1. Repentance: The first step in receiving the Gospel (Mark 1:15)
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- Repentance involves an internal change of heart and mind (Acts 2:37)
- Repentance is a response necessary for salvation (Acts 2:38-41)
- A fruit of repentance is the confession of sin (Acts 2:37, James 5:16)
2. Faith: The second step in receiving the Gospel (Mark 1:15, Hebrews 6:1)
Receiving Jesus (What did it mean to the Jews) as Savior Messiah, fulfilling…
Matthew 5:17 “not to abolish, but to fulfill the Law & Prophets,”
Abraham’s promised seed to bless all nations Genesis 22:18
David’s descendant predicted as Savior Luke 1:32-33 Psalms 16:10
Sacrifice for sin Isaiah 53:5-6
born of a virgin Isaiah 7:14,
a prophet like Moses Deuteronomy 18:15,
a priest in the order of Melchizedek Psalm 110:4
a priest-king who predates the Jewish temple and his name means
"King of Righteousness" (Hebrews 7:1–2, 14)
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- Faith is a response to God’s word. On Pentecost, thousands demonstrated faith by confessing their sin and responding to the word they had received (Romans 10:10, 17)
3. Water baptism is a sign of salvation through faith
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- Water baptism was the appropriate response after placing their faith for salvation in Jesus (Acts 2:38, 41)
4. Holy Spirit baptism empowers a life of faith
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- Holy Spirit baptism gave disciples power/boldness to accomplish the mission they had been given by Jesus (Acts 1:4-8, Acts 2:1-4)
5. Possible applications
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- If you have not received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, repent of your sins and put your faith in Christ
- If you have received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, continue a daily life style of repentance and faith
- If you have received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, be publicly baptized as a sign and public witness of your faith.
- Pray for the Holy Spirit’s enabling power to live as a bold witness for Jesus