Matt.1:21 – She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.
Today’s verse is a word from the angel that visited Joseph after he heard of Mary’s unexpected and unexplainable pregnancy. The angel calmed Joseph’s fears and gave Joseph a word describing the ministry of this baby. The last two days we have seen the ramifications of what the angel said, ‘He will save His people from their sins’. Today we will take a look at how this ministry of salvation continued through His disciples.
YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN
Acts 2:21 – AND IT SHALL BE THAT EVERYONE WHO CALLS ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED.’
The new birth produces total salvation in us. Our soul (mind, will, and emotions) are made whole, our bodies are made whole, and our spirit begins to exist in a constant state of renewal. Peter preached the first gospel message after Jesus had gone away, the results were that thousands of people experienced the salvation Jesus came to bring. His death and resurrection fulfilled the angel’s word.
SAVED FROM THIS TWISTED GENERATION
Acts 2:40 – And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!”
We are delivered from the effects of this twisted generation. The power of the world is broken off of us and we see the culture and sin of this generation from God’s perspective.
The multitudes that were saved on the day of Pentecost were warned by Peter about the world they lived in. they had been forgiven and were now born again, they had to separate themselves from this perverse world.
SALVATION FOR YOUR HOUSEHOLD
Acts 11:14 – and he will speak words to you by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’
Peter also introduced Christianity to the gentiles when he preached at a Roman officer’s home. Many Romans accepted Christ that day fulfilling the words of an angel that had visited this Roman centurion. The angel told him that he and his household would be saved. I receive this word as a precious promise for me and my house. The Lord often works in clusters in His kingdom building. He may just be starting something in your family.
That word salvation, sozo in the Greek NT, is a powerful word describing the effect of Jesus on our lives. My prayer is that you and your family will experience His saving power this Christmas.
Loved several points, “and our spirit begins to exist in a constant state of renewal.” This renewal is more than a singular event, but just as we ask for salvation, we must never become so foolish to think today I have no need of renewal. Likewise, “and your family” our renewal becomes a catalyst for our family, not our job, no, but to seek first Him and righteousness then He accomplishes the rest of the story.