[19] repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, [20] that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, [21] whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. [acts 3:19-21]
peter, walking in step with the Spirit, has just performed a miraculous healing through the power of Jesus, and now he has an opportunity to share the gospel with many in the temple. i believe awareness of the Holy Spirit’s prompting is key here. peter is by no means perfect, but it is evident that prayer is a lifestyle for him. this was not always the case. just a few weeks earlier, he was living a lifestyle of fear as he denied Jesus 3 times. if you have been consumed by fear and avoiding conversation with the author of life for hours, days, weeks, or even years, that can change today through the power of Christ! just go to him friend.
the other side of this is what peter shares. he shares the gospel with simplicity. in these 3 and the past few verses, he simplified the gospel into what those who don’t know Jesus need to hear:
- repentance of sin
- faith in Jesus alone
it’s that simple friends. you and i know it to be true, yet i find myself trying to doctor up the gospel so it sounds more exciting, more practical, or more friendly. these two aspects of the gospel are and always have been the central theme of the message, a message that has been spread saving lives for more than 2000 years.
so today friend, spend some time with the Lord. thank him for the simplicity of the gospel. thank him for your salvation. ask him to soften your heart to be sensitive to his promptings, and for boldness to share the gospel in love, truth, and simplicity as opportunities arise.
~ john sandman