The First Sermon

Key Takeaways

• Peter's sermon focused on three main points about Jesus:

  • What you did to Jesus (crucified Him)

  • What God did to Jesus (raised and exalted Him)

  • What Jesus can do for you (offer forgiveness and salvation)

• We are all complicit in Jesus' crucifixion through our sin.

• Jesus' resurrection demonstrates God's power over death and His plan for salvation.

• We are living in the "last days" - the period between Pentecost and Christ's return.

• The Holy Spirit is now poured out on all believers, not just select individuals.

Study Questions

• Question 1

  Peter addressed the crowd directly, saying "you crucified Jesus." How does this perspective change your understanding of your own role in Jesus' death?

• Question 2

  Pastor John mentioned that when people realize their role in Jesus' death, it's a sign of the Holy Spirit working in their lives. Have you experienced this conviction? How did it affect your faith journey?

• Question 3

  How does understanding Jesus' resurrection as God "loosing the pangs of death" impact your view of death and eternal life?

• Question 4

  Peter quotes from the Old Testament (Joel 2, Psalm 16, Psalm 110) to support his message about Jesus. Why is it important to connect Jesus' life and ministry to Old Testament prophecies?

• Question 5

  What does it mean to you that Jesus is both Lord (Yahweh) and Christ (Messiah)? How should this shape our response to Him?

• QUESTION 6

  What does it mean to "repent and be baptized" in response to the gospel message? How is this different from simply feeling sorry for our actions?

5-Day Devotional

DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

Day 1 : The Power of God's Love

READING :

Romans 5:6-11

DEVOTIONAL :

Today's reading reminds us of the profound love God demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice. Just as Peter emphasized in his sermon that Jesus died for those who crucified him, we too are recipients of this incomprehensible love. Reflect on the depth of God's love for you personally. How does knowing that Christ died for you "while you were still a sinner" change your perspective on your own worth and God's character?

APPLICATION :

Reflect on your own complicity in Jesus' death. Write a prayer of confession and gratitude, acknowledging specific ways God's love has transformed your life.

Day 2 : Confronting Our Need for Salvation

READING :

Acts 2:14-41

DEVOTIONAL :

Peter's bold sermon at Pentecost confronted his listeners with their need for salvation. Like them, we too are complicit in Christ's crucifixion through our sin. As you read this passage, allow the Holy Spirit to "cut to the heart" any areas of unconfessed sin or complacency in your life. What does it mean for you to "repent and be baptized" today? Consider how you can respond to God's convicting voice with humility and openness to change.

APPLICATION :

Share the gospel with someone this week, emphasizing both our need for repentance and God's offer of forgiveness through Jesus.

Day 3 : The Hope of Resurrection

READING :

1 Corinthians 15:12-26

DEVOTIONAL :

The resurrection of Jesus is central to our faith and hope. As Peter proclaimed, death could not hold Jesus. This same power is at work in us who believe. Meditate on the image of Jesus "blowing a hole through the back" of death's dark tunnel. How does the reality of Christ's resurrection impact your daily life? Your fears? Your future?

APPLICATION :

Take time to write down specific ways the hope of resurrection can transform your perspective on current challenges or uncertainties.

Day 4 : Living in the "Last Days"

READING :

2 Peter 3:3-13

DEVOTIONAL :

Peter's sermon placed his listeners (and us) in the "last days" - the time between Christ's first and second coming. This passage reminds us of our responsibility to live with urgency and purpose in light of Christ's return. How might your priorities shift if you truly lived each day as if it could be your last before Christ's return? Identify one specific way you can live more intentionally for God's kingdom today.

APPLICATION :

Evaluate an area of your life where you may not be fully submitting to Jesus as Lord. What steps can you take to align this area with His will?

Day 5 : The Gift of the Holy Spirit

READING :

John 14:15-27

DEVOTIONAL :

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost marked a new era in God's relationship with His people. This same Spirit dwells in all believers today. As you read Jesus' words about the coming Helper, reflect on your own relationship with the Holy Spirit. Are you aware of His presence in your daily life? How can you be more attentive to His guidance and empowerment?

APPLICATION :

Spend time in prayer, asking God to fill you afresh with His Spirit and to make you more sensitive to His leading. If you haven't been baptized, consider taking this step of faith. If you have, reflect on your baptism and how you're living in light of this reality.

This Week’s Liturgy & Playlist

CALL TO WORSHIP

Leader: Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous! Praise befits the upright. Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!

People: Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.

Leader: He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.

People: By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.

Psalm 33:1-6

Confession of Faith

From The Heidelberg Catechism

Q. What is your only comfort in life and death?

A. That I am not my own, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood, and has set me free from all the power of the devil. He also preserves me in such a way that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, all things must work together for my salvation. Therefore, by his Holy Spirit he also assures me of eternal life and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live for him.

Confession of Sin

Lord, we confess that we have rejected your truth and ignored your call to repentance. Like many in the crowd at Pentecost, we have dismissed the reality of this Jesus—the one you sent, crucified, and raised for our salvation. Our hearts are often hardened, and we resist your Spirit. Forgive us for our rebellion, and turn us to your Son, that we might find life and live for your glory. Amen.

ASSURANCE OF PARDON

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1 John 1:9

Looking Ahead

Next week’s scripture: Acts 2:42-47