5 Day Devotional

Below is a 5 Day Devotional based off our current series and sermon, this updated weekly on Monday.
THE CROSSING BIXBY: 5-Day Devotional
ACTS: THE CHURCH UNLEASHED | WEEK 5

What Shall We Do?
Based on Acts 2:14–41: 
This week, we explore Peter's powerful sermon on the Day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit has come, Peter boldly proclaims Jesus, and thousands are confronted with a life-changing question: "What shall we do?" Each day, we'll examine what it means to recognize Jesus as Lord and respond to the Gospel with our lives.

Day 1: The Spirit Points Us to Jesus
Scripture: Acts 2:14–21; John 15:26
Devotional
When Peter stood before the crowd on Pentecost, he had every opportunity to make the moment about the extraordinary things happening around him. There had been wind, fire, and people speaking in other languages. Yet Peter didn't focus on the experience; he opened Scripture and pointed everyone to Jesus. The same Peter who had once denied knowing Christ was now boldly proclaiming Him. This is what happens when the Holy Spirit empowers our lives. The Spirit doesn't come to make celebrities out of Christians; He comes to make Jesus known. Everything we do, every gift we exercise, and every ministry we serve in should ultimately point people toward Christ.
Reflect
Does the way I live, serve, and speak make much of Jesus, or does it draw attention to myself?
Prayer
Holy Spirit, fill my life with boldness and humility. Help me recognize that everything You do in and through me is meant to glorify Jesus. Let my words, actions, and attitudes point others toward Him. Amen.

Day 2: The Gospel Is About Jesus
Scripture: Acts 2:22–24; Isaiah 53:5
Devotional
Peter's sermon quickly moves from the events of Pentecost to the person of Jesus Christ. He reminds the crowd that Jesus lived among them, performed miracles, and was crucified. But the cross wasn't an accident or God's backup plan. Jesus was delivered up according to God's definite plan and foreknowledge. Humanity was responsible for His death, yet God was accomplishing His rescue plan through the cross. Then comes the incredible announcement: God raised Jesus from the dead! Death could not hold Him. The Gospel isn't primarily about what we can accomplish for God; it is the announcement of what God has already accomplished for us through Jesus. Our hope rests not in our performance, but in our crucified and risen Savior.
Reflect
Am I placing my confidence in what Jesus has done for me, or am I still trying to earn God's approval through my own efforts?
Prayer
Father, thank You for sending Jesus to accomplish what I could never accomplish on my own. Thank You for the cross and the empty tomb. Help me live each day with confidence in the finished work of Christ. Amen.

Day 3; Jesus Is Lord
Scripture: Acts 2:32–36; Psalm 110:1
Devotional
Peter brings his sermon to a powerful conclusion by declaring that God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ. Jesus is not simply a good teacher, a miracle worker, or someone who can improve our lives. He is the promised Messiah, the risen King, and the Lord of all. The early church didn't merely proclaim that Jesus could make life better; they announced that Jesus is Lord. That declaration changes everything. If Jesus is Lord, then He has authority over our marriages, finances, relationships, ambitions, schedules, and future. Following Jesus means more than admiring Him or agreeing with His teachings. It means surrendering every area of our lives to His leadership. The question isn't simply whether we believe Jesus is Lord, but whether our lives reflect that belief.
Reflect
Is there an area of my life where I acknowledge Jesus as Savior but resist His authority as Lord?
Prayer
King Jesus, You are alive, and You are Lord. Forgive me for the areas of my life where I have insisted on being in control. Teach me to surrender my desires, decisions, and future to You. May my life reflect the truth that You are King. Amen.

Day 4: What Shall We Do?
Scripture: Acts 2:37–38
Devotional
After hearing Peter proclaim the Gospel, the crowd was cut to the heart. They weren't simply impressed by a powerful sermon or interested in learning something new. The truth about Jesus had pierced them deeply, and they asked, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter's answer began with one word: repent. Repentance is more than feeling guilty, regretting our mistakes, or promising to do better. It is a change of direction. It is turning away from sin and turning toward Jesus. It is moving from "I am king" to "Jesus is King." The Gospel demands more than intellectual agreement; it calls for a response. When God's Word confronts us, we must decide whether we will continue living our own way or surrender to the One who died and rose again.
Reflect
What is God confronting in my life right now? What would genuine repentance look like in that area?
Prayer
Lord, give me a heart that responds when You speak. Reveal the sin I have ignored, excused, or hidden. Help me move beyond guilt and truly turn toward You. I surrender my way and choose to follow Yours. Amen.

Day 5: A Life That Responds
Scripture: Acts 2:38–41; Romans 6:4
Devotional
On the Day of Pentecost, approximately three thousand people received Peter's message and were baptized. What began with about 120 believers waiting on the promise of the Holy Spirit became a powerful demonstration of God working through the Gospel. Those who believed didn't simply return to life as usual. They responded through repentance and baptism, publicly identifying themselves with Jesus. Baptism beautifully pictures the Gospel: buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life. But the call to respond doesn't end at baptism. Every day presents another opportunity to live under the lordship of Jesus. We are called to be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and live for Jesus. The same Spirit who empowered Peter continues to work through believers as they proclaim the risen King.
Reflect
What is my next step of obedience? Do I need to repent, follow Jesus in baptism, or boldly share the Gospel with someone?
Prayer
Father, thank You that the Gospel reached even us who were once far off. Help me never become comfortable simply hearing Your Word without responding. Give me the courage to obey, the humility to surrender, and the boldness to share Jesus with others. May I live with Jesus, like Jesus, and for Jesus. Amen.

This Week's Challenge
Take time this week to prayerfully consider one question:
Does my life reflect the truth that Jesus is Lord?
Identify one specific area of your life that needs to be surrendered to Jesus. Take a practical step of obedience, and ask the Holy Spirit to give you boldness to share the Gospel with someone this week.

WITH JESUS.
LIKE JESUS.
FOR JESUS.