CONVICTED, REPENTED, SAVED AND FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT!
Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples and friends, was changed when the Holy Spirit was allowed to take control of his life.
The same opinionated Peter, who just 51 days prior to Pentecost, was a broken man because he denied his beloved Jesus three times. Then the next day, after his denial, Jesus was crucified. Neither Peter nor any of the other disciples except John were there at the Cross. They had all run away to hide. Peter was grieved in his spirit and repented. He was shown grace by Jesus and he was restored to a loving relationship with our Lord. Peter received the Holy Spirit personally from our resurrected Jesus. Later, Peter was blessed to see Jesus ascend into Heaven!
In Acts 2, we see a new Peter. A repentant Peter who is now forgiven and filled with the Holy Spirit, is empowered to walk in his “calling”. Previously Jesus had said, “Upon this rock I will build My church,” (Matthew 16:18). Peter was the rock Jesus was referring to. Just 50 days after Jesus’ crucifixion, Peter was in Jerusalem during Pentecost when all the Jews from near and far were gathered for worship and celebration. He addressed this enormous international crowd and said, “Let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, who you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” 
His words cut to their hearts, and many asked Peter, "what can we do?” Peter responded, “Repent and be baptized in Jesus' name and you will be forgiven.” That day 3000 souls were saved!
Jesus’ Holy Spirit Power gave Peter wisdom and courage. His boldness to speak Truth led 3000 transformed souls to be saved FOREVER! When we obey God’s Word, we never know how our Lord will use us for His plans to serve our church, our community, maybe the world! When we heed His wisdom we will stop allowing the opinions of others to pressure us or to make us feel powerless and ineffective. Instead, we will find it easier to discard “worldly” influences and refuse to listen to Satan’s lies; when we deny our selfish desires, WE ARE CHANGED!
Among those 3000 Saints were probably people who just 50 days prior stood in the crowd that screamed, “Crucify Jesus!” When they repented of their sins and accepted Christ, they were SAVED! Afterwards, they used their voices to share God’s Word and to spread the Gospel throughout the world!
What a difference when we allow God’s Holy Spirit to take control and to transform our minds and lifestyle. What a difference “dying to self” and removing all selfish desires can make, not only in our lives, but in the lives of those around us. Amen.
“Repent and be baptized 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,” Acts 2:38
Cynthia Jones is a child of God, wife, mom and Shazzy Fitness guest blogger. Cynthia has led several Women’s Ministries for over 28 years; she and her husband serve all over the country, mentoring and teaching couples how to love & grow according to God’s design for Christian marriage. Subscribe to our newsletter and get awesome updates on faith, fitness, fun, family and fellowship!