Firsts in the Scripture ought to capture our attention. We should pay close attention to those things occurring first in the Biblical record. Acts 2 records the first sermon after the coming of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, Peter’s message to those present in the upper room constituted the first sermon to the newly birthed Church. Peter focused on the evidences that Jesus was exactly who He said He was. Peter concluded the sermon by telling his hearers that they had crucified the long-awaited Messiah. Acts 2:37 records their response, “Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Brethren, what shall we do?’" (NASU) A sermon ought to pierce the heart of the hearers. They ought to ask what they should do.
Acts 2:38-46 records the first response to the first sermon to the newborn church.
Several actions are listed. Repent is the first thing. Without an admission of guilt and a turning from the guilt-producing crimes, there will be no salvation. Following repentance, one ought to be baptized thus giving a graphic illustration that the person is publicly identifying with Jesus, particularly in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord. One ought to recognize the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. One ought to recognize the fact that his crimes against God and humanity have been forgiven based on the sacrificial death of Jesus.
Acts 2:42 records a second list of longer-term actions, “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” (NASU) Proper response to sermons must include a willingness to submit to Biblical instruction. We must submit to being instructed in the Word, in fact we ought to be continually devoted to being instructed. This might be more difficult than one might imagine. Often, we do not want to hear what the Word has to say because it is critical of us. Furthermore, being a hearer of the Word only is not enough. We are called to obey it. A proper response to a sermon will also involve being “continually devoted” to Christian fellowship. Certainly “joining” a fellowship (church) is part of the proper response but that is not enough. One ought to be actively engaged on many levels (in many ways). There must be a strong sense of belonging to this institution/organism that God has ordained to be the dwelling place of God and the very Bride of Christ.
A proper response to a sermon will include a deep desire to participate in church love feasts (fellowship meals) as well as the Lord’s Supper where Christ’s death on the cross is specifically remembered. There will be no apathy or lackadaisical attitude toward congregational fellowships. A proper response to a sermon will include a continual devotion to prayer. Isaiah’s and Christ’s declaration that God’s house will be a house of prayer will be a reality. Steadfastness in prayer will be realized. Acts 2:46-47 gives one last response as well as an affirmation from the Lord, “They were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (NASU) Happiness in the Lord and in each other is a proper response to a sermon. It seems that a happy church is one to which the Lord is pleased to daily add people.
---
pastorsteve8800@gmail.com