Focal passage: Acts 2:37-47
We do not live for ourselves; we serve God by serving others.
In 1987, after defeating the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI, New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms appeared in the first installment of a famous ad campaign. The recipe was simple. A voice off camera exclaimed, “You’ve just won the Super Bowl! What are you going to do next?”
And Phil responded enthusiastically, “I’m going to Disney World.”
This iconic script was repeated in commercials throughout the next several decades. The Walt Disney Company successfully promoted the idea that even when you reach the pinnacle of your craft, life is far from over. Although few, if any, people reading this article will ever win the Super Bowl, as Christians we have experienced a much greater victory. Jesus Christ has redeemed us from sin and restored us to a right relationship with God. And yet, our lives are far from over.
God has saved us from sin, but He has also left us here on earth for a magnificent purpose. As long as we are alive, we are to joyfully serve our Creator. Following the example of the early church, we are to glorify God by leading others to a deeper relationship with their Savior.
In Acts 2:40, Peter urged anyone who would listen to repent and be baptized exclaiming, “Be saved from this corrupt generation!” We are to work diligently to lead outsiders to faith in Christ.
The believers in Acts also intentionally encouraged the spiritual growth of fellow saints. They “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers” (Acts 2:42). In the same way, we are to support and help others as they grow in Christ.
Our lives should honor God and point to Christ in every circumstance so that His name is made great in our local communities and throughout the world.
Yes, we have experienced a great victory, but our lives are far from over. So what if there was a new ad campaign? How would you respond if someone asked you, “You’ve just had your sins forgiven. What are you going to do next?”