Devotionals for May 7, 2024
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READ
ACTS 2:38
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
ROMANS 6:4
"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life."
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
ROMANS 6:4
"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life."
REFLECT
The gospel is unique and completely counter-cultural. When the people asked what they should do, Peter could have said they have to work really hard to make up for their failures. He could have said they were beyond help, they messed up so bad that their story couldn’t be redeemed.
But Peter's response is clear: Repent and be baptized. He gives them opportunity and identity: Repentance is a turning away from sin and towards God - opportunity. Baptism symbolizes the washing away of sin and the start of a new life in Christ - identity. If you are convicted of your sin and want to now place your faith in Jesus, seek baptism to demonstrate your commitment to him and your identification with his death and resurrection.
But Peter's response is clear: Repent and be baptized. He gives them opportunity and identity: Repentance is a turning away from sin and towards God - opportunity. Baptism symbolizes the washing away of sin and the start of a new life in Christ - identity. If you are convicted of your sin and want to now place your faith in Jesus, seek baptism to demonstrate your commitment to him and your identification with his death and resurrection.
APPLY
Q: Why do you think Peter tells the people to repent and be baptized?
Q: What do you try to do to make up for your failures?
Q: Who appears broken in your world (sphere of influence) and needs to hear that God offers both opportunity for restoration and a new identity with him in Christ?
Q: What do you try to do to make up for your failures?
Q: Who appears broken in your world (sphere of influence) and needs to hear that God offers both opportunity for restoration and a new identity with him in Christ?
SING
PRAY
"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
Lord, it is remarkable that I can be made right with you through repentance and faith, and that I can have a new identity in you through baptism. Give me the courage to embrace these offers in obedience and faith. Remind me that if I am in Christ, my chains are gone and I have been set free!
Lord, it is remarkable that I can be made right with you through repentance and faith, and that I can have a new identity in you through baptism. Give me the courage to embrace these offers in obedience and faith. Remind me that if I am in Christ, my chains are gone and I have been set free!