Peter, the Preacher (Post 13)

That day by the Sea of Galilee, which we read of in John 21, changed everything.  Peter is still Peter ... but Peter is not the same Peter.  Peter had seen the risen Lord.  Peter had been assured of his Lord's love for him in spite of his own failures.  Peter had been challenged by his Lord to step up and tend to the followers of Jesus.  And Peter responds ...

The Feast of Pentecost had come.  This Feast was also called the Feast of Weeks or the Feast of Harvest in the Old Testament.  It marked the beginning of the harvest.  Beginnings ...

Read Acts 2

The drama that surrounded this day in history marked the very first sermon that we have recorded from Peter.  Remember that he had not been to seminary.  Well, perhaps that is a false statement.  He actually  had been in the most effective seminary available - the feet of Rabbi, Jesus!  Let's make some observations about this "first" sermon.

First, my how these men have changed!  Verse 14 tells us that Peter stood up with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd.  Let me remind us of what we know:

John 18: 25 - 27
"As Simon Peter stood warming himself, he was asked, 'You are not one of his disciples, are you?'  He denied it, saying, 'I am not.'"

John 20:19
"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!'"

What has happened?  The Spirit of God has happened!  These timid, fearful men have been invaded by the Holy Spirit.  They have become carriers of the Spirit and the voice of God.  And that changed everything. We are moved by their boldness.  We are impressed by how strong and logical and clear and confident Peter's words were.

So, my question for you and me ... If I have no boldness to speak on behalf of Jesus, perhaps I am not surrendered to the Spirit of God.  Perhaps the Holy Spirit does not have my heart and my mind.  Perhaps I am not convinced that Jesus actually lives through His Spirit in me.  Perhaps I am still cowering in a closed room out of fear.  It's time to open the doors.  It's time to speak up.  Jesus is who He said He was!

Second, Peter knew his audience.  He quoted Old Testament prophecy that would have been familiar to this Jewish audience.  These were devout Jews in Jerusalem.  They knew the scripture.  And Peter masterfully applies what they knew from scripture to the life of Jesus, whom they did not know.  It is still wise to know your audience.  It is still wise to speak in ways that can be understood.  It is wise to use the language of your 'hearers'.

So, my question for you and me ...  Do I know my "audience"?  Perhaps your primary audience is your children.  Can you talk about Jesus from what they know ... on their level?  Don't expect the church, or Sunday School teachers to handle that job.  It belongs to parents first.  Allow the church teachers to be the "support" system, not the primary delivery system.  Perhaps your"audience" is your friends.  Do you know how to connect with their familiar places?  Perhaps your "audience" is co-workers.  Any idea what they value?  Have you listened carefully enough to know how to engage them in the life of Jesus?

Peter knew his audience.  And he spoke directly into their knowledge base.  So we watch Peter ... and learn!

Third, Peter had a "main point".  And it is the main point of all of our speaking about Jesus.  Did you hear it?  Verse 36:  "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this:  God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

In our pluralistic culture and society, we must never forgot what we know about Jesus.

Lord - that means master, ruler, the one with the authority, the one to whom we listen and respond.

Jesus is Lord.

Christ - that means Messiah, one chosen and installed in a particular office, God's anointed one.  It is God, breaking into human history Himself.

Jesus is Christ.

Is this Jesus YOUR Lord and Christ?  If not, Peter would say to you, "repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.  And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call."  (2: 38 - 39)

Listen for the call of God!