For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thought and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight, everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Let’s briefly go through the book of Acts chapter 2. This was what happened; the Holy Spirit came upon the believers in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. This spiritual intervention took place and the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit and started speaking in tongues and different languages. The people around them were amazed and stunned, and some even made fun of them saying, “They have had too much wine.”
This called Peter into action immediately. He stood up among them and raised his voice and addressed the crowd and explained to them what was happening. He told them that these people aren’t drink for it is only nine in the morning and he told them about the crucifixion of Jesus. In his speech he talked about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ – whom they have put to death on the cross.
Let us go to Acts 2:37:
Acts 2:37
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
After they asked that question, Peter told them that they all should repent and be baptized and to believe in Jesus. When Peter was done speaking to them, about 3000 people believed in Jesus and was saved. Yes, THREE THOUSAND.
But what is significant in the whole of Acts chapter 2 is verse 37. Read again verse 37, “...they were cut to the heart...” This basically means they were brought to conviction and they started to realize something. What they realized was that they were all sinners, like us.
This is the question I throw at you before you continue reading:
WHAT did Peter say that it managed to CUT TO THE HEARTS of the people and brought them to conviction?
The answer is in Acts 2:17-21, Acts 2:25-28, and Acts 2:34-35.
While Peter was standing up and speaking to the crowd, he did not just use mere human words. Yes he did gave quite a long speech to them BUT in between his speech addressed to the crowd, he QUOTED SCRIPTURES. First he quoted from the book of Joel 2:28-32 then he quoted from Psalm 16:8-11 and then from Psalm 110:1. He quoted Scriptures three times during his speech.
Acts 2:37 lead me to Hebrews 4:12 which says that the Word of God is like a double-edged sword and is living and active. It also judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart AND this is what made the people be CUT TO THE HEART when they heard Peter spoke.
Peter recognized the power that is hidden inside God’s Word and he used His Word to speak to the crowd and this led to the salvation of almost 3000 souls. Assuming he did not use God’s Word instead he talked to them with his own words, would the people be cut to the heart and brought to realization that they were sinners and that they need the salvation that is found in Christ Jesus??? Judge for yourself, wouldn’t it be wiser to quote Scriptures and let God do the work in their hearts? For it is already mentioned in Hebrews 4:12 “...living and active... sharper that any double-edged sword... judges the thoughts... attitudes of the heart...” So?
Jeremiah 23:29
“Is not my word like fire,” declares the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?”
So start memorizing Scriptures from now on. When you share with your friends the Gospel, quote Scriptures to them. They might not really catch it that time but as time passes by, the Word of God will take root and bring it to fulfill its purpose. You can speak a string of thousand words with bombastic languages and dramatic voices but IT WILL NOT CONVICT their hearts if you don’t let God speak to them! And how does God speak to them? It is when you quote Scriptures to them, that’s how. So this day onwards, start memorizing at least a Scripture a day.
A Scripture a day keeps the devil at bay =) go on, start now.
I’m proud of a few fellow brothers and sisters who has realized the importance of Scriptures, I would just like to mention their names and hope that they will continue to memorize his Word: Shannon Keng, Yoke Ping (Pink), Adrian Yap, Jonathan Chandra. I’m glad for you guys. Keep it up!
Hebrews 4:12-13
For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thought and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight, everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Job 22:22
Accept instructions from His mouth,
and lay up His Word in your heart
Scriptures Rock,
Zlwin Chew
Woo hoo!!! haha. Adrian and I on the roller-coaster.
Um Adrian, u digging ur nose?
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