Spirit Filled Life Series

Acts 2:36-41 Result of the Spirit-Filled Preaching

2: 36-37 Conviction of the Sinners

2: 38-40 Confrontational preaching

2: 41 Conversion of the Sinners

Acts 2:36-37 Conviction of the Sinners

In the previous passage, we have seen how Peter took the Platform and communicated the Gospel. Quoting from Old Testament passages of Joel and Psalms. He proved that Jesus of Nazareth was their expected Messiah. He also preached boldly about their actions against the anointed of God. Peter preached with an aim, with the power of the Holy Spirit. His words attest to his actions and convictions. Peter spoke the Word of God, and he proclaimed the power of the Blood of Christ. Preaching proceeds from the heart of a preacher reach the heart of the hearers, but preaching comes out of mind reach mind. Those who heard the preaching of Peter had conviction about Messiah, His mission to Israel and the whole world. Peter talked about their Sin against the Son of God. Paul also preached the Gospel of Conviction (Galatians 1:9-6-9).

Acts 2:38-40 Confrontational Preaching

Most preachers preach to bring comforts, consolation, at the same time it is also, the responsibility of a Preacher to declare the condemnation awaiting those who do not believe in the name of Jesus Christ and his Propitiation for all. Confrontational preaching leads the hearers to yield their lives to Christ. John the Baptist was a daring preacher(Matthew 3:7-10). Jesus preached to repent(Matthew 4:17, Luke 4:18-19). Nathan confronted David(2 Samuel 12:5-6). Elijah confronted King Ahab( 1 Kings 18:18-19). Micah uncompromised preacher in the Bible(1 Kings 22:5-8). They aimed at pleasing God rather than men, whereas the Bible has many examples of false prophets and preachers how they had pleased the men to get favor from them. They had served their belly and not the Lord who had called them. Paul never had pleased men in his preaching, but he always communicated the Gospel without compromise (Galatians 1:10).

Acts 2:41 Conversion of the Sinners

The Church is made up of born again believers. Biological growth will not help the Church to grow spiritually. There may be a large gathering, but fruitfulness and witness may not be there. Everyone must have a personal relationship with Christ through prayer, and by reading the Scriptures in every Church. Conversion is a personal encounter with God. Abraham had a personal encounter with God, and he walked after the commandments of God (Genesis 12:1, 15:1-6). Jacob had a personal encounter with God at Jabbok(Genesis 32:22-29). David had a conversion experience(Psalm 51). Saul had a conversion experience on the way to Damascus (Acts 9: 1-6). We can bring out many examples from Old and New Testament personalities. The history of the European Churches reveals the reality that they lost the theme of conversion and ended up in losing faith. So their Children had diversion from godliness and had deviations from moralities, and had a delusion in theologies. Woe to the generation who despises the Power of God and the preaching.

Discussions:

1. Discuss on the conversion experience

2. Discuss on the Contents of Preaching.