“What Should We Do?”

 

It was the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit fell on a group of believers who had gathered. The apostle Peter addressed the crowd with a powerful message (Acts 2) that ended with these words – “‘So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!’ Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what should we do?’ Peter replied, ‘Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”

 

It is a good thing when someone who is convicted of their wrongdoing wants to make things right. “What should we do?” the people asked Peter. The response to the Gospel was incredible as scripture tells us that about 3,000 were added to the church on that day. (Acts 2:41)

 

The Good News of Jesus Christ can only change a heart when there is repentance. Peter’s first instruction to the hearers that day was to “…repent of your sins and turn to God…” The verb ‘repent’ (μετανοέω in Greek) is used in the New Testament to denote a transformative change of heart and mind, often in the context of turning away from sin and turning towards God. The concept of repentance goes beyond mere regret or remorse for past actions. It involves a conscious decision to change one's mind and behavior, aligning oneself with God's will.

 

What specific actions should the confessor of faith in Christ embrace?

 

Trust the Lord Completely. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

 

Confess Christ Publicly. “Everyone therefore who shall confess Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32)

 

Worship the Lord Corporately. “Come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come to him with thanksgiving. Let us sing psalms of praise to him.” (Psalm 95:1-2)

 

Follow Christ Obediently. “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me.’”        (Matthew 16:24)

 

Give to the Kingdom Sacrificially. “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’” (2nd Corinthians 9:7)

 

Witness to the Lost Boldly. “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…” (1 Peter 3:15)

 

May your faith be firmly established as you trust, confess, worship, follow, give, and witness. Know Him and make Him known!