37When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
40With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” 41Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Meditation
- Those that heard Peter’s Spirit-filled message were moved. They asked, “What shall we do?” This is the basic question every new believer will ask. It’s not enough to feel sorry for the sins we have committed; we need to ask for God’s forgiveness. When we repent, God will not only wipe away our sins, He will renew us spiritually so that we may live out the forgiven new life.
- Recall a time when God reminded you of your wrongs. What was your response? Are you living a new life now? The Bible tells us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible.)
What did the early church do when they get together? What will be included in your gathering that will be just like the early church? Discuss and make specific plan. Record your plan in the Family Devotional Journal. Hopefully your plan includes singing praises, praying, reading the Bible, fellowshipping and enjoying each other, having fun!
Prayer & Journaling: On your prayer journal, as you listen to God, write down a few thoughts, questions, words, names, drawings, or anything that has come to your mind during this time.
Proverbs for Today 12:4-7
4 An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who brings shame is like rottenness in his bones. 5 The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. 6 The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright delivers them.