September 17, 2024
A rare winter weather event occurred a few years ago where I lived, producing more ice than snow. As a result, a tree limb struck a utility line beside our driveway, causing us to lose electricity in bitterly cold weather. It was a strange thing to be without power while seeing our neighbors on each side of us enjoying electricity and warm homes. One neighbor who lived a few doors down hosted us for dinner and made their showers available. Upon returning home, my daughter screamed, “Our lights are on!” We all let out a cheer and were eager to have our conveniences and comforts accessible to us again.
Many in our churches try to live the Christian life without a connection to Christ. It is impossible. Christ provides and maintains the restoration possible for each of us to be godly and live with purpose.
While we have all experienced the frustration of losing electricity, we should be more concerned with our sin problem and the consequential results of not having an intimate relationship with Jesus.
Do you know why churches have problems? They have made it about themselves instead of Jesus. I know that is an overly simplified suggestion, but consider it. When we begin to put our opinions and preferences on equal footing with Scripture, we are bound for disaster. In the verses preceding this passage, God had miraculously used Peter to heal a lame man. Peter quickly gave God the credit and used the miracle as a gateway to talk about Jesus and the salvation He provides. A miracle in Scripture is never solely about the miracle. It serves the purpose of providing a more incredible view of God and a broader theology regarding faith and obedience.
No one enjoys being lost in an unfamiliar city or venturing in the wrong direction on the interstate. Without a relationship, we are spiritually lost and without hope!
Repentance is essential in salvation. With repentance, you are not only turning from your sinful lifestyle but also turning to Jesus. Repentance reveals an awareness of your need for God’s forgiveness. After becoming a Christian, we are still called to be diligent in repenting. How often should you repent? As frequently as you know you have sinned. In His grace, God will forgive. As you spiritually mature, you will notice your sinful patterns and seek God’s help in resisting temptation.
Peter reminded his audience that they had been blessed throughout their history with some fantastic prophets. The prophets had been faithful and true in sharing the message of God. However, there came a time when they rejected Christ, the One and Only Son of God. It is one thing to not like a preacher. It is a tragic thing to refuse the Messiah. There is not a prophet in the past or a pastor in the present who can save you.
Only Jesus can bring us back to God. Losing your electricity in an ice storm is frustrating, but losing your soul is eternal. The people in Jesus’ day had no concept of electricity, but those who believed in Him understood what power was!
___
This lesson was written by Bobby McKay, pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi, and originally published by The Baptist Paper. This study is based on the Bible Studies for Life curriculum from Lifeway Christian Resources.
