Sermon Tone Analysis

Rena, age three, was sitting with her parents during a baptismal service one Sunday evening, which was a totally new experience for her.

Taking it all in, she asked her mom: “Why did Pastor Bob push that guy in the water?”

Her mother quietly tried to explain, but Rena wasn’t satisfied.

Later that night her mom and dad tried again to explain what baptism is all about.

They talked about sin and how when people decide to live for Jesus and “do good” they want everyone to know.

So they get baptized.

They went on to explain that the water symbolizes Jesus’ washing away people’s sin - and then they come out “clean” – and then they try to be “good.”

However, Rena’s parent’s realized they’d failed again when Rena asked, “Well, why didn’t Pastor Bob just spank him?”

Well baptism is about a whole lot more than just punishing someone– and just trying to get them to do good – to do better!

In Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost – an annual harvest festival that occurs 7 weeks after Passover and is held on the 50th day – Peter and the disciples were gathered together (possibly in the Upper Room) – and we’re told in Acts 2:2-4 …

And hearing this great commotion - a huge crowd gathered outside where they were and people from all over the world began hearing the disciples speaking in their own languages.

And picking up in Acts 2:12-24 we’re told…

And in Acts 2:33-36 …

Peter – in his 1st sermon - preached Jesus and the Gospel message!

And then the people asked…Acts 2:37 …and Peter said Acts 2:38 …

I want you to notice 4 things this morning:

1.

They were pierced to the heart.

- The preaching of the Gospel – the hearing of the Gospel is what pierces the heart!

- The verb cut, pierce (katenygēsan) used here means “to strike or prick violently, to stun.”

- The convicting work of the Spirit in their hearts was great!

2. They were told to repent.

- Th verb (metanoēsate) used here means “change your outlook,” or “have a change of heart; reverse the direction of your life.”

- This obviously results in a change of conduct, but the emphasis here is on the mind or outlook.

The Jews had rejected Jesus; now they were to trust in Him.

- And this would lead them to ask God for forgiveness for their sins.

3.

They were told to be baptized.

- To be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ – which would now outwardly demonstrate their identification with Jesus Christ!

4. They were told they would receive the Holy Spirit.

- He would now come to take up residence in their very lives!

And we’re told that about 3000 people came to personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that day = and were baptized!

Their lives were forever changed!

Wow!

What a glorious day!

The Gospel is still doing this today – piercing hearts – cutting hearts, pricking, stunning – and convicting people to repent of their sins and to ask God to forgive them for their sins = and changing the direction of their lives – and placing their faith and trust in Jesus!

And this is why you and I need to be doing everything we can to tell others about Jesus – to reach others for Jesus…

Brother Tim is going to come now and bring a challenge to everyone of us regarding WHO’S YOUR ONE YOUR ONE…

Invitation

Has the Gospel pierced your heart?

Has it led you to repent of your sins – to ask God to forgive you for your sins?

And have you been baptized – showing your identification with Jesus Christ?

And now having the Holy Spirit living inside of you?

If so I rejoice with you today = Because you have life (eternal and abundant) and you have peace with God!

If not, I say with Peter…Repent and be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins: and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit!

And figure out WHO’S YOUR ONE and be part of God’s work to bring them to Christ!