Acts2:37-47 (AMP) -
“Now when they heard this, they were
cut to the heart [with remorse and anxiety], and they said to Peter and the
rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what are we to do?” And Peter said to
them, “Repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways,
accept and follow Jesus as the Messiah] and be baptized, each of you, in the
name of Jesus Christ because of the forgiveness of your sins; and you will
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise [of the Holy Spirit]
is for you and your children and for all who are far away [including the
Gentiles], as many as the Lord our God calls to Himself.”
And Peter solemnly testified and continued to admonish and urge
them with many more words, saying, “Be saved from this crooked and unjust
generation!” So then, those who accepted his message were baptized; and on
that day about 3,000 souls were added [to the body of believers]. They
were continually and faithfully devoting themselves to the
instruction of the apostles, and to fellowship, to eating meals
together and to prayers.
A sense of awe was felt by everyone, and many wonders
and signs (attesting miracles) were taking place through the apostles. And
all those who had believed [in Jesus as Saviour] were together and had all
things in common [considering their possessions to belong to the group as a
whole]. And they began selling their property and
possessions and were sharing the proceeds with all [the other believers], as
anyone had need.
Day after day they met in the temple [area] continuing with
one mind, and breaking bread in various private homes. They were eating their
meals together with joy and generous hearts, praising God continually,
and having favour with all the people. And the Lord kept adding to their number
daily those who were being saved."
1) This is the continuing work and activity of our Lord Jesus
Christ (Acts1:1).
Acts 1:1-2 (AMP) – “ The first account I made,
Theophilus, was [a continuous report] about all the things that Jesus began to
do and to teach until the day when He ascended to heaven,
after He had by the Holy Spirit given instruction to the apostles (special
messengers) whom He had chosen.”
2) The only hope for this world (this crooked and unjust
generation) is the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
3) There was increase in the number of believers as they
obeyed the instructions of the Lord.
3,000 were added to the church (among these were those who
opposed the Gospel before).
They joined themselves to the apostles (120).
4) They continue steadfastly (this became the most important
aspect of their life).
They wanted to be together always.
They continued in prayer.
5) What did they come together for? 120 and 3000.
-They continued in the apostles teaching / doctrine and did
not deviate from what was handed down by our Lord Jesus Christ
-They coveted it and desired it with their whole being.
Why did they want this teaching?
When a man is born again, he is a baby and desires milk
therefore must be given the sincere milk of the Word of God-1Pet2:2
(AMP) –“Like new-born babies [you should] long for the pure milk of the
word, so that by it you may be nurtured and grow in respect to salvation [its ultimate fulfilment].”
6) They wanted to understand what happened to them and to
learn more and more of it so that they can grow and help others (like their
loved ones).
7) They are always ready to give an answer for the hope that
is in them-1Pet3:15 – “ But in your hearts set
Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives]
as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defence to anyone who asks you to
account for the hope and confident
assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness
and respect.”
Prayer Points.
· Dear
Father, thank You for the men of courage (120) that are at work presently.
· Father,
we thank You for our men of courage, that they will continue in the work and
activity that Jesus handed down to His apostles.
·
May
they continue to teach and to do it earnestly even as Christ did.
·
Father,
fill them with the Holy Spirit that when they speak men’s heart will be pricked.
·
Lord,
may they always remember to follow the set pattern that Christ laid down.
· Lord,
give them the fervent desire and love to see men turn and be saved from this
crooked and unjust generation.
· Father,
may they always testify that it is what Jesus did on the cross that has
resulted to souls and the miracles (Acts3:12-16).
· Lord,
thank You that where ever they preach the Gospel we will see a great increase
(3000)-Verse 41.
·
May
the new converts desire the apostle’s doctrine with their whole being-Verse
42.
·
May
they continue to give men the sincere milk of the Word of God.
·
Father,
let there be increase in souls daily as they share the word-Verse
47.
·
Let
there be unity and oneness of mind as they increase.
· Father,
help them to be ready to give an answer to those who ask them about their faith
in You.
·
Lord,
we ask that You will continue to give them unction for the work.
·
Father,
daily revive their zeal for You.
·
May
they be committed all the days of their lives to this mission of seeing the
lost saved.
·
Help
them to travail until Your church is revived.
Join this HeartCry Prayer- Every Friday 11.30am -12.25pm (UK time)
Join this HeartCry Prayer- Every Friday 11.30am -12.25pm (UK time)
