The Rich Results and Reward That Comes from Pricking of the Heart.

The Rich Results and Reward That Comes from Pricking of the Heart. 

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Acts 2:37

"When they HEARD THIS." It was not only the phonation (sound of Peter’s voice) but the humiliation and the subjugation to the Gospel that stunned their souls for salvation.  In addition, the affliction of conviction from Peter’s sermon led them to the realization of their role in the slaying of the Savior.  

Picture the pricking of the heart as being tantamount to being hit by a TRAIN OF TRUTH - and being CONQUERED BY HOLY GHOST CONVICTION as opposed to man-centered manipulation and fleshly justification.

John 16:8-9 And when he is come, he will reprove (convict) the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me;

This was not a BAIT AND HOOK presentation to persuade and please a fleshly pallet. In a previous blog, I mentioned that today’s sermons seek to placate and tickle. Today, I respectfully and sincerely submit to you that sugary sermons will cause truth decay in a congregation.

It is also important to note that their pricked hearts point us to the prominence of a pure and genuine response to the message of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our text this week walked us into some additional observations.

*Stony hearts sought a solution. “What do we need to do?” Acts 2:37

*The practice of tongues did not produce the conviction for a need to change. Acts 2:4

*A heart of cement solidifies your sin and sends you to hell.

*A soft heart will help you see that you are lost in your sins.

*A pricked heart will reward you with a new heart. God said that he would give us a new heart and a new spirit and replace your stony heart with a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26

Finally, Peter’s response to the inquiry was the product of a pricking of the heart was straightforward. First, they were to repent “that is change of mind, change of heart and change of will.” Real repentance will reflect a radical redirection in your life.  Those who received Peter’s message removed themselves from the position of rejection of the Lord Jesus Christ to the reception of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

The legitimacy of a relationship with the Lord is led by trusting Him and His truth.

Not a sermon, just some thoughts.

FtGG