Excel Still More
The Excel Still More podcast is designed to help Christians excel in their faith, their relationships, and really every part of their lives. If you are interested in growth in your faith, this is the show for you. If you want to see yourself reach greater heights, achieve powerful spiritual goals, and be a better servant of Christ, we are here to help. Each episode introduces a proven principle for achieving more. Then we show how the Word of God amplifies the idea. Finally, each episode will leave you with at least one practical project so you can put these tools into action today!Thanks for joining! Live your best life in Christ, and in whatever you do: Excel Still More!
Excel Still More
Acts 2 - Daily Bible Devotion
Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.com
Acts 2
On the day of Pentecost, tongues like fire descend upon the apostles in Jerusalem. A crowd gathers, and these anointed men from Galilee begin speaking in various languages. The people are amazed. The apostles then stand and address the Jewish audience. They explain that these miracles were prophesied hundreds of years earlier in the book of Joel. They then begin preaching Jesus. They tell of His miracles, His death and resurrection, and how this is God’s plan and prophesied by David a thousand years before. The people are pierced to the heart and ask what to do. They are told to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins. Three thousand people are baptized and commit to learning, worshiping, and fellowship together. The age of Christ’s church begins!
This chapter is the centerpiece of scripture and human history. God had been building toward salvation in Christ and His church for centuries. The Holy Spirit came upon the apostles, and the combination of miraculous action and divine truth changed the world. Many who had participated in crucifying Jesus were humbled and repented of their sins. The church began with awe and joy. New believers met together for worship and then house to house to enjoy meals. This is exactly how the word of God affects people today. It opens our eyes to Jesus and causes shame for our sins. It unites us in faith, worship, and daily service to others. There is joy and salvation in the Lord’s church!
Gracious Lord, You have extended incredible kindness to us in Your Son. We praise You for His coming, miracles and teachings, resurrection from the dead, and the salvation found only in Him. Lord, help us see the potency of the truth. The apostles converted thousands of Jews, many of whom had previously hated Jesus. What can the gospel of Jesus Christ do today? We pray its deepest impact begins in our hearts. Give us faith to turn from our sins. Show us peace in fellowship with believers in Christ, and challenge us to be active, daily servants in Christ’s church.
Thought Questions:
- The apostles spoke in tongues. What did it sound like in this text? How is that different than modern-day tongue-speaking claims?
- Peter’s sermon is focused on Jesus. Is Jesus the central figure and focus when you teach about His church? Why is that important?
- How did people respond to the message about Jesus? What did they do? Note how it goes far beyond the initial act of baptism.