Fellowship Group Notes – 13/14 Feb 2013 				          Acts 2v22-41 – Peter’s First Sermon
As we look at Peter’s first sermon we can see how we can successfully share the gospel too. Peter’s message was simple, scriptural and Christ-centred. 
In light of Peter himself, the events of Pentecost and the crowd he was speaking to, what do you imagine the atmosphere was like as Peter preached his first sermon?  [Note: We’re already part of the way through it!]
The Content
As Peter preaches the gospel, what four undeniable facts about Jesus does Peter highlight in v22-24? According to these verses what did men do to Jesus? What did God do?
To say that Jesus was accredited by God is one thing ... plenty of biblical prophets had been accredited by ‘miracles, wonders and signs’ (can you think of any, and the miracles they did?) But to accept that Jesus is the divine promised Messiah requires more proof! Where does Peter turn to, to provide this proof? [Hint v25-28 and again in v34-35!] 
We need to bear in mind that Peter was preaching to a people who were well versed in the Old Testament Scriptures – what difficulties do we face when using scripture in sharing the gospel with people we meet nowadays? Should this stop us from referring to scripture? (see Romans 10v14-17) Imagine – you are witnessing to an unbelieving friend – where would you start in helping them to understand that Jesus is Lord? 
People at the time of King David, and probably many of the people who were listening to Peter preach, would have thought that David was speaking about himself in v25-28 (taken from Psalm 16v8-11) and later in v34-35 (taken from Psalm 110v1) ... but in both instances Peter makes the point that David was speaking prophetically not autobiographically! Who was David really speaking about? (see v31) 
v32 – Why is the resurrection of Jesus Christ so crucial to the gospel? (see 1 Cor 15v13-14) 
One commentator has written that, “Many people today come to Christ because he meets there felts needs – for example because of Christ’s love and concern for people, his power to heal, to take away guilt, comfort them and control the future. Not many people come to Christ primarily because of a conviction about the objective truths of the gospel – ie. the fact of His death and resurrection.” Do you agree with this? What is the danger in coming to Christ on the basis of Him meeting your felt needs? Why, is it important to believe in the facts of the gospel, especially in today’s pluralistic world? Would realising this affect the way you now share the gospel with others?
v36 – In summing up Peter doesn’t mince his words!! How direct should we be when sharing the gospel?
The Response
v37 – Convicted of sin – “They were cut to the heart” – what do you think this means? (note: Heb 4v12) And what does a true conviction of sin therefore look like? (see also Acts 16v30, Psalm 51, 2 Cor 7v10)
v38-39 – Called to repentance – What according to these verses is necessary for salvation, and what comes as a result of it? 
(Note: In response to the question does this verse mean that baptism is required for salvation? Charles R. Swindoll says: “Due to numerous passages that clearly declare salvation is a gift, it cannot mean here that baptism is for the purpose of forgiveness. Baptism is the follow up to true repentance and receiving forgiveness. Any other interpretation falls under the category of salvation by works.”)
v40-41 – Converted to Christ – How many souls responded to the gospel Peter preached after Pentecost? Compare this to the giving of the Ten Commandments (see Exodus 31:17-18, Exodus 32:1-2,7-8,25-29) In the light of these OT and NT passages, what do you think are the differences between law and grace?
Prayer Points – Momentum Men’s Breakfast (Sat 16th), Active8 Event (Mon 18th), Josh and Aneliese Walsh.
gmr