Slices
Prepare
Pray: ‘I come before the Lord, the giver of life. The One who hovered over the face of the deep, whose breath is in our lungs. I come in need of the renewal of my life. Lord, breathe in me again.’
Bible passage
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’
38 Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptised, 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. 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.’
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, ‘Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.’ 41 Those who accepted his message were baptised, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Explore
There’s a news story in a national newspaper today, about declining church attendance. According to a Church of England report, church attendance has fallen more than 20 per cent since the pandemic. Strangely, it blames a lack of supply of church services, rather than a lack of demand from worshippers. In a climate of long- term church decline in Europe, it’s hard to engage with the sermon finale in today’s reading (v 41). There’s an urgency in this account that seems a world away from our reality today.
Peter’s sermon has reached its climax. Moved by his presentation of the life, death, resurrection and exaltation of Jesus, the crowd is torn open by his words (v 37). We hear their emotional plea: ‘What shall we do?’ And Peter answers by emphasising four key elements of salvation: repentance, baptism, forgiveness of sins and receiving the Holy Spirit. The responses required are specific and sequential. Some scholars see here a pattern of Christian initiation that can be seen throughout Acts. And the Spirit who brings the church to life and energises its mission is also promised to individuals.
Respond
Pray using the words of Daniel Iverson’s hymn: ‘Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me.’
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 1 Kings 3–5; 1 Corinthians 11
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray that more churches will catch the vision of the Revealing Jesus mission framework, and will look to appoint Faith Guides who can help children and young people explore faith together. Pray that we will be able to support them in appropriate ways.
