May 2, 2011

The Book of Acts - Repent


Acts 3:11-26

As Peter is building the first church here in the book of Acts, you might think that he would be careful about his preaching style and the messages he chooses in an effort to gain supporters and lead people to Christ.  But as we know, Peter is pretty straight to the point and he starts listing off all the reasons the Jews need to repent.  
Those in the temple courts are astounded when they see Peter and John heal a lame man.  Peter is surprised that he has to remind them again of the healing power in Jesus name.  But in so doing, he reminds them all that they were responsible for killing Jesus.  He is relentless in his accusations of their actions that led to the Crucifixion of Jesus.

Sometimes it is easy to blame the Jews for their part in Jesus death.  After all, they led the charge against him.  They asked for Barabas to be released, not Jesus.  The shouted "crucify him, crucify him".

Are we free of the guilt?  Not so fast!  Scripture will tell us that Jesus died for ALL mankind.  That means he covered my sins as well as yours when he died on the cross:

"The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God." Romans 6:10

"For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died." II Corinthians 5:14

"For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit." I Peter 3:18

Repent always sounds like a harsh word, but simply put, we must turn toward God, seek His forgiveness,and be covered with the life giving blood of Jesus.  Peace and joy will follow!

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