38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every oneof you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgivenessof your sins. And you will receive the gift of the HolySpirit. - P118
44 All the believers were together and had everythingin common.
45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyonewho had need. - P119
Many in the crowd are convicted by Peter‘s words. After Peter encouragesthem to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus, three thousand peopleput their faith in Christ Jesus. - P119
The believers meet together every day, sharetheir possessions with one another, and have fellowship in their homes. Theyenjoy the favor of everyone, and God continues to add to their numbers. - P119
The realization that they had rejected their Messiah lays bare the heartsof Peter‘s hearers. It is likely that even those who at first mocked thedisciples are deeply convicted. - P120
In their distress, they ask what they mustdo to atone for their actions. "Repent," says Peter. - P120
And as a testimonyto their change of heart, they are then baptized in the name of the Onethey crucified. What follows is an outpouring of God‘s promised Spiriton their lives and the lives of their children. - P120
Peter also affirms that thisSpirit is not only promised to these Jews but to those far off as well.
Believers today who have come from all different tribes and tongues canconfidently testify to this truth. - P120
The repentance of the three thousand who responded in faith to Peter‘swords is seen in the formation of a new and distinct community. It isa community marked by sacrifice, sharing, and a unity of purpose andfellowship unmatched by any other. - P120
It is for this reason, together withthe wonders and signs performed by the apostles, that new believerscontinually join and become a part of this community. - P120
As our ownchurches demonstrate these characteristics of community, together withthe unmistakable presence of God‘s Spirit, we can be certain that theLord will bless our communities and entrust us with more souls to nur-ture and care for. - P120
It is the power of Spirit-filled community that drawsothers to faith in Jesus. - P120
Lord, I pray that Your community on earth, the church, might be distinctive andattractive to a world of lost souls looking for meaning and belonging. - P121
Teachus to love one another so that others may seek to join us and experience theunity of the Spirit. In Your name, amen. - P121
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