On the day of Pentecost when all the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit, the spectators were amazed and confused. Some were saying they were drunk. It was then Peter stood before them and gave the first gospel message. These words in this verse explain the whole gospel. Repent of your sins and be baptized in Jesus. The sad reality is that many churches, pastors, leaders, teachers do NOT teach the whole gospel. They leave out one of the most important parts: repentance.
I wonder how many people go to church every Sunday, live a good life, and call themselves a Christian, but they are not really saved. They have only been taught part of the gospel. Their church teaches that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again the third day. And they believe. But what their church has failed to do is teach them that they need to recognize their sin and repent. That is an ESSENTIAL part of the gospel. Every gospel message through the Book of Acts tells the people of their need for repentance.
The gospel is not complete without repentance. So many churches focus on numbers, entertainment, programs, but they are also leading their congregants down a destructive pathway... a pathway that is not of God. It is the responsibility of every Kingdom communicator to teach the WHOLE gospel. Every teacher of God's Word should always keep James 3:1 before them: "Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly." Hence, there should always be a call to action in every church service.
The challenge I leave with you today is 3-fold: 1) Make sure you are always aware of your sin and continue to ask God to show you the things in your life that are against Him and then repent and choose to walk in a new way. 2) If you're able to get out, make sure you go to church (the Bible makes this clear). But make sure your church preaches the WHOLE gospel and they remind their people of their sinfulness. 3) Pray for revival in the church among pastors, teachers, leaders. We pray for revival in the colleges and among young people. But the church needs revival too. Pray that shepherds will turn back to the gospel and preach every part of it. Let's stand on the WHOLE gospel. Hope this encourages you today.