In last week’s blog, we took a close look at Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost. As he wrapped up his message, he wanted to focus on the truth of the resurrection of Jesus, something that all of the disciples had witnessed for 40 days prior to His ascension into heaven. And then, Peter concluded his message by saying:

“Therefore, let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ – This Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:36).

As we noted last week, that must have really stung when Peter told them that the One who had come to redeem them was the One whom they had crucified; and the One whom they crucified has risen from the dead, ascended into heaven, and has become both Lord (Ruler of all) and Christ (their Messiah). Peter didn’t mince words. Of course, he intended for his message to bear fruit. But what kind of fruit? In response to Peter’s message, those gathered listening to him:

“…were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brothers, what are we to do?’”

When they recognized their guilt in having a hand in crucifying their Messiah, there was only one thing for them to do, and Peter tells them plainly:

“Repent, and then let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

That’s it friends – Whenever we sin against the Lord, if we are ever to be forgiven, we must repent of our sin(s). So, what does it mean to repent? Literally, the Greek word is metanoia, or “to change your mind, or thinking” (meta = change and nous = mind). It means to change our thinking about our sin and how it affects our relationship with God. That’s what the Prodigal Son did when he knelt in the pigpen, he literally “came to his senses” and decided to return home.

So, let’s look at what I call “THE 5 C’S” of Genuine Repentance:  

CONVICTION – There will never be any repentance without the conviction of the Holy Spirit that hits us straight in the heart;

CONTRITION – There should always be a sense of “remorse” over our sins, sadness over the people we have hurt by what we have said or done;

CONFESSION – We must confess our sins to God, that is, we agree with God that we have sinned against Him and others;

CONVERSION – We must turn around, and as John the Baptist told those who came to be baptized for repentance, “bring forth the fruits in keeping with your repentance”; and finally

CONSECRATION – We must submit our lives to God, not knowing what that may entail, but being wholly surrendered to following Him all the days of our life.

And with repentance comes the Lord’s promise of the indwelling Holy Spirit, the One who empowers us to live the Christian life. Luke goes on to tell us that:

“Those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls. And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostle’s teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:41-42).

With hostile forces all around them, this band of 3,000 followers of Jesus became the first church, and they devoted themselves to hearing what the apostles were telling them about Jesus as they shared in fellowship with one another. In addition, they shared their meals together and as they sensed their desperate need for God, they devoted themselves to prayer. It sure sounds like what we should be doing in our own churches! Furthermore:

“Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles” (Acts 2:43).

What an amazing thing for all of those in the fellowship (and even those outside looking in) to feel a sense of “awe” and “wonder” at what God was doing through the apostles, including seeing miraculous signs and wonders. But it didn’t stop with signs and wonders, as:

“And all the believers were together and had all things in common…And day by day, continuing with one mind in the temple and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart” (Acts 2:43-46).

This first church in Jerusalem also shared property, food, and clothing with one another as they had need, and did so with “gladness and sincerity of heart.” Wow! What a church family!

Finally, we see that the members of this first church were continually:

“…praising God and having favor with all of the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).

These first Christians had favor with all of the people, especially those looking in from the outside. They were “awed” at what God was doing in their midst, and as a result, people were continually added to their number.

The first church was a healthy church, and healthy churches today draw people in because they feel a sense of wonder at what God is doing in their midst. And their faith, as in the first church, began with genuine heart-felt repentance, as it should with each of us as well. If you have never done so, that’s the first step in your spiritual journey with the goal of becoming more like Jesus in your character and conduct. And so, if God is still waiting for you to repent, why not do it today?

Blessings to all of you.