By Mark Collins | Pastor, Meadow United Methodist Church

“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(KJV)

All of us at times have wondered, what should we do? It may have been a decision concerning family, school, work, our health, or church. How about a decision on a matter where you knew you were at fault and you wanted to make it right.
For me these are a little different—not that they are harder decisions but more difficult in knowing how to handle. We may ask ourselves where I start, and what are others going to think.
Here in Acts 2 Peter had just told the people of Israel about Christ, with prophecy from Joel, quotes from Psalm and King David foretelling of Christ’s Kingship. Then after telling of the resurrection of Jesus, Peter tells them that this Jesus whom you killed, God has made both Lord and Christ.
The ones listening realized they were wrong and what Peter was saying hurt. I imagine it was a feeling of guilt that cut deep and brought emotional and spiritual pain. Now what are they to do?
They could deny what was happening hoping to hide the pain or that the pain would just go away. Some today may turn to drugs and alcohol to numb their feelings in hopes that would help. Many of us will try numerous ways to deal with sin instead of facing God and confessing. However in this passage it tells us that they ask “what shall we do” and Peter explained to them and many were saved.
Peter told them to “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)
To repent is more than saying I’m sorry; it is a life-changing experience. You will feel regret for your sins and turn from them. The people had turned from God to the point that they didn’t recognize The Christ when He came.
We are no different today. We all have sinned by breaking God’s commandments. We need forgiveness and all can be forgiven “whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Acts 2:21)
What shall you do? Repent today before it’s too late; trust Christ and receive His Spirit. Read your Bible daily and respond to His Word, obeying God’s commands. Find a church, fellowship with other believers, be faithful and committed. Talk with your pastor about being baptized. Show your love for God by loving and caring for others.