“Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know.  This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.  But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.” (Acts 2:22-24)

     Peter boldly proclaims the gospel of Christ.  That’s right—Peter, the one who, not long before this, denied Christ three times.  But now, everything had changed.  Peter became the leader he was destined to be, and he was as direct and assertive as he could be in proclaiming Christ. 

     Let’s pray that the church, in our present day, will become more like it was in the beginnings of the church.  There is a dire need for change in our world, and the Lord can make it happen.  God’s people can help.

Prayer: Dear Lord, as your disciples, lead us in ways that bring hope to a world in need.  Help people to realize that you are the one who makes their lives complete.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.