Our passage is the popular passage where the believers received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. In verse 22, we read perhaps what is considered Peter’s greatest message preached.  That day Peter was bold and stood up for the Lord. In verse 22, he states, “Ye men of Israel.” In studying this passage, we must consider to who Peter is preaching. He is preaching to the same ones who crucified Jesus Christ. However, that didn’t stop Peter from being obedient to the Holy Spirit and preaching the Gospel that day. As a result, great things happened. Verse 41 states that, “THEN they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” What if Peter didn’t obey the Holy Spirt? What if Peter didn’t take a stand for the Lord and preach that message? I can’t help to think that the 3,000 wouldn’t have been added. Yet, as a result of Peter obeying the Holy Spirit and being bold; 3,000 souls were added to the church that day.

In the South, it is quite common for churches to allow individuals to stand up and tell others what God has done for them. I can recall the first time I stood up and testified. It was during a summer revival at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.  Bro. Glenn Stewart was the evangelist for that week. His daughter, Brittany, was one of my best friends. She happened to be in service and was sitting beside me that evening. When it came to the portion of the testimony service, I remember my little heart was beating so quickly. I knew I wanted to say something; however, I was just so afraid others may think I was too little to be standing up and talking in church. I knew I wanted to stand up and say, “I love the Lord.”  Yet, I was afraid that I wouldn’t say what I wanted correctly.  As I pondered on those thoughts; suddenly, Brittany stood up and testified. I immediately thought, “If she can do it, so can I.” Right after her, that evening I was able to stand up in church and say, “I love the Lord.” I am so thankful for her obedience that evening. I am certain that I wouldn’t have stood up that evening without her standing up first.
            As Christians, we need to be bold like Peter did on the day of Pentecost. Obeying the Holy Spirit and standing up for Christ works in two different ways: It honors God aand others may benefit from us obeying the Holy Spirit.

Oh Lord, may I always be found obeying the Holy Spirit and taking a stand in your name.
In Christ,
Adam NeSmith