Read Acts 2.14-41 Acts is the second book of Dr.

Luke, a defence, written as a historical/theological narrative, to disprove false charges against Christians, by the Jewish and Roman opponents, in order that Theophilus (some scholars think he might have been a wealthy relative or Caesar) might know fact from fiction in the life of Jesus and the church. In it he proves that Christianity, or that faith in Jesus and the beginning of the church are the fulfilment of the OT promises. In Christ Jews and gentiles are one. This occasion is known as the Pentecost, 50 days after the passover, it was instituted for the people of Israel to acknowledge the Lord to have absolute dominion over the land where he has brought them and to thank him for the Law God gave them 50 days after he brought them out of Egypt. And so as a visible thanksgiving to the Lord, the first fruits of their harvest are offered to the Lord. So, Peter preaches the one gospel, the same to the Jews and to the gentiles. This is his first out of three sermons recorded in this book. The audience is mainly Jews and proselytes (converts to Judaism form other nations). His message is salvation in the name of Jesus, but he wisely starts with the OT promises. - the Spirit is poured, we're in the last days; no

distinctions, male and female, young and old prophecy, visions and dreams - proclaiming the good news of Jesus. - "Jesus of Nazareth, a man (in history), attested (proved to be from God) to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs..." - Peter goes straight to the death of Jesus - "delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God" 2.23, "to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place." 4.28. no mistake here, no plan B, this is according to the definite plan of God. - you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men; would we do otherwise? as sinners from birth, we'd do the same. - "God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it." how could the holy and living one remain among the dead! like Jonah, Jesus had to come out of the death whale, because God heard Jesus' prayer, his innocent Son has exhausted on himself the wrath of God, for our sins, the punishment we deserved. and Peter quotes a Psalm of David, to point t the resurrection of Jesus, as the Son of David. "This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses."

- "exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing." and David quoted again,"'The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.' - footstool signifying complete subjection, to the Lord and Christ. A RESPONSE - repentance - to change the mind and turn around 180, following the opposite course of life. we are led to it by seeing the goodness, patience and forbearance of the Lord. - baptism - outward expression of the inward faith. - ..."in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." "For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself." DO YOU FEEL, DO YOU HEAR GOD'S CALL IN YOUR HEART? HE CALLS YOU TO HIMSELF, IT IS FOR YOU! May the Lord add to the number of those that are saved by faith in Jesus, those that belong to God.

Read 1 Peter 3.13-15 - his first sermon on his mind; "in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy"- we must have a real and living relationship with Jesus - any relationship must have basic components - openness, truthfulness, loyalty, honour and communication. Acts 4.13 "Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus." -always being prepared -defense - justification, vindication -reason - word of hope -with gentleness and respect