CONVERSION

As we try to wipe guilt from our current vocabulary and context, It is good to remember that we ARE GUILTY - Our Sin colluded to put Jesus to Death on the Cross... BUT, His Grace and Mercy Have overcome our Sin and Guilt

Acts 2:36–41 NLT

36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!” 37 Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38 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. 39 This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” 40 Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” 41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.

Messiah and LORD

Lord and Christ. The Resurrected Servant Messiah Has Now been Unveiled as the Eternal LORD from Psalm 110:1 - He has Ascended (v. 34) and Now Sits at the Right-Hand of the Father (co-equal) and Awaits His Return when all Enemies are vanquished.

The Response of Doubting Thomas when he saw the Resurrected Jesus:

John 20:28 NLT

28 “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.

Jesus Makes it clear, The addition of His humanity to His Eternal existence does not Limit His Authority - Now that He has resurrected, His Glorious Eternal Nature is and His Eternal Authority over all Creation is fully revealed (“even the winds and the waves obey him… a glimpse”

Matthew 28:18 NLT

18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.

Paul Also Testified to Jesus as Messiah and LORD...

Romans 14:9 NLT

9 Christ died and rose again for this very purpose—to be Lord both of the living and of the dead.

2 Corinthians 4:5 NLT

5 You see, we don’t go around preaching about ourselves. We preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and we ourselves are your servants for Jesus’ sake.

Conviction, Counsel, Conversion

Conviction: “When They heard this they were cut to the heart...”

Counsel: “brothers, what shall we do?”

Conversion: v. 38 “and Peter said to them, Repent and be Baptized ever one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the Holy Spirit…” v. 41 “So those who received his word were baptized and there were added that day about 3000 souls...”

Acts 2:42 NLT

42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

The Special Edition Message that Peter Preached to the Jewish Hearers Results in CONVERSION

CONVERSION is one of the Great Messages of the Book of Acts

CONVERSION is outlined in Acts 2:42:

Devotion to the Apostles Teaching (Disciples fulfilling the Model of Jesus - Teacher/Disciple)

Devotion to Fellowship - one of the most basic elements of life, eating is now done with other believers

Devotion to Prayer - one the the Hallmarks of Jesus ministry, he often went to prayer, He taught his disciples to pray

What Follows in Acts 2:43-46 is then what Grows out of the Life of Devotion Lived by Those Who Have CONVERTED:

Acts 2:43–47 ESV

43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Challenge:

As Those Who Claim to be the CONVERTED, Are these Evidences Apparent in our Lives?

Awe

God’s Miraculous Hand

Concern and Compassion for those in need

Gathering Together in Worship

Gathering Together as we Eat (fellowship)

Generosity and sharing what we Have

Celebrating the Lord’s Supper

Glorifying God by Public Praise

Goodwill (Favor) with “all the people”

Growing as others CONVERT to CHRIST