In the Name of Jesus

We don’t know exactly what the apostle Peter’s favorite verse would have been, but a continual theme in his ministry, preaching, and writings was Jesus Christ’s resurrection. This message from Peter and the other disciples rang true from the beginning and is the foundation on which Christianity rests. In the beginning of Peter’s first letter to Christians scattered around the northern regions he writes, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).

In today’s passage, we get to listen in on the first sermon Peter preached. After the Holy Spirit’s presence was felt at Pentecost, Peter stood up and addressed the confused crowd. He directly confronted the crowd’s misconception that the men were drunk on wine because they were speaking in other languages. He joked with them saying, “They are not drunk, it is only nine in the morning!” After quoting from the prophet Joel as the foundation for his message (vv. 17–21), Peter got to the central point: Jesus.

Peter made his listeners aware that Jesus was at their doorstep. They had seen, interacted with, and played a crucial part in His death. However, instead of condemning their actions, Peter concluded his sermon with one central idea, “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah” (v. 36).

Then, Peter urged them to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus (v. 38). By doing so, they would publicly declare that they were no longer going to live by the ways of the world. Instead, they would surrender their lives to the only one who could truly save people from their sins, the risen Lord Jesus.

>> Perhaps you believe in Jesus but have not yet been baptized. If so, reach out to your pastor to talk about publicly proclaiming your allegiance to Jesus, our resurrected King.

Pray with Us

Today, Moody Aviation’s new student orientation is happening on our Spokane, Wash., campus. Will you pray for these future missionary aviation pilots and mechanics, as they train to bring the gospel to hard-to-reach places?

BY Dr. Chris Rappazini

Dr. Chris Rappazini believes “the Bible is still relevant, leadership is essential, and the church’s best days are still ahead.” Chris is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, the University of Edinburgh, and Gonzaga University. He served as Associate Professor of Pastoral Studies at Moody Bible Institute. Chris and his wife, Ashley, and their children now reside in North Carolina.