What Must I Do?
When Peter was preaching on the day of of Pentecost, the people listening were so moved by conviction and revelation that they cried out, “Brothers, what shall we do?”(Acts 2:37). What was the motivation of the people to do whatever needed doing to make sure they were right with God? The preceding verse says that those listening were "pierced to the heart." That word pierced is defined in the Greek as "to pain the mind sharply; to agitate it vehemently and the emotion of sorrow." I said earlier that they were moved by conviction and revelation. What was the revelation? Peter's sermon brought clear understanding of who Jesus was, his death and resurrection and this crowd's part in His death. Those words and the power of the Holy Spirit present brought about an atmosphere wherein those present were desperately wanting to be saved from sin. From their place of desperation accompanied by hope they asked the question, "what shall we do?"
I wonder why these kind of scenes are not seen much these days. Is it because people are smarter now or better educated perhaps? Maybe the preachers are more sophisticated. Maybe, but mostly I believe it is because of a lack in our churches and meetings. What kind of lack? It is not a lack of technology or buildings or good parking or talent. We have some of the greatest talent that the church has ever seen. It is certainly not a lack of organization or structure. Most Christian services today are well oiled machines. If we have it so much together today then why aren't we seeing even greater fruit of true salvations and disciple making than the early Church?
Why aren't more people running to altars crying out, "what must I do to be saved?" If we are honest we must conclude that something certainly is missing. Maybe it is the Pentecostal experience that is missing. No, I preach in those churches too and I'm not seeing it there either.
Certainly prayer is a big part of the equation. However, not just any prayer but a specific kind of prayer. A prayer of faith believing and expecting the lost to come, repent and truly be converted to the Lordship of Christ.
We must live our lives, work our jobs, come to church and preach our sermons expecting the Lord to do the work of conversion among us and be willing to allow Him to do it in whatever format He chooses. Yes, there will be some painful conviction of the Holy Spirit clashing with self-will and the sinful nature of man in our churches and it might not be calm and pretty. As when Peter preached, I pray that in your church you will begin to see people cry out, "What must we do?"
