Scripture Union Daily Guide 3rd June 2020 – What Shall We Do?
TODAY’S TOPIC: WHAT SHALL WE DO?
Opening Prayer: Dear Lord, make me more like you through the power of your word as I meditate on it.
Scripture: Acts 2: 37–47
37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the [a]remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”
A Vital Church Grows
40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this [b]perverse generation.” 41 Then those who [c]gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ [d]doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and [e]sold their possessions and goods, and divided[f] them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added [g]to the church daily those who were being saved.
Reflection
• Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Is there any command for me to obey?
• Is there any promise for me to believe or hope for?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 3rd June 2020 Outline:
Notice the reaction of the crowd to Peter’s message (v.37). The people’s response shows that for a long time they had lived in ignorance concerning the truth about Jesus Christ. Peter went further to answer their question, giving clear scriptural injunctions about salvation (vv.38–40). When the gospel is clearly presented in the power of the Holy Spirit, it removes ignorance, brings about a sincere conviction about the Lordship of Christ, and true repentance. Look at the outcome of Peter’s sermon (v.41).
What an amazing impact! How can the church achieve such unprecedented impact in our evangelism and missions efforts today? Note that true repentance must precede baptism which signifies the outward expression of an inward faith in Christ Jesus (v.38). Read vv.42–47 again and identify the major features of the early church and what characterizes their fellowship.
How do the situations of the contemporary church compare with these? Observe that for Peter’s audience, conversion was not an emotional upsurge of excitement that fizzles out with time, but having begun the Christian life, they continued in it (v.42).
Practice/Word Application:
• And so: You cannot give what you don’t have. If you have not repented and put your faith in Christ, like Peter’s audience, you need to do so today.
Prayer Points:
• O Lord, give us true Christian experience again, founded on a sincere heart of repentance.
• Pray that the political leaders will act and conduct themselves in a manner that promotes peace and unity of their country.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Exodus 23:25
Read the Bible in one Year: Hosea 12–14; Matt. 20:1–16
Scripture Union Daily Guide 3rd June 2020 – Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.
Scripture Union Daily Guide 2nd June 2020
