Church Growth

January 28

(Acts 2:40-41) “With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day."

(Matthew 8:11-12 NIV)  "I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. {12} But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.""

(Daniel 12:10 NIV)  "Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand."

We have a portion of Peter’s Pentecost sermon here in Acts. He spoke “many other words”. In what we have, you don’t hear any “seeker sensitive” stuff. He preached the truth in love, calling people to repent, and to be saved out of their corrupt generation. Then comes this phenomenal evangelism report -- 3,000 were saved. If Peter preached one sermon, and 3,000 were saved, surely we can lead a few people to Jesus in our lifetime. Christians, God has left us here for a reason. Jesus said, “You will be my witnesses.” Are you living in a way that anyone would notice Christ in you? Does your life invite people to Jesus, or are you more of a repellant? If you are among those who have not responded publicly to Jesus, let Him save you from this corrupt generation. Be added to the number who will stand before God with His mark and His name. Repent! Today is the day of salvation. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day