“Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus.“
Peter reminds the Israelites of what they had been a part of. But more importantly, he lets them know they will be forgiven if they turn to God and repent. We have no way of knowing exactly what came of Peter’s efforts, but we know the big picture. Renewal came to all who turned to God. And this is true today. If God forgives those who put his Son on a cross, he will forgive me of all of my sins. I need only turn to Him and ask forgiveness.
Holy Lord, help me to experience your forgiveness and renewal each day. I am sorry for the times I do not love others as I should, and for the times I temporarily set aside my relationship with you. May I always remember you and follow your good and perfect will. Amen
Acts 3:17-20
Unimaginable forgiveness, that’s what God has done for us. We are all sinners and all forgiven. I wish I could embrace this unconditional forgiveness. I struggle sometimes with this. Too many times I get caught up in my own issues and drift from my relationship with God and don’t have the forgiving nature I should.
Heavenly Father, please guide me to be a more forgiving person. Thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ and for your generous and seemingly undeserved forgiveness. Amen
Acts 3:17-20
This information from Peter to the people, this act of forgiveness is amazing. Peter tells them to repent and come to God and their part in Jesus death is forgiven--BUT that's what God's love is all about. He realizes our shortcomings, but will take us sinners back with forgiveness if we ask.
Prayer: Gracious God, This is one of the most important lessons both new and old Christians need to understand. Ask and you will receive. He always is willing to forgive and love us. AMEN
Acts 3:17-20
Imagine being told the most heinous thing you have ever done was part of God’s plan; in fact, it was foretold by prophets. The big hook, of course, is that you must repent of your deed and seek forgiveness. Life is endlessly complicated, but if I surrender, put ego and defensiveness aside, I can find peace in my relationship with God. There was a time in my life this would not have even crossed my mind, but the seeds planted by my parents, church of my childhood and treasured mentors finally germinated and made me the better (though still imperfect) man I am today. For that I give thanks.
Prayer - Gracious God, even though I was part…
Monday December 30th, 2024
Acts 3:17-20
“And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,
The Bible is clear: we are born sinful. Certainly, there are circumstances, and accidents do happen. But if my leg is broken, it doesn't matter whether it was entirely my fault, or entirely someone else's fault—I go to the doctor and get it taken care…