience. Peter was challenging people to respond to what he shared, and there were three elements.
Peter called on people to repent, meaning recognising that we are sinful people who are far short of what God wants for us and we must turn to God. Then people will be baptised, meaning they will deliberately and visibly become part of the Church. Finally they will receive the Holy Spirit, meaning God is present in their lives, leading and directing them, and equipping them in ways that are beyond their capabilities. Peter challenged people to become followers of Jesus. And "about three thousand were added to their number that day" (v. 41).
The same challenge is before us today. If you are reading this and not a follower of Jesus, or were once a keen disciple but somehow over the years have drifted, then perhaps today is the day when God’s Spirit calls you to turn in faith to the God who loves you and accepts you. I pray this is so. And it would be really good to then link up with a local church to be part of a community of people who are also followers of Jesus.
And for those of us who are actively following Jesus, even if we aren’t great at it at times, my prayer for you is my prayer for myself – that every day I might know more of God’s love, grace and power in my life. And every day be a little more like Jesus. I pray this is so.
To Ponder:
- When did you decide to become a follower of Jesus? How did this happen for you?
- Is ‘repent’ something we talk about very little today? If so, why?
Prayer
Loving God, I am sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. Please forgive me. I now turn from everything that I know is wrong and turn to you. Thank you that you gave your life on the cross for me, so that I could be forgiven. Thank you that you offer me forgiveness and the gift of your Holy Spirit. I now receive that gift. Please come into my life to be with me forever. Thank you Jesus. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Stephen Skuce
Stephen is the Superintendent of the North Western District of The Methodist Church in Ireland.