Peter's Speech in Acts 2:14-41

Question:

Based only on Peter's speech on Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41) and the incident with Cornelius (Acts 10), answer these questions: What is the gospel message? What aspect of that message do the people in your context (church, work, neighborhood, etc.—pick one) most need to hear?


Answer:

One of the Hebrew prophets, Joel, prophesied that the Spirit would pour out on God's people. Who exactly are God's people? Jew? Gentile? Or both? The time is now, and now we are to heed the words that those who believe, repent, become baptized, and then whom the Spirit will "pour out" on, are God's people. God's people are no longer known by a particular tribe, race, social or political standing. It is available to all people regardless of their background and sin.

What is available to God's people? First, atonement from any and all sins, second, a heavenly promise of eternal life, third, a heavenly power that is sent by God to teach, guide, and protect His people at all times, and finally, become part of a new family. This is available here and now...right now...for those who fall under the "new" definition of God's people be it a converting Jew or a converting Gentile. By this new definition, all people are given this eternal opportunity. In these difficult economic times, many have questioned what the meaning of life is about. Some do not know where to turn and the Gospel message is to turn to Jesus.