The Pentecostal's Conversion Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. The Pentecostal’s Reprove

2. The Pentecostal’s Request

3. The Pentecostal’s Response

Introductory Remarks.

1. Today's lesson will discuss a theme: “The Pentecostal’s Conversion.” This lesson is one of several that will deal with the Acts of Conversions, as seen throughout the Book of Acts. It must be understood that this book of conversions has been preserved and provided to us as an example of New Testament Christianity. We will see a “pattern of conversion” throughout these lessons. If the church of the 21st century claims to preach the 1st century’s doctrine, then our message and pattern of conversion should mirror the Acts of Conversion outlined in the Book of Acts. The notion that: “it doesn’t matter what you believe, as long as your heart is right” is not in accord with Jesus’ charge: “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified),” John 7:37-39. See also John 5:39.

2. First, Peter’s preaching on the Day of Pentecost was a reproof and stern rebuke of the people. He outlines their rejection of Christ as the will of God. And that they had taken Him by wicked hands and crucified the Son of God. He showed in his message that Jesus was the promised Messiah, and it was through his death and resurrection He now sits and reigns on David’s throne. Further, the outpouring of the Holy Ghost was a sure testimony that Jesus is on the right hand of God exalted. He concludes his message by saying: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ,” Acts 2:36.

3. Secondly, Peter’s sermon resulted in the Pentecostal’s request: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” See Acts 2:37. Apostolic preaching should convict the person of their sins and answer how to obtain forgiveness. We must remain focused on this point. We are discussing the Acts of Conversion in the New Testament as seen in the Book of Acts. Those seeking New Testament conversion should adhere to Peter's instruction to these repentant believers. His response was direct and well understood by those crying: “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” We would be wised to faithfully and reverently hear his instructions and appeal if we desire to be saved, even as these believers.

4. Lastly, we note Peter’s instructions and the Pentecostal's response. Note Peter’s instruction to their cry: “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The promise is unto you, your children, and all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words, he testified and exhorted, saying, save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls,” Acts 2:38-41. Let me remind you again that we are discussing what the 1st-century believers were instructed to do to obtain forgiveness for their sins. Let me add that these instructions begin a “pattern in conversions” to be seen throughout the Book of Acts. I trust you are ready for this lesson? If so, let’s consider our first point, the Pentecostal’s Reprove.

BODY OF LESSON

I THE PENTECOSTAL’S REPROVE

A. Jesus approved of God. Peter begins his reproof of these Pentecostal attendees by stating: “Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know,” Acts 2:22.

B. Him, being delivered. “Him being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: Whom God hath raised, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it,” Acts 2:23-24.

1. Delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God. The God of heaven knew and foreordained these things regarding His Son. Peter declared to the people before the temple Beautiful: “Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days,” Acts 3:24.

2. Taken by wicked hands, crucified, and slain.

3. Whom God raised, having loosed the pains of death.

4. It is not possible for Him to remain in such a state.