A Clear Answer

 It is always frustrating when we ask someone what we need to do, and they give us an unclear answer. Sometimes, they just ramble on, and they do not get to the point of what is really important. Other times, they don't really know the answer, but they do the best they can to make something up. However, it is a always great to get a good, clear answer, so we know just what to do.

On the Day of Pentecost, Peter preached about Jesus, and the hearts of the people were touched so they asked what they should do. He gave them an answer right from the Lord. (Acts 2:38) Peter told them that each of them needed to repent of their sins and turn to God and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. Then, they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. What a great answer for all of us!

Once we see our sins, and we know that we are separated from God by them, we must repent of them, turning away from doing things our way. At the same time, we turn to God in faith for the forgiveness of our sins. This comes by trusting Jesus who died and rose for us. We are saved by grace through our faith, not by work. (Ephesians 2:8,9)

Then, Peter told them to be baptized in Jesus' name. Many people don't understand this, and they think that baptism washes away our sins. No, the people back then knew that baptism showed that they were identifying with Jesus as Lord and no longer following Judaism or any other religion. This showed they were surrendering to Jesus as Lord, so they would receive the Holy Spirit to live in them and empower them to live for Jesus.

#NHBaptistdotorg

Tomorrow, I intend to read Acts 3-5.