Acts: Pierced for Power
We are studying the patterns and foundations of the early church in the Book of Acts.
Question:If it worked for the early church, are we still doing it today?
Peter is preaching after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. He explains: Jesus fulfilled prophecy, David prophesied about Him, Jesus was crucified, God raised Him from the dead, Jesus is both Lord and Messiah.
“So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”
The same Jesus they rejected and crucified…God publicly declared as LORD through the resurrection.
“Peter’s words pierced their hearts…”
“Pierced” = Deep Conviction
Greek word: Katanyssomai (κατανύσσομαι) Meaning:
pierced thoroughly, cut to the heart, deep remorse, spiritual conviction
The Word of God is preached
We allow God to deal with our hearts
Conviction vs. Condemnation
Condemnation- Shame without hope, Separation from God, “You’ll never change.” Leads to death
Conviction- Draws us toward God, Produces repentance, “You need to change.” Leads to healing and restoration.
Conviction is not meant to crush you — it is meant to draw you closer to God.
The Proper Response to Conviction
“Brothers, what should we do?”
“God, what are You trying to change in me?”
“What do I need to let go of?”
“Repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Peter gives a pathway for transformation.
• More than saying “sorry”
• Turning from sin toward God
You do not clean yourself up before coming to God.
Jesus already carried the cross because we could not save ourselves.
True Repentance is not emotional only, Not temporary guilt, Not goosebumps. True repentance is transformation. “You can’t repent while you are still repeating.”
II. Baptism in Jesus’ Name
Public identification with Christ
Remission (removal) of sins
Jesus does not sweep sin under a rug. He removes it completely. Through repentance and baptism, the disease of sin can go into full remission.
Peter once denied Jesus publicly.Now he boldly tells everyone to identify with Him publicly.
III. Receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit
“Stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…”
Repentance - Identifies us with Christ’s death
Baptism - Identifies us with Christ’s burial
Receiving the Holy Spirit - Identifies us with Christ’s resurrection life
The Holy Spirit Is Not Just a Feeling
Ability to live differently
Whatever fills you will come out of you.
But when filled with the Spirit:
Why Do We Need the Holy Spirit?
Because life pierces us too.
We need power to: respond like Jesus, survive spiritual warfare, endure suffering, resist the enemy, walk through pain without becoming bitter.
“This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away…”
The outpouring has already happened.
We simply must receive what God is offering.
“Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
“Those who believed…were baptized…”
They responded immediately.
Have you been pierced by God today?
Do not ignore conviction.Do not resist surrender.Do not stay comfortable.
• Receive the Holy Spirit
Become who God created you to be.
“You can’t be filled if you are already full.”
Empty yourself today so God can fill you completely.
