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Go! And Be Transformed: The Call To Repentance And New Life - Acts 2:38 Series
Contributed by Dean Courtier on May 9, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Pentecost was not merely a historical event—it was the dawn of a new era. The Holy Spirit descended, Peter preached with boldness, and hearts were pierced. The crowd, convicted, asked, “What should we do?” - Peter’s response is our focus—a divine blueprint for transformation.
Go! And Be Transformed: The Call to Repentance and New Life - Acts 2:38
Acts 2:38 (NLT): Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Introduction: The Power of a Transformed Life
The day of Pentecost was not merely a historical event—it was the dawn of a new era. The Holy Spirit descended, Peter preached with boldness, and hearts were pierced. The crowd, convicted, asked, “What should we do?” (Acts 2:37). Peter’s response in Acts 2:38 is our focus today—a divine blueprint for transformation.
1. “Repent of your sins and turn to God”
The term metanoeo (µeta????) translates to “repent,” meaning a profound change of mind and heart, turning away from sin and towards God .
Peter addresses devout Jews in Jerusalem. Their repentance signifies a shift from self-reliance and law-based righteousness to faith in Jesus as the Messiah.
Repentance is not mere remorse; it’s a decisive turn towards God, acknowledging our need for His grace.
2. “Be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ”
Baptizo (ßapt???) implies immersion, symbolizing death to the old self and resurrection into new life.
Baptism is an outward expression of inward faith, identifying believers with Christ’s death and resurrection.
3. “For the forgiveness of your sins”
Aphesis (?fes??) means release or pardon. Through repentance and faith, we receive God’s forgiveness, liberating us from sin’s penalty.
4. “You will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”
The Holy Spirit indwells believers, empowering them to live godly lives and witness for Christ.
1. Matthew 3:2 (NLT): “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”
John the Baptist’s call to repentance prepared hearts for Jesus’ ministry.
2. Romans 6:4 (NLT): “For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead... we also may live new lives.”
Baptism symbolizes our union with Christ, marking the start of a transformed life.
3. Ephesians 1:13 (NLT): “And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit...”
The Holy Spirit is God’s seal, affirming our identity in Christ.
Tim Keller: “Fear-based repentance makes us hate ourselves. Joy-based repentance makes us hate the sin.”
True repentance stems from understanding God’s grace, leading us to detest sin, not ourselves.
John Piper: “To repent is to reject myself or others as Lord and faith is to believe and trust that Jesus is Lord.”
Repentance and faith are two sides of the same coin—turning from self to Christ.
The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32): A young man squanders his inheritance but returns home, repentant. The father, filled with compassion, welcomes him back. This parable illustrates God’s readiness to forgive and restore those who turn to Him.
The Broken Vase: Imagine a cherished vase shattered into pieces. A skilled artisan not only restores it but enhances its beauty. Similarly, God takes our brokenness and, through repentance and faith, creates something more beautiful.
Gospel Presentation
Friends, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again, conquering death. Through His sacrifice, we are offered forgiveness and new life. By repenting and placing our faith in Him, we receive the Holy Spirit and the assurance of eternal life.
Call to Action:
If you’ve not yet turned to Christ, today is the day of salvation. Repent, believe, and be baptized. For those already in Christ, let this be a reminder to live out your faith boldly, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Communion Reflection:
As we partake in Communion, let us remember the servant nature of our Saviour. Jesus humbled Himself, washing His disciples’ feet and laying down His life for us. The bread and cup symbolize His body broken and blood shed, calling us to live lives of humble service in His name.
Benediction:
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Go forth, transformed by His grace, to live lives that glorify Him.
May this message inspire and equip you to live out the transformative power of the Gospel in every aspect of your life.
