2026 Acts 2-3, Repent and Be Baptized
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2026-09-06 15:56
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Repent and Be Baptized
Acts 2:22-41
Among 19 sermons in Acts, Acts 2 is the first sermon by Peter and the main message is about Nazareth Jesus. They said, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” And they despised Jesus and crucified him. Only 50 days passed after the crucifixion. The crucifixion was still vivid to people in Jerusalem. They thought it was all over. But the news of Jesus’ resurrection was heard to them. And on Pentecost, they saw Jesus' disciples preaching the gospel in 15 different languages. They were greatly astonished and bewildered.
Peter preached to them. "The phenomena you are witnessing are by the Holy Spirit. You nailed Jesus to the cross and killed him, but God raised him from the dead. Long ago, David, a man of God saw Christ Jesus’ death and resurrection. Christ Jesus knew his death. However, he was filled with joy because of hope of resurrection. Verse 26-27 says, “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay. Everyone dies. Everyone is afraid of dying. But while on earth, Jesus’ heart and tongue rejoiced because of hope of resurrection. In Him, we will rise again.
The conclusion of Peter’s sermon is verse 36. “Therefore, let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
The Lord means the Master. Messiah means the Savior. Who is my Master? Is it money? Is it my career? Is it my friends or family? Is it my employer? When I fail and stumble, when I am in pain, when I am sick, who delivers me, heals me and comforts me? Who rescues me from death and judgment of hell? Jesus. God has made Jesus Lord and Messiah.
Buddhism says, “Do not worship Buddha. A raft is only needed to cross the river; why do you need it after you have crossed? Buddha is the raft, so discard the Buddha after you have crossed.” Buddhism is about abandoning man’s all desires to attain nirvana (liberation). However, Christianity is solely about Jesus. Jesus is the way, truth and life toward God and His eternal kingdom. You can do nothing apart from Jesus. You can gain nothing apart from Jesus. If you think you have gained something or y0u can gain something on earth by your efforts, you and what you have will be ashes with death.
There is a book named, ‘Mitte des Lebens (in the middle of life)’ by Luise Rinser, a German novelist. The title of book means, ‘the prime of man’s life.’ When is the prime of your life? It is when you meet Jesus as your Lord and Christ and devote yourself to His purpose. At the seemingly prime of his life with lots of achievements, honorable awards, women’s love and national applause, Earnest Hemingway quit his life by shotting himself. Everyone was appalled and said and asked “Why?” Why did he quit his life at the prime of his life? It is because it was not the prime of his life. Instead, he was in the deep emptiness and despair. He left a memo, “I am empty like burned-out light bulb.” What is in the center of your life?
Some people always live with the wounds or regret or failures of the past. Their past is their present. That is why they dwell in sadness and pain today. Some people live only with dream of the future. " Things will work out someday. I'll find the right person someday. Someday… No. A wise person places Jesus, who has conquered death at the center of their life.
There are many people who place man and achievements at the center of their lives. When they come to church, they are checking to see who came to church. Such people are in a high possibility to fall. Also, there are people who are achievement-oriented. "How much have I achieved so far? What did I gain today?” If their achievements are small or indistinct, they become discouraged.
Today, what is at the center of your life? When you come to church, only Jesus should be seen to you. Those who have Jesus at the center of their lives come to worship service earlier to pray. Those who live Jesus and church-centered life are indeed steadfast like a tree planted by the stream of water. On the other hand, those who place man and achievements at the center of their lives are opportunistic living for their benefit. That is not faith. It is just playing church.
Everyone has a golden time to meet Jesus as their Lord and Messiah. God gives you a chance to meet Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Don’t miss it. Or, you would wander like a prodigal son for 10, 20 years, or even a lifetime. I pray for you to meet Jesus as your Lord and Messiah.
Wherever you go, whomever you meet and whatever you do, make Jesus at the center of your life. Worship God in Jesus at church. And, when you go out to the world, love your family, friends and neighbors but do not live by worldly and people’s demand. I hope you place Jesus at the center of every aspect of your life—your studies, work, friendship, and family. When Jesus is at the center of your life, God’s creation order, God-man-material is clearly formed. This is a blessing, wisdom, and power. Two changes appeared through Peter's sermon.
First: their hearts were pierced
Peter struck them hard with the message of the cross. Verse 36 says, “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” “You crucified Jesus.” Peter made them confront the cross of Jesus. “Jesus came to give you eternal life, but you rejected Him and killed Him.” At this, the people were astonished and bewildered. "Did I kill the Master and Messiah?” Yes, you did. Then wouldn't they be afraid and despair?
Look at verse 37. When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” If we hear the gospel clearly, we cannot help but cry out in shock and bewilderment.
You think you're a good believer, right?" But there is no tension in you, is there? You think, " I’d say I’m doing alright when it comes to faith." They claimed to have believed in God and served Him well in their own way, but by Peter’s sermon, they realized that they despised Jesus and rejected him and killed him, the Lord and the Savior. Their hearts were deeply pierced with conviction, groans flowed from their lips and they cried out, "What shall we do?" Pierced heart is the beginning of salvation.
Christianity? that is good! “Love one another. Become a better person. Live a peaceful life. Receive God's blessings.” Such massages make sense. However, there is no agony or conviction in their hearts. Because it is not the work of the Holy Spirit.
We cannot listen to the message of Jesus’ blood on the cross with a smile. Because it is you and me—your and my lust, selfishness, dishonest and greed—rejected Jesus and nailed Him to the cross. Without this kind of conviction, our faith is fake. Only when our hearts are convicted, we cry out for God’s mercy and the Holy Spirit come to us. Have you been agonized in deep fear and despair crying out for God’s mercy when you listen to sermons?
Is there anything you can see clearly right now? You see a dog walking by here. "Hmm, that's a dog.” But we are not thinking about it anymore. "There are about 400 to 500 dog breeds." In one breed, the dogs all different in size, body type, color and personality. But we just say, 'Hmm, that is a dog,” and we stop thinking.
It is the same with God. When we think of God, we are firmly stuck in a conceptual framework. “God, hmm, he is a Creator…” And people stop there. The core of the Bible is Jesus’ cross. 1 Cor 2:2 says, “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” Do you think about Jesus who is Christ and crucified? Do you reflect on what the cross means for you personally? “Why did Jesus die? Why did He have to die in such unbearable suffering? Why did He have to shed His blood? What does that blood have to do with me? Then how should I live from now on?” But you don’t think about Jesus crucified. If you did, you wouldn't be living the way you do now. Because some people live without thinking about Jesus crucified, they are always the same. Though some attend church for 10 or 20 years, they’re not making any real progress. It is because their hearts are so hardened and stubborn.
Franz Kafka said, "Books are the axes that break the frozen river like a rock within man." Are you aware that your heart is like frozen river? That is why Kafka said, “You must chop your dulled and callous minds with the axe of books. Reading breaks the rigid mind, softens it, and inspires man into deep thought. If ordinary books are like axes that break human heart, what about the Bible? The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Heb 4:12)
When they heard Peter’s message on Jesus’ cross, their hearts were pierced in deep agony crying out, "What shall I do?” We pretend to laugh. Our hearts are not broken. What is a broken heart? “Lord, I haven't lived my life the right way. I have no hope. I surrender myself to you. Have mercy on me.” I want you to feel convicted in your heart during the worship service lamenting, “What shall I do?”
Second, repentance
Peter’s answer is very simple. “Repent and be baptized.” Repent when your heart is pierced. In verses 38 and 40, the verb is ‘receive.’ Receive salvation, baptism, forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit. We are beings who receive from God in heaven. We are not beings who create value. What we must do is to receive what God gives. You must realize this quickly. Even now, foolish people try to create something on their own. It is useless. We are vessels. We just need to receive things from God, use them and let the remainder flow out to others.
Receive baptism, forgiveness of sins, salvation and the Holy Spirit—it is all about receiving. However, there is one thing you must do. Repentance. It requires our own decision.
The prodigal son said, “I will set out and go back to my father.” His father is still waiting for his son with love. Returning is something the prodigal son has to.
Repentance is metanoia, a spiritual conversion and a total turning away from an old life toward God. Sin is an archery term, meaning “to miss the mark.” The right mark is for God’s glory. The right mark is God first, man second material third. Some say, “I can’t because of family issue. I can’t because of my friends, study and work.” Now repentance is returning to God and his order. Practically, repentance is accepting Jesus as Lord and Messiah seeking first God’s kingdom and his righteousness with worship, prayer and evangelical work of God. Repentance is no longer making me and my ambition the master. Is Jesus your Lord and Savior? Or is he just an accessory to you who just feeds your needs?
Sadly, there would be people who fail to receive salvation and eternal life from God. Who? Those who do not repent." Repent, repent, repent!” Yet, they do not repent until the very end. They turned a deaf ear to the message of repentance. God doesn't punish sinners instantly.
At least once or twice, there is a prick in their hearts as they listen to sermons. They know this is God’s calling and warning that they should repent and turn back to God and dedicate themselves to the Lord’s work, but they ignore it. No, don’t ignore it at that time. Still, the word of God comes to them again. But they ignore it again. Then, that is the end.
Folks, you must make a choice between the two, God and money and Jesus and yourself. You have to choose to believe in Jesus as your Lord and Christ and live in obedience or choose yourself.
Peter preached to them, “Repent and be baptized.” Baptism has two meanings, washing of body (and mind) and dying. You are completely submerged in water. In water, you are dead. Your old self; self-seeking and selfish self is dead. Then you resurface from the water. This is baptism. Then you receive the Holy Spirit from above and you are born again and become a new creation.
Look at verse 41. Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. This is revival. It started from 120 people who obeyed God and prayed fervently. Then it grew to 3,120. Soon after, it grew to 8,120 and then it became countless.
How did it happen? It has been done by those who deliver the gospel of Jesus. This is our mission. Verse 39. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” The gospel of Jesus is for you and your family and for all who are far off. Some say, "I haven't even evangelized my family yet, so why should I go to distant places to preach the Gospel?" Evangelism is to be done simultaneously in near and far off. It is like God sending Jonah to Nineveh.
Folks, do you know God’s heart? “Who will go to deliver the good news of salvation?” There are 1.6 billion Muslims. Who should preach to them? There are 900 million Hindus in India. There are 35,000 in SFU and 50,000 in UBC and there are many colleges in Vancouver. I want you to receive the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus and preach the gospel.
Acts 2:22-41
Among 19 sermons in Acts, Acts 2 is the first sermon by Peter and the main message is about Nazareth Jesus. They said, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” And they despised Jesus and crucified him. Only 50 days passed after the crucifixion. The crucifixion was still vivid to people in Jerusalem. They thought it was all over. But the news of Jesus’ resurrection was heard to them. And on Pentecost, they saw Jesus' disciples preaching the gospel in 15 different languages. They were greatly astonished and bewildered.
Peter preached to them. "The phenomena you are witnessing are by the Holy Spirit. You nailed Jesus to the cross and killed him, but God raised him from the dead. Long ago, David, a man of God saw Christ Jesus’ death and resurrection. Christ Jesus knew his death. However, he was filled with joy because of hope of resurrection. Verse 26-27 says, “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest in hope, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, you will not let your holy one see decay. Everyone dies. Everyone is afraid of dying. But while on earth, Jesus’ heart and tongue rejoiced because of hope of resurrection. In Him, we will rise again.
The conclusion of Peter’s sermon is verse 36. “Therefore, let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”
The Lord means the Master. Messiah means the Savior. Who is my Master? Is it money? Is it my career? Is it my friends or family? Is it my employer? When I fail and stumble, when I am in pain, when I am sick, who delivers me, heals me and comforts me? Who rescues me from death and judgment of hell? Jesus. God has made Jesus Lord and Messiah.
Buddhism says, “Do not worship Buddha. A raft is only needed to cross the river; why do you need it after you have crossed? Buddha is the raft, so discard the Buddha after you have crossed.” Buddhism is about abandoning man’s all desires to attain nirvana (liberation). However, Christianity is solely about Jesus. Jesus is the way, truth and life toward God and His eternal kingdom. You can do nothing apart from Jesus. You can gain nothing apart from Jesus. If you think you have gained something or y0u can gain something on earth by your efforts, you and what you have will be ashes with death.
There is a book named, ‘Mitte des Lebens (in the middle of life)’ by Luise Rinser, a German novelist. The title of book means, ‘the prime of man’s life.’ When is the prime of your life? It is when you meet Jesus as your Lord and Christ and devote yourself to His purpose. At the seemingly prime of his life with lots of achievements, honorable awards, women’s love and national applause, Earnest Hemingway quit his life by shotting himself. Everyone was appalled and said and asked “Why?” Why did he quit his life at the prime of his life? It is because it was not the prime of his life. Instead, he was in the deep emptiness and despair. He left a memo, “I am empty like burned-out light bulb.” What is in the center of your life?
Some people always live with the wounds or regret or failures of the past. Their past is their present. That is why they dwell in sadness and pain today. Some people live only with dream of the future. " Things will work out someday. I'll find the right person someday. Someday… No. A wise person places Jesus, who has conquered death at the center of their life.
There are many people who place man and achievements at the center of their lives. When they come to church, they are checking to see who came to church. Such people are in a high possibility to fall. Also, there are people who are achievement-oriented. "How much have I achieved so far? What did I gain today?” If their achievements are small or indistinct, they become discouraged.
Today, what is at the center of your life? When you come to church, only Jesus should be seen to you. Those who have Jesus at the center of their lives come to worship service earlier to pray. Those who live Jesus and church-centered life are indeed steadfast like a tree planted by the stream of water. On the other hand, those who place man and achievements at the center of their lives are opportunistic living for their benefit. That is not faith. It is just playing church.
Everyone has a golden time to meet Jesus as their Lord and Messiah. God gives you a chance to meet Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Don’t miss it. Or, you would wander like a prodigal son for 10, 20 years, or even a lifetime. I pray for you to meet Jesus as your Lord and Messiah.
Wherever you go, whomever you meet and whatever you do, make Jesus at the center of your life. Worship God in Jesus at church. And, when you go out to the world, love your family, friends and neighbors but do not live by worldly and people’s demand. I hope you place Jesus at the center of every aspect of your life—your studies, work, friendship, and family. When Jesus is at the center of your life, God’s creation order, God-man-material is clearly formed. This is a blessing, wisdom, and power. Two changes appeared through Peter's sermon.
First: their hearts were pierced
Peter struck them hard with the message of the cross. Verse 36 says, “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” “You crucified Jesus.” Peter made them confront the cross of Jesus. “Jesus came to give you eternal life, but you rejected Him and killed Him.” At this, the people were astonished and bewildered. "Did I kill the Master and Messiah?” Yes, you did. Then wouldn't they be afraid and despair?
Look at verse 37. When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” If we hear the gospel clearly, we cannot help but cry out in shock and bewilderment.
You think you're a good believer, right?" But there is no tension in you, is there? You think, " I’d say I’m doing alright when it comes to faith." They claimed to have believed in God and served Him well in their own way, but by Peter’s sermon, they realized that they despised Jesus and rejected him and killed him, the Lord and the Savior. Their hearts were deeply pierced with conviction, groans flowed from their lips and they cried out, "What shall we do?" Pierced heart is the beginning of salvation.
Christianity? that is good! “Love one another. Become a better person. Live a peaceful life. Receive God's blessings.” Such massages make sense. However, there is no agony or conviction in their hearts. Because it is not the work of the Holy Spirit.
We cannot listen to the message of Jesus’ blood on the cross with a smile. Because it is you and me—your and my lust, selfishness, dishonest and greed—rejected Jesus and nailed Him to the cross. Without this kind of conviction, our faith is fake. Only when our hearts are convicted, we cry out for God’s mercy and the Holy Spirit come to us. Have you been agonized in deep fear and despair crying out for God’s mercy when you listen to sermons?
Is there anything you can see clearly right now? You see a dog walking by here. "Hmm, that's a dog.” But we are not thinking about it anymore. "There are about 400 to 500 dog breeds." In one breed, the dogs all different in size, body type, color and personality. But we just say, 'Hmm, that is a dog,” and we stop thinking.
It is the same with God. When we think of God, we are firmly stuck in a conceptual framework. “God, hmm, he is a Creator…” And people stop there. The core of the Bible is Jesus’ cross. 1 Cor 2:2 says, “I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” Do you think about Jesus who is Christ and crucified? Do you reflect on what the cross means for you personally? “Why did Jesus die? Why did He have to die in such unbearable suffering? Why did He have to shed His blood? What does that blood have to do with me? Then how should I live from now on?” But you don’t think about Jesus crucified. If you did, you wouldn't be living the way you do now. Because some people live without thinking about Jesus crucified, they are always the same. Though some attend church for 10 or 20 years, they’re not making any real progress. It is because their hearts are so hardened and stubborn.
Franz Kafka said, "Books are the axes that break the frozen river like a rock within man." Are you aware that your heart is like frozen river? That is why Kafka said, “You must chop your dulled and callous minds with the axe of books. Reading breaks the rigid mind, softens it, and inspires man into deep thought. If ordinary books are like axes that break human heart, what about the Bible? The word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Heb 4:12)
When they heard Peter’s message on Jesus’ cross, their hearts were pierced in deep agony crying out, "What shall I do?” We pretend to laugh. Our hearts are not broken. What is a broken heart? “Lord, I haven't lived my life the right way. I have no hope. I surrender myself to you. Have mercy on me.” I want you to feel convicted in your heart during the worship service lamenting, “What shall I do?”
Second, repentance
Peter’s answer is very simple. “Repent and be baptized.” Repent when your heart is pierced. In verses 38 and 40, the verb is ‘receive.’ Receive salvation, baptism, forgiveness of sins and the Holy Spirit. We are beings who receive from God in heaven. We are not beings who create value. What we must do is to receive what God gives. You must realize this quickly. Even now, foolish people try to create something on their own. It is useless. We are vessels. We just need to receive things from God, use them and let the remainder flow out to others.
Receive baptism, forgiveness of sins, salvation and the Holy Spirit—it is all about receiving. However, there is one thing you must do. Repentance. It requires our own decision.
The prodigal son said, “I will set out and go back to my father.” His father is still waiting for his son with love. Returning is something the prodigal son has to.
Repentance is metanoia, a spiritual conversion and a total turning away from an old life toward God. Sin is an archery term, meaning “to miss the mark.” The right mark is for God’s glory. The right mark is God first, man second material third. Some say, “I can’t because of family issue. I can’t because of my friends, study and work.” Now repentance is returning to God and his order. Practically, repentance is accepting Jesus as Lord and Messiah seeking first God’s kingdom and his righteousness with worship, prayer and evangelical work of God. Repentance is no longer making me and my ambition the master. Is Jesus your Lord and Savior? Or is he just an accessory to you who just feeds your needs?
Sadly, there would be people who fail to receive salvation and eternal life from God. Who? Those who do not repent." Repent, repent, repent!” Yet, they do not repent until the very end. They turned a deaf ear to the message of repentance. God doesn't punish sinners instantly.
At least once or twice, there is a prick in their hearts as they listen to sermons. They know this is God’s calling and warning that they should repent and turn back to God and dedicate themselves to the Lord’s work, but they ignore it. No, don’t ignore it at that time. Still, the word of God comes to them again. But they ignore it again. Then, that is the end.
Folks, you must make a choice between the two, God and money and Jesus and yourself. You have to choose to believe in Jesus as your Lord and Christ and live in obedience or choose yourself.
Peter preached to them, “Repent and be baptized.” Baptism has two meanings, washing of body (and mind) and dying. You are completely submerged in water. In water, you are dead. Your old self; self-seeking and selfish self is dead. Then you resurface from the water. This is baptism. Then you receive the Holy Spirit from above and you are born again and become a new creation.
Look at verse 41. Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. This is revival. It started from 120 people who obeyed God and prayed fervently. Then it grew to 3,120. Soon after, it grew to 8,120 and then it became countless.
How did it happen? It has been done by those who deliver the gospel of Jesus. This is our mission. Verse 39. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” The gospel of Jesus is for you and your family and for all who are far off. Some say, "I haven't even evangelized my family yet, so why should I go to distant places to preach the Gospel?" Evangelism is to be done simultaneously in near and far off. It is like God sending Jonah to Nineveh.
Folks, do you know God’s heart? “Who will go to deliver the good news of salvation?” There are 1.6 billion Muslims. Who should preach to them? There are 900 million Hindus in India. There are 35,000 in SFU and 50,000 in UBC and there are many colleges in Vancouver. I want you to receive the Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus and preach the gospel.