THE GOOD NEWS

ACTS 2:22-40

Exalted to the right hand of God, He (Jesus) has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

Jesus gives the Holy Spirit as He promised. The ability of the apostles to speak in foreign languages is a clear manifestation of the Spirit’s presence with them.

With their credibility established in the minds of the people, Peter immediately proceeds to share the Good News of Jesus.

Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know…you with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. But God raised him from the dead...Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.

The people’s reaction was also immediate - When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"

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.”

Wonderful! Forgiveness of sin is now possible through the death of Jesus on the cross! For the greater purpose of making us a suitable dwelling place for the Holy Spirit.

Here is the Good News! God comes to live in the lives of students of Jesus! For if people can be continually cleansed from all sin, the Holy Spirit of God can permanently dwell in their hearts!

Forgiveness of sins is for the greater blessing of the indwelling presence of God.

Peter makes it clear. The gift of the Holy Spirit is available to everyone - The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, for all whom the Lord our God will call.