Unstoppable! 'What Should We Do?' — Acts 2:37-41

Sunday, February 5, 2023

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. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away — all who have been called by the Lord our God." Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation!"

Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day — about 3,000 in all.

— Acts 2:37-41 NLT

Key Thought

Have you ever had anyone ask you, "What should I do to become a follower of Jesus?" I have, and there are few things in life as sweet as that question! When people are seeking to honor Jesus by coming to him, their friends and confidants can give many different answers, even nice-sounding religious answers. As we see in the book of Acts, however, the answer the apostles repeatedly gave is this: If you believe that Jesus is Lord and Messiah, then turn your heart to Jesus and his way (repent), be immersed for the forgiveness of your sins, and the Holy Spirit will be given to you. In fact, Peter made clear this answer was good for everyone the Lord calls to come to him through the Good News. Those who believed Peter's message did what he told them, and 3,000 were added to the number of believers that day. Incredible! Joyous! Salvation!

Today's Prayer

Father, forgive us for substituting our answers for yours and our ways for those taught and demonstrated to us in the Scriptures. Be with us as we seek to lead those who do not know and follow Jesus to discover him and follow him as Savior and Lord. We pray for a great harvest of grace as many come to Christ in our day, and use us to help make this harvest happen. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 16:22-34, 22:2-16
  • Romans 6:3-14

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Illustration

Illustration of Acts 2:37-41 NLT — 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. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away — all who have been called by the Lord our God." Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation!" Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day — about 3,000 in all.

About This Devotional

Unstoppable! is a one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage, a reflection and a prayer. The reflection opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges one to live for Jesus.

Unstoppable! is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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