Acts 2:22–27

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know—Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. For David says concerning Him:

‘I foresaw the Lord always before my face, For He is at my right hand, that I may not be shaken. Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad; Moreover my flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Hades, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.

______________________

Not only did Peter cite Hebrew Scripture, but he also appealed to the crowd’s personal interactions with Jesus Christ. Apparently, enough people gathered in Jerusalem had heard about or experienced Jesus for Peter to broadly reference Jesus’ miracles with the challenge: “as ye yourselves also know.” Starting in verse 25, Peter referenced Psalm 16:8–11. In the course of this sermon, Peter appealed to two of the three major sections of the Hebrew Scriptures in support of these events: the Prophets and Writings.

“Apostolic Youth Corps (AYC) is a branch of UPCI (United Pentecostal Church International) Youth Ministries that facilitates the pairing of ministry-minded Pentecostal students with North American and international sites which need and desire evangelism assistance” (apostolicyouthcorps.com). One moment makes a mighty impact. Though AYC trips only last for eight to twelve days, young people make a significant difference during that time.

They strengthen the faith of the local church, provide encouragement to missionaries and ministers, and spread the light of Jesus to all. Arguably, those who take the trip benefit the most. You can read books, watch videos, and hear stories, but experiencing missions firsthand is irreplaceable. As Jim Sleeva says, “Exposure breeds a burden.” Hearing about something cannot compare to experiencing it. Having seen Jesus for themselves, those who experienced the Holy Spirit outpouring in the upper room also experienced His power. There is no substitute for a life changed by firsthand witness.

That concludes our devotional for today. Let us finish with a word of prayer.

WORD OF PRAYER

Jesus, I thank You for the gift of knowing You personally and experiencing Your power firsthand. Help me to always remember that a life transformed by Your presence is far more powerful than anything I can read or hear. Lord, I ask for more encounters with You that strengthen my faith and deepen my relationship with You. May I also be a witness to others, sharing the truth of Your love and power through both my words and my life. Let Your presence be evident in everything I do, so others may come to know You for themselves.

In the name of Jesus, amen.