What is the most life-changing truth anyone can ever hear? The Bible calls it “the gospel,” which means “good news.” It is the Divine message designed for everyone to hear and share. And it is the news that ignites the faith that leads to eternal deliverance and forgiveness for those who believe.
THE FIRST SERMON
Acts 2 records the fulfillment of what Jesus had promised, that after He left earth, He would send His Spirit to be with every believer and in every believer. They would receive His power and life so they could be fully restored and empowered to do the task He had given them (Acts 1:8).
The first order of business, once they were filled with the Spirit, was to proclaim the gospel. Peter stood up in power as the people (from every nation under heaven who were there) asked what was happening.
Here is the purest gospel message ever preached. It came at this Pentecost moment from a man filled with God. So, what is the gospel?
1. TODAY IS THE DAY OF SALVATION FOR EVERYONE WHO WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD.
‘And it shall be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ (Vs. 21)
2. GOD PROVED THAT THE MAN, JESUS, WAS THE PROMISED SAVIOR.
“Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know. (Vs. 22)
3. THIS WAS GOD’S PLAN FROM THE BEGINNING.
“Delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God” (Vs. 23)
4. WE’RE RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS DEATH.
“You nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death.” (Vs. 23)
5. GOD RAISED HIM UP FROM DEATH!
“But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power.” (Vs. 24)
6. THIS FULFILLED ALL THE PROPHECIES YOU’VE HEARD
“David … looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that He was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh suffer decay” (Vs. 25-31)
7. THERE ARE MANY EYEWITNESSES OF HIS DEATH AND RESURRECTION.
This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses.” (Vs. 32)
8. CHRIST IS NOW THE LORD OF ALL, SEATED AT GOD’S RIGHT HAND, SENDING HIS SPIRIT TO INDWELL ALL THOSE WHO BELIEVE.
“Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear … Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.” (Vs. 33, 36)
9. YOU MUST REPENT IF YOU WANT FORGIVENESS AND THE SPIRIT AND THEN YOU MUST BE BAPTIZED.
“Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Vs. 38)
10. THIS PROMISE IS FOR YOU, YOUR CHILDREN, AND ALL THOSE FAR OFF.
“For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” (Vs. 39)
Our task today is the same as the early disciples … and our message should not deviate. What was the result of Peter’s proclamation? And what happens when we share the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit?
The gospel is not complicated, but it is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe. It is the good news we must embrace and the Lord we must receive. And it is the news we must share with our family and all who are far from God.
Father, thank You for the gospel! Thank You that You have given it to us in simplicity and power. Thank you that You give us the grace to believe and be saved. And thank You that You come to dwell in us by Your Spirit and empower us for Your task. Give us power and courage to speak the gospel with boldness today!
